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New Jersey Hit-and-Run Can Mean More Than Medical Expenses

On Behalf of | Feb 24, 2012 | Car Accidents

A 47-year-old driver left the scene of a Palisades Park car accident only to be found a few blocks away by local police. He had crashed his own car into a utility pole. Police found the Honda still running and the driver’s side door open when they arrived on the scene.

He was charged with, among other offenses, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

No one else was hurt in this New Jersey car accident, but those who are the victim of a hit-and-run collision have rights to additional compensation when another driver carelessly, negligently or otherwise causes a crash and doesn’t stick around to make sure others are alright and to own up to his or her responsibility.

New Jersey and Punitive Damages for a Hit-and-Run

Injuries from a car accident can be unpredictable. While one person may walk away with bumps and bruises, another may be in a wheelchair and another may not survive. If you have been injured or have had your car damaged in a crash, the at-fault driver can be held responsible for your damages, including medical expenses, car repair and funeral expenses.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run and the police are able to locate the person who hit you, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the person who hit you and fled. They are in addition to any actual damages (generally anything that you’ve received a bill for) related to the crash.

In the meantime, if the at-fault driver is unknown, your own underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage should kick in to provide the money needed to cover accident-related expenses

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