Serving Chicago, Surrounding Suburbs and all Surrounding Counties of DuPage, Will & Lake.
The popularity of personal watercraft and boats has been on the rise on American waterways, and with Lake Michigan in our backyard Chicago is no exception. Illinois offers plenty of opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the water, whether it is at a lake or one of the many rivers. With increased water activity we also see an increased risk of boating accidents and personal injury.
In the United States, Illinois has the tenth-highest registration number of boats with over 252,000 boats currently registered. Boating accidents oftentimes lead to serious injuries or fatalities. From 1964 through 2014, Illinois had a total of 5,792 boating accidents. Of these accidents, there were a total of 3,569 injuries and 1,300 fatalities. Statistics released by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) show that 54 people were injured and 20 died in boating-related accidents on Illinois waters between 2013 and 2014.
The Illinois boat accident attorneys at Sklare Law Group, have had years of experience representing clients throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois. If you or a loved one have suffered a personal injury or experienced the loss of a loved one in a boating accident, contact our Chicago-based firm for a free case evaluation: (312) 759-1616.
Causes Of Boating Accidents
A boating accident of any size has the potential to lead to serious injuries. Many times these injuries include crushed hands or fingers, broken bones, back injuries, head injuries, and serious lacerations. In many of these instances, the accident could have been prevented if proper precautions were taken.
Like that of an automobile, operators of boats and watercraft are legally required to abide by safety laws. The most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Reckless operation
- Boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Operator inexperience
- Speeding
- Equipment failure
- Adverse weather and/or water conditions
- Driver error
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer for Your Boating Accident
- Uninsured boat owners:Â Illinois state law does not require boat owners to have boating insurance. This can be a real pain to deal with if you do not fully understand how to navigate the legal system. A lawyer can make sure that your rights are protected in the results of a boating accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident in the state of Illinois, you may be due compensation. Contact an experienced Illinois boating accident attorney by calling Sklare Law Group at (312) 759-1616 to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
