We posted this spring about a fatal hit-and-run accident in which British citizens were killed as they crossed the street during an early-morning crash. At the time, it appeared that investigators were ready to conclude their investigation, but now comes word that the situation remains unresolved due to the inability to assign the fault for driving the vehicle responsible for the deaths.
According to the Sun-Sentinel:
“Still at issue is just who was driving the white Porsche 911 Turbo that jumped a sidewalk and struck businessmen Craig Elford, 39, and Kenneth Watkinson, 48, as they walked to their hotel about 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 13. The driver fled and abandoned the car about an hour later.
Police think it was either the Porsche’s owner, Ryan M. LeVin, 34, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., who was behind the wheel, or his buddy, Derek Cook, of Tamarac.
“At some point in time someone is going to have to come forward and say who it was,” said attorney Jonathan Pavsner, who is suing LeVin and Cook on behalf of Watkinson’s family.
Pavsner, who visited Watkinson’s family in England recently, said the family is “not well, but they’re doing the best they can.”
Both victims’ families were able to proceed with a civil suit even though police had not made an arrest because the standards of proof for civil cases are lower than for criminal cases. In a civil lawsuit, the winning side is the one that can show more evidence to support its argument; in a criminal case, authorities have the heavier burden of presenting a theory that leaves no reasonable doubt as to what happened.”
Another reason that the civil suit is moving forward is that both defendants could be held liable. If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in this sort of situation, you need the help of Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers who understand how to fight for your rights. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Mon, Jul 13, 2009
Accident Lawyers, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death