What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide

A car accident is traumatic, and if the driver at fault runs away, it becomes even more frustrating. Hit-and-run accidents are common in New Jersey, and knowing how to take appropriate action is very important to protect your safety, your legal rights, and your potential claim for compensation. Here’s everything you should do in detail, step by step, after a hit-and-run accident in New Jersey.

1. Prioritize Safety:
   Your safety and well-being are the most important things right after an accident has happened. You should not leave the accident scene; you should only move if you must do so, in order to get into a safe position. If you are not injured, you may move your vehicle out of the way of further accidents and injuries. This is also a plus because police can investigate the scene more easily as well. Turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers.

If you are carrying passengers, check to see if anyone is injured and take all steps necessary to get everyone to safety. Do not try to follow the hit-and-run driver, since this could put you and others in greater danger. For both legal and safety reasons, it is important to stay at the scene.

2. Call 911 to Report the Incident:
   Call the police right away and report the hit-and-run accident to the local authorities. Even when your injury appears minor, you will need a police report for any insurance claim or possible case against the liable party. When the police come to the scene, give them all available information, including:

• Make, model, color of fleeing vehicle
• Any portion of the license plate number that you could remember
• A description of the driver, if you caught a glimpse
• The direction that the vehicle was going in
• Nearby landmarks or street names
  The police will photograph the scene and interview any witnesses, and the police may attempt to locate the at-fault driver. Be sure to get a copy of the police report or at least the report number to place in your file.

3. Seek Medical Attention:
   The most important things you can do following your accident are seeking medical attention, even if you feel all right and even if you believe that your injuries are minor. Sometimes – and concussions or internal injuries are good examples – the symptoms may not show up for some time. A prompt evaluation by a doctor may greatly establish the cause of your accident and your resulting injuries and will provide documentation for a future case of personal injury.

Keep copies of all medical reports, treatment plans, and bills; these records have a direct relationship with proving the extent of your injury and, when applicable, your continuing treatment needs.

4. Document the Scene:
   If physically able to do so, take the time necessary to document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Photographic evidence can be absolutely priceless in a hit-and-run case. Be sure you get a shot of:

• Photos of your vehicle from all angles, documenting any damage such as broken glass, dents, or tire marks
• Photos of the scene of the accident, including the condition of the road, traffic lights, street signs, and weather
• Photographs of any debris or evidence left by the fleeing vehicle
  Finally, write down everything you can remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include time and location, and conversations you’ve had with witnesses or other drivers.

4. Document Witness Information:
   Eyewitness accounts can be critical in a hit-and-run case. If there was anyone in the vicinity who saw what happened, identify them and request their contact details. Maybe they can attest to some important details about the fleeing driver or corroborate your description of how the accident really occurred.

The police will also interview witnesses, but it will be beneficial to obtain such information yourself upon their arrival, which would prove useful at later stages, either for an insurance claim or during the case in court.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company:
   Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. As a matter of fact, most policies require this inclusively so that they can process claims in order. Provide your insurer with all the details you have collected including the police report number and photos or any documentation.
   In incidents of hit-and-run, drivers in New Jersey may often have to revert to their own insurance policies for compensation. Your insurance may cover you under the following options:

• Personal Injury Protection: This may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and similar costs.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage if the at-fault driver cannot be located or is uninsured.

Be careful of any information you provide to your insurance company, as some insurers will seek to avoid paying what is owed. You may not want to provide an interview or a statement before visiting an attorney.

7.Consult a Hit-and-Run Lawyer:
After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, one may be able to go through the process, which may be complicated. The presence of more seasoned attorneys in this area would have made a significant difference. An experienced attorney, such as Dawn Pinnisi from Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., can help an individual with:

• Collaborating with the police to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and track down the responsible party
• Communications and negotiations on your behalf with your insurance company for fair compensation
• Filing a suit, if necessary, for a personal injury claim against a traceable driver
  Hit-and-run cases also come with their own special sets of legal complications, and a lawyer will walk you through it to protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.

Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run accident in New Jersey is a serious matter; however, taking the right steps immediately can have a huge influence on the outcome of your case. This means putting your safety first, calling in the police, collecting evidence, and seeking out a lawyer—all vital for helping your health, preserving your rights, and recovering the compensation you need. While no one expects or prepares for these traumatic occurrences, having expert guidance from people like Dawn Pinnisi will make it easy to confidently focus on healing and moving ahead.