What Happens if You Are Hit by a Hit-and-Run Driver in New Jersey
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Hit and run crashes are sadly common in New Jersey. They happen for a variety of reasons. Uninsured drivers panic. Criminal drivers have warrants for their arrest. Intoxicated drivers don’t want to get caught.
Whatever the reason, it’s understandable that being injured in a hit and run leaves you wondering who is going to pay for the damages, given the responsible party has fled. Fortunately, here in New Jersey you have a lot of recourse for getting your expenses met.
Your Own Insurance
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system offers a lot of protection to people injured by hit and run drivers. Your own Personal Injury Protection policy covers medical treatment regardless of who was at-fault for the accident. While that will only cover you up to your policy limits, it will be a big help with many injuries.
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy will also pay out expenses such as lost wages and medical expenses. The only thing you won’t be able to get your insurance policy to pay is a pain and suffering award, and it will be impossible to get loss of earning capacity out of them. Still, you can get your basic bills taken care of.
The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office
If you don’t already know for a fact that the police came to the scene of your hit-and-run then you need to report the crime as soon as possible. The police will start looking for the driver, which is all to the good, and you’ll gain access to the services offered by the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office.
The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office will pay up to $25,000 for damages to your vehicle or outstanding medical bills, as well as for psychological treatment. They will cover up to $600 a week for lost wages.
Suing the Driver
If the police catch the hit-and-run driver and you meet the personal injury threshold for a lawsuit, or if you have purchased a policy with the unlimited right to sue, then you may be able to sue the driver directly. If the driver had insurance then you can collect pain and suffering damages, as well as loss of income damages.
If the driver didn’t, then it may be unlikely that you’ll be able to collect any funds, realistically. The courts may demand the driver pay restitution, but the truth is these drivers rarely have any assets to pay you with. Still, if they have them, we can help you pursue them.
What to Do
Do everything you can to get information about the fleeing car if you are conscious, take photos, but don’t try to chase down the car as that could lead to an extremely dangerous situation. Focus on collecting information at the scene and on obtaining medical treatment.
Then, call our office for a free consultation just as quickly as you can. We can give you guidance on your next steps, especially if the hit-and-run driver has been found, and can help you collect maximum compensation from all sources.
See also:
Choosing the Right New Jersey Auto Insurance Policy
Getting Disability Assistance During a New Jersey Personal Injury Case
What New Jersey’s No-Fault System Means for Your Personal Injury Case
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Hit and run crashes are sadly common in New Jersey. They happen for a variety of reasons. Uninsured drivers panic. Criminal drivers have warrants for their arrest. Intoxicated drivers don’t want to get caught.
Whatever the reason, it’s understandable that being injured in a hit and run leaves you wondering who is going to pay for the damages, given the responsible party has fled. Fortunately, here in New Jersey you have a lot of recourse for getting your expenses met.
Your Own Insurance
New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system offers a lot of protection to people injured by hit and run drivers. Your own Personal Injury Protection policy covers medical treatment regardless of who was at-fault for the accident. While that will only cover you up to your policy limits, it will be a big help with many injuries.
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy will also pay out expenses such as lost wages and medical expenses. The only thing you won’t be able to get your insurance policy to pay is a pain and suffering award, and it will be impossible to get loss of earning capacity out of them. Still, you can get your basic bills taken care of.
The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office
If you don’t already know for a fact that the police came to the scene of your hit-and-run then you need to report the crime as soon as possible. The police will start looking for the driver, which is all to the good, and you’ll gain access to the services offered by the New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office.
The New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office will pay up to $25,000 for damages to your vehicle or outstanding medical bills, as well as for psychological treatment. They will cover up to $600 a week for lost wages.
Suing the Driver
If the police catch the hit-and-run driver and you meet the personal injury threshold for a lawsuit, or if you have purchased a policy with the unlimited right to sue, then you may be able to sue the driver directly. If the driver had insurance then you can collect pain and suffering damages, as well as loss of income damages.
If the driver didn’t, then it may be unlikely that you’ll be able to collect any funds, realistically. The courts may demand the driver pay restitution, but the truth is these drivers rarely have any assets to pay you with. Still, if they have them, we can help you pursue them.
What to Do
Do everything you can to get information about the fleeing car if you are conscious, take photos, but don’t try to chase down the car as that could lead to an extremely dangerous situation. Focus on collecting information at the scene and on obtaining medical treatment.
Then, call our office for a free consultation just as quickly as you can. We can give you guidance on your next steps, especially if the hit-and-run driver has been found, and can help you collect maximum compensation from all sources.
See also:
Choosing the Right New Jersey Auto Insurance Policy
Getting Disability Assistance During a New Jersey Personal Injury Case
What New Jersey’s No-Fault System Means for Your Personal Injury Case