Boating accident claims arise when negligent operation of a watercraft causes injuries or fatalities on Illinois lakes, rivers, and waterways. The Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act (625 ILCS 45/) governs boating operations and establishes safety requirements including speed regulations, right-of-way rules, required safety equipment, and restrictions on operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Common causes of boating accidents include operator inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol impairment, failure to maintain a proper lookout, and equipment failure. In Central Illinois, boating accidents occur on Lake Decatur, Lake Shelbyville, Clinton Lake, and the Sangamon River. Liable parties may include the boat operator, boat owner, rental company, or watercraft manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident.
There are thousands of boating accidents each year, and hundreds of deaths. Unlike a traditional traffic accident, an accident on the water is coupled with the added risk of drowning. As a general rule of law, a boat operator and its owner must exercise a certain degree of care to prevent injuries to boat passengers or others swimming nearby or enjoying the water on boats around them. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Bolen Robinson & Ellis understand how traumatic a boat accident can be, and our personal injury attorneys are committed to ensuring that those injured in boat wrecks obtain the results they deserve.
