As warmer weather approaches, many Lake County residents are starting to get their boats ready to take out on the water. Whether it is on a privately-owned boat or a commercial vessel, nothing quite compares to the feeling of bobbing with the waves and feeling the sun on your face. Unfortunately, not all boat operators are as careful as they should be. Boat accidents that result in severe injuries and even death occur every year in the United States. When a person is injured or killed as a result of a negligent boat operator, the injured person or surviving family may be entitled to financial compensation.  

Inattention and Alcohol Use Lead to Serious Boat Accidents

Just over 630 people lost their lives in boating accidents in the U.S. in 2018, and thousands more were injured. Sadly, many of these accidents could have been prevented if the boat operator was acting in a safe, responsible way. Many people falsely believe that they do not need to be vigilant while operating a boat because they assume that they can react to any dangerous situation in time to prevent an accident. However, Illinois boaters and passengers are seriously hurt every season due to improper lookout and operator inexperience. Boat accidents are also common when boats are travelling at excessive speeds. 

By far, the leading contributing factor in serious boat accidents is alcohol use. Boating under the influence is against the law in Illinois, but many boaters do not take this law seriously. When operator negligence is the cause of a boating accident, the people hurt in that accident may be able to receive compensation for their damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

Thanks to their proximity to Lake Michigan and the Chain O’Lakes, Lake County residents have many opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy activities such as waterskiing, jet skiing, fishing, and just floating leisurely, Unfortunately, the more crowded a lake becomes, the higher the chance of a collision and injuries. If you are injured in a boat accident, the first thing you need to determine is whether the boat operator acted negligently or carelessly. If so, you can file a claim for compensation for your injuries, known as a personal injury lawsuit. 

Negligence in Private Boat Accidents

Some ways a private boat operator might be deemed negligent for an accident on the water include: