Des Plaines Boat Accident Lawyer

One of the advantages of living in the Des Plaines area is the numerous opportunities to spend time on the water. The surrounding lakes, ponds, and rivers offer many people prime chances to relax or enjoy a day out on a boat. Of course, no recreational activity is without risk, and riding on a boat is no exception. Negligent boaters pose a great risk to other travelers, swimmers, and even people on docks. These incidents can cause a wide variety of physical injuries and compound the dangers by adding the risk of drowning.

A Des Plaines boat accident lawyer at The Kryder Law Group may be able to help protect the rights of injured people following water vessel collisions. Our diligent personal injury attorneys could explain the laws of the water as they apply to the incident, help gather evidence that names a defendant as the sole liable party, and measure your losses to demand appropriate compensation.

Hazards Common to Boating in Des Plaines

It can be helpful to think of the dangers involved with boating similarly to the risks present when driving a car. Motorized versions of these vessels can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and can inflict a devastating amount of force on another person’s boat or body. It is not uncommon for people in boat-on-boat collisions to suffer broken bones, severe cuts, and separated joints.

Or course, fellow boaters are not the only people vulnerable to the negligence of boat operators. A boater who fails to follow the rules of the water can also cause great harm to swimmers, kayakers, and even those people remaining on docks. The at-fault parties in these incidents always have an obligation to provide compensation for all of these people’s accident-related losses. A Des Plaines water vessel crash attorney could provide more insight into the hazards associated with reckless boat operation and how they could affect other people.

Illinois State Law Regarding Proper Boat Operation

Every boater carries an obligation not to place other people at unnecessary risk of harm. This duty forms the basis for the cause of action called negligence. Proving negligence is the most common way for plaintiffs in boat wreck cases to collect compensation from defendants.

One way to prove negligence is to provide evidence that a boater violated a rule of the water that placed other people at an elevated risk of harm. Water laws such as speed limits, navigational buoys, and proper running lights exist for the well-being of all people on the water. If you can provide proof that a boat operator was in violation of these rules and that the violation contributed to the accident, a court may assume defendant fault under the concept of negligence per se.

The other means to prove negligence involves demonstrating that a defendant boat operator was simply careless. Boaters who become distracted by a cell phone, a conversation, or while sightseeing can reduce their reaction times in case of a need to make a sudden course correction. This distraction is a leading cause of boat collisions and can serve as evidence of defendant negligence.

No matter which theory a plaintiff uses to pursue their claim, they must act quickly to preserve their cases. 735 ILCS 5/13-202 states that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. This means that if two years pass after the accident and you have not yet filed a lawsuit, you cannot recover any compensation for your losses. A boat accident lawyer in Des Plaines could help to build powerful cases within the applicable time limits.

Let a Des Plaines Boat Accident Attorney Protect Your Rights

Boat accident cases can become extremely confusing. The laws of the water are not as well-known as those of the road and change depending upon the time of day and location of the wreck. Even so, any person who endures an injury because of the negligence of another party on the water deserves compensation. This includes payments for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

A Des Plaines boat accident lawyer could help you file a claim and handle every legal aspect of the case. This allows you to focus on making a full recovery while one of our committed attorneys works to protect your rights. Call today to schedule an appointment with a dedicated legal professional at The Kryder Law Group.