Boat Accidents

Jacksonville Boat Accident Lawyers

Name: Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki
Address: 1680 Emerson St.,, Jacksonville, FL, 32207
Telephone: (904) 877-4195

Proven Legal Representation for Florida Boaters

From the St. Johns River to the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean, the bodies of water in and around Florida serve as the backdrop for recreation year-round. Boating, fishing, personal watercraft use, and offshore excursions are part of daily life in Jacksonville and throughout the state. Unfortunately, when operators fail to follow proper safety precautions, a day on the water can turn into a catastrophic event.

At the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we represent individuals and families harmed in serious boating accidents across Florida. We understand both the legal framework governing maritime incidents and the profound personal consequences these accidents create.

Call (904) 877-4195 or use our online contact form to request a free initial in-person or virtual consultation with a Jacksonville boat accident attorney. Hablamos español.

Our Approach to Boating Accident Representation

As a small firm, we provide individualized attention to every client. We take the time to understand not only the facts of your case but the people affected by it. Building a direct, personal relationship with our clients is fundamental to our practice.

Our representation process includes:

Immediate review of accident reports and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) findings (responsible for investigating state boating accidents)
Preservation of vessel inspection records and maintenance logs
Analysis of operator conduct and potential intoxication evidence
Consultation with marine safety and accident reconstruction experts
Assessment of maritime and state law jurisdictional issues
Strategic negotiation or litigation as necessary

Our attorneys bring extensive experience in boating law and watercraft-related litigation. Whether your case involves a jet ski collision, near-drowning incident, intoxicated operator, or wrongful death, we are prepared to act decisively.

Why Florida Boating Cases Are Legally Complex

Boating accident litigation is frequently more complicated than land-based injury claims.

Maritime vs. State Law

While most Florida personal injury cases on land carry a 2023 two-year statute of limitations, boating accident cases may be governed by maritime law, federal jurisdiction, or specific statutory provisions.

The applicable time limit depends on:

The location of the accident
The type of vessel involved
Whether navigable waters are implicated
Whether federal maritime principles apply

In some cases, the time to bring a claim is significantly shorter than traditional negligence actions.

Trusted by Those We Represent

"They are the right team to have on your side!"
veryone kept us in the loop every step of the way. If I ever needed my questions answered Rhett was the first to jump on it to help me.

- Larissa
"It’s clear that they truly care about their clients!"
Throughout the process, they were always so kind, genuine, and understanding, making me feel supported every step of the way. They made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel manageable and ensured I got exactly what I needed.
"Nothing short of a blessing!"
It’s rare to find someone in this field who is not just sharp and experienced, but genuinely cares. I’ll always be thankful for the work Jeff and Kristina did for me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needs someone s

- Jim
"They worked hard for a positive outcome!"
These folks are first rate! My case was small, but they worked diligently and communicated with me through the whole process. I would recommend them to anyone!!! Thanks y'all for your hard work! Thank you Lisa, George and Rhett!

- James
"They were effective with communicating with me!"
I appreciate the expedited resolution of closing out my claim! Although I feel somewhat mislead with misinformation from the forwarding attorney’s office, NRH&N were effective with communicating with me!

- Sonya
"10/10 highly recommend!"
I’d like to take a moment to thank Rhett Mace and Lisa Nommensen for helping me out with my case! The process was so easy and they answered any questions that I had to make sure I knew and understand everything that they were doing.

- Faith
"Highly recommend to anyone needing a trustworthy lawyer!"
I’m so grateful for the help I received from Rhett Mace. He handled everything from start to finish and made a stressful situation so much easier. He always kept me updated, explained everything clearly, and truly fought for the best outcome. I felt

- Jay
"Their dedication and attention to detail truly made a difference in my case."
I couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional service I received from Autumn and Michael. They were knowledgeable, patient, and always made sure I understood every step of the process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly made a differenc

- Chad
"Paid attention to every detail and made sure I felt heard!"
I just want to say a huge thank you to those who worked on my son’s case; Lisa Nommensen, George Farrell & a BIG THANK YOU to Rhett Mace.

- Larissa

Types of Boating Accidents We Handle

Florida consistently leads the nation in reported boating accidents and fatalities, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). With high boat traffic and year-round recreational activity, the risk of preventable injury is significant.

Common types of boating accidents we handle in the claim process include:

Boat-to-boat collisions
Accidents involving permissive operators
Sinking vessels
Personal watercraft (jet ski) crashes
Falls overboard
Boating under the influence incidents

Drowning remains the leading cause of death in these accidents. Survivors often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, orthopedic fractures, internal injuries, and long-term neurological damage due to oxygen deprivation.

Boat operators have a legal duty to operate their vessels safely. When they fail to follow navigational rules, maintain proper lookout, control speed, or avoid operating while intoxicated, they may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.

Because of this legal gray area, prompt investigation is essential. Delayed action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

Compensation That May Be Available

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to pursue damages for:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Permanent disability or impairment
Disfigurement
Property damage

In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of support.

Dedicated Advocacy After a Waterway Accident in Florida

A boating accident can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Medical bills accumulate quickly. Work may become impossible. Families may face life-changing losses.

At the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we are committed to providing focused legal representation backed by decades of experience. We handle complex and contested cases with strategic precision while maintaining the personal accessibility of a small firm.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, we encourage you to contact our firm promptly to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence. You pay no upfront attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Call (904) 877-4195 or reach out online for your complimentary case evaluation with a Jacksonville boat accident attorney today.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Experience You Need

At the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we combine over 150 years of experience with a proven record of more than $100 million recovered. Our team delivers the power of a large firm while maintaining the responsiveness and personal attention of a smaller practice.

We take a hands-on, collaborative approach—prioritizing clear communication, tailored strategies, and thorough preparation. This allows us to navigate complex cases with creativity and precision, often achieving results others can’t. When you hire us, you gain dedicated advocates committed to protecting what matters most to you.

150+ Years of Combined Experience
Our attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience, delivering seasoned insight and confident guidance to every case.
Over $250 Million Recovered
We have secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements, proving our ability to deliver meaningful results.
Personalized, Client-First Representation
You receive small firm attention, direct attorney access, and dedicated support focused entirely on your goals.
Strategic, Creative Case Solutions
We craft innovative legal strategies that achieve successful outcomes, even in complex cases others decline.

Contact Us Today

At Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (904) 877-4195 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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