Boating is one of the most pleasant summertime activities in Illinois. Whether you like water sports, fishing, or just being out on the water, there are many reasons to choose boating as recreation. But boating can also be dangerous, especially when bad weather, unsafe conditions, or negligent boat operators are involved. If you’ve been in a boating accident, our boating accident lawyers can help.
To set up a free, no-obligation review of your car accident claim, contact our law offices in Nokomis or Litchfield, IL today.
Injuries from Boating Accidents
When a boating accident happens, many of the injuries that occupants are at risk of sustaining mirror those of car accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, bone fracture injuries, and soft tissue injuries. But boating also poses some unique injury risks, too—namely, the risk of drowning and the risk of injury due to propeller exposure.
When a person falls from a boat or is injured while in the water, they risk drowning or nearly drowning. While nearly drowning may not be fatal, it can result in tragic long-term brain injuries.
Another serious injury is a propeller injury, which occurs when a person’s body comes in contact with a boat’s propeller. This can result in severe laceration or limb amputation injuries.
Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are almost always preventable. Top causes of boating accidents include:
- Making an unsafe decision to take a boat out in inclement weather
- Negligent operation of a boat, including speeding, operating while intoxicated or impaired, making unsafe turns, or operating a boat without proper experience/training/Illinois boating certificate
- Rowdy passenger behavior
- Improper lookout
- Boat defects
- Adverse weather and water conditions
If you are involved in a boating accident, determining the precise cause of the accident is important to recovering compensation.
Your Rights Following an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident and suffer injuries, and if you can prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, then you can hold that negligent party liable for your injuries. You can seek compensation for the full value of your losses, including compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage costs, and any other economic and noneconomic losses sustained—including the value of your pain and suffering.
Get Legal Help Today
If you have been in a boating accident, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Our experienced boating accident attorneys have a track record of success in and out of the courtroom. Contact us today for a free consultation and an overview of your rights and options.
