With the proximity of the Ottawa River, the Fox River, and many other waterways, residents of our city are out in boats all the time. Of course, alongside the fun of cruising the river with friends comes the dangers caused by negligent boat operators. Unfortunately, boating accidents are not uncommon and they can lead to serious injuries.
According to data from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), there were 52 boating accidents in 2022 resulting in 40 injuries and 6 fatalities. Of those fatalities, 5 of them were due to drowning and 5 were also not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.
Even the safest boat operators who follow boating laws, life jacket laws, and navigation rules can make mistakes, causing devastating accidents. It’s bad enough that you were injured, but you shouldn’t have to pay for the negligence of another person. An experienced Ottawa boating accident lawyer is ready to help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
Bodies of water are unpredictable and it’s not always easy to determine exactly why a boat accident occurs. However, the majority of boating accidents are caused by the negligent actions of a boat operator, that is to say, human error. Some of the most common forms of negligence our office has seen are:
- Speeding
- Inexperienced boat operators
- Failure to pay attention
- Failure to comply with laws and rules
- Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective equipment or machinery
- Dangerous or inclement weather or water conditions
No matter the reason why your boating accident occurred, know that a qualified attorney from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP is ready to help with your case and hold accountable those responsible for your injuries and damages.
Injuries That Occur in Illinois Waterways
When there are accidents on the water, injuries such as drowning are expected, however, there are many other injuries that can occur as well. Of the 40 boating injuries reported by the IDNR, the primary cause for 65% of them was impact with the boat.
The top three types of injuries were the following:
- Laceration: 27.5%
- Broken bones: 20%
- Head injury: 10%
As with any other type of accident, whenever you’ve suffered an injury it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. With boating accidents especially, it’s essential that you take extra precautions and follow the laws and regulations. Even minor incidents that occur on board a boat or in a body of water can quickly become deadly. If you’ve been hurt in a water vessel accident, be sure to contact an Ottawa boating accident lawyer to learn more about your right to a financial recovery in your case.
How an Ottawa Attorney Can Help
With so many places to enjoy being out on the water, accidents are bound to happen, but you shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence or lack of care. If you or someone you know has been in a boating accident in Ottawa or anywhere in Illinois, our team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP.
Reach out to our office today for a free consultation to see how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Going out for a day on a boat should be a fun and safe experience and any Ottawa boating accident lawyer on our team aims to help you receive the compensation you need so that you can get back to having fun.
