Boaters have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Princeton area. Whether you want to explore the picturesque waterways of the Illinois River or fish in the Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area, there are many spots to boat throughout the community.
While on the water, you expect everyone to act in a safe manner. However, not everyone follows the rules, leading to dangerous scenarios. If you have been involved in an accident, there are options to help recover compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other damages.
At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we know that these incidents can leave you with a lot of questions and worries. Let our Princeton, IL boating accident lawyer help explain the next steps for your case. Contact us today to set a time to discuss your potential claim.
How and Why Water Vessel Incidents Occur
Boating accidents can occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes involve:
- Operator inexperience: Any lack of experience operating a boat can lead to accidents. Sometimes, these individuals may not know how to navigate in certain water conditions to avoid objects or other vessels in the water.
- Operator distractions: The operator’s full attention needs to be on the water. Accidents can happen when the operator is not paying full attention to the boat and the surrounding environment.
- Alcohol and drug use: Many times, these vessels are used for leisure activities. However, that does not mean that specific regulations do not apply. It is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence in Illinois.
- Speeding: When a boat speeds through the water, it cannot make sudden stops without causing injuries to its passengers or others in the area. High speeds are one of the top causes of dangerous boating accidents.
- Mechanical failure: While many accidents are caused by human error on the waterway, some incidents can turn dangerous when the boat malfunctions, causing an accident. Accidents can also occur due to mechanical problems with the boat.
Any accident on the water could lead to catastrophic results. Many victims suffered broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, deep lacerations, and even drownings due to the crash.
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one to these circumstances, you may be able to hold those responsible parties accountable for their actions. Contact a Princeton, IL, boating accident lawyer to determine your options.
Accidents on Private Land vs. Public Use Spaces
Boating accidents can happen on both private and public properties. While some boaters enjoy using the lakes and rivers near the many state parks and recreation areas, others like to take time and fish in private resorts and other private spaces. What are the differences between accidents on private land and public use spaces?
Private property ownership can include everything from private fishing resorts to lakeside homes. There is a duty of care owed to individuals allowed on the property. The owners are responsible for inspecting the property for potential hazards and addressing any dangerous conditions. If there is an accident due to the property owners’ actions (or inactions), they could be liable for any damages. For example, they could be held accountable if the boat landing was damaged and caused injuries.
Many public-use spaces in Illinois have access to lakes and rivers. These government-owned public places are owned and operated by a town, county, city, state, or federal government. If you were hurt on public land, and the owner was negligent in their actions, then you could potentially pursue a lawsuit against these government entities.
No matter whether the accident occurs on private or public property, you will want to communicate with the legal team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP to see if you have a valid claim against another party.
Holding Liable Parties Accountable for Their Actions
When it comes time to hold parties responsible for their actions, that involves establishing liability. In short, your legal team needs to prove that someone’s actions or negligence directly led to the injuries suffered.
These cases center around negligence, which is the failure of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care. As a result, there was some type of harm or injury to another person. To establish negligence, four elements must be proven:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.
- The breach of duty caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result.
In cases of product failures, the boat’s manufacturer or designer could be held liable for any injuries resulting from the incident. These accidents fall under the product liability laws. Accidents resulting from known hazardous conditions on private or public lands might be under premises liability principles.
Working with an attorney can help you answer all of these questions and make sure you pursue the right options for your claim. Regardless of the nature of the accident, you have the right to seek compensation when someone’s behavior results in injuries or damages to you or your loved ones.
Illinois Boating Regulations and Personal Injury Law
Whether you’re cruising on a lake or river, everyone must adhere to the rules set by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). All boat operators are required to complete a boating safety course approved by this department.
Additionally, boat operators must always maintain a proper lookout and operate their vessels at safe speeds to prevent accidents. Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in Illinois, just like on the roads.
Under Illinois law, any boating accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the IDNR.
After reporting the accident, you might want to think about potential legal action against the possible parties. In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you fail to do so, it could mean a lost opportunity to recover your damages.
What To Do After a Boating Accident
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries and substantial financial losses. If you’ve been involved in a boating accident, you will want to seek immediate medical attention to treat any injuries to you or your passengers.
Reporting is not only required, but it is a virtual set to document the incident. While on the accident scene, collect as much information as possible, such as photographs, witness statements, and video evidence. Any type of evidence that proves the other party’s responsibility in the incident can help your case.
Along with that, you will want to seek the guidance of a skilled boating accident attorney. They can help you determine the validity of your case and help you take the next steps to secure compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
A Princeton, IL boating accident lawyer can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties. With their assistance, you can make sure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Get the Legal Help You Need for Your Case
If you have been affected by a boat crash, whether you have been injured or have sadly lost a loved one, there are options available to you. The legal team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can help you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve.
From the moment you reach out to us, we take care of everything from filing the initial paperwork to negotiating a settlement on your behalf.
Contact our law firm to arrange an appointment with our skilled Princeton, IL boating accident lawyer today. Reach out to see how we can advocate for your case.
