Bond Lowered for Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher Arrested After DUI Hit and Run

Matt%20Bush%20Mug%20Shot.jpgIn early May, the bond for Tampa Bay Rays baseball player Matt Bush was reduced from $1 million to $440,000. Bush has remained in the Charlotte County Jail on multiple driving under the influence (DUI) charges since March. He was arrested on March 22nd after the sport utility vehicle he was driving allegedly hit a motorcycle carrying 72-year-old Anthony Tufano on US Highway 41. Although Tufano was seriously injured as a result of being thrown from the motorcycle, Bush reportedly fled the scene of the collision. The Rays pitcher was later stopped by police on another road and subsequently arrested. Following the accident, Tufano was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

According to local law enforcement, Bush exhibited slurred speech, poor coordination and balance, bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol following the crash. When police administered a breathalyzer test, Bush blew a .180 and a .171, more than twice the State of Florida’s legal limit of .08. Bush admitted to hitting a pole earlier in the day, but told police officers he did not remember hitting a motorcycle. He was previously charged with DUI in both Arizona and California.

Following the crash, Bush was charged with fleeing the scene of a serious injury accident, DUI with serious injuries, DUI with property damage, and driving on a suspended license. If he is released on bond, he will be required to wear both an alcohol monitoring device and a GPS tracking bracelet. The judge who lowered his bond also told Bush he was not allowed to leave Charlotte County or enter any establishments that serve alcohol. Although prosecutors argued Bush was a flight risk, his attorney stated Bush cannot afford bail and will likely remain in Charlotte County Jail even with the lowered bond.

Intoxicated drivers threaten the lives of those traveling on Florida roadways every day. If a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you love, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the crash. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, disability, and lost wages. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries or relieve your financial burden following a family member’s Florida wrongful death.

At Lazarus & Lazarus, P.A., our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are available answer the questions you are likely to have after an automobile accident and to assist you with filing your damages claim. Our experienced wrongful death lawyers also understand the pain and anguish that accompanies the unexpected loss of a loved one. Lazarus & Lazarus represents clients who were hurt by a drunk driver throughout Florida including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Orlando, Weston, Dade County, Palm Beach County, and Broward County. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case, call Lazarus & Lazarus today at (954) 356-0006. You may also contact our dedicated and hardworking lawyers through the law firm’s website.

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Pinellas County Jury Awards Record $200 Million Verdict Over Nursing Home Death, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Blog, January 17, 2012
Additional Resources:

Rays player arrested in DUI hit and run, by Kristin Weber, wtsp.com

Rays player Matt Bush’s bond reduced in DUI hit and run case, by CBS News, wtsp.com