NJ hit and run accident cases in New Jersey require experienced legal representation. At Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC in Spring Lake, we help injured clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties pursue their NJ hit and run accident claims. If you need a NJ hit and run accident attorney who understands New Jersey law, call (732) 230-5003 for a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in NJ?
A hit-and-run accident adds fear and uncertainty to an already traumatic experience. In New Jersey, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, but that does not help you in the immediate aftermath when you are injured and the other driver is gone. The good news is that New Jersey law provides insurance options and legal remedies even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in New Jersey:
- Call 911 immediately. Report the accident to the police. Under New Jersey law, you must report a hit-and-run to the police within 24 hours to preserve your uninsured motorist claim.
- Document everything you remember about the other vehicle: color, make, model, license plate (even a partial plate), direction of travel, and any distinguishing features.
- Look for witnesses. Other drivers, pedestrians, and nearby businesses may have seen the accident or have surveillance cameras that captured it.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours. Your PIP insurance covers treatment regardless of fault.
- Contact your own insurance company to report the accident and initiate your UM claim.
Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Victims
In New Jersey, a hit-and-run is treated as an uninsured motorist claim. Under N.J.S.A. 17:28-1.1, your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be identified. This coverage can compensate you for:
- Medical expenses beyond your PIP limits
- Pain and suffering (if you meet the verbal threshold or elected the unlimited right to sue)
- Lost wages beyond PIP coverage
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
The 24-Hour Police Report Requirement
To file a UM claim for a hit-and-run in New Jersey, you generally must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Failure to file a timely police report can jeopardize or eliminate your ability to make a UM claim. Do not delay—even if you think the accident was minor, report it immediately.
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Identified Later?
If the police are able to identify the hit-and-run driver—through surveillance footage, witness information, or forensic evidence—you may be able to file a bodily injury claim directly against that driver’s insurance company. The hit-and-run driver may also face criminal charges under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, which requires drivers to stop after an accident. Criminal penalties and your civil personal injury claim are separate proceedings.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). For UM claims, your policy may impose additional notice requirements. Contact an attorney promptly to ensure all deadlines are met.
Contact MTG Lawyers Today
Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC
302 Washington Avenue, Suite 101
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Phone: (732) 230-5003
Serving Monmouth and Ocean counties
If you were injured in an accident in New Jersey, you may have a compensable claim. Call MTG Lawyers at (732) 230-5003 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We speak English and Spanish. Hablamos español.
Understanding your NJ hit and run accident case is essential. Our attorneys handle NJ hit and run accident matters daily and know how to maximize your recovery. A NJ hit and run accident attorney at Maxwell, Tassini & Gardner, LLC can evaluate your claim during a free consultation.
Learn More About NJ hit and run accident
For more information about nj hit and run accident, explore these related resources:
- NJ uninsured motorist coverage — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- preserve evidence after NJ car crash — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- NJ car accident police report — related guide from MTG Lawyers
- NJ State Police crash reports — official NJ resource
For personalized guidance on nj hit and run accident, contact MTG Lawyers for a free consultation. Call (732) 230-5003 or reach out online today. Our NJ personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.