Situated along the southernmost part of Lake Michigan, Waukegan is one of several Illinois cities known for its recreational and commercial boating. While exciting, frequent watercraft activity increases the risk of accidents caused by negligence, potentially causing serious harm to multiple people, including the boat operators themselves.
If you were recently injured in a boating collision or another accident caused by one’s negligence on the water, you might have grounds for legal action. A Waukegan boat accident lawyer could provide invaluable support in effectively pursuing your claim. With help from a capable and bilingual personal injury attorney, your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for accident-related damages could significantly improve compared to filing a suit on your own.
Much like with an automobile accident on land, there are specific legal steps you must take after sustaining injuries in a boating accident. Completing these actions can help you avoid facing serious legal consequences. For example, if you are involved in a boat accident that results in at least $2,000 in property damage, any injury requiring professional medical care, and/or any disappearance or death, you must fill out and send a Boating Accident Report to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
If you meet the criteria listed above, you must also notify local law enforcement or the Illinois Conservation Police about the accident so they can begin conducting an investigation. Guidance from a seasoned Waukegan attorney specializing in boat injury could be key to understanding and complying with all these procedural requirements. An experienced lawyer from Schlack & Bassmaji could also help you gather, preserve, and effectively present evidence to prove that another individual was legally at fault for the incident that caused your injury.
Everyone operating a watercraft in navigable waters has a “duty of care” to act lawfully and responsibly at all times, similar to the duty motor vehicle drivers have to obey traffic laws and pay attention when driving. Violating this duty—for instance, by boating under the influence of alcohol or speeding in a no-wake zone—and causing a collision that leads to significant injury constitutes legal negligence. In such a case, the negligent party can be held financially liable for crash-related losses.
Individuals injured in boating accidents may sometimes be found partially responsible for their injuries due to their own negligent behavior. If so, a court might assign them a percentage of “comparative fault,” leading to a reduction in the compensation available through their civil claim or a complete claim dismissal. A skilled lawyer could help you determine liability following a boat accident in Waukegan.
Being involved in a boating accident can be a uniquely frightening and potentially life-threatening experience. You deserve fair compensation for any harm you suffered due to someone else’s misconduct. Unfortunately, effectively seeking civil restitution after this kind of incident can be challenging, especially without the support of trustworthy legal counsel.
A qualified Waukegan boat accident lawyer could be the steadfast ally you need to achieve the positive case result you want. Call Schlack & Bassmaji today to learn more.
