Mother of Four Killed in New Jersey Hit and Run

Families in New Jersey suffer serious consequences in the aftermath of hit and runs – and these incidents are particularly tragic when children lose their parents. Such was the case after a mother of four recently lost her life while attempting to jog down a road in Ocean County. Not only did this woman leave behind four children, but she also had a successful business. Families of victims often struggle with the lack of justice in this situation – as negligent drivers sometimes flee the scene after striking pedestrians. Although the driver fled in this case as well, the suspect was eventually located and apprehended by local police. However, no amount of criminal penalties will ever bring back the victim. If you have experienced the tragedy of a hit-and-run firsthand, you might consider contacting an experienced accident attorney. 

Victim of Deadly Hit-and-Run Identified

On January 23, 2024, local authorities in Ocean County identified the victim of a fatal hit and run. The incident occurred on January 13th, and it claimed the life of a 56-year-old woman. This individual was initially transported to a nearby hospital, although she passed away from her wounds after arrival. It was later determined that the woman was jogging on the shoulder of the roadway when she was fatally struck by a 1999 Ford Explorer. 

Initially, police arrived at the scene to find no sign of the at-fault driver. This sparked an investigation that later led them to a 19-year-old. As a result, the teen was arrested and charged with numerous offenses – including leaving the scene of a motor vehicle that resulted in death and reckless driving. He may also face manslaughter charges. 

40-Year-Old Woman Struck and Permanently Injured by Teen

Unfortunately, this type of situation is becoming all too common in New Jersey. Three days later, on January 26, another juvenile struck and permanently injured a 40-year-old woman in Bergen County. At about 8 AM, two vehicles collided at a Teaneck intersection. It was later revealed that a 2015 Ford Explorer driven by a juvenile crashed into a Nissan Rogue. The collision prompted the juvenile to get out of his vehicle and attempt an escape on foot. Officers pursued the suspect and ultimately arrested them. Fortunately, the victim survived – but with serious injuries that required immediate hospitalization. It is unclear whether she will ever fully recover. 

Hit and Runs are Not Hopeless

While these two situations are undoubtedly tragic, they show that negligent drivers are often held accountable for their crimes. A hit and run often leads to an arrest – despite the suspect’s attempts to flee. Police officers are highly proficient in chasing down suspects fleeing on foot – or those who attempt to drive away. In both of these situations, the authorities managed to track down the drivers and hold them accountable. While this will not undo fatalities or serious injuries, it may provide families with a sense of closure and justice. Perhaps most notably, it may also provide a pathway to compensation through a personal injury claim. 

Juveniles are Also Vulnerable to Hit and Runs

In both of the aforementioned cases, the juveniles were the negligent drivers. However, this is not always the case – and sometimes, the juveniles are the victims of the hit-and-runs. Back in October of 2023, it was reported that an 11-year-old child had been injured due to a hit-and-run in North Bergen. In this case, a man attempted to drive away after striking the child – but he was ultimately apprehended. Witnesses confronted the driver, perhaps encountering him to stop when he realized that they all had his license plate number. 

On January 25, 2024, it was reported that a 19-year-old had lost his life after being sideswiped. The driver then fled the scene but was ultimately apprehended by police in New Jersey. 

Find an Experienced Accident Attorney in New Jersey

If you have been searching for a qualified accident attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. Over the years, we have helped numerous accident victims – and their families. We know how life-altering and traumatic a hit-and-run can be – especially if the victim loses their life. Although pursuing justice can be challenging after a hit-and-run, it is not impossible. With our help, you can strive for positive results – including compensation for your various damages. These damages might include future lost earnings, unpaid medical expenses, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and much more. Book your consultation today to learn more.