Sussex and Morris County Hit and Run Accident Attorney Aids Victims of Irresponsible Drivers
Succasunna firm pursues compensation for clients in Morris and Sussex counties
In the great majority of auto accidents, the drivers are responsible enough to stop and identify themselves, as required by law, but what happens when a negligent driver flees the scene without doing so? While that makes things more difficult for the people hurt by that driver’s negligence, there are ways for those victims to obtain compensation for their injuries. At my Roxbury Township firm, Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq., I have 25 years of legal experience and am certified in civil trial practice. If you’ve been harmed in a hit and run collision in Morris or Sussex County, my firm is here to help you pursue justice.
Skillful litigator handles collision cases where the at-fault motorist left the scene
If an accident involves an injury or more than $1,000 of property damages, all drivers involved are required to exchange information and report it to the police. Hit and run accidents are those in which the negligent driver leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves. To be able to flee, the at-fault party must be physically able to drive and their vehicle must still be operable. Accordingly, hit and run cases often arise out of situations where larger vehicles hit smaller vehicles or where a car or truck strikes a motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian. However, there are instances where negligent drivers flee from extremely serious accidents, even fatal ones. There are several possible reasons for this, including:
- Alcohol or drugs in their system
- Their vehicle is stolen
- Fear of being arrested
- Lack of insurance
- History of traffic accidents
As a seasoned car accident attorney in Roxbury Township, I will make every legal effort to identify the liable driver and secure compensation for you.
Dedicated lawyer helps to find hit and run drivers
If you are the victim of a hit and run, it helps to know what to do after the car accident. Among other things, you should call 911, give the police your impressions of the crash, exchange identifying information with any witnesses, take photos of the accident scene and call an auto accident attorney. Certain information can help me track down hit and run drivers, even if they aren’t otherwise caught. For instance, if you or a witness recorded the license plate, I can use it to find the vehicle. If the accident occurred near a business, it might have video surveillance that my firm can use to identify the vehicle. A witness might have information that can help me locate the driver.
How do you recover your damages for a hit and run accident?
Hit and run driving is a crime that can result in jail time and fines. This might give a negligent motorist extra motivation to drive away before police arrive. Once that person is located, the fact that they abandoned the scene might make it easier to prove they are liable during your civil claim. Even if the hit and run driver is never identified, though, I can still seek personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from your insurer. PIP reimburses you for your medical treatment and, if you have a standard auto insurance policy, for lost wages and essential services if the at-fault motorist cannot be found. In the case of fatal accidents, PIP covers funeral costs and death benefits.
Contact a board-certified civil trial attorney for your hit and run accident in Morris or Sussex County NJ
If you are injured in a hit and run accident, you can trust Kevin T. Kutyla, Esq. to fight for your rights. Call 862-354-8931 or contact me online to schedule an appointment. My office is conveniently located in Succasunna at 15 Commerce Boulevard, just off Route 10.