Hit-and-run car accidents in Piscataway can be especially distressing and traumatic. In addition to the emotional aspect, finding the hit-and-run driver can be difficult, which can limit your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. However, if you are able to locate the driver, proving that they were responsible for your injuries can be easier. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney could help you understand your options and negotiate for as much compensation as possible once the responsible driver is identified.
Can an Injured Person Sue a Hit-and-Run Driver?
Because leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, it is also strong evidence of negligence in most cases. This means an injured person can file a lawsuit if the hit-and-run driver caused the accident. New Jersey Statute 39:4-129 defines a driver’s obligations after being involved in an accident. Drivers must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information and offer reasonable assistance if another person is injured. Failing to do so may result in criminal penalties, including fines, jail time, and a six-month driver’s license suspension. A driver may also owe damages in a civil lawsuit if a court finds that their negligence caused another person’s injuries. Courts often assign liability to the driver who caused the crash, which frequently applies in hit-and-run cases in Piscataway. Even if the driver did not cause the accident, leaving the scene without calling for help could constitute negligence if the delay in medical care worsens the injuries.
What Compensation Could an Injured Person Receive After a Hit and Run?
The state follows a no-fault car insurance system, which requires drivers to file claims with their own policies first. If no one identifies the hit-and-run driver who caused the accident in Piscataway, the injured party must rely on their own insurance coverage. If someone locates the responsible driver, the injured party may pursue a lawsuit for financial damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and replacement services such as cleaning or childcare. Depending on the type of insurance coverage in place, a lawsuit for non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering—may only proceed if the injury qualifies as permanent, such as the loss of a limb or significant disfigurement. Drivers with basic insurance coverage hold a limited right to sue, typically restricting claims to specific economic losses. Courts rarely award punitive damages, which serve to punish wrongful conduct rather than compensate for losses. To justify punitive damages, the injured party must show that the hit-and-run driver acted recklessly or intentionally. Leaving the scene of a serious accident may meet this threshold.
Discuss Your Hit and Run Accident Case With an Attorney in Piscataway Today
Car accidents are always distressing, but injuries caused by a driver who flees the scene add emotional and logistical challenges. Pursuing compensation after hit-and-run car accidents in Piscataway is complex, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process. Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, offers free consultations so our new clients can make an informed decision about hiring us. Contact us to discuss your hit-and-run case today.
