Water recreation is a beloved activity across South Carolina and Georgia. With miles of coastline, rivers, and lakes, residents and visitors often enjoy boat rides, fishing trips, or jet ski adventures. However, with these leisure activities come risks, and when a boat or jet ski accident occurs, the aftermath can be devastating. From catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, watercraft accidents often result in severe consequences. Understanding your legal rights after such an event is essential. Whether you were a boat operator, passenger, or bystander injured by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to a claim for compensation. This article outlines your rights after a boat or jet ski accident in South Carolina or Georgia and what steps you should take to protect your legal options.
Common Causes of Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
Boat and jet ski accidents in SC and GA can happen for many reasons. Common causes include:
- Operator Inattention or Inexperience
Many operators lack proper training or treat personal watercraft like toys. Distractions and poor judgment lead to crashes. - Speeding
Excessive speed increases the chance of collisions with other vessels, docks, or swimmers. - Alcohol or Drug Use
Boating under the influence is illegal and greatly increases accident risk. - Mechanical Failure
Lack of maintenance or defective parts can cause personal watercraft accidents. - Overcrowded Waters
Holiday weekends and summer bring traffic to SC and GA waterways, raising collision risks.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Watercraft Accident?
Determining the liable party in a watercraft incident can be complex. Several parties may share blame:
- The jet ski operator or boat owner, if negligent or reckless.
- A rental company that failed to maintain equipment or give proper safety instructions.
- A manufacturer of defective products caused the incident.
- Other boaters, property owners, or government entities in certain cases.
Both SC and GA follow comparative negligence laws. If you’re partially at fault, your financial compensation may be reduced.
What to Do Immediately After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident
Taking quick action protects your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention
Even minor injuries could be serious. Get evaluated to document medical care and begin treatment. - Report the Accident
In SC and GA, an accident report must be filed with the DNR if there’s injury, death, or major property damage. - Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, equipment, weather, and injuries. Gather witness statements. - Avoid Making Statements
Don’t admit fault or talk to insurers until you’ve had a legal consultation.
State Laws Governing Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
South Carolina Watercraft Laws
- Operators born after July 1, 2007, must complete a boating safety course.
- Boating under the influence (BUI) is a crime.
- Life jackets are required for kids under 12.
Georgia Watercraft Laws
- Must be at least 16 or complete a safety course to operate personal watercraft.
- Georgia has strict BUI penalties and speed limits, especially in no-wake zones.
Violating these boating laws can lead to criminal and civil consequences.
Compensation After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident
Injury victims may be entitled to financial compensation in the form of:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills for hospital stays, surgeries, and rehab
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages may apply if the negligent party acted with gross recklessness, such as boating while intoxicated.
Wrongful Death Claims from Watercraft Accidents
When an accident causes death, family members may file a wrongful death claim. Survivors can seek damages for:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
Time is critical due to time limits set by state law.
Statute of Limitations in SC and GA
- South Carolina: 3 years for personal injury claims.
- Georgia: 2 years for injury and wrongful death.
Missing these deadlines means losing your chance to recover damages.
What If You Were a Passenger in the Accident?
Passengers have strong legal standing in jet ski accident cases. You can pursue a personal injury claim even if you weren’t operating the vehicle. Gather evidence and consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Do Insurance Policies Cover Boat or Jet Ski Accidents?
Boat insurance isn’t always mandatory in SC or GA. Some insurance policies may include:
- Liability coverage
- Property damage
- Medical payments
- Uninsured boater coverage
If insurance falls short, your injury claim may proceed as a personal injury lawsuit.
Steps to Filing a Claim
A proper claim involves:
- An initial consultation with a personal injury attorney
- Investigating the accident scene
- Collecting medical reports, bills, and records
- Filing with insurers or initiating a legal action
- Legal representation for negotiations or trial
Working with experienced attorneys familiar with maritime law increases your odds of success.
Watercraft Accident Trends in SC and GA
According to the Coast Guard and DNR:
- SC had over 130 boating accidents in a recent year.
- GA reported 100+ serious injuries, especially on jet skis.
- Most fatal recreational boating accidents involved alcohol, no life jacket, or reckless behavior.
Injured in a Boat or Jet Ski Accident? Know Your Legal Options
Whether due to a fault party like a negligent jet ski rider, a rental company’s failure, or a product defect, you may have a strong personal injury lawsuit.
Preserve evidence. File your insurance claim. Talk to a boat accident law firm right away.
Your Next Step: Call Ted Law Firm Today
Boating accidents change lives. You deserve support. The Ted Law Firm is ready to help.
Contact us now for a free legal consultation. Let our experienced lawyers fight for your recovery and peace of mind. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Atlanta, Savannah and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Call us today for a free consultation and start your journey toward healing and compensation.
