Champaign Boat Accident Lawyer
While not close to the ocean, people in central Illinois still have fun on the water in many of Illinois’ rivers and lakes. Boating is a common activity in the summer months, and there are thousands of boats registered in Illinois every year. However, what starts as a fun day on the water can quickly turn to tragedy when a boating accident occurs. Victims of boating accidents can suffer serious and permanent injuries, and those responsible deserve to be held accountable for their actions. The experienced boating accident lawyers at Patel Law, P.C. are here to zealously advocate for your legal needs if you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Illinois. Call the office or contact us today in Champaign to schedule a free evaluation of your claims.
What Causes Boating Accidents?
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2018 there were 67 boating accidents in Illinois that caused 17 deaths. There are many causes of boating accidents, but the most cited causes of these accidents include:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Machinery failure
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Force of wake or wave, and
- Weather
These causes led to boating accidents involving collisions with another boat, collisions with fixed objects, flooding, grounding, falls overboard, and fires and explosions. Boating accidents cause serious, and many instances fatal, injuries for victims involved. Regardless of the cause, you need an expert in boating accident cases representing your interests after an accident.
Boating Accident Injuries
Injuries caused by boating accidents can range from mild lacerations to severe trauma that requires continuous, life-long care. Some victims of boating accidents recover while others are left permanently disabled from their injuries. The most common injuries cited after boating accidents include the following:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Face injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Respiratory injuries
- Near-drowning injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Amputated limbs
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ injuries
- Paralysis
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Death
All injuries caused by boating accidents deserve to be compensated, and at Patel Law we hold those responsible for these terrible accidents accountable for their negligent or reckless actions while on the water.
What is the Value of My Boat Accident Claim?
Compensation for boating accident injuries is based on the amount of economic and noneconomic damages sustained by the victim. Economic damages refers to the out-of-pocket costs for the victim, including medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, and the loss of future income and benefits. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Currently, there is no cap on the amount of noneconomic damages that the victim of a boating accident can receive in Illinois.
In fatal boating accidents, the family of the victim may also seek compensation for wrongful death. Damages for wrongful death include payment for all final medical bills related to the accident, funeral and burial costs, and compensation for the loss of love, support, guidance, and companionship of the victim.
However, it is important to note that Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule when determining the final compensation for victims in boating accidents and other personal injury claims. Under the modified comparative fault rule, the court determines the degree of fault for every person involved in the accident and reduces their overall award by that percentage, but if a person is found 50% or more at fault for the accident they are not allowed to recover anything for their damages. For example, if a boating accident victim suffered $100,000 in damages and was found 25% at fault, the overall award would be reduced to $75,000, but if the same person was found 70% at fault, then he or she would not be given any compensation for injuries incurred.
Why You Need a Boating Accident Lawyer
Rehabilitation after boating accident injuries can be a long and arduous process. The last thing you want to do is also manage your legal case. When you hire an experienced boat accident lawyer to represent your case, you can rest assured that your legal needs are taken care of. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies and argue for a fair settlement of your claims. If the insurers are unreasonable, your attorney can take your case to trial all while you focus on what is most important — your recovery.
Talk to Patel Law Now
If you would like to speak with an expert in boating accidents in Illinois, call or contact Patel Law, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation.
