Hit-and-run accidents leave victims in a state of shock and distress. These types of accidents are particularly devastating, as they not only cause physical injuries but also add emotional strain when the responsible party flees the scene. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident in NJ, it is crucial to know you have options to seek justice against the fleeing driver.
However, handling these cases requires understanding your rights and the available avenues to seek compensation. Fortunately, a New Jersey hit and run lawyer at Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. will guide you based on your unique circumstances. We aim to help victims of car collisions seek justice by holding the drivers at fault accountable for their negligence.
Success in car accident injury claims often depends on immediate actions taken after the accident. Therefore, after a hit-and-run crash in New Jersey, your timely actions can directly impact the success of your claim.
When the at-fault driver leaves the scene of an accident, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, there are crucial steps you can take to improve your chances of securing compensation.
First and foremost, remain at the scene. This is vital not only for your safety but also for your legal standing. Staying put allows law enforcement to conduct their investigation and gives you the opportunity to document valuable evidence at the scene.
Also, if you managed to catch the details of the fleeing driver, such as the license plate number, share this information with the police. Even seemingly minor details can be instrumental in tracking down the driver.
Additionally, check the area for any nearby cameras. Security cameras, traffic cams, or dash cams might have captured the incident, and such video evidence is key in identifying the responsible party.
Finally, consider working with a New Jersey hit-and-run lawyer. An attorney can explore every possible avenue to identify the at-fault driver and assist you in pursuing the necessary compensation.
When the driver responsible for the accident cannot be identified, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage. In New Jersey, insurance policies often include provisions for hit-and-run accidents.
Additionally, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can be a good fallback in such times. This type of coverage is designed to protect you in car accidents where the at-fault driver either has no insurance or cannot be identified.
Also, New Jersey law requires all drivers to carry PIP insurance, which provides coverage for medical expenses and sometimes other related losses, regardless of who is at fault. PIP can be particularly useful in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver is unknown.
If your vehicle was damaged in the hit-and-run, collision coverage may also help pay for repairs. But this coverage usually comes with a deductible that you’ll need to pay out of pocket. If you’re unsure about your coverage or facing difficulties with your insurance company, a New Jersey hit-and-run lawyer can help you navigate the claims process.
If the fleeing driver is identified, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for the accident-related losses. Filing a lawsuit in New Jersey requires careful planning and adherence to legal procedures.
The initial move in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to consult with a hit-and-run lawyer in New Jersey. They will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you determine whether a lawsuit is the best course of action.
Once your lawyer has built a strong strategy, they will launch a formal complaint in the appropriate New Jersey court. This document covers the accident details, your injuries, and the damages you’re seeking.
After filing the complaint, the defendant (the driver who fled the scene) must be officially notified of the lawsuit through a process called “service of process.” Your lawyer will guide you through this step to ensure all legal requirements are met. Settlement negotiations may also occur during this stage, potentially avoiding a lengthy trial.
However, if a settlement is not reachable, your attorney will proceed to trial. The court will hear the evidence, render a verdict, and then determine if you are entitled to compensation and how much. With the right legal representation, you can really improve your chances of getting a good outcome.
In New Jersey, leaving the scene following a crash is a serious crime. Even if the accident was not your fault, leaving the scene puts you in violation of the N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. If you were involved in a hit-and-run and are found to be at fault, you could face the following consequences:
If you’re facing charges related to a hit-and-run accident, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our car accident lawyers have experience handling serious motor vehicle offenses, such as hit-and-run accidents.
There are several reasons why drivers may flee the scene of an accident. However, none of them excuse the act under the law. Here are some reasons why some drivers flee the scene after a crash:
One of the first steps your attorney will take is to follow up with the police regarding the hit-and-run driver. They will work with the authorities to gather any available information and evidence that can help track down the responsible party. This may include reviewing surveillance footage, speaking to witnesses, and analyzing any physical evidence left at the scene.
After identifying the hit and run driver, your lawyer will then determine the available insurance coverage. This is crucial in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage. They will help you navigate the complex world of insurance policies and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Filing the appropriate claims is another task that a hit and run lawyer will handle for you. They will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted within the required time frames. This includes filing a claim with your own insurance company, as well as pursuing additional claims against the responsible party’s insurance, if applicable.
Proving liability is a crucial aspect of any hit and run case. Your attorney will gather evidence and work with experts to establish who was at fault for the accident. This may involve reconstructing the scene, analyzing damage to vehicles, and consulting with medical professionals to determine the extent of your injuries.
Your lawyer will also help you prove your losses. They will work with you to compile all relevant documentation, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages. By presenting a clear and comprehensive picture of the damages you have suffered, your attorney will fight to ensure that you are fairly compensated.
Hiring a NJ hit and run lawyer can greatly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve after being involved in a hit and run accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in New Jersey, you should not feel helpless. While fleeing the accident scene has unique challenges when handling a personal injury claim, having a lawyer’s assistance can provide valuable perspectives in pursuing justice. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we understand the suffering the hit-and-run victims go through, and we are ready to help them reconstruct the crash to hold the fleeing driver accountable.
For more information, contact us today for a free consultation by calling (201) 588-1500.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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