Who Is Liable For Hit and Run Accidents in New Jersey?

Who Is Liable For Hit and Run Accidents in New Jersey?

Hit and run accidents are a serious problem in New Jersey, leaving many victims with questions regarding who is liable. Understanding the necessary steps to take should someone be involved in such an accident can help protect those affected. This article will discuss who is responsible for hit and run accidents in New Jersey and what actions need to be taken following such an incident.

Hit-and-run in New Jersey is a serious offense that can leave victims of these types of accidents confused and overwhelmed. Knowing who is liable for a hit-and-run accident and understanding the best course of action for victims can be difficult to comprehend. This is where a car accident attorney from Garden State Justice Group can help.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hit-and-run throughout New Jersey, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are attorneys who can help. The first step in determining who is at fault for the accident is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. They can examine the severity of the accident and determine who is liable for the accident.

Hospitals that treat New Jersey hit and run injuries:

What Is A Hit And Run Accident?

Hit and run car accidents are one of the most serious types of motor vehicle collisions. According to statistics, approximately 11% of all fatal crashes in 2015 were hit and run incidents. A hit and run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident resulting from their own actions without providing contact information or helping injured parties. In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and carries stiff penalties for those convicted.

New Jersey law requires that drivers remain at the scene after being involved in any type of collision, regardless if property damage only is sustained or physical injury has occurred. If they fail to do so, they may be charged with a criminal offense known as “failure to stop” under N.J.S.A 39:4-129, with potential civil liability imposed on them by victims who suffered damages because of the crash. Those found guilty can face fines up to $5,000 and/or six months imprisonment in addition to higher insurance rates for years afterward due to increased points added onto their driving record upon conviction.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit-and-run car accidents accounted for 11% of all traffic fatalities in 2017. In some cases, police officers have been able to identify suspects through witness descriptions or video surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras; however, many instances go unsolved due to lack of evidence unless tips are provided by members within the public community. It is important for anyone witnessing a hit and run incident occurring in New Jersey to report it immediately in order for justice to be served swiftly for both victims and perpetrators alike.

Legal Definition Of A Hit And Run Accident in New Jersey

In New Jersey, a hit and run is defined as fleeing the scene of an accident without providing assistance or information. This includes failing to stop at the scene, exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash, provide necessary aid for any injured parties, or report the accident to law enforcement officials. The state statute also defines leaving the scene after causing property damage as a hit and run.

A criminal charge can be brought against someone who commits a hit and run in New Jersey. Depending on the severity of circumstance, it may result in fines up to $10,000 or even prison time if bodily harm was caused. If an individual's license is suspended due to another offense, they may face additional charges such as driving while suspended with knowledge and operating during suspension - both are considered separate offenses.

The penalties associated with committing a hit and run car accident vary depending on whether there were injuries sustained by one or more people involved in the accident. In general though, hitting and running from an accident will most likely result in some form of criminal offense being charged which can lead to long-term consequences including jail time and hefty fines that could last well into your future financial stability.

Penalties For Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In New Jersey

In 2018, there were 4,764 hit-and-run crashes in New Jersey, up from 4,539 in 2017, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a serious offense. Depending on the circumstances, the hit and run driver may be prosecuted under civil or criminal law, with penalties ranging from heavy fines to jail time.

Under New Jersey traffic laws, drivers involved in accidents resulting in property damage are required to remain at the scene until they exchange information or report the incident to local authorities. If a driver flees without fulfilling these requirements, he/she can face severe legal consequences.

Hit and run offenses in New Jersey can lead to criminal charges, such as:

  • Third Degree Criminal Charges: Hit and runs that involve minor property damage may result in third-degree criminal charges punishable by three (3) to five (5) years imprisonment and hefty fines up to $15000.
  • Second Degree Criminal Charges: If serious injuries occurred as a result of fleeing the scene of an accident, then second-degree criminal charges can apply with potential prison sentences between five (5) and ten (10) years as well as additional financial penalties up to $150 thousand dollars.
  • First Degree Felony: In cases where death results due to a hit and run accident, then first-degree felony charges will likely apply, which could lead to life imprisonment along with hefty fines upon conviction.

No matter how minor an accident may seem at first glance, it's always important for all parties immediately stop the vehicle until the police arrive and take necessary steps such as exchanging insurance information or filing reports if needed. Ignoring this responsibility could lead to steep financial repercussions and considerable penalties for a hit and run, including possible jail time. 

