Tough Advocacy by Chicago Boat Accident Lawyers for Injury Victims
Holding the responsible parties liable when their negligence causes a boat to tip over or crash in an Illinois body of water
Boating accidents have many similarities, but also key differences, to motor vehicle accidents. The rules of operation are much different for boats than vehicles because there are no lanes of traffic. Boating accidents are bound by maritime law instead of traditional state and federal motor vehicle laws. Many accidents happen because the operator does not understand the rules of the waterway and does not have the proper training to handle a boat — especially in an emergency.
The Chicago boat accident attorneys at Gainsberg Law help clients navigate the complexities of Illinois and federal boating laws. We understand what acts or omissions constitute negligence, what safety measures should be in place before the boat even begins to travel the sea, a pond, a lake, or any type of waterway. Our legal team understands how to prove how the boating accident happened.
Types of boats that get into accidents
At Gainsberg Law, our Chicago boat accident lawyers handle boating accidents that involve:
- Yachts
- Cabin cruisers
- Jet skis
- Runabouts
- Sailboats
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Ships
- Ferries
We also represent boat passengers and pedestrians who were injured by an airboat, a tender boat, or other types of boats.
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Why boating accidents happen
Some of the many reasons why boating accidents happen include:
- Ejections due to operating the boat at an unsafe speed or handling a turn too fast
- Not understanding the boat navigation rules
- Not following the boat navigation rules
- Improper management of waves
- Accidents with other boats
- Boats that malfunction due to poor design or bad workmanship
- Striking a stationary object
- Failing to operate near bridges correctly
- Drunkenness
- Too many people on the boat
- An inability to handle poor weather
- Failure to make sure the people on the boat are instructed to wear life jackets
Our lawyers normally seek to hold the owners and the operators of the boat responsible. In cases of faulty design, we also seek to show the manufacturers and sellers of the faulty products are held responsible.
Additionally, we understand that those who are injured while working on a boat may have a separate claim for work injuries under the Federal Jones Act. The act mainly applies to commercial boats.
Get help from a Chicago boat accident attorney for your injuries
The Chicago boat accident lawyers at Gainsberg Law work to get injured victims compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand that victims may suffer hypothermia, may drown, and may suffer broken bones, muscle damage, and other types of injuries. To find out if you have a case, please call our office at 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment. We’re ready to help you get justice.