Under New Jersey law, it’s considered a serious offense to leave the scene of an accident–especially one that you were fully or partially responsible for. Breaking the law and committing a hit-and-run carries severe consequences, particularly if injuries or fatalities occur. Knowing the legal obligations and potential penalties associated with leaving the scene is crucial for all drivers in New Jersey. In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of these penalties under New Jersey law, discuss what constitutes a hit-and-run, and answer some of the related legal questions our Northern New Jersey car accident lawyers have encountered at Buttafuoco & Associates.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities can make a significant difference in the aftermath of an accident, so it’s important to be well-informed. If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run, don’t hesitate to contact Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free case review.
Leaving the Scene under New Jersey Law
According to New Jersey Revised Statutes, drivers must stop immediately if they are involved in an accident, whether it results in injury, death, or damage to vehicles or other property.
The driver must not only stay at the scene until police arrive, but also provide their contact information (name and address), driver’s license, and vehicle registration information to other individuals involved as well as law enforcement. Furthermore, if the crash resulted in any injuries, it is the driver’s duty to provide reasonable assistance, such as taking that person to a hospital for necessary treatment.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene
Even if a driver is unaware of the extent of damage or injury, they are still obligated to comply with these requirements. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties. If only vehicles or other property are damaged in an accident, leaving the scene can result in a fine of $200 to $400 or jail time of up to 30 days. Repeat offenders may be fined between $400 and $600 or serve 30 to 90 days in jail. In addition, first-time offenders lose their license for six months; subsequent violations result in a one-year driving suspension.
In the case of an accident that results in injury or death, our car accident attorneys in Northern New Jersey emphasize that punishments increase significantly. Fines range from $2,500 to $5,000 and the driver may be imprisoned for 180 days. A first time-offender loses their right to operate a motor vehicle in New Jersey for one year; repeat offenders lose the right permanently.
What to Do if You Experience a Hit-and-Run
If you leave the scene of an accident, whether due to panic, confusion, or not realizing the severity of the incident, it’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate potential legal consequences. First, if it’s safe to do so, return to the scene as soon as possible and contact local law enforcement to report the incident. Make sure to provide all necessary information to the police and any involved parties.
If you are the victim in such a situation, again, contact the police and your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure that you know how to proceed. If you’re able to, take a photo of the license plate of the person who struck you. This will be valuable evidence for your attorney.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT to speak with our Northern New Jersey car accident attorneys. Our team at Buttafuoco & Associates can help you navigate the complexities of New Jersey’s laws and protect your rights.
