Boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, property damage, or even death. When this happens, having a lawyer who understands the details of boating laws can make a big difference. They know how to build a strong case, speak to the right people, and make sure you’re treated fairly.
In Chicago, more people are enjoying water activities than ever before. The city’s location along Lake Michigan and its many rivers and harbors attract both locals and tourists. With more boats in the water, accidents have become more common.
That’s why legal help after a boating accident matters. These aren’t just regular car crashes—boating accidents involve different rules, responsibilities, and challenges.
Boating Accident Expertise
Boat accident attorneys are not the same as regular personal injury lawyers. They focus on a specific area of law that deals with boats, ships, and other watercraft. This means they know what details matter most in a boat crash case.
These lawyers are familiar with maritime laws, local boating rules, and how boat insurance works. They understand what happens when laws from Illinois and federal water regulations mix. This kind of knowledge helps them protect your rights more effectively.
It’s especially important to hire a law firm with experience handling water-related cases in Illinois. They know how the courts handle boating accidents and what kind of proof is needed to win.
Understanding Boat Accidents in Chicago
Chicago has several high-traffic water areas that see a lot of boating action. Places like Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city’s many harbors are known for both fun and risk. These are also spots where accidents are more likely to happen.
Common accidents include boat collisions, people falling overboard, or boats tipping over due to large waves or wake from another vessel. Sometimes, people get hurt when equipment fails or when someone’s not paying attention.
Understanding where and how these accidents happen helps lawyers build a stronger case. It also helps victims explain their side clearly to insurance companies or in court.
Types of Boating Accidents and Personal Injuries
Boating accidents come in many forms. People may fall off a boat and get hurt, or the boat might crash into another vessel or an object in the water. Some accidents involve alcohol or reckless behavior. Jet ski crashes are also common, especially among younger riders.
The injuries from these accidents can be very serious. Drowning is always a risk, even for strong swimmers. Head injuries and spinal cord damage are also common if someone is thrown from a boat or hits something hard.
Other injuries include broken bones, deep cuts, or burns—especially if the boat’s fuel system causes a fire. These injuries often need expensive treatment and long recovery times.
When Should You Contact a Boat Accident Attorney?
You should contact a boat accident attorney as soon as possible after a serious injury or if someone dies in the accident. The sooner they can look at your case, the better they can protect your rights.
If insurance companies are refusing to pay or delaying your claim, a lawyer can step in. They know how to deal with insurance representatives and can keep things moving.
Also, if the accident involved a rental or commercial boat, things get more complicated. These cases often involve contracts, waivers, and business insurance policies, which need special attention.
Your Boating Accident Claim
Filing a claim after a boating accident takes several steps. You’ll need to collect medical records, police or coast guard reports, and any photos or videos from the scene. Witness statements are also very helpful.
In Illinois, there are time limits for filing injury claims. Missing these deadlines could mean you lose your chance to get compensation. That’s why it’s important to act quickly.
Common mistakes include not seeing a doctor right away, speaking directly to insurance adjusters without a lawyer, or failing to gather evidence. A good attorney can help you avoid these problems.
What a Boat Accident Attorney Can Do For You
A boat accident attorney will investigate your case carefully. They can check GPS records, boat maintenance logs, and weather reports to figure out what really happened.
They are also trained to deal with tricky situations where more than one person or business might be responsible. This includes other boaters, rental companies, or even manufacturers of faulty parts.
If you’re having trouble with the insurance company, your attorney can talk to them for you. If needed, they can also take the case to court and fight to get you the money you deserve.
How to Find the Best Boat Accident Attorney Near You
Start by checking legal directories and reading online reviews, especially on trusted sites like Google. This can help you find attorneys who have good reputations and strong client feedback.
Ask your friends, family, or coworkers if they know a lawyer they trust. Look at each lawyer’s past cases to see if they’ve handled boat accident claims before and how successful they were.
Watch out for red flags like promises that sound too good to be true or lawyers who avoid giving straight answers. You want someone who is honest, experienced, and easy to communicate with.
Legal Considerations in Illinois Boating Accidents
Boating laws can be handled by either the state or the federal government, depending on where the accident happened. For example, Lake Michigan falls under both state and federal control, which can complicate things.
Illinois uses something called “comparative negligence.” This means that if you were partly at fault, your compensation could be reduced. A lawyer can explain how that affects your case.
There are strict time limits for filing injury or wrongful death claims. If you miss these deadlines, you may not be able to take legal action at all. A lawyer can make sure everything is filed on time.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
Economic damages
You may be able to receive money for medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of fixing or replacing damaged property. These are called economic damages and can be clearly measured.
Non-economic damages
There are also non-economic damages, such as money for pain, emotional distress, or the impact the injury has had on your daily life. These are harder to measure but just as important.
Wrongful death claims
If a family member died in the accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral costs and provide financial support to surviving relatives.
Cost of Hiring a Boat Accident Lawyer in Chicago
Most boat accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. If they don’t win, you owe them nothing.
Typically, lawyers charge a percentage of the money you win, often between 30% and 40%. This will be agreed upon before they take your case.
There may be other small costs for filing paperwork or hiring expert witnesses, but your lawyer should explain all of that upfront so there are no surprises.
Can I sue if I wasn’t wearing a life jacket?
Yes, you can still sue even if you weren’t wearing a life jacket. Your lack of a life jacket may be considered, but it doesn’t automatically mean you lose your case.
How long does a boating accident case take to resolve?
It depends on the complexity of the case. Some claims are settled in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to court.
What if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options. A lawyer can help you explore other ways to recover compensation, such as from your own insurance or other responsible parties.
Get Free Consultation on Your Case by Chicago Based Boating Accident Lawyers at Phillips Law Offices
If you or someone you love was hurt in a boating accident in Chicago, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The team of boating accident attorneys at Phillips Law Offices offers free consultations to help you understand your options.
We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and let you know if you have a strong claim. You don’t pay anything unless we win the case for you.
It’s a good way to get started without risk. Call us today (312) 598-0917 and get the support you need from lawyers who know how boating accident cases work in Chicago.
Interesting Reads:
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