Experiencing Injuries by Another Driver Who Leaves The Scene Can Be Traumatic and Challenging, But It’s Crucial To Know That NJ Law Grants Rights and Options to Seek Compensation.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, whether as a motorist, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian, there are many jarring elements of the incident to contend with. If you have been injured, it is important to immediately seek emergency medical assistance. You may also be worried about damages to your property. Dealing with insurance companies and filing a claim against the responsible party can seem like a hassle. The event of an auto accident itself can cause post-traumatic stress that lasts weeks, even if injuries and damages are relatively minor. However, when the responsible party leaves the scene of the accident in what is called a hit-and-run, it may feel like your troubles are compounded, and you may not get the justice and compensation you deserve. Our team at Cohen and Riechelson is experienced in helping injured victims recover full damages for their injuries and related expenses. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your accident.
Main Motives for a Driver Fleeing the Site of an Accident in NJ
It is important to note that it is illegal to leave the scene of an auto accident in which you are involved. However, there are many reasons a driver may leave the scene of an auto accident for which they were fully or partially responsible. One reason is that they were distracted and thus not even aware that they caused an accident. While this is rare, it does happen. Another reason that a driver may be unaware of having caused an accident or may flee the scene is if they are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and do not want to risk a DUI charge. An uninsured or underinsured driver may also erroneously choose to leave the scene of an accident. And in some cases, the responsible driver stops at the scene of the accident to ensure that all are safe, but when law enforcement does not arrive in a time they deem swift, they may leave contact info and leave the scene. This, too, is illegal.
What Should You Do If the Driver Responsible for An Accident Leaves And You’re Injured?
Learning that the driver who has caused your auto accident and injury has fled the scene of the accident can be an overwhelming experience. Try to remain calm. The most important thing to do is to immediately seek emergency medical assistance for yourself and anyone who may need it. Additionally, gather as much information about the details of the accident as possible, including writing down the license plate, make, model, and features of the auto that left the scene, if possible. Contact law enforcement while on the scene to file a police report. While you wait, record in writing details of the accident, including how it happened, weather and traffic conditions, etc, while they are fresh on your mind and you are within the situation. If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information and ask them to wait to speak to law enforcement. When you are safely at home, contact an accident injury attorney immediately.
Seeking Compensation Through Your Insurance Policy
If the responsible party for your injury accident has fled the scene and law enforcement is unable to track them down, you still have the potential to recover full damages for your injury expenses. Victims who prove that they were injured in an auto accident can file for compensation from their auto insurance provider if they have uninsured or underinsured driver coverage. Because of the limited options that victims of hit and runs often face when it comes to recovering full damages for their injuries, you need the representation of a skilled accident injury attorney to strongly pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Through such a lawsuit, an attorney may help you receive compensation for medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Driver Fled the Scene of a Car Accident in New Jersey? We Can Help Pursue Financial Recovery for Your Injuries
While having a personal injury attorney on your side is an important asset for all accident injury victims, this is especially the case for victims injured while the diver ran away, for whom there are fewer options when it comes to full compensation. A skilled accident lawyer at our office will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you get the full coverage you deserve while you can focus on resting and recovering. Our lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson concentrate on accidents and injury suits and hit and runs. We have achieved ample success on behalf of injured victims in Hamilton, East Windsor, Ewing, Titusville, Princeton, Hopewell, and towns in Mercer County, Middlesex County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey. Contact us today at (609) 528-2596 for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
