This year has been like no other due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. With many restrictions issued to prevent the spread of the contagious virus, people may be struggling financially and emotionally. Certain non-essential businesses have been temporarily closed, while many employees have been allowed to work from home the past eight months. Although the holidays are upon us, health officials are urging folks to stay home or practice social distancing if they do venture out. For those who are feeling cooped up, going for a walk has become a popular pastime.

In the winter months, daylight hours are shorter, so it gets dark much earlier in the day compared to summertime. Combined with motorists who may get behind the wheel after a few too many drinks while celebrating the holidays, the likelihood of cars hitting individuals who are out walking is increased. If you or your loved one was struck as a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation if a negligent driver is at fault for your injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries

The sheer nature of a vehicle hitting a person while walking can be devastating. This is partly due to the force of the impact and the fact that a pedestrian does not have any protection compared to passengers in a car. In some cases, a person who is struck by an automobile can sustain life-altering injuries, including paralysis or brain damage, which can impact the rest of their life.

Today’s vehicles feature the latest advancements in safety, including blind spot detection, emergency braking, seat belt restraints, and airbags. All of these devices are made in an effort to avoid a car accident or reduce the severity of injuries in the event that one does occur. Considered a supplemental restraint system, airbags are designed to work alongside seat belts and should be used together. Studies show that when airbags are used correctly, they can reduce head-on collision fatalities by nearly 24 percent.

In many cases, a negligent driver may be at fault for causing an automobile crash. Another motorist may be intoxicated or drowsy, causing him or her to collide with another vehicle or pedestrian. However, in some collisions, a seat belt or airbag may not function properly, resulting in minor to serious injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help car accident victims determine who is liable if an airbag does not deploy in a crash.

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags work using several sensors and a mini explosion. The airbag includes an accelerometer that detects changes in speed. If deceleration occurs above a preset speed, more than normal braking speeds, the airbag circuit is triggered and the bags are deployed. The circuit passes an electrical current through a heating element, which then ignites a chemical explosive. A significant amount of innocuous gas rushes into a nylon bag that is usually placed behind the steering wheel or within the passenger side dash, and it causes the bag to inflate. When the driver or passenger’s head hits the bag, it starts to deflate while the gas escapes through holes at the edges of the bag. When the vehicle has come to a full stop, the bag should be completely deflated. If it did not inflate, your head would simply bounce off of it due to the sudden and forceful backward movement of the head and neck.

Considered an essential business, the construction industry is how our roads, buildings, and homes are built. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites throughout the nation on a daily basis. Studies show that the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for all other industries. Common hazards for construction workers can include falls from scaffolding or ladders and burns from explosions or electric shocks. However, there are additional dangers faced by these types of workers, including occupational diseases. In some cases, these may go unnoticed for years and employees in the construction field may suffer irreparable damage. A workers’ compensation claim may alleviate the financial ramifications of this type of workplace injury.

On-the-Job Hazards

Many jobs can have their fair share of risks, including those faced by police officers or firefighters. Construction workers face somewhat unique dangers depending on what types of products with which they may be working. Chronic medical conditions have been linked to prolonged exposure to certain toxic vapors, gases, fumes, smoke, paint, or dust. A few of the most common types of occupational diseases or illnesses include:

• Asthma
• Mesothelioma and other cancers
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Dermatitis
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Occupational contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to a variety of agents, including irritants or sensitizers, physical agents, and biologic agents. Musculoskeletal disorders include repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis (tennis elbow), common when construction workers use their hands and arms for painting, nailing, and sawing. Asbestos-related injuries are common in construction workers who are exposed to certain building materials such as insulation. Because asbestos is considered a carcinogen, it can cause cancer after repeated exposure.

Consumers use various outlets in order to get the products they need and want, such as visiting brick-and-mortar stores or going to a retailer’s or a third-party vendor’s website. With many people opting to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic, more and more shopping is being done online. This means consumers are often buying items “sight unseen,” or without physically holding it or trying it in person first. Regardless of how shoppers purchase a product, in some cases, the product may have a defect or a faulty part, which can cause minor to serious injuries. As a consumer, you may be entitled to compensation if you suffered as a result of using a bad product. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine liability and explain your legal options.

