Monmouth County Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Anytime that a driver is involved in an accident, they are required by New Jersey law to stop and exchange information with the other drivers involved. If anyone may be injured, the driver must also render aid, such as by calling 911 and waiting for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene. Anyone who intentionally leaves the scene of an accident may face criminal charges and possible jail time.
Despite the law, many people never stop after causing an accident. Sometimes it is not intentional. The driver may not realize they have collided with another person or vehicle. But oftentimes, the driver knows they have done something wrong–e.g., they were speeding or driving drunk–and do not want to wait around for the police to start asking them questions. If you have been injured by such a driver it is imperative that you speak with a qualified Monmouth County hit & run lawyer to learn more about your legal options in such scenarios. At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, we represent accident victims seeking compensation for their losses arising from auto accidents, and we can help you in possibly identifying and holding accountable your hit-and-run driver.
New Jersey’s “No Fault” Rules Can Affect Your Right to Sue
New Jersey is a “no-fault” state when it comes to auto insurance. This means that in any auto accident, you must first seek coverage from your own insurance company, even if another driver was responsible for causing your accident. This same rule applies in hit-and-run accidents. Even if the other driver is never identified, your own insurer must still provide certain coverage under your policy.
But your policy may not fully compensate you for your injuries. In that case you have a couple of options. If the police are able to identify the hit-and-run driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against that person, seeking economic and non-economic damages. Your actual ability to sue may be restricted by the terms of your no-fault policy, so it is important to speak with a lawyer before taking any action.
Indeed, if the hit-and-run driver is never found–or they are identified but lack sufficient insurance of their own to cover your losses–you may be entitled to additional coverage under your own policy. New Jersey law requires drivers who purchase standard insurance policies to also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This means that your own insurance company must “step into the shoes” of the hit-and-run driver and pay for the other driver’s negligence.
NJ Hit & Run Accident Lawyers Serving Ocean, Monmouth & Middlesex County
Even if you only have to deal with your own insurance company following a hit-and-run accident, you can still face a number of delays and possible legal challenges to your claim. This is yet another reason you should always work with a skilled New Jersey hit and run accidents lawyer who understands the law in this area. So if you have been injured in an accident and need to speak with an attorney, contact Poulos LoPiccolo PC today to schedule a consultation.
