Arrest Made In Fatal New Jersey Pedestrian Accident

The life of a New Jersey family was irrevocably changed after a hit-and-run accident. Three siblings, a 15-year old girl and her two brothers, ages 20 and 11, were walking toward a pedestrian bridge when the pedestrian accident happened. The 20-year-old college student and his younger brother were severely injured.

The two brothers were hit by a vehicle which traveled onto the sidewalk where the three siblings were walking. It is reported that the older brother should be considered a hero as he attempted to shield his brother and sister with his body. This protective action meant that he took most of the impact.

The 20-year-old brother’s leg was amputated. Unfortunately, he passed away in the hospital several weeks after the accident. His younger brother is still recovering and receiving therapy.

The vehicle allegedly involved in the accident was found abandoned blocks away from the scene. Approximately 10 agencies were involved in a complicated search for the driver of the vehicle. After the extensive search, the alleged hit-and-run driver was found hiding under the bed of his cousin in another state. Even though police are still investigating the cause of the pedestrian accident, the alleged hit-and-run driver is already facing several charges.

Despite the outcome of the criminal case, the family of the two brothers may choose to file civil claims against the driver of the vehicle. In New Jersey, family members of a deceased victim of a pedestrian accident may choose to file a wrongful death claim, while severely injured victims, or their family members in the case of a minor, may elect to file a personal injury claim. A successfully litigated claim may lead to the court awarding compensation to the victim or his or her family. Compensation can help ease the financial burden an accident can put on a family.

Source: patch.com, “Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run Found Hiding Under Bed in Maryland“, Emily Everson, Dec.5, 2014