Boating accidents are not uncommon on the waterways near Peru. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, substantial property damages, and other major losses. When you have been involved in these crashes, you might be wondering about the next steps.
In these cases, you have options. If someone acted in a reckless or negligent manner, they could be liable for your damages. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we can help recover possible compensation from these parties.
If you would like to learn more, contact our Peru boating accident lawyer to discuss your situation. Consultations are free.
Boating Accidents in Peru
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, there were 70 boating accidents in 2023. Unfortunately, that has led to 12 fatalities and 37 injuries.
Peru is close to many lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. The Illinois River is the major waterway in the area, but boating accidents can occur at any location. With the popular Starved Rock State Park, many people cruise on the water without being properly prepared for the trip.
Still, others completely disregard the local laws and regulations, putting everyone’s safety at risk.
There are many reasons why these incidents occur on the water. Some of the top factors include:
- Operator inattention: Distracted driving is a serious concern for vehicles, but it also holds true for boats. Using a mobile phone, conversing with passengers, or being inattentive to the surroundings can lead to accidents.
- Operator inexperience: Everyone needs to understand the basics of operating a boat before getting behind the controls. A lack of experience in handling a boat often leads to danger when navigating these vessels.
- Excessive speed: Most waterways have a posted speed limit to keep other boaters safe. Driving a boat at excessive speeds reduces the operator’s ability to react and avoid accidents.
- Alcohol and drug use: Boating under the influence of alcohol impairs the operator’s judgment and reaction time. Just like a vehicle accident with a drunk driver, these incidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.
- No lookout: All boats need an individual to act as a lookout to prevent accidents. If there is no one to watch out for hazards, it can lead to tragic incidents on the water.
- Machinery failure: Sometimes, there is a problem with the boat components, leading to an accident.
- Weather and hazardous water conditions: When on the water, boaters need to be prepared for any conditions. Sometimes, the weather can change, causing dangerous situations that could lead to an accident.
Most of these factors are tied to the reckless behavior of others. In these cases, you could be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to collect compensation from the responsible parties. Contact our Peru boating accident lawyer to find out about your case’s options.
What Types of Boats Are Involved in These Incidents?
According to the Illinois Recreational Boating Report, a boating accident occurs when a vessel’s operation, construction, seaworthiness, equipment, or machinery results in a death, missing person, personal injury, property damage, or total vessel loss.
Boating accidents involve various types of watercraft, including:
- Small personal watercraft
- Kayaks
- Motorboats
- Sailboats
No matter the type of vessel involved in the incident, one certainty is that you need to find out who is the liable party to pursue a lawsuit.
Determining liability in boating accidents can be a challenge. Many times, there are various parties who may be responsible. For example, if the operator rented the boat, the driver and the boat owner could be accountable for any injuries and damages.
Some of these parties can include:
- Boat operators can be held accountable for negligence, inexperience, and failure to comply with safety regulations.
- The manufacturer or distributor may be liable under product liability laws if the components of the arts are defective.
- Other boaters whose actions contributed to the accident could also be held responsible.
- If the boat operator is an employee and the accident occurs during work-related activities, the employer might be held accountable.
- If a third party owns the vessel and their employees neglect safety regulations, they can also be liable.
With the complexity of boating accidents, you should seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in boating accidents. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we can help you determine the next steps in your case. Reach out to us to discuss how you suffered injuries and what your rights are. Consultations with a Peru boating attorney at our law firm are complimentary.
Have You Suffered Any of These Injuries?
Boating accidents can result in a variety of injuries. While some are minor, there are some that can lead to severe injuries with long-term consequences. Some of the most common types of injuries include:
- Drowning: Individuals can be thrown in the way of a boating accident. If they don’t know how to swim or are not wearing life jackets, they can drown.
- Brain injury: This can occur due to a collision or if an individual is thrown from the boat. Brain injuries can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries.
- Whiplash: This is a common injury in boating accidents. It is often caused by sudden stops or impacts with other vessels.
- Spinal cord injury: Once again, the sudden impact of the accident can throw passengers off the boat. Unfortunately, that can lead to damage to the spinal cord and back. These injuries can cause paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
- Bone fractures: Accidents often result in falls, collisions, or being thrown against hard surfaces. Many people will suffer broken bones and dislocations.
- Soft tissue damage: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments happen when the boat collides with other objects.
- Amputations: These severe injuries can occur due to propeller accidents or during severe collisions. As a result, victims will face long-term disability.
When on the water, you need to abide by the rules. However, not everyone is safety conscious as they engage in reckless behavior. In turn, that puts everyone at risk. If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a boat crash, you have options. Contact a Peru boating accident attorney to determine your legal options.
What Compensation Is Available?
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you could be entitled to various types of compensation. Some of the most common forms of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: This covers the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments related to the boating accident.
- Future medical bills: If your injuries require ongoing medical care, you may be compensated for the estimated cost of future medical treatments.
- Lost wages and future earnings: If the boating accident caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income in the future, you could be compensated for these financial losses.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Also, it can include compensation for any decrease in the quality of life resulting from the boating accident.
Unfortunately, some of these accidents can lead to fatalities. If you lost a loved one to a boating accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Illinois Boating Laws Regarding Personal Injury Lawsuits
The Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act governs boating accidents in the state. For example, if a boating accident results in the loss of life, injury requiring more than first aid, or total property damage of $2,000 or more, it must be reported.
Additionally, Illinois has strict laws regarding boating under the influence. These regulations prohibit anyone in control of a watercraft from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits and wrongful deaths, legal actions must be taken within two years from the date of the accident. These statutes of limitations limit the time you have to file a lawsuit. If you fail to abide by this deadline, you could lose out on compensation.
Let Us Assist with Your Boating Accident Case
Have you been injured or lost a loved one due to the boat crash? You have legal options. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. From filing the initial paperwork to negotiating a settlement, we will work hard to ensure you get the legal help needed for your claim.
If you would like to learn more, make sure to schedule a consultation. Contact our law firm to set up an appointment with our Peru boating accident lawyer today.
