The Most Important Steps to take After a Hit and Run Accident

Hit and run accidents are alarmingly common across the United States. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit and run crash occurs more than once every minute on U.S. roads, accounting for approximately 5% of all traffic fatalities. In 2020 alone, nearly 1,500 people died in hit and run crashes, highlighting the severe consequences of drivers fleeing the scene of an accident.  

These incidents are not just numbers; they represent real lives affected by someone’s decision to leave the scene. New Jersey is no exception, with hit and run accidents causing significant injuries, property damage, and distress for victims.  

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be an overwhelming and scary experience, regardless of whether you are a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian. In the immediate aftermath, it’s natural to feel shocked, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are more common than most people think, and knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference in your safety, recovery, and ability to pursue legal action.  

Understanding New Jersey Statute 39:4-129: The Duty of Drivers 

New Jersey has specific laws regarding what drivers are required to do after an accident. Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-129, drivers involved in an accident are legally required to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration to the other parties involved.. They are also required to render aid to any injured parties and report the accident to law enforcement if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.  

Failing to stop after an accident is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences, including  fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.. Despite these legal requirements, many drivers still flee the scene, leaving victims without immediate help or the information they need to pursue a claim.  

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Hit and Run Accident  

If you or someone you care about is injured in a hit and run, it’s important to act quickly both to protect your safety and to have a chance at being compensated for your injuries. Your top priority should be your personal safety..   

What to Do If You Are in a Car and Hit  

If you are in a car and are hit by another vehicle that then flees the scene, follow these steps:  

• Stay Calm and Avoid Chasing the Driver: it can be tempting to chase after the fleeing driver, but this can be dangerous and may lead to further accidents. Instead, focus on staying safe and gathering information. 
• Call the Police: reporting the incident as soon as possible increases the chances that the authorities can locate the driver.  
• Contact Your Insurance Company: if the driver cannot be found, you might still be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.  

What to Do If You Are on a Bike or Are a Pedestrian  

Hit and run accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians can be particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection compared to those inside vehicles. If you are struck:  

• Move to a Safe Area if Possible: if you are able to move, get out of the roadway and find a safe place to wait for help.  
• Call for Emergency Services: even if you think you are okay, call 911. The impact from a vehicle can cause injuries that may not be immediately apparent.  
• Look for Help from Bystanders: ask anyone nearby for help and to stay with you until emergency services arrive. Bystanders may also be able to provide witness statements to the police.  

After your injuries have been treated by medical professionals, take the following actions to try and find out who has hit you. This will be pivotal should you need to bring a personal injury lawsuit to court:  

Report the Accident 

Contact law enforcement as soon as possible to report the hit and run. Provide them with all the details you have gathered. A police report will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. Also, make sure to keep track of any medical bills or financial losses you have sustained. 

Gather Information and Evidence 

Try to gather any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number you can recall. Even partial information can be helpful in identifying the driver. Once it’s safe, document the scene by taking photos of your vehicle, close-ups of damage, and the surrounding area, including skid marks, traffic signs, and any potential hazards that contributed to the accident. Capture the positioning of the vehicles from multiple angles, which can help reconstruct the sequence of events later. 

Collect contact information from all drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Ask witnesses for their perspective on what happened and request their statements in writing if possible. One detail often overlooked is capturing the weather conditions, lighting, and road conditions at the time of the accident. You should also take note of any traffic cameras or nearby businesses that might have surveillance footage. 

What to Avoid Doing  

In the confusion after a hit and run, it’s easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your safety or legal case. Here’s what to avoid:  

• Don’t Leave the Scene: even if the other driver fled, you should stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Leaving could complicate your case.  
• Don’t Forget to Report the Incident: not reporting a hit and run could prevent you from filing an insurance claim or taking legal action later.  

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in New Jersey 

If you can obtain information on who hit you, contact a car accident attorney. Even if you don’t know who the driver is, an experienced attorney can help if you are struggling to obtain compensation from an insurance company. 

At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, we understand that hit and run accidents can be traumatic and frustrating, that’s why we specialize in helping car accident victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. We’ll fight for you and your family, as we’ve done for many others, helping secure over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements. If you’ve been involved in a catastrophic car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.