North Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for some fun in the sun. Thousands of residents and tourists use the Intracoastal Waterway every year for rest, relaxation, and recreation. Unfortunately, an influx of people can mean an increase in dangerous and careless behaviors, especially when it comes to boating and jet skiing.
Accidents along this stretch of water are not uncommon, and according to local news reports, 19 crashes occurred in one recent year along the Intracoastal Waterway.
An accident on the Intracoastal Waterway can result in severe injuries with serious financial consequences. Some accidents even cause fatalities. If you’ve been hurt in a boating or jet ski accident on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach, talk to an experienced South Carolina boating accident attorney about your legal options. You may be entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.
At Jebaily Law Firm, our focus is protecting the rights of people injured by negligent acts. We have been helping South Carolinians for more than 50 years. Our team of attorneys has more than a century of combined legal experience they can bring to bear on even the most complicated cases.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a North Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway accident attorney and find out what we can do for you.
Common Intracoastal Waterway Accidents
The Intracoastal Waterway through North Myrtle Beach offers visitors a wide range of activities regardless of age and physical ability. Unfortunately, visitors who lack experience on the waterway or locals overconfident in their abilities can cause significant accidents.
Some of the most common Intracoastal Waterway accidents involve:
- Boats
- Jet skis
- Inflatable tubes
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Parasailing
These watercraft may be owned by private individuals or rented from local businesses, which can affect liability.
Reasons for Intracoastal Waterway Accidents in North Myrtle Beach
News sources report that careless boating is the leading cause of Intracoastal Waterway accidents. When an individual operating a boat or other watercraft acts carelessly, the result can be devastating.
Although laws prohibit certain behaviors, numerous instances of speeding, dangerous boating maneuvers, and drinking while boating continues to be reported every year. Some of the most common reasons for Intracoastal Waterway accidents include:
- Operator inattention or distraction
- No proper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding
- Operating a watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol
While most of these accidents result from a person acting carelessly, some accidents are exacerbated by hazardous weather or other conditions.
Serious Injuries from North Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway Accidents
A wide range of accidents can take place on the Intracoastal Waterway. Inexperienced or distracted boaters might collide with other vessels, while exposed outboard motors and propellers are potentially dangerous. Passengers who fall into the water are at risk of drowning, especially if they become disoriented or the weather is bad.
Some of the most common injuries associated with North Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Drowning
Who Could Be Liable for an Accident on the Intracoastal Waterway?
Numerous parties may be liable for an Intracoastal Waterway accident. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
- The boat or watercraft’s operator
- The boat or watercraft’s owner
- A boat or watercraft rental facility
- The watercraft or parts manufacturer
Additionally, boat passengers may be liable for an accident if their careless or unsafe behavior contributes to the crash. Dangerous behavior on a boat or jet ski can cause passengers to fall overboard or distract the driver from the vessel’s safe operation.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured on the Intracoastal Waterway
Accidents on the Intracoastal Waterway can be frightening. However, your actions in the immediate aftermath of an accident can increase your chances of recovering from injuries and holding the at-fault party liable for your losses. If at all possible, you should take the following steps if you’re in an accident on the Intracoastal Waterway:
- Check to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for, and count all members of your party.
- Call or radio local law enforcement or the Coast Guard.
- Use a flare to signal for help if communications are down.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Exchange contact information with any relevant parties, if applicable.
- Take pictures of the damage to each watercraft as well as your injuries.
Additionally, the steps you take in the days and weeks after an accident can significantly impact your case. You should also:
- Contact our experienced North Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyers.
- Follow all medical advice and treatment plans.
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments.
- Keep medical bills, pay stubs, repair bills, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
- Do not talk about the accident on social media.
What you do and say after an accident can affect your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. It is always best to consult a knowledgeable North Myrtle Beach boating accident attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Experienced North Myrtle Beach Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more than 50 years, the knowledgeable attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have helped injured people in North Myrtle Beach seek the compensation they deserve. We have the experience and skills to investigate the boating accident that hurt you, determine the liable parties, calculate a fair compensation package, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if it becomes necessary.
An accident on the Intracoastal Waterway can have serious effects on your life. But you shouldn’t have to pay the price of someone else’s negligent behavior. Contact our experienced North Myrtle Beach Intracoastal Waterway accident lawyers today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you hold the liable party accountable for their actions.
