Pregnant Mother Critically Injured in Passaic County Hit and Run
Around 9 p.m. on the evening of December 27th, Erika Aguilar was crossing the street to meet with friends in the Clifton area. Before she saw or heard anything wrong out of the ordinary, she was struck by a silver vehicle which was traveling down Main Avenue.
This nightmare scenario was made even worse by the fact that Ms. Aguilar was four months pregnant with her second child. The perpetrator of this hit and run crime has not been identified at the time of writing.
When pedestrian accident disasters like this strike, victims are often left injured, confused, and footing the bill for medical expenses, missed work, rehabilitation, and much more. Today, our Passaic County attorneys will discuss the details of Ms. Aguilar’s accident and what potential legal recourse she may have to recover damages.
Passaic County Hit and Run Victim’s Family Speaks Out
Ms. Aguilar was rushed to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center after the accident, where she and her unborn baby received inpatient care. After a few days in the hospital, she was able to be moved to Kessler Rehabilitation Center for continuing treatment. Miraculously, both mother and baby are doing well, and the pregnancy is reportedly suffering no major ill effects as a result of the accident.
According to the victim’s mother, Ana Aguilar, Erika sustained lacerations and bruising to her face and head alongside bone fractures to her leg, hand, and mid-section. Ana Aguilar has also stated that Erika will require a back brace, cane, walker, and special accommodations in order to be able to take care of herself. Additionally, Erika’s many facial and scalp wounds will likely require plastic surgery.
While family and friends of Ms. Aguilar are thrilled that her unborn child and eight year old son are both in good health, the severe injuries she has sustained to due the negligent and criminal actions of another is still incredibly painful to bear. Both the victim’s family and Passaic County police have urged anyone with information about this hit and run incident to contact their office by calling 1-877-370-PCPO or by emailing tips@passaiccountynj.org.
Paterson Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss Potential Legal Recourse
Hit and run accidents where the driver has not been identified can create a difficult legal situation for victims of injurious accidents. Unfortunately for Ms. Aguilar, it may be difficult to successfully recover compensation until the driver is found, but it is most certainly possible.
Generally, personal injury claims for auto accidents are filed against the other driver’s auto insurance policy. In the case of hit and run accidents where the driver flees the scene, our Paterson attorneys may also choose to work with the victim’s auto insurance provider and recovering compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. This auto insurance coverage is legally required in New Jersey.
In the case of Ms. Aguilar’s accident, her injuries sustained as a pedestrian will most likely be covered by her own uninsured motorist coverage. New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, and if an individual is injured as either a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, they should be covered for their injuries. Assuming Ms. Aguilar has up-to-date auto insurance, she should be eligible to recover at least some financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our Clifton Hit and Run Accident Injury Attorneys Today
The personal injury attorneys of Fredson & Statmore have over 50 years of combined legal experience serving clients in our local New Jersey communities including Clifton, Wayne, Paterson, Little Falls, West Milford, Woodland Park, and all of Passaic County. We take pride in handling complex personal injury cases like Ms. Aguilar’s and believe in treating our clients going through a traumatic experience with the compassion and respect we would hope to receive if the roles were reversed.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident or other auto accident, contact us online for a free and confidential consultation today.
