On September 10, 2009 my cousin Jeff Thomson was pulling a mobile home on the interstate when his hitch broke. He pulled his rig over to the side of the off ramp on the interstate and got out of his truck. Jeff walked back to talk to the man driving the little truck with the "Wide Load" sign on it. The man went to the back of the truck while Jeff stayed by the side, front of the truck. A drunk driver,a Mr. John Edward Hicks of Huntersville, North Carolina driving a Toyota Highlander, hit Jeff and the truck at full speed. The drunk driver, Hicks, then took off. Hicks was spotted about 40-45 minutes later headed west-the other way, never going back to the scene. He left Jeff there to die. Jeff was flown to Charleston General Hospital with life threatening injuries, some of which will take many months if not years to heal fully. To this date Jeff has had three surgeries, two the first day and one the next. He still has to have many surgeries to come. As of today Jeff has beat the odds, but he will be in the hospital for a long time to come. Hicks, the drunk driver that hit Jeff was out on bond less than 24 hours after the accident. The law in West Virginia for a non-fatal hit and run is up to one year in jail and no more than a $1000.00 fine. That is not right, while my cousin fights for his life the drunk driver is with his family, going on with life. Jeff will require months if not years of therapy. Help Jeff and his family get the justice they deserve. * NOTE* Mr. Hicks DID NOT return to the scene of the accident, he was spotted on the other side of the highway headed back west-going back to where he came from 40-45 minutes after the accident occurred. He did not stop at the scene of the crime, he did not stop to see what he had done. If the man that was with Jeff was not there-Jeff would have been left alone to die. The drunk, Hicks, blood alcohol level was at .197, over two times the legal limit in West Virginia. My cousin-7 weeks later has not gone home at all. That is a hit and run-I feel no sorrow for a person that can committ such an act.