How Common Are Serious Boating Accidents in Illinois?

How Common Are Serious Boating Accidents in Illinois?

While not as common as motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents have caused a number of serious injuries and fatalities in Illinois.

While the number has dropped from the astronomical statistics of the mid-1990s, these numbers are misleading since non-motorized boats are not considered in stats anymore. If you are involved in a boating accident and deserve compensation for damages, hire a Waukegan boating accident attorney straight away.

As per the Illinois Recreational Boating Report, there were 81 reportable boating accidents in 2020, a number which increased from 2019. 36 boat-related injuries were also reported in 2020 which decreased from the previous year. However, over 21 deaths were also reported, which was an increase from the fatalities reported in 2019.

Top Reasons for Boat Accidents and Injuries in Illinois

Some of the main reasons for boat accidents in Illinois include the following:

Treacherous Conditions

The water levels in the lakes and rivers in the state are expected to get quite high during the rainy season. Rising water levels hide docks, floating debris, and other conditions that can seriously compromise safety for boats and their passengers. Boat drivers can get into accidents that can prove fatal or cause serious injuries.

Alcohol Usage

Anyone who is drunk behind the wheel of any vehicle (whether on land or the sea) is bound to get into an accident. If caught, inebriated boat drivers can face DUI charges and in case they are involved in a serious accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can also be held liable for injuries that result from their intoxicated state.

Operator Mistakes

Inexperienced boat drivers can get into collisions easily because of errors. These can be anything from traveling at excessive speeds to making dangerous maneuvers on the water.

Other common causes of boating accidents in Illinois include:

• Onboard fire.
• Bad weather conditions.
• Restricted vision.
• Lack of ventilation in the boat.
• Improperly anchored boat.
• Equipment failure due to lack of maintenance.
• Machinery or hull failure.
• Starting the boat in gear.
• Loading the boat incorrectly or overloading the boat.
• Insufficient navigation aids.

Contact A Waukegan Boating Accident Lawyer

A Waukegan boating accident attorney will tell you that the statute of limitations for filing boat accident personal injuries is two years tops. If you miss that deadline, your case will be thrown out and you will have to pay for your damages and injuries out of pocket.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious boat accident and the boat driver is refusing to pay for damages, you need to get in touch with the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. We have over 20 years of experience recovering millions of dollars for clients and can help you get the compensation you deserve as well. Robert, aka Bob, has been recognized as the top lawyer in Illinois. He, along with his staff understand the physical and mental toll injuries can cause and can understand your case from your perspective.