Illinois Product Liability Laws

There are several ways that a product can be dangerous for users. In certain cases, the design itself can make the product unreasonably hazardous. A manufacturing defect is when the design of the product was reasonably safe, but there was a mistake made while actually making or producing the product. According to Illinois law, a product may be considered “defective” if a defect is found in any of the following:

• Design
• Manufacturing
• Warning labels

If an item does not have any posted warnings about its use or fails to provide sufficient information or instructions on an included warning label or accompanying pamphlet, that can be considered negligent. When proving negligence in a product liability case, a plaintiff must show that there was an alternative option, which could have made it safer.

You can never foresee if or when you will be involved in a car accident. For some, they may experience their lives flashing before their eyes during a crash, while others may be caught in a number of accidents throughout their life. Whether you are the at-fault party or not, being involved in a car accident can greatly impact your life. For those who were not responsible for the crash and have resulting injuries, their financial savings, ability to work, and quality of life can all be diminished depending on the severity of the accident. For those responsible, the cost of compensating the other party can be difficult to manage. This is especially true for those who are uninsured and are required to pay these fees out of pocket. Regardless of your level of insurance coverage, Illinois requires those who are found at-fault to provide financial assistance to the other party.

Determining Who Is At-Fault

Like most states in the U.S., Illinois is considered an “at-fault state.” Under these laws, the drivers involved in auto accidents within the state of Illinois will be assigned a level of fault, determining who is primarily responsible for the accident and how much they will owe the other party. Understandably, you may assume that one party’s actions are what cause the accident, making them solely responsible.

Most accidents, however, are a bit more complex. For instance, if two cars are turning into the same lane from different directions and one car had the right of way, but was also found to be texting while driving, a portion of the blame for the accident may be taken off of the other driver since they were not driving distracted. While you are filing your claim, both attorneys will work to discover who was more at-fault for the accident and fight on their client’s behalf to secure compensation for any injuries, car damage, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Any type of head injury can be serious, since it usually impacts the brain. A concussion occurs when there is trauma to the head, which affects the brain. This type of trauma can include a blow to the head or violent shaking, both of which may occur in a car accident. Individuals who suffer severe or multiple concussions can have negative long-term effects. Receiving prompt and proper medical care is key to recovering and mitigating permanent damage. In some cases, a negligent party may be at fault for causing a vehicle collision. If you or your loved one is suffering due to a concussion injury after a crash, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your rehabilitation.

Future Problems

When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can be devastating. Drivers or occupants in the automobiles can strike the dashboard, windows, or doors. In some instances, they can become pinned between the seat in front of them or even be ejected from the car. In all these scenarios, hitting their heads on a hard surface within the vehicle or on pavement cause a concussion.

Although some symptoms of a concussion may not seem that serious, they can develop over time and greatly hinder a victim’s ability to perform everyday activities. A few of the long-lasting conditions may include:

Accidents occur on a frequent basis, whether they are vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, or workplace injuries. The injuries sustained can range from minor to serious and even fatal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 5,250 people died from a work-related injury in the United States in 2018, up 2 percent from the 2017 total number of deaths. Even if a work injury does not prove fatal, it may result in multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. All of this can significantly impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can alleviate some of the financial stress related to medical costs. An experienced attorney can assist you with the filing process to make sure you receive what you need and deserve to recover.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

In Illinois, most companies are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case their employees get hurt while on the job. Employers that knowingly and willfully fail to obtain insurance can face fines for noncompliance. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of benefits paid by employers to workers who experience work-related injuries or diseases. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission resolves disputes between employees and employers related to work-related injuries or illnesses.

