Curtis Dayson | Updated On: April 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Whether you live in South Carolina or just visit, Lake Murray is a must-see outdoor destination. This incredible spot spans 50,000 acres and includes a massive lake that has become popular for boating and other outdoor activities. It’s paradise.
Unfortunately, almost nothing can damper a fun day faster than being in a boating accident. This stressful situation can leave anyone with many questions, including: “Who is liable in a boating accident?” Let Dayson Shalabi Burkett walk you through liability after boating accidents. We’ll also discuss the importance of contacting a boat accident lawyer after a crash.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
As boat accident attorneys know, collisions happen in many ways. By learning about these causes below, you can help protect yourself from being in a crash.
Operator Errors
Negligence can also play a significant role in boating accidents. For instance, a boat operator who was drunk and speeding could face more severe punishments than a sober boater who made an error that new boat operators make, like pulling the wrong lever.
In South Carolina, those who own and operate boats must keep these vehicles operational and safe. You could be liable in a boating accident if this doesn’t happen.
Hazardous Conditions
Even the most seasoned boaters can be at the mercy of the elements when conditions get bad. As you may know, the weather on Lake Murray can change fast. Strong winds, sudden storms, and choppy waters aren’t uncommon. Depending on when you enjoy boating, you can also deal with foggy conditions.
Equipment Failure
People aren’t always liable in boating accidents. Sometimes, old equipment is in poor condition or defective, causing boat collisions. This can tie into the importance of boat owners keeping their vehicles in pristine condition. If not, one faulty part could lead to a crash and the need for a boat accident lawyer.
Determining Who’s Liable in a Boating Accident
You’ve learned the reasons why boating crashes happen. It’s time to know who to blame when differing boating wrecks occur.
The Person Operating a Boat
A negligent boat operator is typically liable for a boating accident. As mentioned, negligence on the water can result in unsafe behaviors, such as speeding, boating recklessly, or being aggressive toward other boat operators.
Boat operators can also be charged and punished for ignoring right-of-way laws, no-wake zones, or yielding to other vessels.
A Boat’s Owner
It can initially seem like boat operators could be the only ones responsible for boating accidents. That’s not the case. Sometimes, boat operators get involved in accidents that aren’t their fault, even when the vehicle they operate is the cause of a crash.
The owner of a boat is typically responsible when an unqualified person operates the vehicle. The owner may also be liable if a boating collision occurs due to improper maintenance.
Boat Manufacturers
While not often, inevitable vessel wrecks involve no fault of a boat owner or operator. Instead, a defective part or design-related issue could be liable for a boating accident. Common examples include defective engines, faulty steering equipment, or something similar. In this instance, collision victims typically contact boat accident lawyers for help proving defects.
Boat Rental Companies
Not everyone who enjoys boating purchases a vessel. Instead, they rely on boat rental companies to provide them with boats ready to hit the water. Unfortunately, boat rental companies are not guaranteed to keep their vessels in tip-top condition. If not, renters can get into crashes, which could lead to litigation against boat rental companies by boat accident attorneys.
Government Entities
In another rare instance, a local government might bear the blame when a boating collision happens. This can occur when navigation channels aren’t appropriately marked, docks are in poor condition, or buoys are missing. As you can imagine, taking on a government entity can be difficult without help from a boat accident lawyer.
What Should I Do After a Boating Accident on Lake Murray?
Get to Safety
Before worrying about who is liable in a boating accident, taking care of yourself and those around you is the most important factor after a collision. This situation could involve pulling someone out of the water or moving a boat to a safer location.
Contact Emergency Services
Once everyone is safe, contact 911. Not only is it against the law to not report a boating accident, but it also negatively affects your ability to seek damages. Providing accurate details will help authorities as they document and create a report about this accident.
Get the Other Party’s Information
As you would after a car wreck, exchanging essential information with the other parties involved in your accident is vital. Get names, contact details, insurance information, and boat registration numbers. This step could also be ideal for speaking privately with witnesses if any were present.
Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer
Figuring out who is liable in a boating accident while building your case is challenging. Choose DSB for a much-needed helping hand during this difficult time. We are boat accident attorneys who help victims understand their rights while pursuing maximum compensation.
Do you need a boat accident attorney after a recent crash? Contact our personal injury attorneys in Columbia, SC. We specialize in helping victims after boating accidents. Our experienced team understands the challenges of South Carolina’s maritime laws. We also provide personalized attention to each aspect of your case. Let us help you fight for compensation for boat damage, medical expenses, and lost wages.