When an at-fault driver leaves the scene of the accident, it is called a hit-and-run accident, and obtaining fair compensation is complicated for victims. Hit and run car accidents in Clark are more common than you may realize, and they put victims like you at a real disadvantage. Fortunately, an experienced car accident attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC can help.
Stopping After a Car Accident
Under New Jersey law, motorists have a legal obligation to stop in the event of an accident that leaves someone injured or that causes property damage that exceeds $500. Therefore, most collisions require both motorists to stop, and a failure to do so can lead to legal consequences.
When motorists flee, it is often an attempt to avoid being caught for glaring legal violations. Common examples include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Having a suspended driver’s license
- Failing to carry mandatory car insurance
New Jersey follows no-fault car accident laws. This means that, unless your injuries are very serious, you will turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for compensation after an accident. This system is designed to speed up the claims process, help free up the court’s dockets, and generally decrease costs. However, if you have serious injuries, a hit-and-run car crash in Clark can become a complicated problem.
Finding the At-Fault Driver
Some motorists who leave the scene of an accident in Clark are never found, but this is not always the case. In fact, it is becoming more and more difficult to disappear. This is because most people carry a smartphone that allows them to capture important identifying information when they witness hit-and-run accidents.
Additionally, security cameras, dashcams, and traffic cameras are everywhere. When accident victims or witnesses catch information in the course of hit-and-run accidents, such as any part of the negligent driver’s license plate number, it can help locate them.
Personal Injury Protection
As a no-fault state, New Jersey requires motorists to carry PIP coverage. You can utilize this coverage if you are injured in a hit-and-run car wreck in Clark.
While PIP can expedite the claims process, the coverage is not as comprehensive as it can be in a fault-based injury claim. Your PIP coverage covers your medical costs and lost wages up to your policy limits. If your losses exceed this coverage, you will normally file a fault-based claim against the other driver’s insurance. If you cannot find the other driver, however, what are your options?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The state also requires motorists to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for instances when an at-fault driver does not carry the liability insurance that the law requires.
If a negligent driver leaves the scene of an accident and you have been injured, the law treats them as being uninsured, since their coverage is not available to you. As such, you can rely on your own UM coverage. While UM coverage provides similar compensation as a fault-based claim against the driver, it does not cover property damage to your vehicle.
Further, UM claims require you to prove someone else was liable and left the scene. Your insurer will also try to minimize your payout. Legal representation by a Clark attorney is key after any hit-and-run car accident.
Contact an Experienced Clark Hit and Run Car Crash Lawyer Today
Hit and run car accidents in Clark are all too common. If you were injured in such an accident, you need the skilled legal guidance of an attorney at Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC. We dedicate our practice to helping clients like you prevail with favorable claim resolutions and encourage you to reach out for more information by contacting us online or calling us today. Consultations are always free.