Below are a few examples of typical mistakes that someone may make when filing a workers’ compensation claim:

When people venture out on a shopping trip or to eat at their favorite diner, they do not expect to be put in danger of suffering an injury. Public places can include restaurants, office, condominium, or apartment buildings, fitness centers, grocery or clothing stores, and more. These establishments must abide by standard building codes to ensure the safety and security of staff, patrons, and residents. Conditions can be unsafe due to uneven pavement, worn or broken wood, damaged siding, and more. This can cause someone to slip and fall, which can result in minor to serious injuries. In some cases, a victim may be entitled to compensation if a negligent property owner is found to be in violation of building codes.

Premises Liability

Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, business and property owners have a duty to keep their properties reasonably safe in order to prevent harm to their visitors or guests. If owners fail to take reasonable care, the state of Illinois can hold them accountable for any damages that result in their negligent actions. An amendment to the Act holds property owners to the same standard of care for both individuals who visit a property and that benefits the property owner (invitee) as well as people who come for their own amusement (licensee).

This legislation means that the premises must be properly maintained and void of hazards. If that is not possible, guests must be notified of any known defects or hazards before they enter. If owners or managers do not post adequate signage alerting of potential dangers, this can be considered negligence. The Act applies to visitors who are on the premises legally and are not trespassing.

Electric or “e-scooters” have become a popular mode of transportation throughout the United States in the past few years. These scooters are an environmentally friendly way for individuals to sightsee or move around busy city streets instead of taking buses, cars, and other vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. The city of Chicago launched a pilot program last year to test the efficiency and usefulness of e-scooters within certain areas of the city. The second phase of the test program started in August of this year and is expected to run until December. E-scooters are a fast way for suburban commuters to get from the train to their office building. In addition, many people are enjoying the outdoors by taking e-scooter rides after being stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As with any motorized vehicle, though, riders run the risk of injury if they are involved in an e-scooter crash. In some cases, an accident may be caused by the negligence of another e-scooter rider, manufacturer, or vendor.

Typical Injuries

According to Safety + Health magazine, the majority of injuries sustained while operating an e-scooter occur from falling off of the device. In other scenarios, two riders can collide with each other, or they can lose control and strike a bicyclist or pedestrian on the sidewalk.

• A few of the most common types of injuries resulting from an e-scooter accident include:
• Head trauma (concussion or TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken or fractured bones (wrist, arm, leg, ribs)
• Punctured lung

Security Measures Increase Safety

This year’s program has shown improvement in securing the scooters after users complete their rides. Now, the e-scooters can be locked to bike racks, light poles, retired parking meters, or in designated corrals. Reports from the Chicago Sun-Times, scooter-related complaints to the city’s 311 non-emergency system have dropped by 60 percent compared to last year. When scooters are left on sidewalks, streets, or other walkways, other riders or pedestrians can hit or trip and fall over them, causing minor to severe injuries.

Today’s modern technology has changed the way we live compared to just decades ago. Cellular or mobile phones allow us to communicate while on the go. They can come in handy when you find yourself stranded with a flat tire on the side of the road and need to call for help. However, cell phones are one of the leading causes of distracted driving. According to reports from the National Safety Council (NSC), driving while using a cell phone leads to 1.6 million automobile accidents every year in the United States. That means one out of every four car crashes is caused by texting and driving. There are other distractions behind the wheel that can lead to a serious car accident with injuries to the driver as well as any passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists.

Activities that Take a Driver’s Attention Off the Road

If a motorist takes his or her eyes off the road ahead even for a few seconds, that greatly reduces the time he or she has to stop in time if the car in front suddenly brakes. You may be able to see this negligent behavior in drivers next to you. A few examples of actions that reduce a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by limiting his or her reaction time include:

• Looking down at the phone
• Chewing/eating
• Talking to passengers
• Applying makeup
• Waving hands or yelling
• Operating navigation system

Recognizing a Distracted Driver

As a motorist, it is important to drive defensively and notice distracted driving behaviors around you while you are operating your vehicle. In some situations, signs that a person may be distracted includes swerving between lanes without using a turn signal. This is likely because he or she does not have both hands on the wheel. Other signs that a motorist is distracted include driving erratically by slowing down and then speeding up again. Constantly hitting the brakes is a typical indicator that a driver is not paying attention and then tries to stop at the last minute.

