Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer
847-380-3309 or 312-380-5467
There are many reasons boating accidents may occur, from operating a speed boat on Lake Michigan while drinking alcohol (BUI/drunk boating) to defective boat equipment.
Whether your boat accident was caused by operator error, defective equipment, improper maintenance, we can help you obtain the fair and just compensation you deserve.
We have the team of investigators and experts to discover the cause of the accident and the identities of the parties involved.
Issues Related To Boat Accidents
An important issue in determining liability in a boating accident is whether or not the claim would be subject to admiralty jurisdiction. This issue is determined by whether the body of water upon where the accident occurred constitutes navigable water. Navigable water, for purposes of admiralty jurisdiction, applies when the water, by itself or uniting with other waters, provides a continued highway over which commerce is or may be carried on with other states or foreign countries in the customary mode in which commerce is conducted by water. If the boat involved carries passengers for hire, it is considered a "common carrier" and is, therefore, subject to liability if they do not exercise the highest degree of care.
The operator of a watercraft is liable if they fail to observe and operate the watercraft using ordinary care. Additionally, an operator operating a boat or other watercraft under the influence of alcohol could be liable with punitive damages for recklessness. The owner of any watercraft or boat may be liable if they knowingly permit watercraft to be operated by someone who they reasonably know is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination therefore. The operator of a boat or watercraft must be knowledgeable in the use of the watercraft and failure to be sufficiently knowledgeable in this operation could make the operator and/or owner liable for someone who is injured as a result of the failure to understand the properties of operating the boat or watercraft. If the failure results in a boating collision resulting in injury or death, the operator and/or owner may be liable.
Contact Us
Please contact me immediately regarding your boating injury.
Contact us to arrange a free confidential consultation. Chicago, Illinois, airplane and boating accident attorney Joseph Klest can put over twenty-four years of legal experience to work for you. Call us toll free at 847-380-3309 or 312-380-5467, e-mail us, visit us at the offices located throughout Chicagoland, or fill out the intake form on the Contact Us page.
