When Fun on the Water Turns Dangerous
Boating accidents on Lake Michigan and Chicago’s waterways can change lives in seconds. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a boating accident, you need legal help from attorneys who understand both Illinois law and maritime regulations.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we help injured boaters get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. As a top-rated personal injury firm with numerous multi-million dollar settlements, we bring the same proven expertise to your boating accident case that has won major truck and vehicle accident cases throughout Illinois.
For a free consultation, contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. today at (312) 957-4166.
Boating Accidents in Chicago: More Common Than You May Think
Chicago’s waterways see thousands of recreational boaters each year, especially during summer months. While most outings end safely, accidents happen more often than many realize.
BOATING ACCIDENT STATISTICS
- Based on data from the US Coast Guard, in 2023, the US had 3,844 watercraft incidents, leading to 564 fatalities and 2,126 people injured across the country.
- According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois officers responded to 70 boating accidents in 2023, which was 37% more than in 2022. The 2023 accidents resulted in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries.
- In Federal Fiscal Year 2023, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reported that Lake Michigan had 13 accidents, 6 injuries, and 3 fatalities, making it the most dangerous waterway in the state for boaters.
Common Causes of Chicago Boating Accidents
Boating accidents happen for many reasons:
| OPERATOR FACTORS | ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS | EQUIPMENT FACTORS |
|---|---|---|
| Operator inexperience | Weather conditions | Equipment failure |
| Alcohol use | Hazardous waters | Poor maintenance |
| Excessive speed | Poor visibility | Defective parts |
| Distracted operation | ||
| Navigation rule violations |
Types of Boating Accidents We Handle
Our Chicago boating accident attorneys help clients injured in various scenarios:
VESSEL COLLISIONS
- Collisions between boats
- Jet ski and personal watercraft crashes
- Wake damage accidents
PASSENGER INCIDENTS
- Passenger falls overboard
- Propeller injuries
- Drowning and near-drowning events
COMMERCIAL INCIDENTS
- Rental boat accidents
- Fishing charter incidents
- Tour boat accidents.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents often cause serious injuries:
LIFE-THREATENING
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis.
SERIOUS PHYSICAL TRAUMA
- Broken bones
- Deep lacerations from propellers
- Burn injuries from fires or explosions.
ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES
- Hypothermia
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
SAFETY FACT: The US Coast Guard notes that about 87% of drowning fatalities happen because victims weren’t wearing life jackets. This simple safety measure can make the difference between life and death.
Illinois Boating Laws and Regulations
KNOW THE LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU
- In order to supervise a person aged 10 to 17 who is operating a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, parents, guardians, or designees who were born on or after January 1, 1998, must possess a current boating safety certificate.
- Operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
- All boats must have a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person.
- Unless below deck in an enclosed cabin or on private land, anyone under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket when on any watercraft under 26 feet in length.
- Boats must have proper lighting for nighttime operation.
Understanding these regulations is crucial when determining liability in boating accident cases.
Who Is Liable in a Chicago Boating Accident?
POTENTIALLY RESPONSIBLE PARTIES INCLUDE:
- The boat operator
- The boat owner (if different from the operator)
- Boat rental companies
- Boat manufacturers
- Tour or charter companies
- Other watercraft operators.
Our Chicago boating accident attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Compensation Available After a Boating Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to your vessel.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability.
FOR FAMILIES
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones.
Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Claims
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, maritime law may apply in some cases, which could affect deadlines. Don’t wait to get legal help. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and legal deadlines approach faster than you might expect.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. for Your Boating Accident Case
When choosing attorneys after a boating accident, experience matters. Our top-rated firm offers:
Deep Knowledge of Maritime and Illinois Law
Our attorneys understand the unique aspects of boating accident cases, which often involve both state and federal maritime laws. This dual jurisdiction makes these cases more complex than typical personal injury claims.
Proven Results for Injured Clients
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including substantial settlements for accident victims. We’ve secured a $2,250,000 truck accident settlement, a $1,500,000 truck accident wrongful death settlement, and multiple six- and seven-figure verdicts across various accident types. The National Law Journal included one of our personal injury case outcomes in its prestigious Top 100 Verdicts nationwide listing. Each case is different, but we fight for maximum compensation.
Direct Access to Award-Winning Attorneys
ATTORNEY SPOTLIGHT: Matthew Willens brings 30 years of personal injury experience to every case. Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in Personal Injury Law and a “Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer” – an honor given to less than 1% of Illinois lawyers – he knows exactly how insurers try to minimize claims. As a former insurance company lawyer, his insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.
Partner David A. Baez, an award-winning personal injury lawyer, has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for clients and brings valuable experience from his background as an insurance defense lawyer.
Resources to Take On Big Insurance Companies
We have the financial resources and proven expertise to thoroughly investigate accidents, hire expert witnesses, reconstruct accidents, and take cases to trial when necessary. Our history of standing firm against insurance companies’ initial low offers has resulted in settlements many times higher than what was initially offered, including turning a $350,000 initial offer into a $1,500,000 settlement in a truck accident case.
No Fee Unless We Win
We take cases on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you won’t incur any costs unless we successfully recover damages on your behalf.
Common Inquiries Regarding Watercraft Incidents
What actions should I take right after a watercraft collision?
First, ensure everyone’s safety and get medical attention for injuries. Report the accident to the Illinois DNR Conservation Police and the US Coast Guard if on Lake Michigan. Document the scene with photos, get contact information from witnesses, and then call our Chicago boating accident attorneys.
Is it possible to receive compensation if I didn’t have a life vest on during the incident?
Yes, though it may affect your claim. Illinois follows comparative negligence rules, meaning the amount you receive as compensation may decrease proportionally to your level of responsibility in the incident. Our attorneys work to minimize any impact on your recovery.
How is a boating accident case different from other personal injury cases?
Boating accidents often involve maritime law, which has different rules than typical personal injury law. They require specialized knowledge of boating regulations, navigation rules, and jurisdictional issues between state and federal waters.
What if the boat operator who hit me was from out of state?
We can still pursue your claim. Many boaters on Chicago waterways come from other states, particularly Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Our attorneys are familiar with handling these multi-state jurisdictional issues.
Get Help From Chicago Boating Accident Attorneys Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. The Chicago boating accident attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. understand what you’re going through and know how to help.
CONTACT OUR TOP-RATED ATTORNEYS TODAY
- Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation with our award-winning legal team
- Our track record speaks for itself: $2,250,000 truck accident settlement, $1,500,000 truck accident wrongful death settlement, and millions more for various types of personal injury accident cases that we handle.
- Named one of the “Top 100 Verdicts” in the country by The National Law Journal
- We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and fight aggressively for maximum compensation
- You won’t be charged any legal fees unless we obtain a favorable outcome for your claim
