Driver Faces Charges After Pedestrian Accident Victim Dies

Learning that a loved one was run over by a driver who failed to stop leaves the family with many unanswered questions. Having to bury that person without knowing the circumstances of his death must be a distressing experience. A New Jersey man is now facing several charges after the prosecutor was informed that the victim of a pedestrian accident succumbed to his injuries.

A 55-year-old man was reportedly recently knocked down while he was out walking. The driver apparently failed to stop and continued along his way. According to reports, the victim suffered a skull fracture and some bleeding on his brain, along with a pelvic fracture. He was airlifted to the hospital, but survived for only 10 days before passing away.

While the accident was being investigated, the police received information about a vehicle with front-end damage that was parked at an apartment complex. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was affirmed that the damage was what they would expect to see after a car had hit a pedestrian, and the broken bits they retrieved from the crash site matched the vehicle. A 27-year-old man was arrested, and he later posted $25,000 bail. However, since the death of the victim, the alleged hit-and-run driver was reportedly detained after failing to post a new bail amount of $50,000.

The family of the man who lost his life in this tragic pedestrian accident may find comfort knowing that they may pursue recovery of the medical costs and end-of-life expenses they are likely facing. They retain the right to file a wrongful death claim in a New Jersey civil court, naming the alleged negligent driver as the defendant. In addition to medical, funeral and burial costs, the court may award damages for other losses sustained as appropriate under state laws.

Source: northjersey.com, “Mahwah man faces new charges after Ramsey hit-and-run victim dies“, Abbott Koloff, Aug.25, 2014