If you’ve been in a boat accident in Cumberland County, Illinois, you might feel lost or stressed. Many people love to spend time on Lake Mattoon or small rivers in this area. But accidents happen fast and can change your life in a second. You could be left with serious injuries, big hospital bills, or no way to work and earn money. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we know boating crashes are different from car wrecks. There are special rules for the water. Our team guides people through these tough situations. We handle the hard parts so you can focus on getting better.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
Injured in a Boat Crash in Cumberland County? Support is Close Near Marinas or Docks Like Lake Mattoon
Many local families and fishing groups spend their weekends on Lake Mattoon, near popular boat ramps and campgrounds. People rent pontoons, jet skis, or go out in small fishing boats. It’s fun, but not everyone acts safely. Some boat drivers drink too much. Others get distracted by phones or try to show off by speeding. This means more crashes happen near places like the Neoga Marina or the public docks by county campgrounds. If someone hit your boat or caused you to fall and get hurt, it helps to know local legal help is close by. We understand these waters and the problems that happen here.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Cumberland County Waters
A lot of boating accidents around Cumberland County happen because someone didn’t follow safety rules. Many crashes involve boaters who were drinking alcohol while driving. Sometimes it’s because they speed too fast through no-wake zones near local docks or ignore weather warnings. High winds across Lake Mattoon can push small boats into each other or against docks. Some crashes even happen when rental companies don’t check for problems like old engines or broken steering. If you got hurt because someone was careless, or because a rental place didn’t keep the boat safe, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs by yourself. That’s when a lawyer steps in to help.
Who’s Liable After a Boat Collision in Cumberland County?
Many people wonder who pays for their medical bills after a boating crash. It depends on what caused the accident. If a boat driver was drunk, they could be at fault. If a rental company gave you a boat with broken safety gear, they could be to blame. Sometimes, even another passenger might have done something risky, like jumping into shallow water or pushing the driver to speed. We look at police reports, talk to people who saw what happened, and check boating records. This helps prove who should pay for your losses. If you want to learn more about how fault works, our page on boat crash attorney explains it in simple steps.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656What Compensation Can You Claim After a Boat Accident Near Cumberland County?
Getting hurt in a boating accident can cost way more than most people expect. You might have ambulance fees from being rushed to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in nearby Mattoon or even to a larger trauma hospital. After that come follow-up doctor visits, X-rays, or physical therapy. If you can’t work your normal job, like farming near Greenup or a shop job in Toledo, you lose income. Pain or worry can keep you from enjoying fishing with friends or playing with your kids. In Cumberland County, we help people recover money for:
- Hospital bills, ER visits, therapy, and future care
- Lost pay from missing work or even losing a job
- Pain and stress that change your day-to-day life
- Fixing or replacing your boat, gear, or personal items
Why Locals in Cumberland County Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer After Boating Accidents
People around Cumberland County pick us because we treat them like neighbors, not case numbers. We live in Illinois, too, so we know how boating is part of weekends here, from Lake Mattoon to trips down to Fox Ridge State Park. Here’s why people feel comfortable choosing us:
- We’ve handled many boat accident cases and know how to prove someone else was careless
- We use simple language so you’re never confused
- You don’t pay us unless we get money for you
- We keep you updated, so you’re not left guessing
This means you can stay focused on your health and your family. We handle the tough talks with insurance companies and courts.
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Posted on Kat ChowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't stress enough how grateful I am that we hired Paul Marriett to help us with our case. His communication was not only timely and thorough but also understandable. He did a phenomenal job guiding us through the process and preparing us for the courtroom, which put our minds at ease. Once our hearing came, he did his job flawlessly and won our case. Additionally, he was quite pleasant to speak with when our judge was behind schedule and while the court was in recess. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney and will reach out again in the future should we ever need representation.Posted on angel martinezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful! I would recommend to all my friends and family to hire him. He was eager to know the circumstances of my case even before I hired him. I did contact other lawyers and offices, but none came close to the comfort I felt while talking to Mr. Marriertt, I really felt like he cared about the situation I found myself in. He deserves 6 stars for going above and beyondPosted on John HarkerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul helped me out with a traffic citation. The communication was great as he walked me through my options and what to expect with my court date and plea deal. 10/10 service. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Paul.Posted on Ryan H.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was very professional, sharp dressed and clearly a notch above most in the courtroom. He understood my plight and refused to be bullied. Knows the law to a T....I'm keeping him on speed dial. I think u will trust him too.Posted on Scorpion SolarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEYOND satisfied with the services & representation! The communication & efforts have been above & BEYOND! Amazing price as well for a minor traffic hiccup. 11/10 recommend & prefer this firm for any future occurrences!!! Very transparent, & puts in the effort to help you!!!Posted on Zak GreenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are needing a lawyer in Rockford or the surrounding areas this is the guy you need to get ahold of! Do not waste your time or money going to someone else.... From the very start Mr. Marriett was on top of his job. I called several lawyers before him and he was the first to thoroughly explain everything I needed to hear without even asking him to. The definition of a great lawyer. Each time we went to court he always let me know ahead of time either in person or via phone what the expectations or options would be going in. I highly recommend Paul Marriett if you are in need of a lawyer!Posted on KelliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him.Posted on bruce paulsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very late on sharing my feedback only because I’m google illiterate. Attorney Merriett did a very smart excellent job for me and not real expensive considering how stupid I was to get in trouble . Thank you! For all your professionalism! Bruce P.Posted on Austin “i like trains” ArveyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and a reliable lawyer. I'm glad we got him instead of getting anyone else. :)
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- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7

FAQs — Illinois Boat Accident Laws in Cumberland County
Who’s liable if I’m injured in a boat accident in Cumberland County?
It could be a careless boat driver, a rental company that gave out unsafe boats, or even someone else on the water. We check every detail to find out.
What damages can I claim after a boat crash near Lake Mattoon or another marina in Cumberland County?
You can get money for hospital bills, pay your lost by missing work, pain, and replacing broken things.
How do I file a boat accident claim in Cumberland County?
Our team handles the paperwork, gathers proof, talks to insurance, and keeps you informed.
Is there a time limit to sue after a boating accident in Cumberland County?
Yes. Illinois has a clear deadline. If you wait too long, your case might be lost. It helps to start the process early.
What if the boat owner’s insurance denies my claim in Cumberland County?
Don’t give up. We handle insurance companies every day. If they say no, we know how to push back and can take the case to court.



