Jet ski accidents in Myrtle Beach are more common than you might think. Locals and tourists enjoy a day on the water on the Intracoastal Waterway, Waccamaw River, or in the ocean, and jet ski rentals are available at all the nicest spots.
If you are careless or reckless on a jet ski, you may not have any recourse if you are injured as a result – even worse, you may find that you are responsible for damages if you hurt someone else, or even criminal charges in some cases…
On the other hand, if you are in a jet ski accident in Myrtle Beach that was caused by someone else’s negligence, the persons or companies responsible for your accident can be sued to recover damages. Lawsuits can be based on any action or inaction that is negligent, including:
- Failure to train employees;
- Failure to screen employees (negligent hiring);
- Failure to operate jet skis in a safe manner (rental employees or individuals);
- Faulty equipment;
- Failure to provide adequate safety equipment; and
- Boating under the influence.
If you or a family member has been hurt in a jet ski accident in Myrtle Beach, call the personal injury attorneys at Coastal Law immediately – before leaving town, if you are here on vacation.
We will investigate your accident, help you to identify who is responsible, and help you to recover maximum compensation whenever possible.
Jet Ski Accidents in Myrtle Beach and Horry County, SC
Jet ski accidents can happen anywhere jet skis and other watercraft are rented, including on the beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Waccamaw River.
Jet Ski Accidents on the Intracoastal Waterway
One person was injured when two jet skis collided in the Intracoastal Waterway last month:
Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue spokesperson Jon Evans says they were called to the scene on the Intercoastal Waterway near Tarisa Avenue– which is near the Robert Grissom Parkway– around 10 a.m.
Last month, a lawsuit was filed against a jet ski rental company in Horry County when a tour guide reportedly caused other jet ski riders to collide:
Two people suffered severe injuries in a jet ski crash after a tour guide abruptly turned, causing jet ski riders to collide on the Intracoastal Waterway, according to lawsuits filed last week in Horry County.
According to the lawsuit, their injuries included “a fractured back and ribs, dislocated wrist, elbow injury and chipped teeth.”
Fishing, boating, and jet skiing are a common activity on the Waterway in and around Myrtle Beach. Other spots where accidents are common include the Waccamaw River and the ocean.
Jet Ski Accidents on the Waccamaw River
A jet ski collision on the Waccamaw River near the Red Bluff boat landing in the Conway area left one man dead last year:
A jet ski collision near the Red Bluff boat landing near Conway proper on Saturday left one man dead, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
[The victim], 50, was rushed to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center where he later died of his injuries. The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. Saturday evening.
The driver of the other jet ski was arrested and charged with felony boating under the influence resulting in death:
David Lucas, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, confirms a male in his mid-40s was arrested on Saturday by SCDNR agents and charged with felony DUI in reference to the crash.
In 2017, the North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief was injured in a jet ski crash on the Waccamaw River in the Bucksport area:
Early Saturday afternoon North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Garry Spain was involved in a jet ski accident in the Bucksport area of the Waccamaw River, according to a post the department’s Facebook page.
Jet Ski Accidents in Myrtle Beach on the Ocean
Another jet ski accident in Myrtle Beach last year resulted in a broken hip for one person while another passenger lost both of his legs due to an accident as they were being transferred from a parasailing boat to an inflatable raft pulled by a jet ski.
The company responsible was temporarily shut down by the US Coast Guard until they could provide the Coast Guard with:
“Acceptable proof that suitable safety orientation is provided” in accordance with federal laws including “specific procedures outlining passenger transfer operations.”
“Acceptable proof that the operator(s), for your uninspected passenger vessels under his or her direction and control, holds a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (also known as a ‘Coast Guard Captain’s License’).”
“Acceptable proof that a chemical drug testing program” as required by law “has been implemented for all individuals in a safety-sensitive position. This must include proof of negative pre-employment drug testing and proof of enrollment in a random drug testing program.”
The company reopened soon after and continued operations.
SC Jet Ski Accident Attorneys in Myrtle Beach and Conway
If you have been involved in a jet ski accident in Myrtle Beach, SC, call the personal injury lawyers at Coastal Law as soon as possible. Do not delay – we will need to begin investigating your claims immediately, gather the evidence that you will need, and open negotiations with the businesses or insurance companies.
Call now at (843) 488-5000 or complete our online form to talk to a Myrtle Beach jet ski injury attorney today.
