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In the summer, Chicago comes alive on the water. From packed architecture tours to the playpen, boating is part of the city’s culture. Unfortunately, that means boat accidents in Chicago are fairly common.
According to a 2023 report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), there were 67 reportable boating accidents in 2023, resulting in 29 injuries and 16 fatalities. These are statewide statistics.
The report also states that in 2023:
- There were 14 boat accidents in Cook County
- These 14 boat accidents resulted in 6 injuries and 3 fatalities
- Of these 14 accidents, 12 occurred on Lake Michigan and 2 occurred on the Chicago River
Many boat accidents throughout Illinois involved alcohol, operator inexperience, or a lack of safety precautions. In other words, many of these accidents involved negligence. At Shea Law Group, our Chicago boat accident lawyers fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure full compensation for the people they hurt.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
There are many potential causes of Chicago boating accidents. According to the Coast Guard’s 2023 recreational boating statistics, the most common causes of boat accidents in the United States were:
Operator Inattention
Many boaters treat navigation like an afterthought—texting, drinking, or simply assuming someone else is watching. Inattention is the #1 cause of accidents nationwide for a reason. On crowded waterways like the Chicago River or Playpen, it only takes a second of distraction to cause a crash.
Improper Lookout
The law requires a designated lookout at all times. When no one is watching for swimmers, kayakers, or other vessels, the consequences can be fatal, especially in busy harbors or along the lakefront.
Operator Inexperience
Boat rental companies often hand over vessels to people with little or no training. And in Illinois, there’s no license required for many types of watercraft. Inexperience behind the wheel often leads to poor decisions, delayed reaction times, and dangerous behavior in high-traffic areas.
Excessive Speed
High speeds reduce control, especially when combined with waves, weather, or crowded conditions. Many operators overestimate their ability and underestimate how fast things can go wrong on the water.
Machinery Failure
Boats must be properly maintained and inspected. When engines stall, steering systems fail, or bilge pumps break, the risk of collision, flooding, or fire increases dramatically. Maintenance shortcuts are a form of negligence.
Other Boat Accident Causes We See at Shea Law Group
Other common contributing factors include alcohol or drug use, poor weather judgment, overloaded vessels, and failure to provide adequate safety equipment like life jackets or fire extinguishers.
At Shea Law Group, we dig into the details—maintenance records, training logs, witness statements, and more—to uncover what went wrong and who’s responsible. And then we do what we do best: build a case that forces the negligent party to pay.
Types of Boat Accidents We Handle
The injuries we see in Chicago boating accidents are often permanently life-altering. They also vary depending on the type of vessel involved. Learn more about the types of boat accidents we handle and the injuries associated with each one.
Jet Ski Accidents
These small, high-speed watercraft can cause serious trauma when they hit swimmers, paddle boarders, or other jet skis. We’ve seen clients involved in jet ski accidents suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), facial fractures, and spinal damage.
Tour Boat Accidents
Tour operators are supposed to keep passengers safe. But when they fail to maintain the vessel or train their crew, people can get hurt. Injuries associated with tour boat accidents include crush injuries from falls on slick decks, broken bones from sudden impacts, and drowning incidents caused by a lack of life jackets or crew inattention.
Rental Boat Accidents
People renting boats tend to be inexperienced. Inexperienced operators cause collisions, capsizings, and ejections. These incidents frequently result in lacerations and musculoskeletal damage.
Party Boat & Private Vessel Accidents
Alcohol is often a factor in party boat and private vessel accidents. We’ve helped boat accident victims receive compensation for being thrown overboard, knocked unconscious, or injured due to unsafe docking or overcrowding.
Fishing Boat & Charter Accidents
Often overlooked, these vessels can be dangerous when overloaded or operated in rough weather. Common injuries include back injuries from falls, broken ribs from sudden waves, or hypothermia in cold conditions.
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Chicago
Taking the right steps after a boating accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical help immediately. Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries, especially head, spine, and internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything. Take photos of the boat, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Get names and contact info for witnesses, the operator, and anyone else involved.
- File a report with the Illinois DNR. If someone is seriously injured or property damage exceeds $2,000, the accident must be reported to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Do not speak to any insurance companies. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Don’t give a statement or sign anything before speaking with a lawyer.
- Call Shea Law Group. Our lawyers will investigate the accident, protect your rights, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Following these steps will ensure your safety and effectively position you to fight for maximum compensation.
What Damages Are Available After a Boating Accident?
Damages vary based on the circumstances of your accident. Common damages include:
- Medical Expenses: We’ll pursue compensation for all current and future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings, like your boat, phone, or gear, were damaged or destroyed in the accident, we’ll seek full replacement or repair value.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Power: If you had to miss work because of your injuries or you can’t return to the same job, we’ll fight for your lost income and earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: After a Chicago boat accident, you may be struggling with anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, or a loss of enjoyment in your life. We make sure these damages are part of your claim.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, we’ll fight for compensation on behalf of the family.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness, like drunk boating or willful misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the negligent party.
It’s important to speak with an experienced Chicago boat accident attorney who can evaluate your situation, explain your options, and build a case that reflects the full impact of what you’ve been through. At Shea Law Group, we’ll guide you through every step and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call Our Boat Accident Law Firm in Chicago to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone. From the moment you contact our office, our team will take over the hard work. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and move quickly to build your case.
Call us today at (773) 365-0040 to schedule your free consultation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing until we win your case.
