The Myrtle Beach coast is one of South Carolina’s busiest tourist attractions, and unfortunately, it has also become a hotspot for boating accident cases. Tourists and residents enjoy jet skis, boats, and other recreational vessels across the Intracoastal Waterway, Grand Strand, and nearby spots like Lake Murray, Charleston Harbor, Folly Beach, Isle of Palm, and Shem Creek. But with this popularity comes an alarming increase in boat accident incidents, jet ski crash claims, and serious personal injury lawsuits.
Common Causes of Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
Operator Inattention and Alcohol Consumption
The United States Coast Guard (and U.S. Coast Guard) identifies operator inattention, failure to look out for dangers, and alcohol consumption as top causes of boating accident reports. Tourists often rent from jet ski rental businesses, many of which fail to adequately train riders on South Carolina Boating Regulations.
Mechanical Problems and Defective Units
Some crashes result from defective unit parts, mechanical problems, or lack of required safety equipment like navigation lights, fire extinguisher, or personal floatation devices.
Crowded Waterways
The Waccamaw River and Horry County waters see thousands of riders, often without proper identification numbers on their vessels. This makes accountability and insurance claim processes more difficult.
Types of Injuries from Myrtle Beach Water Accidents
Boat and jet ski crashes frequently cause:
- Brain injury and traumatic brain injury from impact.
- Spinal cord injuries, spine injury, and long-term paralysis.
- Severe head injuries from propeller accidents or collisions.
- Drowning injuries or falls overboard cases.
- Broken bones and lacerations requiring high medical expenses and ongoing care.
The financial strain includes medical bills, lost income, and extensive insurance negotiations. Families often seek help from personal injury attorneys, injury lawyers, or boat accident lawyer professionals in the Palmetto State Injury Lawyers community.
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Lawsuits
Unfortunately, not all victims survive. Families may pursue personal injury lawsuits or wrongful death actions. Claims often involve:
- Compensation for property damage.
- Coverage for ongoing medical bills and medical expenses.
- Financial support for lost income and family hardship.
Legal Challenges in Myrtle Beach Boat & Jet Ski Crash Claims
Maritime Law and Boating Law
Unlike simple car accident cases, boating law, watercraft law, and maritime law make these claims complex. Victims need to identify negligence and ensure compliance with South Carolina Boating Regulations.
Insurance Claim Disputes
Unlike auto coverage, not all boaters carry insurance. When they do, insurance claim disputes often arise. Rental companies and jet ski rental businesses may deny liability, forcing victims into extended insurance negotiations.
Representation Matters
Victims often turn to beach injury lawyers, boat accident lawyers, or personal injury lawyer professionals in the Palmetto State Injury Lawyers community to pursue fair compensation.
Safety Measures to Prevent Water Accidents
Preventing boating accident cases starts with:
- Wearing life jackets or personal floatation devices.
- Checking safety equipment before operating a vessel.
- Avoiding alcohol consumption.
- Following South Carolina Boating Regulations.
- Ensuring boats and personal watercraft like jet skis are free of defective unit issues or mechanical problems.
The Broader Impact Across the Coast
The rise in jet ski crash cases has impacted both tourists and residents. Areas like North Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand see yearly spikes during the summer months. Reports from the United States Coast Guard continue to emphasize the need for proper safety equipment and regulation compliance.
Conclusion
Every year, the Myrtle Beach coast experiences devastating boating accidents and jet ski crash cases. These incidents lead to catastrophic personal injury, significant property damage, and even wrongful death claims. Victims and their families face enormous challenges, from overwhelming medical bills and medical expenses to complex insurance claims and insurance negotiations battles.
Navigating boating law, maritime law, and state regulations in South Carolina requires persistence, awareness, and support. With proper accountability, improved safety measures, and stronger enforcement of South Carolina Boating Regulations, the risks along the Grand Strand, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding coasts can be reduced.
About Ted Law
Ted Law Firm is dedicated to serving individuals and families affected by highlight: boating accident, highlight: personal watercraft, and highlight: Jet ski crash claims throughout South Carolina. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. . With a commitment to justice, accountability, and recovery, Ted Law stands by victims and their families. Contact us today for a free consultation
