Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents are traumatic events that occur when vessels collide, capsize, hit fixed objects, or experience mechanical failures on waterways, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These incidents on Lake Michigan and Chicago’s rivers can leave victims dealing with life-altering injuries, potentially entitling them to compensation.

At Cooney & Conway, our experienced boating accident attorneys have successfully represented injured victims throughout Chicago for over 60 years, recovering billions in compensation for our clients. Our dedicated legal team understands the complex maritime and personal injury laws that apply to your case and will fight relentlessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call (800) 322-5573 for a free initial consultation

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Boat Accident Case?

You likely have a valid boat accident case if someone else’s negligence directly caused your injuries and resulted in significant damages. Important factors to consider when opening a claim include:

• Another boater violating navigation rules
• Operating a boat while intoxicated
• Speeding in no-wake zones
• Boat owners fail to maintain their vessels properly or provide necessary safety equipment.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Boat Accident in Chicago?

The compensation you can recover for a Chicago boat accident is based on your economic and non-economic damages sustained from the accident. These factors depend largely on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Long-term medical care requirements
• Impact on your ability to work
• Insurance policy limits
• Verdict through settlement negotiation or trial
• Punitive Damages for gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable for Illinois Boat Accident Injuries?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for boating accidents in Illinois. Identifying all potentially liable entities is crucial for maximizing your compensation after an injury on the water.

Boat Operators

Boat operators can be held liable when their negligent actions cause accidents. These include operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, excessive speeding, violating navigation rules, distracted boating, or failing to maintain a proper lookout for hazards or other vessels.

Boat Owners

Boat owners in Illinois may be held responsible under the law if they negligently entrust their boat to an inexperienced, unlicensed, or intoxicated operator. They can also be liable if they fail to properly maintain the vessel in a seaworthy condition despite knowing about dangerous defects.

Rental Companies

Boat rental businesses face liability when they rent to unqualified individuals, fail to provide proper safety instructions, or neglect to maintain their fleet in safe operating condition. This includes unknowingly renting vessels with mechanical problems or missing safety equipment required by Illinois law.

Manufacturers and Retailers

Companies that design, manufacture, or sell boats and boating equipment can be held responsible through product liability claims when defective boats, engines, life jackets, or other equipment malfunction and cause injuries despite being used as intended.

Other Boaters

Third-party boaters not directly involved in your collision may still bear partial liability if their actions contributed to the accident. Examples include creating excessive wake in no-wake zones or engaging in unsafe maneuvering that force evasive actions.

What Are Some of the Causes of Boat Accidents?

Boat accidents in Chicago waters occur due to various preventable factors, often involving negligence, poor judgment, or environmental conditions that create hazardous situations on the water.

• Operator Inattention:
• Alcohol or Drug Use:
• Excessive Speed:
• Operator Inexperience:
• Mechanical Failures:
• Hazardous Water Conditions:
• Navigation Rule Violations:
• Overcrowding or Improper Loading
• Carbon Monoxide Exposure
• Hitting Submerged Objects

What Are Common Injuries in Boat Accidents?

Boat accidents frequently cause traumatic injuries ranging from moderate to catastrophic due to the unique hazards of water environments, moving vessels, and exposed passengers including:

• Propeller Lacerations and Amputations
• Concussions/Other Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Drowning and Near-Drowning:
• Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
• Burns
• Hypothermia
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Psychological Trauma

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Boat Accidents

In Illinois, boat accident victims typically have two years from the incident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against responsible parties, as established by the state’s standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This strict timeline makes prompt action essential, as failing to file within this two-year window may result in your claim being permanently barred, regardless of how severe your injuries or clear the liability may be.

