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Chicago Tour Boats
Chicago is a beautiful city with amazing sites and natural resources, including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Tourists and locals alike enjoy these waterways in the summer months, and one of the city’s major attractions is its boat tours. Whether you want to check out the magnificent shoreline of the lake or you are interested in the architecture that lines the river, tour boats offer a view of the city unlike any other.
The popularity of these waterways is undisputed, and because of their popularity, they often become somewhat crowded. Crowded waterways places passengers at greater risk of being involved in a boat accident.
Tour Operator Responsibilities
Any passenger who become injured in a tour boat accident may be eligible to collect damages from the tour boat operator. If a sightseeing boat accident is caused due to the negligent actions – or inactions – of a boat owner or operator, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or fatalities.
There is a standard level of safety that the owner or operator of any boat or vessel is required to maintain by law. This standard level of safety includes providing a safety device to each passenger or indicating where the passengers can access safety gear while on the boat. Additionally, the owner is responsible for keeping the boat in good working order by making any necessary repairs in a timely manner.
It goes without saying that every boat operator is obliged to provide safe navigation and to avoid placing their passengers at risk. Crew members are responsible for ensuring the passengers are equipped with correct safety gear and they themselves are to be fully trained in the use of any specialized equipment.
Boat owners and operators are also responsible for the safety of their crew and for ensuring that the crew works reasonable hours. This will minimize fatigue and optimize worker safety, thereby increasing passenger safey.
Tour Boat Accidents
Many varying factors can lead to a boating accident, but most boating accidents are attributable to improper or reckless operation, an inattentive or inexperienced driver, mechanical failure (often due to improper or negligent maintenance), a manufacturing defect, or excessive speed.
Laws that apply to the operation of a boat are very similar to the laws that apply to the operation of a motor vehicle. It is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated, leave the scene of an accident, fail to provide aid, or fail to report the accident in a timely manner. The boat operator is required to file a report if someone is injured and requires more than basic first aid, or if the accident involves damage to the boat or a fatality.
Legal Assistance
We hope you have a wonderful experience on Chicago’s beautiful waterways. If, however, you or someone you care about are involved in a tour boat accident, we strongly recommend speaking with a knowledgeable Joliet personal injury lawyer from Shea Law Group. Give us a call today at (877)-365-0040 or fill out a contact form online. There is never any risk or obligation, and you will never pay a penny unless we win your case for you.
