Galveston Boater Faces Felony Charges after Hit and Run Boat Crash | DENENA | POINTS
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Galveston Boater Faces Felony Charges after Hit and Run Boat Crash

Boat_WreckMemorial Day weekend represents the start of the year’s most dangerous 100 days for teen drivers, swimming pool accidents, and recreational boating accidents. Unfortunately, our Galveston personal injury attorneys note that this year’s Memorial Day weekend was no exception.

Texas game wardens, who have charge of local boating waters, arrested 63 people for BWI (boating while intoxicated, and yes, it’s a crime). They also arrested two people for driving while intoxicated. Other law enforcement officers in the state no doubt arrested many more for DWI. In addition, authorities were busy over the holiday weekend conducting drowning recovery operations.

Galveston Channel Hit and Run Boat Crash

As an example of how increased boat traffic leads to dangerous boating accidents, on Sunday night around 9:15, a motorboat broadsided a 27-foot sailboat and injured two people, tossing one of them into the water. The hit and run boat crash reportedly occurred near the Seawolf Fishing Pier in Galveston Channel.

The motorboat fled the scene, leaving a large hole towards the stern of the sailboat. Our Galveston personal injury attorneys mention that Celia Stastny heroically pulled Scott Perry out of the water back onto the sailboat after the hit and run boat crash. The Coast Guard rescued them and transported them both to the hospital. Scott Perry was listed in serious condition in the ICU. Ms. Stastny received less serious injuries from the dangerous boating accident.

But officials at the Galveston Yacht Basin located the damaged motorboat. Dustin Paul Lundsford, in his late 20s, has been charged with a felony for failing to stop and render aid after violating Section 31.104 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. Lundsford faces a possible penalty of up to 10 years behind bars and a fine up to $10,000.

The investigation of the dangerous boating accident by the Texas game wardens is ongoing as they check whether alcohol may have been a factor in the hit and run boat crash. (Sources: Alexander Supgul, Fox 26 Houston 5/28/13; KTRK abc13.com; and Conor Harrison lsonews.com, 5/29/13)

3 Tips for Avoiding Recreational Boating Accidents

  • Never drink and boat.
  • Wear a life jacket at all times while on the water (as the incident near the Seawolf Fishing Pier in Galveston Channel reveals, even if you are a completely responsible boater, an irresponsible boater could strike you or your vessel at any time).
  • Take a boater educational training course.

Contact the Experienced Galveston Personal Injury Attorneys at Denena Points, PC for Help after a Recreational Boating Accident Injury

We always provide a free, no obligation initial legal consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and evaluate your potential eligibility for full financial compensation for your injuries. And our Galveston personal injury attorneys never charge attorneys’ fees unless we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you. Call us at 281-369-4363 or just fill out our online contact form to schedule your free legal consultation. Put our more than 16 years of solid experience with complex Galveston personal injury cases to work for your benefit.