Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents can turn a fun day on the water into a daunting memory. The aftermath is more difficult to navigate the medical bills and further complicated recovery process from the insurance companies. 

Our Chicago boating accident lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and securing fair compensation for your suffering. We ensure you can only focus on healing while we handle all those legal complexities! 

How Our Boat Accident Lawyers Manage Legal Challenges?

Boating accident cases can be incredibly complex! Unfortunately, many victims struggle to secure fair compensation because they don’t know their rights or how to prove their claims. Chicago Injury Lawyer is here to investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and fight on your behalf. 

Compassionate Support

After a boating accident, many victims find it hard to deal with the injuries while worrying about unexpected expenses from the damage. We offer compassionate support throughout the process. Our lawyer will listen to you and help you every step of the way. We ensure you’re not alone.

Thorough Investigation

Collecting evidence after a boat accident can be challenging. Many victims don’t know what to look for or where to find it. Our team conducts a thorough investigation to gather essential facts. We will check police reports, talk to witnesses, and collect medical records to build the best case possible.

Expert Legal Guidance

If you feel lost with the complicated boat accident laws, our lawyers offer legal guidance and help you understand your options. We break down the legal process into easy-to-understand steps and ensure you know what to expect. Our lawyer will manage all legal tasks and complete all the necessary paperwork to lead your case to success. 

Effective Negotiation

Sometimes, insurance companies won’t agree to a fair settlement. They often try to pay you less than you need for your injuries and losses. Our lawyers specialize in effective negotiation. We will fight to get you a fair settlement. 

Ready to Litigate

We will take your case to court if necessary. We prepare everything carefully, gather all critical evidence, and build a solid argument to support our claim. Our lawyers ensure you can win your case without the hassle of a complex court system. 

Getting the Compensation

Many victims worry about how they will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after a boating accident.  Our expertise helps you get the compensation you deserve. We work hard to ensure all your damages are included in your claim so you can focus on healing.

Types Of Boat Accident Injuries Our Lawyers Resolve

Boat accidents can lead to significant injuries that may impact your life. If you’ve sustained injuries in a boating accident, our law firm will help you obtain fair compensation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

One of the most common types of boating accidents is traumatic brain injury, which is also known as concussion. It occurs when the head gets hit or experiences impact from rapid movement, such as moving up and down abruptly.

When it happens, the brain can move inside the skull. The severity depends on how hard their head hit or how much their head moved.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In a boat collision, passengers can sustain severe spinal cord injuries. It happens if something hits the victim’s body or they are thrown forcefully during the accident. The force can damage the vertebrae, which sometimes leads to paralysis. The patients can’t move certain parts of their body.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Even if passengers don’t fall into the water during a boat crash, the force can break bones of their different body parts like their arms, legs, face, or ribs. Sometimes, the damage is not too severe, but if the bones shatter into many pieces, it can lead to a bigger problem in the future. 

Drowning and Near-Drowning

In boat accidents, one can fall off the boat into the water. If they can’t swim or get rescued quickly, they might drown. Even if they don’t drown, called ‘near-drowning,’ they can still get hurt. Near-drowning can cause serious problems, like lung and brain damage or pneumonia, due to the lack of oxygen while struggling in the water. 

Amputation

Due to the electrical systems and appliances, boating accidents can lead to electrocution. If these electrical parts touch the water, it can become hazardous. When boat passengers come into contact with wet electrical components, they can get hurt in different ways, such as electrical burns, electrocution, or even a heart attack.

Common Causes Of Boating Accidents

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s recent survey, about 85% of people who drown in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Beyond that, we have listed relative causes that are usually to blame in boating accidents: 

• A distracted boat driver
• Driving at excessive speeds
• Overloaded boats
• Improper lookouts for hazards
• Violations of navigational rules
• Reckless driving
• Catching fire
• Sharp turns
• Starting the boat in gear
• Boat operator inattention
• Improperly anchoring the boat
• Equipment failure
• Hull failure
• Machinery failure
• Bad weather

Boating Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Illinois Recreational Boating Report,

• There were 52 boat accidents in Illinois, which is 44% fewer than the year before.
• Even though there were fewer accidents, 40 people got hurt, which is 37% more than last year.
• 6 people died in these accidents, which is 62% less than the year before. This results in roughly 3 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.   

Most of these boating accidents happen during June, July, and August, on Saturday or Sunday, between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The conditions are usually clear, with good visibility, light winds, and calm water.

Common factors in these accidents:

• Operators are typically aged 20 to 40
• They have over 100 hours of boating experience
• Most have little or no classroom boating safety instruction
• Involve careless or reckless motorboat cruising
• Usually results in a collision with another boat

Liability Considerations In Boating Accident Lawsuits

After a boating accident, understanding who is responsible for your injuries can be challenging. Knowing about liability is crucial because it impacts the compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

The best option is to hire our expert boating accident lawyer in Chicago. We’ll review your case and find out the exact liabilities to ease your path to justice. 

These are essential liability considerations for boating accident lawsuits.

Boat Owner

The boat owner is mainly responsible for maintaining and ensuring the boat’s safety. If the owner does not keep the boat in good condition and ensure its safety, they will be responsible for any accidents.

Boat Operator

Boat operators are held liable in boating accidents. According to the 625 ILCS 45/6 lawsuit, boat operators have to make a written report whenever a boating accident results in:

• Someone dies or goes missing.
• Anyone gets hurt.
• The property damage is more than $2,000.

Some reasons for this liability include not paying attention while operating the boat, being inexperienced, operating the boat at excessive speed, machinery failure, or improper lookout.

