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 place passengers at greater risk of being involved in a boat accident.
Tour Operator Responsibilities
Any passenger who becomes 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 safety.
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.
What Should I Do Next?
Taking the right steps after a boating accident is necessary to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. When you turn to experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers, like Shea Law Group to handle your case, we will help you obtain the documentation you need for the case and fill out the paperwork properly.
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have handled many cases on behalf of clients who have been injured in boating accidents. Call us today toll-free at (877) 365-0040 for a free consultation.