During the summer months, boating is a favorite pastime for many recreation seekers in Chicago. Whether it’s sailing on Lake Michigan in the Playpen, between the break walls at the Oak Street and Ohio Street beaches, cruising on the Chicago River, or tubing on a nearby lake, there are many ways to enjoy the water. Unfortunately, boating accidents do happen, and when they do, it’s important to have an experienced Chicago boat accident lawyer on your side.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a boating accident, The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. We have helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in compensation and we can help you too.
Our experienced Chicago boating accident lawyers will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for your serious boat accident injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
Call us today for a free consultation with a Chicago boating accident lawyer. We will review your case for free and advise you of your legal options. There is no risk and no obligation.
In this Article
What to Do If You Are in a Boat Accident
If you are involved in a boat accident, the first thing you should do is get to safety. If you are injured, get medical help right away. Once you are safe and have received any necessary medical attention, you can take the following steps:
Gather information about the other boat and its occupants. This includes the name of the boat, the name of the owner/operator, and contact information.
Take photos of the damage to both boats.
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Report the boating accident to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if there is a loss of life, an injured person who requires more than first aid, or property damage greater than $2,000.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Contact a Chicago boat accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Instructions for Reporting a Boating Accident in Illinois
The Illinois DNR requires the following report to be submitted for any boating accidents involving serious injuries, death, or $2,000+ of damage.
Once completed, save the form and attach it to an email to: dnr.boataccidents@illinois.govYou can also print the form and mail it to:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Office of Law Enforcement
Attention: Boat Accident
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
You must also report your boating accident for investigation to the Illinois Conservation Police or your local law enforcement agency.
Boat Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accidents statistics report, in 2021 there were 4,439 boating accidents that involved the deaths of 658 people. This means that on average, more than 12 boating accidents occur every day with almost 2 deaths each day. There were 2,641 injuries caused by these recreational boating accidents. Alcohol use was the leading known contributing factor for these boating deaths.
If you have been involved in a boat accident, The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your boating accident case and advise you of your legal options. There is no risk and no obligation.
Who Can be Held Responsible for an Accident on Illinois Waterways?
There are a number of parties who could potentially be held responsible for boating accidents on Illinois waterways. These include:
The owner or operator of the boat – If the owner or operator of the boat was negligent in their operation of the vessel, they can be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur as a result. This includes things like operating the boat while intoxicated, speeding, or not paying attention to their surroundings.
The person who rented or leased the boat – If you were involved in an accident with a boat that was rented or leased, the company who rented or leased the vessel can be held liable. This is because they are responsible for making sure that the boat is safe and that the person who is renting or leasing it is properly trained in its operation.
The manufacturer of the boat – In some cases, an accident may be caused by a defect in the boat itself. If this is the case, the manufacturer of the vessel can be held liable.
If you have been involved in a boat accident, it is important to speak to a Chicago boat accident attorney who has experience with these types of cases and boat accident lawsuits. Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
What are the Most Common Causes of Boat Accidents?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to boating accidents. Some of the most common include:
Intoxication – Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in boating deaths, according to the U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accident statistics report.
Speeding – Operating a vessel at an excessive speed makes it difficult to control and increases the risk of an accident.
Careless operation – This includes things like not paying attention to one’s surroundings, not having a proper lookout, or failing to yield the right-of-way.
Equipment failure – This can include things like engine failure, a broken propeller, or missing life jackets.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options to help hold those responsible when a boating accident occurs.
Lake Michigan Accidents
The Great Lakes are some of the busiest waterways in the world. Each year, millions of people enjoy recreational activities on the lakes, including swimming, fishing, boating, and sailing. With so many people using the lakes, boating accidents are bound to happen.
If you have been involved in an accident due to boating negligence on Lake Michigan, The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Get Help Today
If you have been involved in a boat accident, The Kryder Law Group, LLC is here to help. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today to get started.
What You Get When You Call Us
When you call The Kryder Law Group to discuss your boating injuries, you will get:
A free consultation with an experienced Chicago boat accident lawyer
An honest assessment of your case
Advice on your legal options
No risk or obligation to hire us – we only get paid if we win your case!
Call us today to discuss your accident with our Chicago boating accident attorneys experienced in boating accident lawsuits.
How We Will Maximize the Value of Your Case
The Kryder Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. When you hire us, our Chicago boat accident lawyers will:
Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to identify all possible sources of compensation
Gather evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, photos, and video footage
Calculate the full extent of your damages, including all past, present, and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
Aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies to try to reach a fair settlement
If necessary, take your case to trial to get you the compensation you deserve
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Boating Accident FAQs
Can I sue if I was injured in a boat accident?
You may be able to sue if you were injured in a boat accident due to someone else’s negligence. The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Call us today for a free consultation.
How much money can you expect to receive in a boat accident claim?
The amount of money you can expect to receive in a boat accident claim will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, and the amount of work you missed as a result of your injuries.
Call today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your accident.
How long will a boat accident lawsuit take?
The length of a boat accident lawsuit will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of damage to your property, and whether or not the responsible party is willing to settle out of court. The details of boating accidents vary from case to case, so the time it takes to complete the case will also vary.
If you have been involved in a boat accident, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation. A boating accident lawyer will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
What are the most common types of injuries in a boat accident?
Head injuries – These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries and can have long-term effects.
Neck and back injuries – Whiplash is a common type of neck injury that can occur in a boat accident. Back injuries can range from herniated discs to spinal cord injuries.
Broken bones – Boat accidents often result in broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs.
Internal organ damage – A boat accident can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, or other internal organs.
Drowning – Drowning is one of the most common causes of boating fatalities.
If you have been involved in a watercraft accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you have been treated for your injuries, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC. Our Chicago boat accident attorneys will review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Do I need a lawyer for a boating accident?
You may need a lawyer if you have been injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence. Just like a car accident or truck accident, a boat accident can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Insurance companies will often try to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out in a claim, and an experienced lawyer can help you get the full compensation you deserve.
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