Jacksonville Boat Accident Lawyer
John M. Phillips is a Board Certified civil trial attorney with 25+ years of experience securing maximum compensation for boat accident victims. His $495,123,680 verdict stands as the largest in Jacksonville history—proof that serious boat accident cases can result in catastrophic verdicts. Forbes named him a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida.
Boat accidents cause serious injuries: drowning, propeller injuries, collision trauma, and boating under the influence. Florida’s waterways are busy, and negligent boat operators cause preventable accidents.
Boat accident liability is governed by federal maritime law and Florida state law. Unlike car accidents, boat accident recovery involves unique legal principles and insurance issues. Many boat operators carry inadequate insurance or no insurance at all.
At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle boat accident cases aggressively. We front all costs and litigation expenses at no interest (competitors charge LIBOR + 8%). We investigate thoroughly. We navigate maritime law. And we secure maximum compensation from negligent boat operators and their insurers.
Types of Boat Accidents
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) is common and reckless. A boat operator who drinks and operates a boat endangers every person on board and nearby. BUI is negligent and often reckless.
Negligent Operation includes speeding, reckless maneuvers, failure to maintain proper lookout, and failure to follow navigation rules. A boat operator who operates recklessly is liable for injuries caused.
Propeller Injuries are catastrophic. A person in the water struck by a moving propeller suffers severe lacerations, amputations, and often death. Negligent boat operators fail to cut engines when people are in the water or fail to maintain proper watch.
Collision with Other Vessels results from failure to maintain proper lookout, failure to yield right of way, or operation at excessive speed. Vessel collisions can cause capsizing, sinking, and drowning.
Collision with Fixed Objects (docks, rocks, shallow water) results from negligent navigation or operation at excessive speed. These accidents cause injuries from impact and may result in drowning if the vessel sinks.
Failure to Provide Life Jackets or Safety Equipment violates federal safety regulations and increases injury severity. A person drowning in a boat accident might have survived with a properly maintained life jacket.
Maritime Law and Liability
Boat accident cases involve federal maritime law principles. The Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and federal negligence principles apply. These are distinct from ordinary car accident law.
We understand maritime law and federal admiralty jurisdiction. We navigate complex maritime venue and jurisdiction issues, ensure compliance with maritime notice requirements, and pursue claims under applicable federal and state law.
Why Phillips, Hunt & Walker
Board-Certified Trial Excellence. John M. Phillips is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law—held by fewer than 5% of Florida attorneys. This credential demonstrates extensive trial experience, peer review, and mastery of trial practice.
Institutional Recognition. Forbes named John a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida. He holds AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Florida Super Lawyers.
Trial Strength. Our $495,123,680 verdict—the largest in Jacksonville history—demonstrates our ability to take serious cases to trial and win decisively.
No-Cost, Interest-Free Litigation. We front all costs at no interest. Competitors charge LIBOR + 8%, adding thousands to your bill. We don’t.
Personalized Representation. John handles your case personally. You get a Board-Certified trial lawyer’s expertise from day one.
Contact Phillips, Hunt & Walker
If you were injured in a boat accident due to negligence, don’t settle for a low offer. Get a Board-Certified trial lawyer in your corner.
Free consultation. No cost to you. No interest on litigation expenses.
Call (904) 444-4444 today.
Phillips, Hunt & Walker
660 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 444-4444
Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Offices in Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Fort Pierce.