Car accidents are stressful enough, and being left by yourself to deal with the situation only adds to the frustration. If you were injured in a car accident and the other driver leaves the scene, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Essex County Auto Accident Attorney who can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take to protect your rights after a hit-and-run accident in New Jersey.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that drivers in New Jersey are legally required to remain at the scene of an accident if the accident causes injury, death, or substantial property damage. If drivers fail to fulfill this obligation, they can face significant consequences. When someone knowingly causes an accident and then leaves the scene without providing necessary information about themselves or assistance to others, it’s known as a hit-and-run accident. Despite the law requiring drivers to remain at the scene of the accident, some individuals are so shocked by the circumstances they panic and flee instead. The following include some reasons a driver may flee the scene:
- They are operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- They don’t have a driver’s license
- They don’t have insurance
- The car doesn’t belong to them
- The driver has outstanding warrants for their arrest for unpaid tickets or other crimes
- The driver is operating an employer-owned vehicle and doesn’t want their employer to find out they got into a crash
What Do I Do if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, your first instinct is likely to chase after the other driver. However, while it may be tempting to chase them to ensure they don’t get away, there are some serious safety issues. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to control your vehicle, leading to another accident and further injuries. Additionally, the other driver may be armed or violent, which could put you and others in danger if they feel threatened. As such, you should remain calm, find a safe location to pull over, and contact the police.
While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, you should gather as much information as possible about the other driver and their vehicle. This includes details such as the make, model, color, damage, license plate number, the direction they headed, and any other distinctive features. If there are any witnesses, ask them if they remember anything you could have missed.
Understandably, being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be devastating. At The Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we are prepared to help you hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. Connect with our firm today to learn more about how we can assist you.
