Florida woman killed in car accident on US 41
Florida - Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of death and serious injury in the United States. Not surprisingly, many Florida motorists are seriously injured or killed each year in motor vehicle collisions.
Too often, these deadly car accidents are caused by hit and run drivers who flee the scene before law enforcement officers arrive. This sometimes occurs because they are intoxicated or uninsured.
A hit and run accident left Pam Pafford, a 33 year old Florida woman, dead and her son critically injured on US Highway 41. The accident occurred on February 18, 2008 in Columbia County, Florida.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Pamela A. Pafford, of Lake City, Florida was traveling northbound on US 41 just north of Lake City at approximately 3 p.m. Michael Tyrone Philpot, 24, also of Lake City was traveling southbound when he crossed the center line into the northbound lane.
The left front of Philpot's vehicle struck the left front of Pafford's Honda Civic, which then spun across the northbound shoulder and ended up in a ditch. Pafford and her seven-year-old son, Jordan Gibbons, were air lifted to Shands Medical Center at the University of Florida, where she ultimately died from her injuries.
Philpot left his vehicle and fled into the nearby woods, according to CCSO. FHP initially believed the accident was a random head-on collision, but they later learned that Philpot and Pafford knew each other. In May of 2007, Philpot was released from the Florida Department of Corrections where he served a prison sentence for false imprisonment and aggravated assault of Pafford, according to CCSO.
Police searched for Philpot with the assistance of dogs from the Baker Corrections Institute and the Fish and Wildlife Commission. According to CCSO, the dogs led law enforcement officers to an area where Philpot may have been picked up by a passing motorist. Police believe Philpot may have been injured and may seek medical care. Law enforcement officers warn that Philpot should be considered dangerous and extreme caution should be exercised in any contact with him.
According to a report from www.columbiaclerk.com, Philpot had been arrested in 2001 for attempted first-degree murder and carrying a concealed weapon and again in 2002 for armed kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was also sentenced in 2005 to two years and five months for false imprisonment and domestic violence.
Police are actively searching for Philpot and an arrest warrant has been issued. Anyone who has any information on his whereabouts should contact Det. JT Williams at 386-623-6746 or 386-752-3222.
The Miami injury lawyers at Hannon & Boyers represent the injured victims of car accidents and their families in State and Federal courts throught Florida. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, contact our experienced accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
