Boating Accident Attorneys
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), last year there were 78 boating accidents reported that resulted in 18 fatalities. Of the 18 fatalities, 15 victims might possibly have survived if they had only worn their life jacket. According to the National Safe Boating Council, nationwide in 2004, 700 people died in boating accidents, and 8 out of every 10 were not wearing a life jacket.
Fishing trips, diving expeditions, water skiing, a weeklong cruise on a luxury ship – boats are supposed to be fun, recreational vehicles for you and your family to enjoy. However, boat accidents can cause serious injuries. The boat accident attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have extensive experience in this area, and we want you to call us if you have been injured in a boating or maritime accident.
Overall, carelessness or reckless operation, operator inattention, operator inexperience and excessive speed are the leading contributing factors of all reported boating accidents. IDNR reports most boating accidents can be avoided through responsible boating. The three key steps to safe boating include: operating the boat sober, avoiding reckless boating, and wearing a life jacket.
Alcohol use is the number one cause for boat accident deaths, and it accounts for nearly one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Most boaters do not realize that the effects of alcohol are magnified while on the water.
Boating accidents include capsizing, falls overboard, collisions, sinking/flooding, explosions, disappearance and fire. The most reported type of accident was a collision with another vessel. However, capsizing and falls overboard are the most reported types of fatal accidents and account for over half of all boating fatalities. Most boat accidents or crashes require that you send a report to either the state agency regulating boats or the U.S. Coast Guard.
When there is a boating accident, a report must be filed when:
- A life is lost due to the accident.
- Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
- There is damage by or to the vessel and other property.
- Any person on board a vessel disappears (under circumstances indicating possible death or injury).
Failure to remain on the scene, provide aid, and report the accident in a timely manner is a crime. We also recommend that you report the incident to your insurance company. This is a requirement if a state or federal report was made.
Recreational boat crashes are governed by a number of city, county and state laws. Most boat operators have a legal obligation to operate their watercraft in a safe manner. If they do not, there may be criminal charges, and the people who were injured may be entitled to sue for damages. Boat owners also need to be careful about allowing other people to drive their boat. No matter who is driving, if the boat is in an accident, the boat owner may be liable for the damages.
If you have been inured in any kind of boat crash that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to be compensated for a wide range of things, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injury, and pain and suffering.
The personal injury attorneys of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have been helping boating accident victims in Illinois receive the fair compensation they deserve for several years. Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation, at (877) 249-1227.