Even when safety procedures are followed, accidents can and do occur at workplaces. In some cases, an employee may suffer minor injuries while others may sustain serious and long-lasting injuries. If you are hurt on the job in Illinois and receives workers’ compensation benefits, your employer may offer you light-duty work. This may mean doing a job that is less physically or mentally challenging than the duties required in your full-time job position. For instance, a light-duty job may require working fewer hours per shift, working on the computer, or one that involves moving products that are under a certain weight. It is important to understand the details and how this might impact your workers’ comp claim before accepting the light-duty job offer.

Doctor Recommendations in Workers’ Comp Cases

As in other states, in Illinois, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is in the event that a work-related illness or injury occurs, and it gives the employee benefits regardless of who is at fault for the illness or injury. It is important to note, however, that workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable income to the employee. Under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, financial relief is provided to an employee if he or she sustains an injury at work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by his or her job and work-related injuries that occur outside of the workplace.

In certain cases, a doctor recommended by your employer might state that you are capable of performing light-duty work. However, if you see your regular doctor, he or she might think that you cannot. Unfortunately, many injured employees feel pressured and push themselves to return to work too fast, and risk sustaining further injury.

Unfortunately, car accidents are a reality on our nation’s roadways. Regardless if it is a highway or a rural street, collisions occur on a frequent basis for a number of reasons. In many cases, a crash is due to the reckless behavior or negligent actions of another driver. If a vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed, the force of the impact when it collides with another vehicle or object can cause catastrophic injuries. Occupants can hit their heads on the windshield or dashboard, resulting in serious head trauma. Many head injuries also affect the brain, which can lead to a long recovery, including surgeries or months of rehabilitation. In some cases, a head injury can prove fatal. If you or your loved one suffered because of an automobile accident, it is crucial that you seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options for securing compensation.

Closed Head Injuries

An injury to the head that does not go through the skull is considered a closed head injury. Closed head injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. This type of injury can cause broken bones to the face or skull, in addition to significant damage to the brain, including:

• Bruising of the brain
• Concussion
• Bleeding on the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)

Symptoms of a closed head injury may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and more. These signs and symptoms can start immediately following an accident or even days later, and for some, they can last for weeks or months. In severe cases, a victim can be in a coma and may need to be put on life support.

Americans like to eat out, and it is likely you have a favorite dining establishment that you or your family frequent on a regular basis. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local restaurants have been allowed to continue carry-out and seat patrons inside or outside using social distancing guidelines. Whenever you eat food that someone else cooks, however, it is important to make sure it is prepared and cooked thoroughly. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a victim of a foodborne illness, or what is commonly known as food poisoning. This type of illness is typically caused by food that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. If you became sick after eating food that was prepared by a restaurant, you may end up in the hospital and unable to work. A personal injury attorney can help you explore your legal options for obtaining compensation for medical bills and lost income.

Symptoms of Foodborne Illness

The most common causes of food poisoning are infectious organisms or their toxins. The effects of the illness can show signs as soon as a few hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms may include but are not limited to the following:

• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Most cases of food poisoning are fairly mild and resolve without medical attention. However, you can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to get adequate hydration and seek medical treatment if symptoms persist. In some situations, the food poisoning can lead to other complications, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Unfortunately, workplace accidents and injuries happen on a daily basis throughout the United States. Employees who are injured on the job will often have a unique set of circumstances depending on their line of work. Everyone’s body is different, and that means recovery timelines are not always the same. Similar to an athlete’s injury, medical professionals usually recommend physical therapy to treat a work injury. If you need any type of therapy or treatment after suffering a work injury, workers’ comp should cover the expense as long as it is ordered by a physician. In most situations, a person must eventually return to work to support his or her family. That is why it is important for Illinois workers to understand their options for seeking workers’ compensation to alleviate some of the financial burdens due to lost wages or rehabilitation costs after an injury at work.