Injury Or Death Resulting From A Hit And Run

In New Jersey, a hit and run accident is any incident in which a person leaves the scene of an accident where someone has been injured or killed. Those who are held liable for these incidents can face serious legal consequences. This includes potential fines, jail time and restitution payments to victims.

The law applicable to these cases is governed by state statutes and regulations and local laws such as those in Monmouth County. In general, if a driver causes injury or death to another person while driving their vehicle and then flees the scene before providing information or assistance, they will be charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death or personal injuries under N.J.S.A 2C:11-5.2a(3). A conviction could result in up to 10 years imprisonment, a $150,000 fine, or both. Even if the victim does not seek criminal charges against the perpetrator of the hit and run, he/she may still pursue civil damages from them for his/her losses related to medical bills and other expenses associated with the incident.

It's vital that anyone who becomes a victim of a hit and run understands that there are resources available to help him/her through this difficult situation. While it is impossible to erase what happened entirely from one’s life, understanding how best to proceed forward after experiencing such trauma can make all the difference when seeking justice on behalf of oneself or loved ones affected by the event.

Property Damage From A Hit And Run In NJ

The devastating effects of hit and run accidents can be felt by all involved - the victim, their family, and anyone else in the vicinity. Property damage is a common result, leaving both physical and financial pain for those affected. In New Jersey specifically there are laws which govern who is liable for such incidents.

  • Uninsured motorist coverage covers the property damage caused to a parked car when an uninsured motorist has struck it.
    Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays medicals bills related to any injuries suffered due to being a victim of a hit and run accident.
    Damaged property may also be covered under collision insurance if the driver responsible has not been identified or located.

No one should have to suffer the consequences associated with someone else's negligence; however, these laws provide some relief to those impacted by providing compensation for damaged property as well as any personal injury resulting from a hit and run incident in New Jersey. As such, understanding what options are available allows victims to seek justice and repair losses incurred from this unfortunate situation.

Uninsured Motorist Involved In A Hit And Run

Hit and run accidents in New Jersey can involve an uninsured motorist who has struck a parked vehicle. In these instances, the driver must remain at the scene to provide their insurance information, or face criminal penalties from law enforcement. Victims of hit and runs may be able to obtain compensation for damages to their vehicles through their own auto insurance policies, if they have Uninsured Motorists coverage.

New Jersey drivers are required by law to carry liability insurance that includes bodily injury protection as well as property damage coverage. This protects other motorists should they cause an accident or otherwise harm another person’s property. If someone is involved in a hit and run involving an uninsured motorist, then it is possible for them to file a claim against their own policy for any resulting losses caused by the crash.

Victims of a hit and run incident with an uninsured motorist can also contact their state Bureau of Consumer Affairs for more information on how best to proceed with filing a claim. It is important that affected parties document any evidence related to the incident such as photos of damages or witness accounts so they have additional support when pursuing legal action against the responsible party.

Hitting A Parked Car: Who Is Liable?

In a hit and run accident, legal responsibility lies with the driver who hit another vehicle or property. In New Jersey, victims of hit and run accidents may be able to recover damages after a crash even if they cannot identify the driver who caused it.

New Jersey has several laws in place that protect victims of such events:

  • If two vehicles collide, both drivers are liable for any damage resulting from their actions. This includes any personal injury or property damage they cause to one another.
  • When someone else’s negligent driving damages an unoccupied parked car, the driver who caused the damage can be held responsible for all costs associated with repairs or replacement of the damaged vehicle.
  • Victims whose property was damaged during a hit and run can file a claim against their insurance company for coverage under uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM).

It is important for victims involved in a hit-and-run accident to take action immediately following the incident so as not to miss out on potential compensation opportunities. They should report the event to the police, document evidence at the scene, gather contact information from witnesses and seek medical care if necessary. Seeking help from an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases is also recommended since there are many complexities when dealing with insurance companies and proving fault without identifying the other party involved.

Bodily Injury Caused By A Hit-And-Run Driver

The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident resulting in injury can be as jarring as if lightning had struck. In New Jersey, the driver responsible for causing bodily injury is liable for damages that may arise from an accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to ensure the injured party receives appropriate compensation after a hit and run incident.

In order to prove fault in such cases, it must first be established who was driving at the time of the accident. To do this, evidence must be collected, including witness testimony or video surveillance footage. Once liability has been determined, the attorney will then pursue financial compensation on behalf of their client, which could include medical expenses or lost wages due to inability to work.

