Both motorcyclists died tragic deaths in separate crashes when, after an initial wreck, a second motorist in each case ran them over and left them to die.
Eaton, 46, of DeLand, and Hill, 47, of Sanford, are two of five people killed in the last month in what Florida Highway Patrol officials called an "outbreak" of fatal hit-and-run crashes this year. There have been 13 fatalities from hit-and-runs in Central Florida this year and troopers have only solved three, FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said at a press conference Thursday.
Three of those fatalities occurred in Volusia County.
Families of the victims gathered at the FHP headquarters in Orlando to support troopers' efforts in asking the public's help to solve these crimes.
"These are people . . . left to die on the side of the roads by cowards," Montes said. "They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. They are people with families."
On Wednesday alone, troopers worked 19 nonfatal hit-and-run accidents and these cases show the number of this type of crash is on the rise, Montes said.
Hit-and-run crashes have left mostly pedestrians dead but motorcyclists, bicyclists, vehicle drivers and passengers have also been killed, Montes said.
Drivers that run most likely are under the influence of alcohol and drugs, have suspended driver's licenses or are wanted for other crimes, she said. These are not valid excuses to leave somebody on the side of the road, Montes said.
Jamie McWilliams, whose 20-year-old son was killed by a hit-and-run driver on private property seven years ago, agreed.
"There is no excuse to leave someone out like they were last week's trash," said McWilliams, who lives in the Orlando area.
Montes said someone might have information they may consider unimportant, but it can be the information they need to "complete the puzzle" of evidence to catch criminals.
"For some of these cases we need the public's help so these families can have closure," Montes said.
For more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlHEAD02112009.htmIf you've been injured in a motorcycle accident because of a hit-and-run, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com
1 comment:
I feel sorry to know about the motorcyclists John Eaton and Kevin Hill who met with the same fate & died of hit and run accidents. Hit and Run accidents are the result of one party causing damage to another party's property or person and leaving the scene before producing the proper driver documentation. A hit and run is a term used for the failure of a motorist to stop after an accident in which he is involved. It is also called leaving the scene of an accident, hit-skip, hit and run, and failure to render aid. Any person involved in an accident must provide information and render aid, if necessary. A hit and run is basically failure on the part of a driver to accept responsibility for their part in a motor accident. It is a serious offense. In 47 states it is considered a felony. In three states - Kentucky, Montana and Utah, it is a misdemeanor. A first time offender can if convicted will be required to pay the victim for damages done to the vehicle, either through his insurance company or in fines assessed by the authorities. However, a personal injury accident lawyer can provide victims with better guidance in this respect. For more information visit accident at work .
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