Physical Therapy

Healthcare professionals can assist with recovery with the ultimate goal of getting an injured person back to work. For example, a physical therapist will develop a treatment plan that is specifically targeted to an injury or body part. Physical therapy is considered a holistic treatment that often combines multiple methods for recovery. This form of rehabilitation is often used after a worker suffers a broken arm or leg. It can also be used for repetitive injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back/neck pain from sitting at the computer for long periods of time.

Treatment may include a combination of stretching, exercises, ultrasound techniques, hot and cold treatment, aquatic exercises, and joint mobilization. Physical therapy may also involve hands-on joint and soft tissue massage and mobilization. The therapist may press and knead the soft tissue as a way to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. He or she can stretch joints and muscles to increase flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapists might also instruct a patient to use specialized equipment or bikes and treadmills.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), automobile accident injuries are a leading cause of fatalities among children in the United States. Studies show that many of these deaths can be prevented when safety restraints and car seats are used properly. However, kids can still suffer serious injuries in collisions even when safety precautions are taken. After any accident, emergency responders should be called to assess the physical injuries and vehicle damage. In some cases, a negligent driver who was intoxicated or distracted may have caused the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you with the legal steps for pursuing compensation for your child’s pain and suffering.

Head Trauma

According to the National Institutes of Health, head injuries are one of the leading causes of trauma sustained by children in crashes. Because kids are smaller than adults, they are sometimes more vulnerable in the event of an accident. These types of head injuries may include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Concussion
• Whiplash
• Contusions
• Skull fractures

Broken Bones/Fractures

Like adults who are involved in a crash, children passengers may try to brace for impact and in the process suffer hand, arm, wrist, or foot fractures. They can also sustain a broken pelvis or spinal cord damage if they become trapped in the vehicle. Children who are thrown from the vehicle may sustain a broken femur, back, or neck.

Even with fewer citizens commuting to and from their jobs on a daily basis because they are working remotely, Illinois roadways have seen an increase in vehicle-related fatalities recently. After months of staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people are taking cross-country road trips instead of traveling by airplane. In some cases, reckless actions such as speeding or disregard for traffic laws have led to an increase in car accidents with injuries. Victims of automobile crashes may be confused and unsure of what to do in the aftermath of a crash. Seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries should be your first priority. Your next step should be talking to witnesses who saw the incident unfold. An eyewitness who provides a statement to the responding officer can offer a neutral third-party perspective of the collision and why it may have occurred.

Illinois Liability Laws

In any personal injury case, a victim must prove who was liable or at fault for the accident. The state of Illinois follows a fault-based system, sometimes referred to as a tort liability system. This means Illinois motorists who are responsible for causing a crash are responsible for paying for any damages related to the accident.

All Illinois drivers must carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements for liability coverage. Anyone who is hurt in a vehicle collision typically files a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, insurance companies are known for minimizing the payouts for injury victims. In certain cases, a driver or passenger could suffer serious injuries that require a lengthy hospital stay, surgery, or rehabilitation. That is why it is important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about how to go about filing a claim for your pain and suffering.

Accidents often occur when people least expect it. Depending on the situation, a person can suffer minor bumps and bruises to severe and long-lasting complications. Injuries can happen even when safety precautions are taken. However, they can also take place due to another party’s negligence. A common shoulder injury is a torn rotator cuff. Although typical in sports-related accidents, tears in the rotator cuff can occur as a result of falling onto hard pavement after slipping and falling or sudden impact such as from a car accident. It is important for anyone who is involved in those types of accidents to seek medical attention and then consult a personal injury attorney to determine liability for your pain and suffering.

Signs and Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allows an individual to lift and rotate his or her arms. There are two different types of rotator cuff tears. A partial tear is when the muscle that forms the rotator cuff becomes damaged. A complete tear pulls the tendon off of the shoulder bone.

