Who is liable for a tour boat accident in Chicago?

Boat/Watercraft Accident - February 26, 2025

A Chicago tour boat accident comes with its own set of complications. The first is untangling the knot of possible liable parties. The Chicago boat and watercraft lawyers from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will immediately investigate what happened and identify the specific party or parties whose negligence caused the accident. Our team will fight to hold them accountable and get you compensation. 

Who are the possible liable parties in a Chicago tour boat accident?

To secure a settlement for a tour boat accident, you must identify the at-fault party and provide evidence of their negligence. Possible liable parties include:

  • The boat operator: Drivers who operate the vehicles recklessly, violate safety regulations, operate the boat while fatigued or impaired, make operating errors, or otherwise compromise the safety of others may be liable
  • The tour boat company: Boat companies must adhere to all tour boat and motor taxi regulations. They have to vet and train operators, making sure all are appropriately licensed and all vessels are maintained and up to code
  • The vehicle manufacturer: Boat manufacturers are responsible for producing safe, operational vehicles. Defects or malfunctions put operators, passengers, and all others on the water in danger
  • A third-party boat operator: Another boater operator could cause the crash through their own recklessness or negligence. Just as all drivers owe others on the roads a duty to practice safe driving, so do those operating watercrafts

How do you prove liability in a tour boat accident?

A successful case outcome relies on proving liability–or negligence. To prove the four elements of negligence, you must show:

  • The negligent party owed you a duty of care. Anyone operating a boat or other motor vehicle owes all others in their vehicle or sharing the roads or waterways this duty to put safety first
  • The negligent party failed in this duty. They committed an action that compromised your safety or failed to take action to protect your safety
  • The failure of duty led to the accident, causing your injuries. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates knows what evidence is needed to prove causation and will pursue every source of information
  • The accident cost you measurable losses. Our Chicago boat and watercraft attorneys will assess your damages and calculate a settlement demand to account for every loss you have  sustained

What damages can you collect after a tour boat accident?

Your attorney will work to secure maximum actual and general damages following your boat accident. These damages are compensatory and restore or “make up for” the losses incurred by the accident.

Actual damages are those that come with an actual bill. They include medical costs, income loss, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. They can also cover future care needs and wage loss if your injuries will affect your life permanently.

General damages can be harder to quantify. They provide financial justice for your physical and emotional pain, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The at-fault party will try to minimize your damages, but an experienced attorney will know their true value and fight to get you full compensation to cover your losses, meet your future needs, and acknowledge your pain.

We hold negligent parties accountable to get the compensation you deserve

You should not have to bear the financial costs of injuries and other consequences someone else causes you. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates will fight to make the at-fault party take responsibility for the harm they have done and pay you the damages you deserve. Call (800) 985-1819 or send a message to schedule a free case review and get the exceptional legal representation you need.