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McGuire Law

Irmo Boating and Aviation Personal Injury Attorneys

Boating accidents on Lake Murray and aviation crashes near Irmo, South Carolina destroy lives in seconds—what begins as recreational enjoyment on South Carolina's premier lake or routine air travel becomes catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and fighting boat owners, airlines, or aircraft operators whose negligence caused preventable tragedies.

Boating or Aviation Accident? Call Now for Immediate Help
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Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Boating and Aviation Accidents

Attorney Matt McGuire

Lake Murray's 50,000 acres bordering Irmo create constant recreational boating traffic where drunk operators, reckless jet skiers, and inexperienced boaters cause collisions, propeller injuries, and drownings, while nearby Columbia Metropolitan Airport and private airstrips present aviation accident risks.

Whether you suffered catastrophic injuries in a Lake Murray boat collision, lost a family member in a drowning accident near Irmo shoreline, were injured in a small plane crash, or face any boating or aviation injury in Lexington or Richland Counties, South Carolina and federal maritime laws provide remedies holding negligent operators accountable. Matt McGuire has represented boating and aviation accident victims throughout South Carolina for over three decades, pursuing maximum compensation in these complex cases involving specialized maritime law, federal aviation regulations, and multiple liable parties.

The Legal Expertise of McGuire Law

Boating and aviation accidents involve specialized maritime law and federal aviation regulations requiring attorneys experienced in these complex liability frameworks to maximize recovery for Irmo victims.

Maritime Law Authority

Deep understanding of General Maritime Law, the South Carolina Boating Safety Act, and federal admiralty jurisdiction governing Lake Murray accidents. We know how to navigate these specialized legal frameworks to maximize your recovery.

Aviation Accident Expertise

Experience with FAA regulations, NTSB investigations, and complex aviation liability involving pilot error, mechanical failures, and manufacturer defects. We handle cases involving commercial airlines, charter operators, and private aircraft.

BUI & Operator Negligence

Aggressive pursuit of claims against intoxicated boat operators, reckless jet skiers, and negligent captains who violate navigation rules and cause devastating injuries on Lake Murray.

Multiple Defendant Litigation

We identify all liable parties including operators, boat owners, rental companies, marinas, airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance providers to maximize compensation sources for Irmo victims.

Catastrophic Injury Valuation

Boating and aviation accidents often cause devastating injuries—amputations, traumatic brain injuries, drowning-related brain damage. We retain medical and economic experts to document lifetime damages.

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Types of Lake Murray Boating Accidents

From boat collisions to jet ski crashes, we represent Irmo victims injured in all types of Lake Murray boating accidents and throughout South Carolina waters.

Boat Collisions

Operators failing to maintain proper lookout, violating navigation rules, or operating at excessive speeds in congested Lake Murray areas cause devastating collisions.

Jet Ski Accidents

Reckless operation near Irmo marinas and swimming areas causes collisions with swimmers, other watercraft, or stationary objects resulting in serious injuries.

Propeller Injuries

Devastating lacerations, amputations, or deaths when swimmers are struck by boat propellers due to operator negligence or inadequate safety measures.

Drowning Accidents

Falls overboard without life jackets, operator negligence failing to rescue passengers, or boating accidents causing victims to drown in Lake Murray waters.

Water Skiing & Tubing Injuries

Boat operators failing to maintain safe speeds, watch riders, or operate in appropriate areas cause serious injuries to water skiers and tubing passengers.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Boat exhaust accumulation in enclosed areas or near swim platforms causing brain damage or death from toxic exposure.

Dock & Marina Accidents

Slip hazards, inadequate lighting, or structural defects at Lake Murray marinas near Irmo causing falls and serious injuries to visitors.

Evidence Disappears Quickly

After boating accidents, watercraft are repaired, witness memories fade, and responsible parties destroy documentation. Immediate legal action is essential.

McGuire Law's Core Values

Boating and aviation accidents cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries requiring dedicated representation that fights insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

Immediate Investigation Response

We launch investigations immediately after boating accidents—documenting vessel damage, water conditions, and witness accounts before evidence disappears from Lake Murray.

Expert-Driven Case Building

Marine surveyors, aviation investigators, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts establish liability and damages in these complex cases requiring specialized knowledge.

All Liable Parties Pursued

We identify every responsible party—operators, owners, rental companies, manufacturers, and maintenance providers—maximizing compensation sources for Irmo victims.

Family-Centered Wrongful Death Support

When boating or aviation accidents take lives, we guide families through both probate procedures and wrongful death litigation with compassion and aggressive advocacy.

Insurance Company Countermeasures

We handle all communications with insurance companies, preventing adjusters from minimizing your injuries or using your statements against you.

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Aviation Accident Causes & Liability

Aviation accidents near Irmo and throughout South Carolina involve complex federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties.

Pilot Error

Navigation mistakes, improper procedures, or failure to follow Federal Aviation Regulations causing crashes near Columbia Metropolitan Airport or private airstrips.

Mechanical Failures

Inadequate maintenance, defective components, or airline/operator negligence in aircraft upkeep causing in-flight failures and crashes.

Air Traffic Control Errors

Controllers providing improper instructions, failing to prevent collisions, or negligently managing airspace contributing to aviation accidents.

Aircraft Manufacturer Defects

Design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn about known dangers in planes or helicopters causing crashes and injuries.

