Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s most popular coastal destinations, attracting thousands each year with its beautiful beaches, warm waters, and recreation opportunities. From jet skiing and parasailing to pontoon rentals and deep-sea fishing, water-based activities are a major part of life in this bustling area of Horry County.
But these fun outings can quickly turn into dangerous situations. If you or a loved one suffers a severe injury on the water, it’s critical to understand your legal rights. Whether you’re a local or visiting from Myrtle Beach, you may be eligible for financial compensation,especially when a negligent party is to blame.
This blog from Ted Law Firm, an experienced personal injury law firm, will guide you through what to do after a boating or watercraft-related incident and how to pursue fair compensation.
Boating Accidents in Myrtle Beach: A Serious and Growing Concern
With over 460,000 registered boats, South Carolina sees a steady rise in boating accidents,many occurring in high-traffic areas like Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach.
Common causes include:
- Operator inexperience or distraction
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Mechanical failure
- Hazardous conditions like poor weather or rough water
- Lack of safety gear or instructions
Common injury types:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Burns and lacerations
- Visible injuries such as bruises or cuts
Who’s Liable in a Boating or Jet Ski Accident?
Determining liability in jet ski accidents, banana boat incidents, or pontoon crashes can be complicated. Unlike motor vehicle collisions, boating crashes often involve overlapping responsibilities.
Potentially liable parties:
- The boat operator (due to negligence)
- The boat owner
- Rental companies,especially when they permit unsafe conditions or skip safety briefings
- Marina operators or event planners
- Equipment manufacturers (in cases of product liability)
Visiting from Myrtle Beach or Another South Carolina City? You Still Have Rights.
If you were injured in Myrtle Beach but live in Myrtle Beach, Irmo, or Lexington, your rights do not stop at the shore. Our experienced attorneys routinely handle cases for out-of-town visitors,eliminating the need for you to travel back and forth.
We handle:
- Insurance claims with insurance companies
- Accident reports and incident reports
- Collection of contact details and witness statements
- Evidence review (including hospital identification bands, photos, etc.)
- Filing personal injury lawsuits
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Myrtle Beach
Follow these steps to preserve your case:
- Seek Medical Attention Even minor injuries can worsen,document everything, including emergency visits and hospital bands.
- File an Accident Report Report to the Coast Guard, local law enforcement, or the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
- Preserve Evidence Photograph the boat, injuries, gear, and any unsafe condition present.
- Identify Witnesses Secure contact details for anyone who saw the incident.
- Avoid Recorded Statements Don’t speak to insurance companies without legal guidance.
- Consult a Lawyer A trusted personal injury attorney will help determine liability and preserve your claim.
Common Legal Claims from Water-Based Injuries
Negligence
When an operator disregards basic safety.
Product Liability
Injuries caused by faulty equipment like defective propellers, life vests, or steering systems.
Wrongful Death
Families may pursue damages under South Carolina’s wrongful death laws.
Premises Liability
Claims against marinas or rental docks with hazardous conditions.
Damages Available to Victims
Depending on the case, you may be eligible for:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced income capacity
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Funeral costs for wrongful death
- Financial recovery for pain and suffering
Boat Rentals in Myrtle Beach and Legal Responsibility
Many boating accidents involve rental companies that fail to:
- Inspect vessels
- Enforce age or sobriety restrictions
- Provide safety gear or training
A careless rental provider could be held liable for your boat accident injuries.
Does Maritime Law Apply in Myrtle Beach?
Yes,federal courts may have jurisdiction under maritime law if the accident:
- Happened on navigable waters
- Involved a commercial operation
- Included an injury during activities like jet skiing or parasailing
An experienced attorney can help determine whether South Carolina law or federal maritime law applies to your case.
Why You Need to Act Quickly
Delays can destroy your case. Waiting too long might mean:
- Lost or altered evidence
- Unavailable witnesses
- Expired deadlines under the statute of limitations
Why Boating Accidents Are Different
These cases involve:
- Maritime navigation rules
- Coast Guard reporting
- Environmental factors (currents, tides)
- Vessel safety standards
- Dock and marina liabilities
- Complicated insurance negotiations
Remote Legal Help for Myrtle Beach Residents Injured in Myrtle Beach
We understand the burden of long-distance legal issues. Ted Law Firm offers full remote legal support to Myrtle Beach-based clients injured in Horry County, including virtual consultations and document management.
Protecting Your Quality of Life After a Boating Injury
No vacation should end in a catastrophic injury or bodily injury. Whether you were hurt during a banana boat ride, jet ski rental, or a boating collision in Murrells Inlet or North Myrtle Beach, you deserve justice.
Let us help you safeguard your quality of life.
Contact Ted Law Firm for Your Free Initial Consultation
Injured on the water? Contact our personal injury lawyers at Ted Law Firm today for a confidential consultation. We proudly serve injured clients from Myrtle Beach to Columbia, offering support in personal injury lawsuits involving boating accidents, hazardous conditions, and more. We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Greenville, North Augusta and Orangeburg. If you’ve been injured due to someone else, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
