Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents can be serious and cause extreme damage to both your body and property. If you were involved in a crash with another vessel on the Fox River, or if a drunk boater hit you on Waubonsie Lake, you could be entitled to compensation. With a Lerner and Rowe Aurora boating accident lawyer on the case will bolster your claim. We will also negotiate with the involved insurance companies until a fair settlement can be reached.
Taking the first step towards filing a claim begins with calling an Aurora area personal injury attorney from Lerner and Rowe. Reach us at 708-222-2222 to schedule a free case evaluation and consultation.
Injuries Our Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer Team Handles
Boating accidents in Illinois can result in life-altering injuries, often stemming from operator negligence, alcohol consumption, mechanical failures, or dangerous weather conditions.
Common injuries include:
- Drowning and Near-Drowning: The absence of life jackets or unsafe conditions can make an accident fatal.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Collisions or falls overboard can lead to significant head trauma.
- Broken Bones and Lacerations: High-impact crashes and propeller incidents frequently cause fractures and deep cuts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: A severe fall or collision can result in lasting mobility challenges.
- Burns and Electrocution: Fires, explosions, or electrical issues on boats can lead to life-threatening injuries.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a boating accident, you might be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Reach out to a knowledgeable Aurora boating accident attorney to safeguard your rights and seek the justice you deserve.
Watercraft Collisions Handled by Our Aurora Boat Wreck Attorneys
You might think that finding an Illinois attorney that handles boat accident injuries will be hard. But, you’ve already found an experienced team at Lerner and Rowe. We regularly take care of clients injured by:
- Crashing into fixed objects
- Boat propellers or heavy anchors
- Car or truck accidents while the boat is transported on a trailer
- Collisions with canoes, kayaks, and other non-powered vessels
- Jet ski and other personal watercraft accidents
- Boat deck or wet dock slips and falls
- A boat’s defective or improperly installed instruments
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Launch area accidents
Any one of these incidents can cause life-altering injuries. Some even lead to wrongful death. If your friend or loved one was recently severely injured while riding on a boat, call us as soon as possible to learn about the options available to you.
How Does an Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer Determine Liability?
To determine liability, we look for evidence that proves who the negligent or reckless party was. Our lawyers may also consider the chance that a second or third liable party also caused your incident. Boat wrecks often occur because of:
- Speeding
- Boating in a no-wake zone
- Inefficient operating instruction and experience
- Driver carelessness
- Lack of proper safety gear
- Poor boat maintenance
The key is to determine what party owed you a duty of care. Then your attorney will prove that this party did not keep you safe.
Aurora Boat Accident FAQs
What to Know About Maritime Law in Illinois?
In Illinois, you must report any boating accidents soon after they occur. Boaters must complete a safety certification course. And, all vessels must have at least one personal floatation device on hand.
How Does an Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer Handle Riparian Rights?
It’s common to see privately owned land next to bodies of water around Aurora. Due to Illinois’ riparian rights, the landowner technically owns a part of that waterway. However, if the water is navigable, public use is still allowed. This may come into play during your case if your boat incident occurred on the shore. Your attorney will know whether or not to pursue the land owner’s insurance company.
What Is the Illinois Statute of Limitations?
The Illinois statute of limitations is a law that dictates how long a boat accident injury victim has to file a claim. This exact amount of time is different for all claims. An attorney will help you understand how long you have to file during your free case evaluation.
Why Contact an Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer Today?
You should contact an Aurora boating accident attorney ASAP if you’ve been hurt in a boat wreck. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s recreational boating report, there were seventy boating incidents in 2023. These resulted in thirty-seven injuries and twelve fatalities, involving 110 vessels. Along with this, The Conservation Police:
- Conducted seventy-two Operating Under the Influence (OUI) arrests
- Wrote 717 boating citations
- Delivered 3,288 written warnings
This proves just how dangerous boating can be in Illinois. And that’s just the beginning. Each warning and citation outlines very real threats to your personal safety, like:
- Lack of personal floatation devices
- Missing battery covers
- Operating in a no-wake area
- Lack of lights on the vessel
If you were a passenger on a vessel that violated these safety measures, you may be owed compensation.
How to Contact Aurora Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me
Call our Aurora team now to schedule your free case evaluation and consultation. We charge no fees until you win your boat accident claim. Free case evaluations and consultation are available 24/7. Just call 708-222-2222, fill out this FREE online form, or use LiveChat to schedule.