Boating Accident

As the mercury rises, Illinois residents are eagerly awaiting warmer temperatures and planning what fun summer activities to do under the sun. Recreational boating is a popular and enjoyable way to spend time on the state’s beautiful rivers and lakes, but boating safety is essential and it is imperative for boaters to remember basic safety tips. According to 2003 data from the United States Coast Guard, of the nearly 13 million registered boats, 5,438 boating accidents were reported, which caused 703 fatalities, 3,888 injuries, and more than $40 million in property damage.

There are a number of things that may cause an IL boating accident, but understanding some of the more common causes can help you avoid a dangerous mishap on the water. Here are some of the factors that commonly cause a high seas accident:

1. Alcohol: More than one-third of all boating accidents involve a driver who is under the influence. In addition to being dangerous, all states penalize boaters who are under the influence and a person may face hefty fines or imprisonment.
2. Boater inexperience: Boating accidents are very likely to occur when an inexperienced boater encounters conditions that are dangerous or unfamiliar. Boating safety classes can help novice boaters understand their boat and the necessary safety rules to follow.
3. Inclement weather: Severe weather can absolutely cause a boating accident. Examples of severe weather include strong winds, heavy rains, sunlight (which can cause heat exhaustion), or lightning (which can electrocute passengers).
4. Carbon monoxide: A boat’s engine can produce carbon monoxide which can cause death or serious illness if those on board are exposed to a high enough concentration.

The Chicago boating accident attorneys of the Bradley Law Firm hope everyone has a safe and fun-filled summer! If you are, unfortunately, injured in a boating accident, our experienced legal team can help you obtain compensation for your injuries and losses. Call (312) 252-1488 to speak with us about your case.

Summer will be officially over in about a month and many Illinois boaters will be taking their boats out to make the most of the time they have left, although if the heat wave continues, boaters will be able to go out in November. Regardless of what month it is, however, boaters need to be aware of more than just impaired operators out on the water.

Boats, jet-skis, and other water crafts are motor vehicles that are produced by boat manufacturing companies and, like with auto manufacturers and cars, sometimes the vessel is made with the poor quality, not assembled properly, or made with defective parts. Boat and jet ski defects can be just as dangerous as an impaired boater as they too increase the risk of a boating or jet ski accident in Illinois.

There were 4,604 recreational boating accidents in 2010, according to U.S. Coast Guard. Of these, 366 were caused by boat or boat equipment failure, and caused 20 deaths and 108 injuries. Of the 366 defective boat accidents, 49 were caused by hull failure or failure of the structural body of the vessel, 60 were caused by equipment failures, and 257 were caused by machinery failures.

Boat and jet ski manufacturers have a duty to produce safe recreational watercraft, especially with the knowledge that boating accidents can be more dangerous that auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois recreational boating or jet ski accident as the result of defective boat equipment or machinery, the skilled product liability lawyers in Chicago at The Bradley Law Firm may be able to help. Call us today for a free confidential consultation and to find out more about your legal options at 312-252-1488.

The Fourth of July holiday is a very social time, when families and friends take their boats out onto Illinois waterways for food and fun. Some celebrations this year got carried away, however.

According to KWQC.com, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) patrols issued more than 1,200 warnings and citations to boaters across the state over the holiday weekend, starting on July 1st. There were 519 citations, 776 written warnings, and 25 operating under the influence (OUI) arrests. Additionally, conservation officers investigated 14 Illinois boating accidents.

As the weather becomes even hotter, it is important to remember that boating accidents in Illinois not only ruin summer fun, but can also cause devastating injuries and fatalities. It is important to keep in mind that being on the water takes its toll even without the influence of alcohol or drugs. The combination of sun, heat, wind, and constant water movement causes fatigue and affects a boater’s reaction and decision making ability. If the boater has been drinking alcoholic beverages or has taken any type of drug, it affects the boater even more.

