The waterways of Georgia and South Carolina are beautiful, but sometimes, they can also be dangerous. Suthers & Thompson represents people throughout both states who have been hurt or lost a loved one in a boating accident, including accidents with private sailboats and motorboats, personal watercraft (like JetSkis) and commercial craft.

The Coast Guard and state agencies have identified several of the most common factors leading to a boat accident, including:

• Mistakes by the captain or other person in charge
• Inexperienced pilot
• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Bad maintenance of the craft or defects in the boat or its parts
• Bad weather
• Failure to provide functional life jackets

Many people don't realize that the law gives boaters all of the same responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks. That includes the responsibility to stay sober while operating a vehicle and the responsibility to take reasonable care around others. When boaters fail in this duty, they can hurt themselves and their passengers, people in other craft or even swimmers and others around them. When that's the case, victims have the right to hold the irresponsible boater responsible for their injuries -- physical, emotional and financial. Suthers & Thompson can help you win money for your medical bills and other accident-related costs and hold careless people accountable for the harm they cause.

If you were hurt or lost someone you loved in a Georgia or South Carolina boating accident, Suthers & Thompson would like to help. For a FREE consultation, please contact us online or call us toll free at 1-800-320-2384.