Joliet Boating Accident Lawyer
Joliet, Illinois, is home to many lakes and waterways popular for boating, including Rock Run Rookery and the Des Plaines River. Joliet’s proximity to these boating hotspots means there is an increased likelihood of accidents on the water. If you or a loved one have been injured in such an accident due negligence or recklessness, a Joliet boating accident lawyer from Lerner and Rowe can review the details of your case and determine if you are eligible to receive compensation for your losses.
To schedule your free case consultation, with our Joliet personal injury lawyers, call 708-222-2222.
Steps to Take After an Illinois Boat Accident
After a boat accident in Joliet, there are several important steps you need to take:
- Check for injuries as well as:
- Assist anyone in getting out of the water
- Make use of life jackets, flotation devices, or throw ropes if necessary
- Safely abandon ship if your boat is sinking
- Use anchor lines if necessary to avoid drifting into hazardous areas
- Turn off the boat engine
- Report the spill if fuel or oil is leaking
- Call 911 and report the accident and alert the dispatcher of any injuries
- Report the accident to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) within the timeframes listed below and complete the required forms. This is required by law if the boat accident:
- Results in death or disappearance (must be reported within 48 hours)
- Involves an injury requiring medical attention beyond first aid (must be reported within 48 hours)
- Causes $2,000 or more in property damage (must be reported within five days)
- Failing to report an accident when required by law can result in penalties, including fines and criminal charges
- Document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of any injuries, the accident scene, the boat, property damage, any contributing factors like weather, water traffic, or hazard
- Gather any witness information
- Write down the time, date, location, weather conditions, and any relevant observations
- If another boat is involved, get the operator or owner’s name, and their insurance information
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible and keep all medical records
- Report the accident to your insurance provider
- Contact a Joliet boating accident lawyer to explore your legal options
Common Causes of Boating Accidents Near Joliet
Boating accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which involve operator negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distraction
- Operator inexperience
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Speeding
- Collisions with fixed objects or other boats
- Defective equipment
- Navigational errors
- Inclement weather conditions
- Hazardous water conditions
- Capsizing or sinking
- Fires or explosions
As long as another’s negligent or reckless actions contributed to your boating accident, a Joliet boating accident lawyer can help you determine you have a valid personal injury claim and seek justice and compensation.
A Joliet Boating Accident Lawyer Can Win Compensation on Your Behalf
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Joliet, Illinois, one of our boating accident lawyers can help you pursue various types of damages. The compensation you may be entitled to depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and who was at fault. Here are the types of compensation you might recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses that cover past and future bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or performing your job duties
- Loss of consortium
- Reimbursement for damage to your boat, personal belongings, or other property caused by the accident
- Wrongful death benefits, if you lost a loved one in a boat accident
- If the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future
With Lerner and Rowe on your side, you won’t have to face handling an injury claim alone. Our attorneys are prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies that often try to deny claims and take your case to court if necessary.
Contact a Joliet Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me
A boating accident can turn a day of fun into a life-altering event, leaving victims with serious injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, a Joliet boat accident lawyer will provide the support and aggressive representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
With a proven track record of success and billions recovered nationwide, we are committed to fighting for our clients. Plus, with our “no win, no fee” policy, you don’t pay unless we win your case. We also offer 24/7 support to all of our clients.
Call our Joliet boat accident lawyers today at 708-222-2222, or connect with us through our website’s LiveChat feature, or submit an online case review form.