Operating under the influence (OUI) is illegal in Illinois. Boating with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent is much more dangerous than driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent. Without brakes, a boat can do more damage, and being surrounded by water increases the risk of drowning, especially if the vessel is not carrying its required personal flotation devices.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois boating accident caused by an impaired boat operator, the experienced boating accident lawyers in Chicago at The Bradley Law Firm can help you hold the at-fault party civilly liable for the damages caused by their negligence. Call us today for a free confidential consultation to learn more about your legal options at 312-252-1488.

As the official summer season kicks off, many people will be spending time at the pool, relaxing at the beach, and taking boating trips with friends and family. Boating can be a lot of fun, but it also has the potential for ruining your summer festivities. Boating under the influence (BUI) has become a nationally recognized issue and is even considered more dangerous than driving under the influence (DUI).

In 2010, there were 330 boating accidents that involved alcohol-use, which resulted in 126 fatalities and 293 injuries, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The conditions “on the water,” such as sun, wind, and vessel movement and balance, increase the boater’s level of impairment, increasing the risk of an boating accident. Without brakes, these accidents can easily turn deadly. This is why the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the states, and additional organizations organized Operation Dry Water.

Operation Dry Water is a national effort to educate the public about the dangers of BUI, as well as an enforcement campaign that targets BUI during the weekend before the 4th of July; this weekend. There will be increased marine patrols and sobriety testing. Marine law enforcement will not only administer breathalyzer and blood tests, but will also perform newly standardized “seated” tests, that allows law enforcement to determine the probability of a 0.08 BAC without requiring the boater to stand on unstable surfaces. Any person determined to be BUI will suffer the following consequences:

• The boat trip will be terminated;
• The operator may be arrested and fined and/or imprisoned;
• The boat may be impounded; and
• The operator may lose boating privileges, and possibly even driving privileges.

Many people are injured, and many others killed because a boating operator did not fulfill their legal responsibility to stay sober during their boat trip. If you or loved one has been injured in an Illinois boating accident caused by a person who was BUI, the experienced Chicago boating accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm can help you and your family hold the at-fault parties accountable for the financial and emotional losses and damages you have suffered as a result of their negligence. Call us today at 312-252-1488 for a free consultation.

Now that summer is on its way, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police want to remind Illinois boaters to stay safe on lakes, rivers, and other waterways by wearing life-jackets and staying sober, especially during National Safe Boating Week this week. Illinois will be observing and focusing on the national water and boat safety campaign, entitled “Wear It,” which encourages boat operators and passengers to wear a life jacket.

According to statistics compiled by the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement, there were 102 Illinois boating accidents in 2010, which resulted in 16 fatalities and 73 injuries. There were also 102 boating accidents in Illinois in 2009; however, those accidents resulted in 25 fatalities and 71 injuries. These injuries and fatalities may have been prevented if more boaters wore life jackets and stayed sober.

The Illinois Conservation Police make it a point to perform regular boat safety inspections and patrols, knowing the importance of having life jackets and other safety gear aboard a boat or other watercraft. The IDNR Law Enforcement Chief noted that, every year, they rescue boaters who were involved in accidents and who only survived because they were wearing a life jacket.

According to Illinois law, each person aboard a boat or other watercraft must have a life jacket or vest available to them. For those who are 13-years-old or younger, wearing a life jacket while aboard is required aboard any watercraft that is under 26-feet long and especially when it is in motion. In addition to enforcing life jacket laws, the Illinois Conservation Police officers (CPO) also strictly enforce operating under the influence (OUI) laws. Boating while impaired is just as dangerous as driving while impaired. Dozens of Illinois OUI arrests are made each boating season. The IDNR provides free boating safety classes that cover Illinois boating laws and regulations as well as safe boating practices.

Boating accidents are predominantly caused by inexperience, inattention, alcohol use, carelessness, or recklessness. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Illinois boating accident caused by the negligence of another, the experienced Chicago boat accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options. To speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys about your case, please contact us at 312-252-1488 for a free consultation.