Seeking Injury Compensation After a Boating Accident

 Posted on April 15, 2019 in Recreational Vehicle Accidents

With temperatures rising here in the greater Chicago area, thousands of Illinoisans are gearing up to take their boats out on the water. From Lake Michigan to Lake Potawatomi, Illinois is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful boating opportunities. Unfortunately, boating accidents are common. If you or a loved one are injured in a boating accident, contact an experienced legal team as soon as possible. 

Boating Accident Statistics 

Throughout 2017, approximately 4,300 recreational boating accidents occurred in the United States. In many of those accidents, passengers were severely injured. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2,629 boaters suffered injuries that required medical attention in 2017. Of those injured, 658 ultimately died due to their injuries. 

Here in the state of Illinois, boating accidents are on the rise. According to statistics compiled the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, boating injuries rose by 42 percent in 2017, including 12 fatal boat accidents.

Common Causes of Boating Injuries 

When a boating accident occurs, the situation can be dire. In many cases, medical personnel is unable to arrive on scene in a timely fashion. The most common form of accidents are collisions with another recreational craft. In a substantial percentage of these incidents, the collision only occurred due to operator negligence. Listed below are some of the most common forms of reckless boating. 

Boating Under the Influence 

In the United States, alcohol consumption is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents. Despite the possibility of severe criminal punishment, boaters often make the decision to operate their boat while under the influence of alcohol. Throughout 2017, boating DUI played a part in 19 percent of all fatal boating accidents.  

Inexperienced Boating

When a new boater decides to operate their craft, it is important for them to be properly prepared. Inexperienced boaters often struggle with control of the vessel and travel at dangerous speeds. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, over 80 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats in which the operator had not received proper safety instruction. 

Distracted Driving

Boating can be a fantastic way to enjoy warm weather and relax, but it is important for boat drivers to remain attentive. Operator inattention was the cause of 620 boating accidents throughout 2017. In those accidents, 45 Americans lost their lives. If you plan to operate a boat this coming summer, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. 

Contact a Waukegan Boating Accident Lawyer 

In the event of a boating accident, Salvi and Maher, LLC is prepared to fight for the compensation your family deserves. Boating injuries can result in loss of work and costly medical bills. Securing compensation can be critically important to ensuring a healthy financial future for you and your loved ones. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Documents/BoatingAccidentReport2017.pdf

https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2017.pdf