It is not uncommon for a torn rotator cuff to be mistaken for a pulled muscle at first. In some cases, a person may experience the following conditions:

A car accident can range from a minor fender-bender to a catastrophic collision with serious injuries. In some cases, a car crash can even prove fatal depending on the severity of the impact and other factors, such as speed, seat belt use, and more. Common injuries suffered in a vehicle crash include fractured or broken bones, or severe bruising and swelling, often to the legs, arms, or hands. In some instances, this can lead to compartment syndrome, which can be acute or chronic. Acute compartment syndrome is usually caused by a crush injury and poor blood flow. Chronic compartment syndrome may be due to repetitive exercise. If you were hurt in a vehicle collision, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you determine liability for the accident and hold those accountable for any damages.

What Is Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a painful condition in which excessive pressure builds up near an enclosed muscle area of the body. The syndrome typically occurs as a result of swelling or bleeding after a significant injury, such as those sustained in a car accident. The sudden impact and force of a vehicle collision can cause an occupant to be slammed against a door, window, or dashboard. A driver can also be pinned between the seat and steering wheel.

High pressure caused by compartment syndrome disrupts blood flow to and from the surrounding tissue. A decrease in blood flow prevents nourishment and oxygen, which can severely damage nerve and muscle cells. In some cases, it can be considered an emergency, requiring immediate surgery to prevent permanent damage. If left untreated, a patient may need to have the affected body part amputated.

There are certain types of occupations that pose potential risks to workers compared to other jobs. For instance, an office worker likely spends most of his or her time sitting at a desk on the computer. On the other hand, a construction worker is typically at a building site while a factory worker is in a warehouse. In some of these latter occupations, an employee may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Although most companies are required to adhere to safety regulations including providing proper protective gear and equipment, accidents can still occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13 million Americans are exposed to chemicals at work that can be absorbed through the skin. Luckily, under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, employees are protected for injuries sustained at work, including pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by the job duties as well as work-related injuries that are sustained outside of the workplace.

Workplace Hazards

Construction zones and factories are known to have paint, concrete mix, wood dust, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials that workers come in contact with on a regular basis. Older homes or buildings also may have asbestos or lead paint. Typically, the lead in paint and the asbestos in ceiling or walls are not hazardous. However, when these structures are renovated, toxins can be released into the environment, posing a danger to residents or workers. Some of the more common toxic chemicals that might be present in a work environment include but are not limited to the following:

• Asbestos
• Ammonia
• Chloroform
• Lead
• Mercury
• Iodine
• Formaldehyde
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Uranium

Physical Consequences

Certain chemicals and fumes can cause serious bodily harm to workers if they are exposed. The duration and the amount of exposure may impact the severity of the injury, resulting in a variety of short- and long-term health conditions that can lead to life-threatening occupational diseases or specific types of cancer. Hazardous materials can be inhaled through the nose or mouth, or even through the skin. A few of the major physical ailments that can be caused by toxic substances include:

Summertime means many people like to be outside doing various activities, including water sports. This can include swimming at pools or boating on lakes. Residents of the Chicagoland area often escape the bustling city to Lake Michigan for fun. However, as with any motorized vehicle, boating can be dangerous under certain conditions. Inclement weather can pose risks to passengers, as well as operator error. There are certain laws that boat owners must follow for safety reasons. When a driver or owner of a boat acts recklessly or negligently, he or she may be held accountable for any injuries that passengers suffer.

Boating Under the Influence

Just like driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, it is illegal to drink and operate a boat in all 50 states. The penalties by each state vary depending on the circumstances. Punishments in Illinois may include steep fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

If the driver of a watercraft is intoxicated, his or her ability to make judgments and navigate the boat safely is greatly impaired. This can cause a crash with another boat or a collision with a dock. Passengers can be knocked to the floor and break a bone or hit their heads on sharp objects such as the sail of a sailboat. In some high-speed boating accidents, occupants may even be thrown overboard depending on the force of impact.