Our boating accident lawyers in Schiller Park help clients pursue claims involving recreational boats, jet skis, and other personal watercraft.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have served injured clients since 2002 and bring 75 years of combined legal experience to personal injury cases. We take a hands-on approach, keep clients informed, and use our insurance-side insight to deal with insurers on your behalf.
Speak with a Schiller Park personal injury lawyer from our firm to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boat and jet ski operators must use reasonable care around passengers, swimmers, and other watercraft. Careless operation can cause collisions, ejections, falls, and other serious injuries.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
- Operating at an unsafe speed.
- Failing to keep a proper lookout.
- Distracted boat operation.
- Operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Making unsafe turns or passing maneuvers.
- Creating a dangerous wake.
- Allowing an inexperienced or unsafe person to operate the watercraft.
- Failing to maintain or inspect rental watercraft when required.
Illinois law prohibits careless watercraft operation that endangers people or property, as well as operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs.
Injuries Caused by Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
Watercraft accidents can expose riders and passengers to several sources of injury at once. A person may strike the boat, hit the water at high speed, become caught near a propeller, or suffer injuries while being thrown from a jet ski.
Our Schiller Park boating accident attorneys handle claims involving injuries such as:
- Broken bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and back injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Deep cuts and lacerations.
- Propeller injuries.
- Internal injuries.
- Near-drowning injuries.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
We use medical records and other documentation to show how the accident affected your treatment, ability to work, and daily activities.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Boating Accident?
Responsibility depends on who caused the accident and what role each person or business played.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
A Negligent Boat or Jet Ski Operator
An operator may be liable for speeding, failing to watch for other watercraft, operating while impaired, or taking other unsafe actions.
A Watercraft Owner
An owner may face liability in certain circumstances, including cases involving negligent use or allowing someone to operate the watercraft when doing so was unsafe.
A Boat or Jet Ski Rental Company
A rental business may be responsible in some situations involving its own negligent conduct, such as failing to maintain the watercraft or address a known unsafe condition.
Another Negligent Party
Some accidents involve more than one person whose actions contributed to the injury. Our boating accident lawyers serving Schiller Park can investigate the available evidence and determine which parties may be legally responsible.
How Our Schiller Park Boating Accident Lawyers Prove Negligence
A boating accident claim generally requires evidence showing that another party failed to use reasonable care and that this conduct caused your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, we may use:
- Photographs and videos.
- Statements from passengers and other witnesses.
- Law enforcement or boating accident reports.
- Medical records.
- Rental agreements.
- Maintenance and inspection records.
- Operator information.
- Toxicology results when impairment is suspected.
- Electronic or GPS data when available and relevant.
We also review the applicable boating rules and the actions of everyone involved before determining how to pursue the claim.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Share Fault?
An insurer may argue that you contributed to the accident by distracting the operator, failing to follow instructions, or taking some other action before the incident.
For negligence claims governed by Illinois comparative fault law, you can generally recover damages if you are 50% or less responsible, although your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover damages.
The rules can differ when federal maritime law governs an accident, which is one reason we look at where and how the incident occurred before evaluating liability.
Compensation in a Boating Accident Claim
The compensation available depends on the extent of your injuries, your financial losses, and the law that applies to the accident.
A claim may include compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Rehabilitation expenses.
- Pain and suffering.
- Disability.
- Disfigurement.
- Property damage when applicable.
When a boating accident results in death, qualifying family members may also have a wrongful death claim.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Boating Accident
Boating claims can involve different types of insurance depending on who owned the watercraft and where the accident occurred. An insurer may dispute fault, question whether an injury came from the accident, or offer a settlement before treatment is complete.
Founding attorney Charlie Therman previously worked on the insurance side at Allstate. That experience gives our firm insight into how insurers evaluate injury claims and approach settlement negotiations.
Our boating accident attorneys in Schiller Park can handle insurer communications, document your losses, review settlement offers, and respond to arguments that unfairly reduce the value of your claim.
Why Choose Charlie for a Boating Accident Claim?
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we combine substantial personal injury experience with the individual attention of a boutique firm. We understand that you want answers, consistent communication, and a lawyer who treats your claim personally.
When you work with us, you can expect:
- 75 years of combined legal experience.
- More than $100 million recovered for injured clients.
- Personal attention throughout your claim.
- Responsive communication from our team.
- Insight informed by Charlie Therman’s prior experience with Allstate.
- Free consultations.
- Contingency-fee representation.
- Zoom consultations when convenient.
- Help connecting with medical providers who may accept patients on liens when appropriate.
Our goal is to prepare a well-supported claim and pursue compensation based on the full effect the accident has had on you.
Talk to a Boating Accident Attorney in Schiller Park
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., to schedule a free consultation with our boating accident lawyers in Schiller Park. We can identify your legal options and explain how we may help pursue compensation for your injuries.
