Waukegan Boating Accident Lawyer
Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Waukegan, Illinois, is a popular destination for boating, with Waukegan Harbor and Waukegan Beach attracting both locals and tourists throughout the year. However, with increased boating activity comes a higher risk of accidents on the water–many of which are caused by carelessness, inexperience, or poor decision-making. If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident caused by negligence or recklessness you may be entitled to compensation. A Waukegan boating accident lawyer from Lerner and Rowe can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you seek the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Schedule a free case consultation today with our Waukegan personal injury attorneys by calling 708-222-2222.

Common Causes of Waukegan Boating Accidents
Some of the most frequent causes of boating accidents in the Waukegan area include:
- Distraction
- Operator inexperience
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Speeding and other reckless behaviors
- Collisions with fixed objects or other boats
- Poor visibility
- Navigational errors
- Defective equipment
- Inclement weather conditions
- Hazardous water conditions
- Fires or explosions
Many boat accidents can be attributed to negligence or recklessness and are often preventable. A Waukegan boating accident lawyer can review the details of your case and determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Steps to Take after an Illinois Boat Crash
After a boat accident in Waukegan, there are several things you need to do, along with checking for injuries and calling 911:
- Report the accident to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
- Legally, you have to report the accident under the following circumstances within 48 hours if the accident involves:
- A fatality
- A missing person
- An injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
- If the accident causes $2,000 or more in property damage, it must be reported in 5 days
If you fail to report the accident within those timeframes, you might face 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
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Get the operator or owner’s name and their insurance information if another boat is involved in the crash
If you’re involved in a boating accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible and keep all medical records, report the incident to your insurance provider, and contact a Waukegan boating accident lawyer to explore your legal options.
A Waukegan Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help You Win Maximum Compensation
If you were injured in a boating accident in Waukegan, Illinois, the experienced legal team at Lerner and Rowe is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Depending on the details of your case–such as the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and the overall impact on your life–you may be eligible to recover compensation, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Along with that compensation, if you lost a loved one in a boating accident, you may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. This covers funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages. Our Waukegan boating accident lawyers are prepared to stand up to insurance companies that try to delay, deny, or underpay your claim. We’ll negotiate aggressively on your behalf and take your case to court if needed.
Contact a Waukegan Boating Accident Lawyer Today
A boating accident can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a life-changing ordeal. A Waukegan boating accident attorney from our team will provide compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation to help you move forward.
We offer 24/7 availability and clear, consistent communication throughout your case. And with our “No Fee Promise,” you don’t pay us anything unless we win for you.
Call us now at 708-222-2222, start a LiveChat, or fill out our website’s case review form.