Chicago boating accident injuries are common during summer in the Windy City. They can be as minor as bruises and scrapes or as major as brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal injuries. Incidents on the water can be just as dangerous as collisions on land. The best way to avoid dangerous, costly, and potentially lethal accidents on Illinois lakes and rivers is to practice proper boating safety. Here are some important safety tips from the Chicago boat accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe to help keep you safe on the water this summer.
Check the Weather Forecast
Always check the forecast before you take your boat out. It’s never fun getting stuck on the water during a storm, and being stranded can lead to dangerous situations. If you see bad weather rolling in, it is best to head back to shore as soon and as safely as possible. Watch out for warning signs that a storm is brewing, such as dark clouds, rough winds, and sudden drops in temperature. Storms bring wind, rain, and waves that can easily lead to a Chicago boating accident.
Use Life Jackets
Even if you know how to swim, you should still use a life jacket. A collision or other type of incident could injure you, leave you unconscious, or negatively affect your ability to swim to safety. If help takes a long time to arrive, you may be in the water for a significant length of time, which can be difficult for even good swimmers.
It is no coincidence that most drowning victims are not using a life jacket. Keep yours on, and you will be exponentially safer should a Chicago boating accident occur. If you’re on the waters with children, make sure to follow Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) life jacket guidelines for children.
Learn to Swim
This is similar to the previous point, and is also very important. Boating safety includes knowing how to maneuver if you end up out of the boat and in the water. A life jacket can go a long way toward keeping your head above water, but swimming skills will help you feel much more comfortable. Good swimmers will also be able to get themselves to safety faster.
Take a Boating Class to Prevent Chicago Boating Accident
Our personal injury attorneys have seen far too many cases where a Chicago boating accident could have been easily avoided through proper training. Many boating accidents happen because the person responsible simply did not know what they were doing. The IDNR has approved boating safety courses, which can be taken online or in person.
You will learn basic safety practices, how to respond to different situations, and general information about different types of boats. This knowledge will help you know how to safely operate a boat and what kinds of actions often lead to accidents. You may even get some hands-on experience under the watchful eye of your instructor.
Avoid Reckless Behavior
Many boat accidents are the result of reckless boating. Reckless boat operation can include excessive speeding, swerving, or rapid turning. Be especially cautious when you are in a crowded area and there are other people or vessels around. Watch out for rocks, shallow spots, and buoys, too. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Definitely do not consume alcohol while you are operating a boat or any other vessel. It can be fun to have a few drinks on the water during a beautiful Chicago summer, but it is important to designate a sober driver first, just like you would in a car.
When no one has to worry about drinking and boating, everyone will be able to have more fun. It is both dangerous and illegal, so avoid the negative consequences and focus on having fun.
If you ever have an incident with another boater on the water, take down their information and alert the proper authorities when necessary. If they were acting recklessly, make note of that, and make sure you provide good detail for any and all reports. You should also find experienced personal injury lawyers to see if you can receive a settlement against the negligent or reckless boater who caused your incident.
Contact a Chicago Boating Accident Attorney
In a wreck? Need a check?® If you suffer injury or lose property in a boating incident, you may be able to pursue a settlement. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, we bring experience, skill, and passion to your case.
Contact our Chicago boat accident lawyers as soon as you can after the incident occurs. You can reach us 24/7 at 844-977-1900 or through the Internet by secure online form and LiveChat. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The hardest working personal injury lawyers Chicago has to offer are confident they can win your case. That is why we offer free consultations and do not charge fees unless you win your case. That means there is no downside when you contact us. Reach out to Lerner and Rowe today to take the first step towards the settlement that you deserve.