Key West Injury Lawyer Blog
The charter captain of a boat that crashed into a bridge over the summer, injuring several people including an 11-year-old boy, has been accused of being under the influence during the crash.
Laurence Lewis, 42, was charged this week with three counts of felony boating under the influence, causing serious bodily injury, as well as one felony count of child neglect. Additionally, he faces a misdemeanor count of aggravated boating under the influence accompanied by a minor, misdemeanor reckless boating and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities found Lewis at his home in Big Pine Key Tuesday, according to reporting from the Miami Herald. He was granted a $195,000 bond Wednesday morning and was released from jail.
Lewis was allegedly under the influence of drugs and had consumed tequila on July 8, 2024, the day of the crash, according to officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who investigated the crash.
What Happened?
Emergency responders reported to the crash at the South Pine Channel Bridge in the Lower Keys after 1:30 a.m. on July 8. Lewis was allegedly going 37 mph when he crashed the 35-foot Seahunter center console boat into the bridge. There were eight people on board at the time of the crash and all eight are said to have either been ejected or caught under parts of the wreckage.
Graphic body camera footage released shortly after the crash showed emergency responders lifting Lewis off the boat, his leg “barely attached,” according to local reporting. The 11-year-old minor who was on board had a broken bone and was diagnosed with a brain bleed. Injuries to other passengers include a broken foot, a broken leg, bruised ribs and a concussion. At the scene, investigators reportedly found multiple cans of beer and half-empty tequila bottle.
Inside a sunglasses case found at the scene, investigators say they found drug paraphernalia, including a syringe, cotton balls, needles, a spoon and a synthetic opioid pill described as one prescribed to people attempting to overcome an opiate addiction.
At 6 a.m., blood drawn from Lewis at the hospital showed we had a blood alcohol level of .05. Passengers on the boat told police they saw Lewis drinking a tequila and margarita mix just before 1 a.m. Investigators believe Lewis had a blood alcohol level of between .08 and .12 at the time of the crash. A separate blood test, taken at 4 a.m., tested positive for both amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Florida Law
Florida law prohibits operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A person with a BAC of .08%, or higher, is considered to be over the legal limit to drive a car or boat in Florida. Just as is true on the road, law enforcement officers on the water who suspect a boater of being under the influence have the authority to conduct sobriety tests.
Several bills were recently proposed ahead of the start of the 2025 Legislative Session in March, one of which suggest classifying leaving the scene of a boat crash as a first-degree felony. The bill, proposed by Sen. Ileana Garcia, a Republican in Miami, means that someone found guilty of this crime could be sentenced up to 30 years in prison as well fines. If a person found guilty of this crime is also guilty of boating under the influence, then a mandatory, minimum sentence of four years would be applied, according to local media reporting.
Leesfield & Partners
Ira Leesfield, the firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, tried his first case in Monroe County in 1973. The case was successful with Mr. Leesfield securing a $100,000 award for the family. In a previous article profiling Mr. Leesfield and his career, he remarked that this was the case that “launched [his] career.” In 1976, Mr. Leesfield went on to establish Leesfield & Partners, and the firm’s strong ties with Monroe County, particularly Key West, have continued for nearly five decades.
Over the years, the firm has successfully handled the injury cases of countless clients, with numerous record verdicts and settlements. Leesfield & Partners has grown to become among the leading personal injury law firms in the nation with Mr. Leesfield participating in the passage of statewide legislation to promote public safety and on presidential committees.
Boating Cases
In nearly five decades of personal injury practice, Leesfield & Partners attorneys have secured million of dollars in awards for clients injured on Florida waters. Whether it is a snorkeler whose life was needlessly taken by a reckless boater or a jet ski incident resulting in severe injuries, Leesfield & Partners attorneys doggedly pursue the best possible outcome for their clients and families of those who have been affected.
The firm previously secured a substantial settlement for a minor whose leg was amputated in a boating incident. The recovery in that case was for the negligent supervision of boating activities.
In a separate incident, which resulted in the devastating loss of a 20-year-old woman, Leesfield & Partners secured $1,325,000 for a grieving family. The woman in that case was a passenger on a boat when she was ejected following a collision with a concrete dock. The operator of the vessel in that case was found to be drinking and speeding the night of the fatal crash.
Bernardo Pimentel II, a Leesfield & Partners Trial Attorney, secured the maximum, capped settlement for a lobster diver who was killed after a law enforcement officer negligently disregarded divers-down flag laws.
For a complete list of recoveries, visit the Leesfield & Partners Verdicts and Settlements Page.
If you or a loved one was injured in a boating case, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today at 305-854-4900.
