Boat Crashes Into Concrete Barge, Kills Two

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) January 29, 2016 – Speed and alcohol may have been factors in the boating accident that killed two on Lake Austin in mid October.

The boat was being driven by well known Houston businessman, Shawn Hurwitz. Onboard were two men and two women. In the wee hours of the morning on a Sunday, lake residents placed at least two calls to the police complaining of loud music coming from the boat. It subsequently crashed into the side of a concrete barge at 5 a.m., killing Hurwitz, 50, and passenger Jennifer Walley, 34. Three others were seriously injured.

“At the time of the crash, the police report shows the boat was traveling at 40 miles per hour,” said Austin personal injury attorney, Bobby Lee, of Lee, Gober & Reyna, not involved in the case. What the police find baffling is how the boat crashed into a concrete barge that was relatively well lit. There was some speculation that due to the early hour, and pre-dawn darkness, Hurwitz, the pilot, did not see the barge that was in place to carry heavy equipment while workers built a dock.

By the time the police arrived at the scene of the crash, the boat Hurwitz had driven was sinking. Evidence showed that only one person onboard was wearing a lifejacket. It is not clear whether lifejackets would have saved the others given the force of the impact when the boat hit the side of the barge.

“While the police did not have a great deal to go on during their initial investigation, it is clear that the boat’s pilot was speeding just prior to the crash. If alcohol was a factor, it may also have contributed to the horrific collision,” said Lee.

The survivors of this collision might wish to discuss this case with a personal injury attorney and ask how they may seek compensation to pay for their injuries or seek recompense for a wrongful death. The accident is a deadly reminder to use due care and caution when boating. Follow the safety rules. Do not drink while boating and wear lifejackets.

“If you have been involved in a boating accident, you may contact my office for legal advice,” said Lee.

To learn more, visit http://www.lgrlawfirm.com

Lee, Gober & Reyna
11940 Jollyville Road #220-S
Austin, Texas 78759
Phone: 512.478.8080

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