New Jersey law requires that all drivers stop to check after a collision and then call to report the matter to the police if there is any property damage or injuries to people.
Most of the time, drivers waiting to make a police report will exchange insurance information. Sometimes, drivers may intentionally speed off from the scene of a collision, even if their vehicle is not in perfect operating condition anymore.
What happens with your expenses after a hit-and-run crash?
You may have coverage to help
Depending on the insurance that you have, you may be able to make a claim against your own policy after a hit-and-run wreck. All drivers in New Jersey typically have to carry at least $15,000 worth of personal injury protection.
That coverage gives you no-fault protection after a crash where you or a passenger in your vehicle gets hurt. You can claim medical expenses and even lost wages. If you have property damage, uninsured or underinsured driver protection might help. Extra Collision coverage could help drivers cover crash costs when the driver who causes the wreck doesn’t stick around to provide insurance information.
You may depend on the police for assistance
The best-case scenario after a hit-and-run crash is that the police will successfully locate the other driver. If they do, then you can potentially bring a claim against their insurance.
Sometimes, when you track down a hit-and-run driver, what you will need to do is bring a personal injury claim against them in civil court. Other times, you may be able to make a claim against their insurance, if they had an active policy at the time of the crash.
Any civil action you take will be separate from any criminal charges that the other driver faces due to fleeing the scene of the crash. Knowing your rights can help you better handle the aftermath of a New Jersey car crash.
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