Serving Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and all surrounding counties of DuPage, Will & Lake.
A day on Lake Michigan or one of Illinois’ rivers can turn dangerous in seconds when a boat operator acts carelessly. Boating accidents can cause broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, deep cuts, drowning injuries, and even death. After a crash, families may be left dealing with medical bills, lost income, insurance problems, and painful uncertainty about who is responsible.
If you were injured in a boating accident, a Chicago boating accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from the responsible party. Sklare Law Group represents injured clients and families throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois. Our personal injury attorneys bring years of experience to serious accident claims and fight to protect your rights from the beginning.
Boating Accidents in Illinois
Illinois offers many ways to enjoy the water, from Lake Michigan to inland lakes and rivers. With more boating activity comes a higher risk of accidents, especially when operators fail to follow safety rules or act with proper care.
Boating accidents can involve motorboats, personal watercraft, rental boats, fishing boats, pontoons, and other vessels. Some cases involve collisions between boats, while others involve crashes with docks, swimmers, debris, or fixed objects. No matter how the accident occurred, it is important to determine whether negligence played a role.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boat and personal watercraft operators have a duty to follow safety laws and operate their vessels responsibly. When they fail to do so, passengers, swimmers, and other people on the water can suffer serious harm.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
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Reckless operation
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Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Operator inexperience
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Speeding
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Equipment failure
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Poor weather or rough water conditions
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Driver error
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Distracted operation
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Failure to watch for other boats or swimmers
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Unsafe rental or maintenance practices
A boating accident lawyer can review the facts, identify what went wrong, and determine who may be liable for your injuries.
Common Injuries From Boating Accidents
A boating accident of any size can cause serious injuries. Victims may be thrown against the boat, hit by another vessel, fall overboard, or suffer injuries from exposed equipment. Because accidents often happen far from immediate medical care, injuries can become even more dangerous.
Common boating accident injuries include:
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Broken bones
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Head injuries
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Back and neck injuries
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Serious cuts and lacerations
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Crushed hands or fingers
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Spinal cord injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Burns
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Drowning or near-drowning injuries
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Wrongful death
Even injuries that seem minor at first can become worse over time. Medical care and legal guidance can both be important after a boating accident.
Who May Be Responsible for a Boating Accident?
Boating accident claims can involve more than one responsible party. Depending on the facts, liability may fall on a boat operator, boat owner, passenger, rental company, tour company, marina, equipment manufacturer, or another person or business.
These claims can become especially complicated because Illinois does not require every boat owner to carry boating insurance. If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, an attorney can help you explore other possible sources of compensation.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Every claim is different, and no attorney can promise a specific outcome. However, if another party caused your boating accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the losses tied to your injury.
A claim may include compensation for:
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Emergency medical care
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Hospital bills
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Surgery
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Physical therapy
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Medication
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Ongoing medical treatment
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Lost wages
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Reduced earning ability
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Long-term disability
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Funeral expenses in fatal accident cases
Insurance companies may try to limit what they pay. A Chicago boating accident lawyer can gather evidence, document your losses, and fight for a fair result.
How a Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a boating accident, it may be difficult to know where to begin. A lawyer can help by investigating the accident, reviewing reports, identifying witnesses, preserving evidence, and handling communication with insurance companies.
Sklare Law Group can also help determine whether your case involves boating under the influence, unsafe operation, rental company negligence, defective equipment, or another cause. If a fair settlement is not offered, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Choose Sklare Law Group for Boating Accident Attorneys in Chicago, IL?
At Sklare Law Group, we understand that a boating accident can leave you facing serious injuries, unexpected expenses, and difficult questions about what comes next. As a family-founded Chicago personal injury firm, we treat our clients with the same care and commitment we would want for our own families.
Our attorneys prioritize open communication, attentive client service, and aggressive representation in and out of court. With more than 50 years of combined experience among our partners, we are prepared to pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free case reviews, home or hospital visits, and contingency-based fees, so you owe us nothing unless we win.
Speak With Chicago Boating Accident Attorneys
A boating accident can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm. If another person or company caused your injuries, you should not have to manage the legal process by yourself. Sklare Law Group can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you may be owed.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident in Chicago, IL, or anywhere in Illinois, call Sklare Law Group at 312-759-1616 for a free case evaluation.