Charter & Private Aircraft

Operators cutting corners on maintenance, hiring unqualified pilots, or ignoring safety regulations in charter flights and private aircraft operations.

Weather-Related Accidents

Pilots failing to avoid dangerous conditions or airlines pressuring flights despite dangerous weather forecasts causing preventable crashes.

The McGuire Law Difference

Boating and aviation accidents involve specialized maritime law, federal aviation regulations, and complex liability determinations. Matt McGuire has represented these victims since 1993, understanding how to navigate admiralty jurisdiction, challenge operator negligence, and maximize recovery for Irmo families.

Three Decades of Maritime Experience

Over 30 years handling boating accident cases on Lake Murray and throughout South Carolina, from jet ski collisions to complex drowning cases requiring specialized maritime law knowledge.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act within hours of boating accidents—before vessels are repaired, witnesses scatter, and insurance companies build defenses. Time-sensitive evidence preservation is critical.

Expert Network Access

Marine surveyors, aviation investigators, accident reconstructionists, and medical experts provide testimony establishing liability and quantifying lifetime damages for catastrophic injuries.

Lexington County Court Knowledge

Familiar with Lexington County Court procedures, local judges, and opposing counsel in Lake Murray boating cases. This knowledge provides strategic advantages for Irmo victims.

Maximum Compensation Recovery

Boating and aviation cases often involve catastrophic injuries exceeding vehicle accident damages. We pursue every available source of compensation for Irmo victims.

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Federal Maritime Law & Boating Regulations

Understanding the specialized laws governing boating accidents is essential to maximizing recovery for Irmo victims.

Maritime & Federal Laws

  • General Maritime Law governing accidents on navigable waters including Lake Murray
  • South Carolina Boating Safety Act imposing duties on operators and equipment requirements
  • Federal Aviation Act and FAA regulations establishing pilot and operator standards
  • Admiralty jurisdiction in federal court for maritime torts on navigable waters

South Carolina Boating Violations

  • BUI (Boating Under the Influence) with .08% BAC limit under S.C. Code § 50-21-114
  • Required safety equipment including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights
  • Speed regulations in no-wake zones and congested Lake Murray areas
  • Violations establishing negligence per se in civil liability cases

Three-Year Statute of Limitations

South Carolina law requires filing boating accident claims within three years—but evidence collection must begin immediately for maximum recovery.

Damages Available in Maritime & Aviation Cases

Boating and aviation accidents often cause catastrophic injuries justifying substantial compensation beyond typical vehicle accidents.

Medical Expenses

Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifetime future treatment for catastrophic injuries including amputations, brain damage, and spinal cord injuries.

Lost Wages & Earning Capacity

Compensation for missed work during recovery and reduced earning capacity when injuries prevent returning to previous employment or force career changes.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, and loss of life enjoyment from devastating boating or aviation injuries affecting daily living.

Wrongful Death Damages

Lost financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and beneficiary suffering when accidents cause fatalities.

Punitive Damages

Available under South Carolina law when boat operators were intoxicated or conduct showed reckless disregard for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about boating and aviation accident claims in Irmo and Lake Murray.

What should I do after a Lake Murray boating accident?

Call 911 for emergency response, seek medical care at Lexington Medical Center, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and call Matt McGuire at (888) 499-5738 before speaking to insurance adjusters.

What is the statute of limitations for boating accidents?

South Carolina law provides three years from the accident date to file boating injury claims. However, evidence preservation requires immediate action—watercraft are repaired and witnesses scatter quickly.

Who can be held liable for a boat accident?

Potentially liable parties include boat operators, boat owners who entrusted vessels to incompetent operators, rental companies, marinas with dangerous conditions, and manufacturers of defective equipment.

What if the boat operator was drinking?

BUI (Boating Under the Influence) with BAC at or above .08% establishes negligence per se and may support punitive damages claims in civil actions against intoxicated operators.

Does boat insurance cover accident injuries?

Most boat owners carry liability insurance, though limits are often lower than auto insurance. We pursue all available coverage including homeowner's policies that may cover boat accidents.

What damages can I recover for a propeller injury?

Propeller injuries often cause amputations and disfigurement justifying substantial damages including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent disability.

How are aviation accidents investigated?

The NTSB investigates serious aviation accidents determining probable causes. We retain aviation experts and former investigators to analyze crash causes and establish liability.

What if a family member drowned in a boating accident?

Wrongful death claims allow families to recover compensation for lost financial support, loss of companionship, and grief. We guide families through both probate and wrongful death litigation.

Matt McGuire - Attorney

About South Carolina Attorney Matt McGuire

Matt McGuire South Carolina Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Attorney

With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.

McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.

Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.

Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.

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Get Started Today

When your recovery, your family's future, and your right to compensation are at stake due to a boating or aviation accident in Irmo, you need more than just any attorney – you need Matt McGuire and McGuire Law.

Don't let another day pass while evidence disappears and insurance companies build their defenses. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in recovering maximum compensation.

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Columbia Office

2001 Assembly Street, Suite 102-B
Columbia, SC 29201

(888) 499-5738

Contact McGuire Law Today

Matt McGuire has represented boating and aviation accident victims throughout South Carolina for over 30 years, recovering millions in compensation in these complex maritime and aviation cases.

"Swift advocacy, solid verdicts."