About Boating Accidents
Operators of boats, like automobile and truck drivers, have a legal obligation to operate their watercrafts in a safe and careful manner. The major causes of boating accidents are operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, operator inexperience, operating at an unsafe speed, and failure to maintain a proper lookout.One 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 accident occurred on navigable water.
Water is navigable for purposes of admiralty jurisdiction when the water, by itself or uniting with other waters, provides a continued highway over which commerce conducted by water customarily is or may be carried on with other states or foreign countries. Any boat that carries passengers for hire is considered a "common carrier" and those who own, operate, maintain, manage, and/or control said boat are subject to liability if they do not exercise the highest degree of care.
Our Process
Chicago law firm John M. Molloy Law Group, is currently handling boating injury cases and can help you to understand your rights and recover the compensation you are entitled to. Many of these boating accidents could have been avoided through responsible boating, including refusing to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Boating accidents can not only cause damage to the watercraft, but also result in the drowning of innocent persons.
While boating is a great way to enjoy the rivers and lakes of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, the actions of careless watercraft operators too often result in tragedy. Should such tragedy strike, be ready to contact a boating injury specialist, like the attorneys at John M. Molloy Law Group.