Sep 15, 2012 | Boating Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
A boat caught fire in the early afternoon of Sept. 1 on Lake Wylie soon after the boat had been put on the water for a Labor Day cruise.Tega Cay Fire Department, one of several agencies responding to the fire, used its fire boat to extinguish the fire. A family was aboard, but luckily, all made it off of the boat safely.
The incident occurred about 30 feet off shore near Lake Club Marina and Ebenezer Park. Often times, boating accidents are due to high levels of intoxication in conjunction with driving a boat. Especially for boaters on Lake Wylie, the reports typically read that there was some sort of collision or disruption due to intoxication. People tend to forget that the same rules apply whether you are driving a boat, car, or any other motor vehicle; you may not be intoxicated as you operate.
However, in the case at hand, the situation is unique, as no one was appears to be at fault for the boat catching aflame.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the authorities are working diligently to investigate.
South Carolina Boating Accident Attorneys
Whatever type of boating accident you or your family may find themselves in, call the Criminal Defense offices of Reeves,Aiken, and Hightower,LLP. If you are stopped at a checkpoint or otherwise charged with a BUI , call us to review your options. Don’t think you are guilty just because you are arrested. We can help. Compare our lawyers’ credentials against any other firm. Then, hire the best Bui lawyer who you trust to fight for your case. Call us today for answers and alternatives to simply pleading guilty. 803-548-4444 or 877-374-5999 toll free.
Jun 26, 2012 | Boating Accidents, Uncategorized
When someone is injured in any type of accident, often the last thing on their mind is a lawsuit. But in our society, if an individual wants to be made whole after an accident, they have to take certain steps, and avoid certain pitfalls, to maintain their right to recovery. After an accident, make sure you:
- See a doctor, soon. Even if you are someone who shies away from the doctor’s office normally, you need to protect yourself from hidden injuries. Back and neck injuries may be present without pain, but may harm you in the long run.
- Investigate your accident. Write down the names, telephone numbers, and addresses for all people involved, including boat captains, passengers, bystanders, and other witnesses. You should also take down all insurance information you can find.
- Loose lips sink ships. Only talk to the law enforcement and natural resources officers about the accident. Sure, report your claim to your insurance company, but you are very unlikely to say something to another insurance company’s representative to help your claim.
- Never sign anything without an attorney. Other parties may try to get you to sign a release or settle. This is almost certainly a bad idea. Contact an attorney to get the full recovery you are entitled to.
- Get your claim rolling as soon as possible. By contacting an experienced boating accident attorney at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower.
The experienced attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower are ready to fight for you. Browse our website, and compare our credentials with those of attorneys at any other firm. Then, call us at 877-374-5999 or contact us at this link for a private consultation. Our practice spans the Carolinas, we can come to you.
Jun 21, 2012 | Boating Accidents, Uncategorized
According to WIS, the Lexington County Coroner determined that the first man to die on Lake Murray this year had a blood alcohol level over 4 times the legal limit, 0.33%. For reference, death from alcohol poisoning is possible at any BAC above 0.30%
The 49 year old man was piloting a personal watercraft when he crashed near Bomb Island on the evening of June 8. He had apparently hit an object in the water and was thrown off of his PWC.
Although he was wearing a life jacket, the autopsy revealed that he had drowned. As sad as this story is, we can be grateful that this individual did not strike another boat or hit a swimmer in the water. Please be safe this summer. Don’t risk your life and the lives of others. Have fun. But get back home to your family.
Experienced Attorneys in your time of need
Whether you need help with a boating accident claim or your BUI, the experienced attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower are ready to fight for you. Browse our website, and compare our credentials with those of attorneys at any other firm. Then, call us at 877-374-5999 or contact us at this link for a private consultation. Our practice spans the Carolinas, we can come to you.
Jun 20, 2012 | Boating Accidents, Uncategorized
Reckless Actions
Some actions are deemed so reckless that they may excuse other damage and injury from boat operators whether the actions are intentional or not.
- Bow riding.
- Damage caused by the wake of his/her boat. (Know the location of no wake zones and what minimum distances you are allowed to operate a boat near docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps and people in the water.)
- Not carrying the required safety equipment.
- Crossing hazardous inlets and bars.
- Excessive speed for the conditions.
Slow-No Wake Zones and Other Restrictions
Boaters who ignore the boating regulation may open themselves up to liability. In “Slow-No wake” zones vessels must either, travel at or below idle speed, or, at such speed that the boat or its wake is not sufficient to cause possible injury or damage to other persons, boats, or property.
Vessels also must not be used, operated, or anchored in such a way that interferes with or blocks vessel traffic in designated channels.
Personal watercraft (PWC) operators may not become airborne while crossing the wake of another motorboat and within 100 feet of that motorboat. PWC must not be operated at greater than slow – no wake speed within 50 feet of any other vessel, PWC or person in the water.
When Things Go Wrong
While being on the water is great fun, it sometimes goes terribly wrong. When it goes wrong and you or someone you love is injured, contact the experienced boat accident attorneys at Reeves, Aiken & Hightower. Compare our credentials to those of attorneys at any other firm, and then call us at 877-374-5999 or contact us at this link for a private consultation. We are here for you.
Jun 19, 2012 | Boating Accidents, Uncategorized
The National Traffic Safety Board reports that 24% of personal watercraft (PWC) accidents are caused by steering problems or loss of control. This makes steering and loss of control one of the leading causes of PWC accidents.
One of the reasons for these problems is the method of steering for PWC’s. Most PWCs are “jet boats,” driven by steerable nozzles. These nozzles are connected to a jet pump that propels the water at speed fast enough to drive the craft. Instead of having a traditional rudder, PWCs merely have the jet nozzle. The problem with this is that when you slow down you get less steering. You turn faster when the throttle is turned higher. You turn more slowly if at all when the throttle is all the way off.
The theory is that, especially inexperienced boaters, will either not account for this effect or be unable to avoid collision because of it.
The experienced personal watercraft accident attorneys at Reeves, Aiken, & Hightower know how to best handle the aftermath of your PWC accident. Browse our website, compare our credentials to those of attorneys at any other firm, and contact us toll free at 877-374-5999 or by filling out this internet form. We will fight for you.
