During summer, Chicagoans love boating on Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or nearby lakes; but boating can also be dangerous.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers offers skilled legal representation from an experienced Chicago boating accident lawyer.
Do I Need a Boating License to Operate a Watercraft in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, “any person born on or after January 1, 1998, operating a personal watercraft powered by a motor of more than 10 HP, is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.”
Does This Illinois Law Apply to Jet Skis?
Yes.
A stock jet ski, with a 60-310 HP engine depending on the model, qualifies as a watercraft powered by more than 10 HP. Therefore, this type of boat operator must have and carry a boater education card.
How Do I Get an Illinois Boater Education Card?
Illinois boaters must take an approved course to obtain a Boater Education Card and meet safety requirements.
Get Your Card in Four Steps:
- Sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
- Take the online boating safety course from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approved provider, Boat-ed.com.
- Pass the knowledge test.
- Print your temporary boater education card and boat legally!
How Much Does the Illinois Boating Safety Course Cost?
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
- The instructor-led course is free.
- Online courses costs vary from $34.95 – $59.95.
What Boat Safety Equipment is Required in Illinois?
Illinois law requires:
- At least one fire extinguisher,
- Life jackets, one for each person on board,
- One type IV personal floatation device (PFD), and
- Sound producing devices such as a whistle or horn.
- Motorboats must also be equipped with navigation lights.
For a complete list, see The Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities.
What to Do If You Are in a Boating Accident
If you are in a boating accident, these are some important steps to follow:
- Get to safety. If you are injured, get medical help right away.
- Gather information about the other watercraft and its occupants.
- Take photos of the damage to both boats.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- 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 an experienced boating accident attorney.
- Contact our Chicago boat accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
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, wrongful death, or $2,000+ of damage.
You 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 to the Illinois Conservation Police or your local law enforcement agency for an investigation.
Where Do Most Illinois Boating Accidents Occur?
Most Illinois boating accidents occur on:
- Lake Michigan
- Chicago River
- Fox River
- Chain O’Lakes
- Illinois River
- Wauconda Bay
Statistics for Boat Accidents
According to the U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating accidents statistics report, in 2022, there were 636 boating accident fatalities nationwide. Alcohol use was a contributing factor in 16% of these deaths. Of the most boating accidents victims, 75% drowned and 85% were not wearing life jackets.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Accident on Illinois Waterways?
Parties who could be held responsible for boating accidents include:
- The boat owner or operator can be liable due to negligence, intoxication, inexperience, speeding, or inattention while navigating the vessel.
- The rental company can be liable if they failed to ensure the safety of the rented boat and the renter’s proper training.
- The boat manufacturer may be liable if a defect in the vessel caused an accident.
What are the Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents?
According to the US Coast Guard, factors contributing to boating accidents, include:
- intoxication,
- speeding,
- careless operation,
- equipment failure, and
- inadequate safety equipment.
What Are the Most Common Boating Accident Injuries?
The most common boating or boat accident injuries to the boat owners, operators or boat passengers include:
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Drowning
Compensation for Boating Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for Help
When Chicago boating accidents occur, injured people can contact our Chicago boating accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
In your free consultation, our Chicago boating accident attorneys will review your case, lay out your legal options, and answer your questions.
(312) 223-1700