Boat Manufacturer

Boat manufacturers are significantly liable for accidents in boats. The liability holds when a faulty part or component causes an accident. Sometimes, it’s tough to prove that the problem came from the manufacturer, but other times, it’s easy to show that the part was defective. 

If any of the mistakes happened during design, testing, building, or putting the part together and it caused harm, the manufacturer is held responsible for it.

Boat Rental Company

The rental company which provides the boating service is also responsible in most cases. The company will be liable if it:

• Didn’t provide adequate safety instructions
• Failed to warn renters of hazardous conditions
• Hired staff who weren’t properly licensed
• Failed to fix the maintenance issues in time.

Maintenance And Repair Services

The boat maintenance and repair service company is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable performance of the boat. If their carelessness causes an accident, they can be liable for what happens. They will be liable if they:

• Fail to fix known problems with the boat.
• Use cheap or substandard parts during repairs.
• Failure to complete the repair work correctly causes an accident.

Government Entities

Government organizations are responsible for managing boat-related matters and ensuring waterways are safe. If the accident occurs because of their carelessness, government entities can be held liable. It includes proper maintenance of navigation aids, removing dangerous things from the waterways, and so on.

Why Hire A Boat Accident Lawyer?

You have the right to seek compensation when injured in a boat accident. A boat accident lawyer will help you pursue your claim effectively.

• A qualified attorney will thoroughly examine the circumstances of your case and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
• It’s essential to contact a boat accident lawyer immediately after an injury. They will help you file your claim promptly, gather necessary medical records, and secure insurance information.
• In addition, they will assist you in compiling all relevant evidence to support your claim.
• Even minor injuries can lead to long-term pain and suffering. A reputable boat accident lawyer will investigate the incident and identify negligent parties.
• They advocate for your compensation and help protect your assets during the legal process. 

What Steps Should I Take After A Boating Accident In Chicago?

In the chaos of a boating accident, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to do next. Many victims fail to take the necessary steps, which can impact getting fair compensation. 

These are the essential steps you should take after a boating accident in Chicago:

• Ensure Safety First

Make sure everyone is safe. If necessary, move to a secure location. Provide immediate help to anyone injured and contact emergency services.

• Report the Accident

In Chicago, you must report any boating accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Contact the  Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and report your accident. 

• Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.

• Document the Scene

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, damaged boats, injuries, and other relevant evidence. It could help your case later.

• Collect Witness Information

Gather the names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.

• Consult a Boating Accident Lawyer

Contact our lawyers to understand your rights and ensure you follow all necessary steps to protect your claim. Our lawyers will guide you through the essential steps you need to take immediately after the accident, strengthen your case, and ensure maximum compensation.

How Can I Prove Negligence In A Boat Accident Case?

Boat accidents often result from someone’s careless actions, but proving negligence can be complicated. Many victims don’t know what evidence is required to support their claims. There are two main ways to prove negligence:

i) Negligence Per Se:

You can make a negligence per se case if your boat operator violates safety laws designed to protect boaters. Illinois has rules regarding the maximum speed for driving a boat in certain areas. For instance, a boat operator cannot operate within 150 feet of a public launching ramp. 

These are the ‘No Wake’ zones where boats need to go slow that is not faster than 5 mph. If a boat driver goes faster than this limit and someone gets hurt due to it, the law says the driver is automatically considered negligent.

ii) Common Law Negligence

You can pursue another negligence claim when the boat driver or someone responsible for the maintenance didn’t do their job correctly. Our knowledgeable lawyers are here to help you gather the necessary proof and build a strong case that demonstrates negligence.

Compensation You Can Expect From a Boating Accident Lawsuit

Boating accidents can leave you with serious injuries and big bills, making it hard to recover.  You may wonder what expenses are covered and how to claim them. 

Our lawyers specialize in guiding you through every step and fighting for the maximum compensation that fits your specific needs. 

These are the common boat accident compensation claims:

What is the Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Lawsuits?

Under the Illinois statute of limitation law, 735 Ilcs 5/13-202 the victims’ families have 2 years to file a boating accident claim for personal injuries or property damage. 

In the lawsuit, the victims must show the other party’s liability, which could be against anyone related to the boat. For instance, you can claim against a boat operator, a boat manufacturer, a boat rental company, or a third party such as a marina operator.

However, this lawsuit has some exceptions. For example, if someone doesn’t realize they sustained an injury until later, they can start counting the two years from when they discovered it. 

Why Makes Our Law Firm Stand Out?

Boating accidents can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It’s hard to deal with the legal process and insurance claims yourself. But not when we’re for you here! 

Chicago Injury Lawyer provides clear guidance, explains your options, and creates a plan to get your rights: 

Understanding Legal Rights

As a regular person, it’s no wonder you might feel lost when you try to understand the law. We’re here to help you know your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Expertise in Maritime Law

When dealing with boating accidents, it’s tough to know the specific laws that apply. Our lawyers have the expertise in maritime law to help you navigate your case effectively and confidently.

Compassionate Client Care

Going through a boating accident can be emotionally draining. We understand what you’re feeling. Our supportive lawyer provides compassionate support to help you through this tough time so you never feel alone.

Proven Track Record

Thinking about winning your case is another stress, especially when you’re unsure about your case. With our proven track record of success, you can rest assured that we work hard to get the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Free Consultation

You may be unsure about hiring a lawyer and how much it will cost. That’s why we offer a free consultation, a service you hardly find at any other firm. You can discuss your case, ask questions, and explore your options without financial pressure.

Testimonials From Our Happy Clients

Listen to our clients who have shared their boating accident experiences. They will tell you how we help them get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Call Us For A Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident, you don’t have to face this situation alone. Our experienced boating accident lawyers in Chicago are here to assist you. Contact us for a FREE consultation, and let us advocate for your rights and help you obtain the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions