As Weather Warms in Illinois, Lake Michigan Boating Accidents Become More Likely

 Posted on April 08, 2022 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Lake Michigan offers unparalleled opportunities for freshwater sporting. People who live in Illinois often spend all winter waiting eagerly for the weather to warm up so they can get out onto the water and start using their boats, jet skis, and paddleboards again. While water sports and recreation are a wonderful part of living in Lake County, these activities are not without risks. In 2020 alone, 81 boating accidents were reported in Illinois, including 21 fatalities.

Even with the most careful operators, boat accidents can still happen. But when a boating accident happens because of recklessness or negligence, or because someone is operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, people who are injured may want to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. For those who are killed in a boating accident, the victim’s loved ones may want to pursue compensation on their behalf.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

While boating generally presents significantly less danger compared to driving on the road, boating accidents are still fairly common and the vast majority of them happen for the following reasons:

• Crashing into the shore, a sandbar, rocks, or other landmass
• Falling overboard
• Sinking because of cracks or holes
• Catching on fire
• Running out of gas
• Breaking down
• Speeding, especially at night
• Improper safety gear
• Adverse weather
• Failing to see another boat
• Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Most boating accidents are avoidable when proper precautions and safety equipment are utilized. However, when an accident happens, a victim or their family may want to pursue a personal injury claim. If someone was boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, boating carelessly, breaking the law, or acting irresponsibly to the point of being negligent, that person may be liable for any injuries that result from their actions.

Additionally, a third party may be liable for a boating injury; for example, if an engine manufacturer created a defective engine or engine part that caused the engine to catch on fire and sink a boat, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturer. An experienced boating accident attorney can help victims determine who is responsible and whether a personal injury claim is appropriate.

Call an Experienced Lake County, IL Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents on Lake Michigan contribute to serious injuries and deaths every year. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident, contact a Lake County boating injuries attorney with Salvi & Maher, LLP. We offer free case reviews so you can get more information about whether you want to pursue a legal case for compensation. Call us now at 847-662-3303.

Source:

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/safety/Documents/BoatingAccidentReport2020.pdf

https://www.boatingsafetymag.com/boatingsafety/top-11-causes-boating-accidents