It is also important to note that other parties besides the driver can sometimes be held liable since they are legally obligated to maintain safe roads free from hazards like potholes or debris which could have contributed to the crash leading up to bodily injury. Ultimately, it is best for those involved in such accidents to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate all aspects of the case and build a strong legal claim against any potential defendants.

Damages After A Hit-And-Run Accident In New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, a hit and run accident is defined as an automobile incident where the driver leaves the scene without providing their identifying information. 

Several key points that can help determine who is liable for a hit and run:

  • Injured Person: The injured person may be able to recover damages against the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident if they have legal representation.
  • Involved in an Accident: The individual who was involved in an accident will likely face criminal charges depending on how severe the damages were.
  • Scene of Accident: Witnesses at the scene of the accident can provide valuable insight into what happened during and after the crash.
  • Owner of Vehicle: If it is determined that the owner of the vehicle knew about but did not report the incident, they could potentially be held responsible for any damages caused by the hit and run.
  • Legal Representation: It is important for anyone injured in a hit and run accident to contact an attorney so they get proper compensation for medical bills or other losses incurred during this time.

It is possible to recover financial damages from those responsible for a hit and run accidents even when identifying information isn't available right away. To protect one's rights fully following such an event, it is best to hire trusted legal counsel as soon as possible.

Liability Of NJ Drivers Involved In A Hit-And-Run Accident

Hit and run accidents in New Jersey have far reaching consequences for those involved. While it is easy to take the law into your own hands, NJ drivers must remember that legal representation may be necessary if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Criminal defense attorneys are equipped with knowledge about the laws surrounding these types of cases, making them invaluable resources for victims looking to pursue justice.

Often times, people who are victimized by a driver fleeing an accident scene can suffer from physical or emotional trauma as well as financial hardships due to medical bills or property damages. In such situations, witnesses may be able to provide details which could help identify the offender so they can be held responsible legally. Additionally, local police departments will often investigate such incidents and work diligently to bring closure to those affected.

No matter what side of a hit and run you find yourself on in New Jersey, there are legal options available that can assist in ensuring that justice is served properly. Seeking out experienced criminal defense attorneys should always be considered when dealing with issues related to a hit and run incident. Without proper legal advice and counsel, one risks exposing themselves to greater hardship than necessary when trying to move forward after being part of a hit and run situation.

What To Do If You Have Been Involved In Or Witnessed A Hit And Run

Hit and run accidents in New Jersey are taken very seriously. If you have been involved in or witnessed a hit and run, it is important to remain calm and act quickly. It is advisable to immediately leave the accident scene if possible but not before making sure that all injured parties receive medical care as necessary.

When an accident has resulted from a hit and run, make sure to take note of any details regarding the vehicle, such as its color, make, model, license plate number, etc., while also noting whether there were any passengers present at the time. Additionally, victims of hit-and-run should contact their local police department right away to report the incident. In some cases, even small pieces of information can lead officers to locate the driver responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that hit and run accidents happen more often than many people think; therefore, do not feel discouraged or defeated if you find yourself in this situation. No matter how minor or serious the damage to any vehicle may be, it is essential for drivers who commit these offenses to face the consequences for their actions so justice can be served accordingly. Remember: remaining vigilant after accidents will help ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their wrongdoing.

New Jersey Hit-and-Run Attorneys Represent Motorists

Hit and run accidents in New Jersey are a serious matter, with significant potential consequences if one is found liable. It is essential for drivers to be aware of the legal definition of a hit and run, as well as all associated criminal charges, penalties and insurance requirements. The severity of these regulations shows that law enforcement takes this offense very seriously; thus, it should not be taken lightly by any driver who enters onto NJ roads.

The Garden State Justice Group have years of experience handling car accident cases throughout New Jersey. They understand the complexity of hit-and-runs and will use their expertise to ensure that you get the maximum settlement you deserve. Each case is different and the firm takes into account the individual circumstances and the severity of the accident before making a decision.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a hit-and-run accident in NJ, it is important to contact an experienced car accident attorney right away. The Garden State Justice Group have the knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact their office today for a free consultation.

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Shane Sullivan, Esq.
Date Published: May 4, 2023
Shane Sullivan, Esq. is a New Jersey Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer that represents those who were injured or the family's of those killed by the negligence of others in personal injury lawsuits throughout New Jersey.
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