888-843-8326 A DUI can affect a boating accident settlement by serving as proof of negligence, which usually strengthens the injured victim’s claim and increases the amount of compensation they can pursue. This is common when an impaired operator’s actions cause injuries or losses.
Even with this information in mind, it can still be hard to understand how a DUI can affect a boating accident settlement. For clarity from someone you can trust, contact a DUI boating accident lawyer serving Myrtle Beach as soon as possible.
DUIs Can Impact Boating Accident Claims
When someone chooses to drink alcohol or use drugs before operating a boat, they put everyone around them at risk. If that decision leads to a collision, the fact that the boat operator was under the influence is a very important piece of evidence in your personal injury case.
Many victims assume that proving the other person was intoxicated automatically guarantees a large settlement. While evidence of impairment can strengthen a claim, it is only one part of the picture.
Your attorney still has to demonstrate how the intoxicated operator’s actions caused your injuries and show the full extent of your losses. Now, insurance companies rarely make the process easy, and they might do the following even when there is evidence of intoxication:
- Question your injuries
- Dispute liability
- Argue that your damages are worth less than they actually are
That is why having experienced lawyers involved early on in the process can make all the difference.
For a free legal consultation, call 888-843-8326
What Evidence Can Strengthen Your Settlement?
The value of your settlement depends heavily on the quality of the evidence supporting your claim.
If alcohol or drugs played a role in the boating accident, your Legal Team will likely work on obtaining police reports in addition to:
- Reports from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Chemical test results
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Videos
- Statements made by the impaired operator
Your attorneys may also review medical records, accident reconstruction reports, electronic navigation data, maintenance records, and weather conditions to create a complete picture of what happened.
The sooner an attorney begins investigating, the greater the chance that valuable evidence can be preserved before it disappears.
Can Comparative Negligence Affect Your Recovery?
Even when another person was intoxicated, insurance companies sometimes argue that the injured victim shares some responsibility for what happened. Perhaps they claim you distracted the boat operator, failed to wear a life jacket, or ignored safety instructions.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If an injured person is found to be less than 51% responsible for the accident, they may still recover compensation. However, any award may be reduced according to the percentage of fault.
Because insurance companies often exaggerate a victim’s role in an accident, having legal representation is important. Your lawyers can challenge unfair accusations and present evidence that accurately reflects what occurred.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today.
What if Multiple Parties Share Responsibility?
Not every boating accident involves only one negligent person. Depending on the circumstances, additional parties may also bear responsibility for your injuries. For example, the owner of the boat may have knowingly allowed an intoxicated individual to operate the vessel.
A rental company may have failed to inspect or maintain important safety equipment. A manufacturer may have produced defective steering or navigation components that contributed to the crash.
An experienced Legal Team investigates every possible source of liability because identifying additional responsible parties may increase the compensation available to you.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now.
Why You Should Avoid Accepting a Quick Settlement
After a serious accident, it can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer simply to move forward. Medical bills begin arriving almost immediately. You may be missing work while trying to recover. Financial pressure builds quickly. Insurance companies understand this.
That is one reason early settlement offers are often lower than what a claim may actually be worth. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot go back on your acceptance and ask for more compensation if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Before agreeing to any offer, it is wise to have attorneys review the proposed settlement and determine whether it fairly reflects the full value of your case.
How Attorneys Help Maximize Settlements
A successful boating accident claim involves much more than submitting paperwork.
Here’s how your lawyers can maximize your settlement:
- Coordinate investigations
- Preserve evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Interview witnesses
- Consult medical professionals
- Calculate future damages
- Negotiate aggressively
- Prepare every case as though it may ultimately proceed to trial
This thorough preparation often strengthens settlement negotiations because insurers know they are dealing with a Legal Team that is prepared to advocate for its clients fully. Just as importantly, your attorneys allow you to focus on healing rather than on legal issues.
Good News: CR Legal Team Can Explain How a DUI Affects a Boating Accident Settlement
If you’re worried about how a DUI can affect your boating accident settlement, don’t wait any longer to call CR Legal Team.
Previously known as Crumley Roberts, we’ve been in business for over 35 years, and we approach every case with Whole-Person Legal Care™. That way, our Team can support you beyond the courtroom. You can expect us to Care Like Family, Listen To Learn, and Do What‘s Right.
Together, our attorneys have represented more than 200,000 clients, and we’ve recovered billions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients. As a Legal Team that brings over 600 years of combined legal experience to every case, We Stand Up For You®.
