Two motorcyclists were victimized in two separate hit-and-run crashes Sunday. One victim was killed, and the other, a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy, was injured. These are just the latest in a disturbing trend of hit-and-run collisions in Houston.
In the first crash a motorcyclist was killed early Sunday morning on I-45 North at the Rankin Road exit. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the motorcyclist struck the rear of a dark Volvo SUV after the Volvo “slowed abruptly.” According to witnesses, the Volvo had been swerving through lanes, and the driver got out of the SUV after the crash and looked around before fleeing the scene. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Also, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a hit-and-run driver who injured a deputy riding a motorcycle late Sunday night on the East Beltway feeder road at Wallisville Road in Houston. The driver struck Deputy Jason Ricamore’s motorcycle from behind and then fled the scene. Ricamore was riding his own motorcycle, but was in uniform, and is reported to be in pain but in good condition.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating both hit-and-run drivers. Anyone who can provide information on either crash, including information on a dark colored Volvo SUV with rear damage, should contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Houston is plagued by hit-and-run drivers, with hit-and-run accidents significantly higher than the national average. The roads of Houston and Harris County are the most dangerous in Texas, statistically, with Harris County drivers paying the highest auto insurance premiums in the state.
Texas law requires drivers to stop at collisions, give their information, and render aid. Leaving the scene of a collision resulting in a serious injury or death is a felony in Texas. In order to remove the incentive for drunk drivers to flee the scene of collisions, Texas legislature recently increased the penalties for leaving the scene of such a crash to match those of causing that crash by intoxication. Thus, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury is a third degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, the same as intoxication assault, while leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death is a second degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison, the same as intoxication manslaughter.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car or motorcycle wreck, the law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner can assist with your claim. Call us today at (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211 for your free consultation.