Hit-and-Run Drivers Running Riot Through New Jersey

Of all the traffic crimes one can commit in the Garden State, a hit-and-run is one of the most universally despised. This offense shows a complete lack of human decency and basic responsibility as drivers flee into the distance instead of helping critically injured victims. Unfortunately, New Jersey sees its fair share of hit-and-runs each year. As the most densely populated state in the country, this should perhaps come as no surprise. Recently, several hit-and-run accidents in New Jersey have made headlines. Some of these stories offer glimmers of hope, while others stress just how dangerous negligent drivers have become.

Horseback Rider Helps Catch Hit-and-Run Motorist in Riverside Township

The first story provides some optimism, and it involves a heroic horseback rider who managed to track down a hit-and-run driver. The motorist in question damaged a parked vehicle before speeding off into the distance. When a witness rushed to the scene and found the damaged vehicle, she thought that the defendant had managed to escape.

However, a man on horseback soon arrived to prove her wrong. He had managed to gallop after the fleeing driver and get close enough to capture part of the suspect’s license plate. This information proved crucial, and police managed to track down the defendant. They subsequently arrested a 22-year-old man who now faces charges of driving without a license and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident. However, it could have been so much worse. If anyone had been inside the vehicle when the defendant struck it, they might have suffered catastrophic injuries.

Hit-and-Run Driver Causes “Serious Injuries” in Ocean County

In similar news, a 16-year-old child was recently struck by a motorist in Ocean County. The June incident ended with an arrest, as police found the driver unconscious in his vehicle about a half-mile away from the injured victim.

Authorities saw that the driver crossed over a while line separating the road from the sidewalk before fatally striking the teen. The incident occurred at around midday, and it prompted a fast response by first responders. As police and paramedics flocked to the area, authorities quickly noticed a parked vehicle nearby with significant front-end damage.

Police then investigated the vehicle and found a man “slumped over” inside. Connecting the dots, the authorities soon realized that this was the man who had caused the earlier crash. He is now facing charges of fleeing the scene of an accident with serious injuries and possession of drug paraphernalia. Doctors say the child will survive the crash.

Hit-and-Run Reported on Route 80

Also in June, NorthJersey.com reported that a pedestrian had been fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver on Route 80. The incident occurred in Paterson at about 3:00 AM, and police say that the suspect must have hit the pedestrian somewhere near milepost 59.5.

Although police are still searching for answers, investigators believe that the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was some kind of large commercial truck. Authorities are now urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward. This story inspires much less optimism than the report involving the horse rider, and it highlights the fact that many hit-and-run incidents are never solved.

However, it is essential not to give up hope, even if the police have made no progress with their investigation for months. They may still locate the person responsible, and you can explore your legal options with a lawyer in the meantime.

Due to New Jersey’s no-fault car insurance system, you could potentially recover compensation without ever locating the driver responsible for your injuries. You might also use your uninsured motorist coverage to pursue additional compensation. Speak to your lawyer to learn more about these options.

Can a New Jersey Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you are recovering from injuries after a New Jersey hit-and-run, you might want to speak with an experienced injury attorney. These legal professionals can help you pursue justice for everything you have been forced to endure, whether you are struggling with high hospital bills or you cannot work due to your new disabilities. Even if you cannot locate the person responsible for your crash, a lawyer can still help you pursue justice, compensation, and closure. Explain your situation with the experienced auto accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today.