Boating accidents cause serious injuries. They leave people hurt and families dealing with stress and expenses. If you live in Urbana or nearby Urbana, a Boating Accident Lawyer in Urbana can help you after a boating accident.
Boating accident cases can be complicated. A lawyer investigates what caused the accident. They checked if the boat had any issues. They work with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. A lawyer fights for your rights and supports you during this hard time.
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.
What to Do After a Boating Accident
In the aftermath of a boating accident, it’s essential to stay calm and take the right steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call for emergency medical help immediately. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal injuries, or spinal cord injuries, may not be immediately noticeable.
2. Report the Accident
Illinois law requires that you report boating accidents to the proper authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Make sure to file a report with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and local law enforcement. This documentation will be essential for your case.
3. Gather Evidence and Information
Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This may include:
- Names and contact details of any involved parties and witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, vessel damage, and injuries
- The registration numbers of all boats involved
- Weather conditions, speed, and other relevant details
Having strong evidence will strengthen your case and help your boating accident lawyer build a solid claim.
4. Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer
Once you have attended to your health and reported the accident, it’s time to consult with a skilled boating accident lawyer in Urbana. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating the case and protecting your rights.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why You Need a Boating Accident Lawyer in Urbana
Boating accidents can lead to complicated legal issues. Whether you are dealing with insurance companies or seeking compensation for your injuries, having a boating accident lawyer on your side can make a world of difference. Here’s how our team can assist:
Expert Knowledge of Boating Laws
Boating accidents involve a specialized area of law. In Illinois, boaters must adhere to strict regulations regarding safety, operation, and boating licenses. Our legal team has in-depth knowledge of boating laws and can ensure that all legal requirements are met when pursuing your claim.
Investigative Expertise
Boating accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the boat operator, passengers, equipment manufacturers, and even the company that rented the boat. Our lawyers are skilled at investigating accidents thoroughly, gathering all the necessary evidence, and identifying who is at fault.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Victims of boating accidents often face steep medical bills, lost wages, and long-term emotional and physical recovery. Our attorneys will fight to secure the maximum compensation available for:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (in the case of fatal accidents)
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may not always offer a fair settlement. Our lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the tactics used by insurers to minimize payouts and will fight to ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Urbana
Understanding the causes of boating accidents is crucial for your legal case. Many accidents are preventable and occur because of negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. Common causes of boating accidents include:
Operator Negligence or Inexperience
Boat operators must have the necessary training and experience to handle their vessels safely. Unfortunately, many accidents are caused by operators who are untrained, inexperienced or fail to follow basic safety procedures. Whether it’s failing to maintain a safe speed, not paying attention to other boats, or ignoring weather conditions, these mistakes can result in serious accidents.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Just like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal for drivers, it is also illegal for boat operators to be intoxicated. Boating under the influence significantly impairs a person’s judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making accidents much more likely.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical issues with a boat, such as engine malfunctions or defective equipment, can also contribute to accidents. If a mechanical failure leads to an accident, the manufacturer or maintenance company may be held liable for the damages.
Weather Conditions
Severe weather conditions, such as storms, high winds, or fog, can make boating dangerous. Boaters should always check the weather forecast before heading out, but accidents still happen when weather conditions change unexpectedly. In some cases, a boat operator may be held liable for not recognizing hazardous weather conditions or failing to return to shore in time.
Collisions with Other Boats or Objects
Collisions between boats or with fixed objects (such as piers, rocks, or buoys) are some of the most common types of boating accidents. These collisions can cause significant damage to vessels and severe injuries to passengers.
Types of Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries in boating accidents. A blow to the head during a collision or fall can cause permanent brain damage, affecting cognitive function, memory, motor skills, and more.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injury to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Victims of spinal cord injuries often face lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications to accommodate their new needs.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Boating accidents often result in broken bones due to the impact of a collision or sudden fall. Fractures can take months to heal, and in some cases, they may require surgery.
Drowning or Near-Drowning
If a boat capsizes or if someone is ejected from the vessel into deep water, there’s a risk of drowning or near drowning. Even when the victim survives, they may suffer brain damage from a lack of oxygen.
Lacerations and Burns
Sharp objects or the boat’s propeller can cause deep cuts, while fires or exposure to chemicals on board may lead to burns. These injuries often require emergency medical treatment and may leave permanent scarring.
How We Can Help You with Your Boating Accident Claim
At our law firm, we understand how challenging it can be to recover from a boating accident. We’re here to handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on your health and well-being. Here’s how we can assist:
- Free Consultation: Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case.
- Thorough Investigation: We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the responsible parties.
- Aggressive Representation: Our attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to, whether through negotiation or litigation.
- Personalized Service: We treat each case with the utmost care, providing you with personalized legal representation that addresses your specific needs.
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- 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
