Illinois is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers. People come from all over to enjoy water activities around the Aurora area and on the Fox River. Unfortunately, the water can be dangerous when boaters do not follow safety guidelines. Boat crashes cause devastating injuries to passengers and other boaters. While boat drivers must take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others on the water, they do not always follow these rules.
When you are hurt in a watercraft crash, you have legal options. An Aurora boat accident lawyer could help you file a claim against another boater for their negligence. A successful lawsuit or settlement could reimburse you for medical care, lost income, mental suffering, or property damage to your vessel. Contact our dedicated injury attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to discuss a potential claim or learn more about the State’s boating laws.
What Qualifies as a Boat Crash?
A boating accident is any collision involving a watercraft, such as a ship, boat, yacht, kayak, canoe, or jet ski. Sometimes, boat accidents involve swimmers who are injured by a passing vessel. Boating is relatively safe when boaters take appropriate safety precautions. Sadly, operator negligence is a leading cause of watercraft collisions. When boaters lack proper training, face distractions, consume drugs or alcohol, or operate their vessel recklessly, the outcome could be tragic.
In addition to collisions with other vessels, boat accidents sometimes involve passenger injuries. For example, a boat owner could be liable for injuries their passengers sustain from a slip and fall, lack of safety equipment, or negligent watercraft maintenance. Similarly, a collision on the water could result from a defective boat part, making the manufacturer liable. When you are injured in a vessel accident that was not your fault, discuss your potential claim with a skilled attorney in Aurora.
Recoverable Compensation for Boat Accident Injuries
The first step in pursuing compensation after a boat wreck is determining how it occurred. Once your Aurora lawyer establishes the defendant’s liability, you can seek damages through a boat crash claim. Common injuries in boat accident cases include anything from minor cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries like head trauma, broken bones, or spinal cord damage. After a vessel crash, seeking medical care to treat your injuries is crucial to your health and the success of your claim.
While no amount of money can reverse the physical and emotional pain of such a tragic accident, a settlement could reimburse you for your injuries and other losses from the crash. The compensation you can recover depends on the nature of the injury, the cause of the crash, and who caused it. Sometimes, the at-fault party or their insurance company will offer you a settlement. Before accepting the offer, call a legal representative to review your case.
Contact a Capable Boat Accident Attorney in Aurora
Many things can go wrong when there is an emergency on the water. Boat accidents often leave victims with serious or fatal injuries. When you are injured in a watercraft crash, you need the help of a seasoned attorney. When you retain one of our legal representatives to handle your case, we could advise you of your legal options, negotiate with insurers, and represent your interests in a lawsuit.
Working with us could alleviate some of the stress of the accident so that you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about medical bills, time out of work, and property damage to your vessel. Contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to schedule your meeting.