However, certain exceptions may apply that can modify this time, including:

• Cases involving minors: The statute may be tolled until they reach 18 years of age, giving them more time to pursue claims
• Government-owned vessels: These incidents may have much shorter notice requirements, sometimes as little as one year to file proper notification
• Federal maritime jurisdiction: Accidents occurring on navigable waters may be subject to different time limitations under federal maritime law 
• Discovery rule exceptions: In rare cases where injuries were not immediately apparent, the clock may start when you discovered or should have discovered the injury

The complexity of collecting evidence, conducting thorough investigations, and negotiating with insurance companies means waiting until near the deadline creates significant risks to your case’s success and potential compensation.

Evidence Needed to Support Chicago Boat Accident Claims

Building a strong boat accident claim requires thorough documentation of the incident, your injuries, and the responsible parties’ negligence to establish liability and maximize your potential compensation.

• Accident Reports
• Operator Credentials
• Photographs and Videos
• Witness Statements
• Medical Records
• Expert Testimony

What Steps Should I Take First After a Boat Accident?

Taking immediate and appropriate actions following a Chicago boating accident can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your potential legal claim for compensation.

Ensure Safety First

If possible, move to a safe location, account for all passengers, perform first aid for injuries, and immediately call 911 or use VHF channel 16 to request emergency assistance from the Coast Guard or other rescue personnel.

Seek Medical Attention

Receive a thorough medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, as some serious conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but could worsen without proper treatment.

Report the Accident

File an official report with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard if the accident involved death, significant injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000, ensuring accurate details without admitting fault.

Document Everything

Collect contact and insurance information from all boat operators involved, photograph vessel damage, the accident scene, weather conditions, visible injuries, and take notes about what happened while your memory is fresh.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the incident to your insurance provider promptly, but provide only basic facts, as statements made could potentially be used against you during the claims process.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Avoid making statements about who was responsible, apologizing, or speculating about causes with other parties, witnesses, or on social media, as these communications may later undermine your claim.

Contact a Boat Accident Attorney

Consult with Cooney & Conway’s experienced boating accident lawyers before speaking with any insurance adjusters to protect your rights and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Why You Need Specialized Legal Guidance After a Boat Accident

Chicago boating accidents require specialized legal expertise due to the complex intersection of state laws, federal maritime regulations, and unique challenges that do not exist in typical vehicle accident cases.

• Unique Jurisdictional Complexities: Boating accidents may fall under state law, federal maritime law, or both, depending on where the accident occurred and what activities were involved
• Technical Investigation Requirements: Proper evidence collection often requires specialized knowledge of vessel operations, navigation rules, and marine safety standards
• Multiple Potential Defendants: Cases frequently involve several liable parties, including boat operators, owners, rental companies, manufacturers, and maintenance providers
• Maritime Insurance Challenges: Specialized policies with unique exclusions and coverage limitations require experienced interpretation
• Short Reporting Deadlines: Boating incidents have strict and accelerated reporting requirements to authorities that differ from road accidents
• Different Liability Standards: Maritime law often applies different standards of care and liability than typical personal injury cases
• Complex Damage Calculations: Properly valuing unique damages like lost maritime earnings, vessel repair/replacement, and maritime-specific injuries
• Limited Evidence Preservation – Evidence important to your case can quickly disappear underwater or be altered by weather, water conditions, or salvage operations
• Recreational Immunity Defenses – Special legal defenses related to assumption of risk in recreational activities may apply
• Specialized settlement negotiation – Experience with maritime insurance adjusters who handle these specialized claims differently than auto accident adjusters

Injured In a Chicago Boating Accident? Contact Our Trusted Law Firm Today

Boating accidents on Chicago waterways can cause catastrophic injuries and significant financial burdens for victims and their families. When marine negligence causes harm, Illinois law provides pathways to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Cooney & Conway, our experienced Chicago boating accident attorneys have secured billions in compensation for injured victims throughout Illinois. We handle every aspect of your case. From thorough investigation to aggressive negotiation with insurance companies. Focus on recovery without the stress of fees and costs. You pay no upfront costs unless we secure favorable compensation on your behalf. Billions recovered for our clients. Call: (800) 322-5573 today