Boat Company Sued for Boating Accident

 Posted on December 29, 2014 in Personal Injury

Over 100 boating accidents occurred in Illinois in 2013, which led to the deaths of 14 individuals. As a result, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has increased its enforcement of laws regulating on-the-water safety. However, no matter how diligent boat drivers are in maneuvering water crafts, boating accidents still happen and often result in catastrophic injuries and death.

Who Polices Boating Accidents?

The Illinois Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) regulate boating incidents. However, if you are in a boating accident, dial 9-1-1 and the police will distribute CPOs to your location.

Who Do I Sue in the Event of a Boating Accident?

The answer to that question depends on who is liable for the accident. You will want to sue the party responsible for an accident. The lone survivor of a May 2014 boating incident is now suing a boat company for negligence. According to Chicago Sun Times, four people rented a 33-foot motorboat that eventually sank after catching fire. The accident occurred in Chicago, Illinois on Lake Michigan. This accident caused deadly injuries to three of the four people on board the boat. All passengers who were aboard have been accounted for.

The one survivor of the accident filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court against Sail Time Chicago. Sail Time Chicago is an Illinois-based boat company that rented the 33-foot motorboat. The lawsuit claims that the boat company was negligent.

Specifically, the survivor claims the cause of the boat's fire was the poor maintenance performed on the boat that occurred before the group rented the boat. A few days before the boat accident, the boat allegedly experienced electrical problems. The suit claims that Sail Time Chicago did not properly fix these problems. The boat's radio did not work and the victims could not use their cell phones to call for help due to the location of the boat at the time of the accident. On the date of the accident, the boat sank and the four people onboard all went into the water.

What Responsibility Do Boat Owners and Operators Have?

Generally, boat owners and operators have to act with a high level of care to prevent injuries to passengers. When that level of care is not reached, those injured may be able to file suit against a boat operator or owner. Illinois laws seek to ensure the safety of boat passengers. As of 2013, when a boat accident occurs, those onboard may be required to submit to a breathalyzer test. Alcohol was a factor in nearly 20 percent of boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division.

Accident Injury Attorney

If you have been in a boating accident, we invite you to call our attorneys for help. Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices has over 150 years of experience in personal injury cases. We provide high-quality service to each and every client. Our DuPage County personal injury attorneys are located in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville. Give us a call today and receive your free case evaluation. Call our office at 630-932-9100 or feel free to contact us using our easy to access online form. Let us advise you of your rights today.