Rockford Boating Accident Lawyers

Boating is an enjoyable activity for many in our area, especially on a hot day. Water skiing, tubing, and swimming are all fun activities that Illinois residents in our region regularly enjoy on local lakes and rivers. 

Many boaters do not fully understand the dangers of watercraft and how different operating a boat is from driving a car. There are no traffic signals, which can make driving a lot easier for some but also more confusing for inexperienced boaters.

Thousands of people are injured or killed in boating accidents every year. When a day of fun on the water takes a dangerous turn, people who are injured may be forced to deal with high medical bills and lost wages. If you or a loved one has been affected, contact a boating accident lawyer from Clark Frost Zucchi today to learn about your rights to compensation.

Causes of Boating Accidents

Under Illinois boating laws as well as federal laws, boat owners and operators are generally held liable for boating accidents. They are responsible for ensuring swimmers use the waters safely and preventing accidents with other boats. Accidents are commonly caused by the following:

• Improper Operation
• Driving the boat at excessive speeds
• Impaired Operation (alcohol or drug use)
• Equipment failure 
• Negligent maintenance 
• Improper training
• Not wearing life jackets
• Sinking the boat
• Falling overboard 
• Boating during adverse weather and water conditions
• Failing to properly supervise children

What to Do After a Boating Accident

What you do after a boating accident will impact your case. First of all, it is important to contact emergency services right away. This will ensure that medical services, local law enforcement authorities, and any other relevant agency (such as the Department of Natural Resources) are all dispatched to your location. Having all these agencies available to assess you can be beneficial to your case.

Medical service professionals will assess your health and treat your injuries. The local authorities will record the details of your accident. The health assessment and accident report are important pieces of evidence that will support your claim. 

It is a good idea to gather your own evidence of what happened as well. Take photos or videos of the accident scene. Document your injuries. Get the contact information of witnesses and other parties in the boating accident. 

Be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not have visible injuries. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after an accident. A medical examination will help you get the treatment you need. If you have been seriously injured, it is recommended that you contact an attorney to learn about your legal rights and options.

Contact Rockford Injury Attorneys Today

Boating accidents combine personal injury law and maritime law. Seeking compensation for such an accident can be complex, but an experienced attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance companies and advocate on your behalf.

The team at Clark Frost Zucchi can help you understand the process for filing a boating accident claim. We serve clients in the Rockford area and throughout Northern Illinois. Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to help. Call us or fill out our online contact form to request a free consultation.