What Are The Laws In Illinois Regarding Boating Accident Injury Claims

As the weather heats up in Lake County, more and more people will be out enjoying the sunshine on a boat. Unfortunately, the increase in boating activity also results in an increased risk of boating injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one were hurt in a boating accident, it is important to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you or your loved one suffered as a result of the accident.

Who is Liable for Boat Accidents in Illinois?

A personal injury claim may allow for the recovery of medical bills, lost income, and other damages after a boat accident. For a successful boating accident injury claim to be possible, the injury or death must have been caused by the negligent or wrongful act of another. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:

• BUI - Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is estimated to be a contributing factor in half of all boating accidents
• Operator mistakes – Operating a boat takes skill and experience. An inexperienced boat operator may operate the boat in unsafe weather conditions or at excessive speeds, neglect important safety precautions, or fail to avoid collisions.
• Inattention – Many people underestimate the importance of paying attention to their surroundings while operating a boat. Distracted boating can cause severe and deadly accidents.
• Boat equipment malfunction – The boat operator is not always at fault for a boating accident. Sometimes, boat defects or inadequate maintenance is the cause of an accident.

The party who is liable for a boat accident may be the boat operator, the owner of the boat, the boat rental company, the company that manufactured or designed faulty boat parts, or another individual or entity.

Can I Get Compensation for Medical Bills and Other Damages?

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a boating accident, you may be able to hold the liable party accountable through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. You may also be entitled to financial recovery. You could be compensated for economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, reduced earning capacity, funeral and burial costs, and lost financial support. You may also receive compensation for the intangible damages you suffered including your pain and suffering or the loss of a deceased loved one’s care and companionship.

Contact a Waukegan Boat Accident Lawyer

The knowledgeable Lake County personal injury attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. have more than 85 years of combined legal experience. We can help you identify who is liable for the boat accident and pursue financial recovery on your behalf. Call us at 847-662-3303 for a free case evaluation.

Source:

https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/planning/bui/