Recreational boating is common on Lake Michigan and other waterways near Chicago, and a boating accident can lead to significant injuries, property damage, and financial losses. Our Chicago, IL boat accident lawyers often handle cases where the person responsible for an accident is a friend of the injured party. While it can feel uncomfortable to consider legal action against someone you know, you should understand your rights when you have been harmed due to another person’s negligence.
How Is Liability Determined in Illinois Boating Accidents?
Liability in boating accidents depends on whether someone failed to operate their vessel with reasonable care. Illinois law imposes specific duties on a boat operator to prevent bodily harm. For example, the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, under 625 ILCS 45/5-2, prohibits operating a boat recklessly and endangering others on the water. Excessive speeding, creating hazardous wakes near other vessels, or ignoring navigational rules can establish negligence.