Whether boating on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, if you or someone you care about has suffered severe injuries in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, is here to help. The experienced Chicago boat accident lawyers at our personal injury law firm ensure your rights are protected.
Do I Need a Boating License to Operate a Watercraft in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires “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), is a watercraft powered by over 10 HP. Therefore, operators must 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:
- Enroll 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 boating laws require:
- At least one fire extinguisher
- Life jackets, one for each person on board
- One type IV personal flotation device (PFD)
- Sound-producing devices such as a whistle or horn
- Motorboats to 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 suffered boat accident injuries, 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 DNR if there’s a death, an injury needing more than first aid, or property damage over $2,000.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an experienced boating accident attorney.
- Contact our Chicago boating accident attorneys to discuss your legal options.
How to Report a Boating Accident in Illinois
The Illinois DNR requires the following report to be submitted for any boating accidents involving serious injuries, death, or more than $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
The Illinois Conservation Police or local law enforcement will investigate your report.
Statistics for Illinois Boat Accidents
According to the Illinois Recreational Boating report, in federal fiscal year 2023:
- Recreational boating incidents increased by 37% (a total of 70 incidents).
- Injuries rose by 3% (37 injuries).
- Boating accident fatalities doubled to 12.
- Most boating accidents occurred on weekends during clear weather with calm waters.
- Many boating accidents involved boat operators aged 20–40 with minimal safety training.
- Alcohol and/or drug impairment contributed to 2 out of the 12 watercraft accident fatalities.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in Illinois Boating Accident Claims?
Liability in boating accident lawsuits can fall on the boat owner or operator for negligence or unsafe behavior, the rental company for failing to ensure safety or proper training, or the manufacturer if a defect in the boat caused the accident.
Common Injuries to Boat Passengers and Operators
Similar to motor vehicle accident victims, boat passengers and operators suffer neck and head injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries—spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
What Compensation Can Boating Accident Victims Recover?
As with other types of personal injury accidents, an injured party may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, for Help
If you’ve been injured in a Chicago boating accident, call us. We investigate Chicago boating accident cases, determine liability, and gather evidence to support your claim.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process to recover fair compensation on your behalf.
(312) 223-1700