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Jersey City Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Injured in a Hit and Run Accident? We Can Help You. We charge no fee unless we win and our team of personal injury lawyers have successfully recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We proudly represent injured clients throughout New Jersey.
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We proudly represent injured clients throughout New Jersey
Hit-and-run accidents seem to be an increasing trend in Jersey City, New Jersey, and throughout the rest of the United States. A hit-and-run accident is when one driver hits a pedestrian or another vehicle and then leaves the scene afterward. In most of these incidents, there is a victim who is badly injured or property that has been severely damaged. The driver at fault is likely afraid to face the consequences of their actions, so they leave the scene and hope that no one suspects them as the guilty party. Sometimes they will get away with it too because their identity will remain undiscovered. If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, contact the Bhatt Law Group to speak to an experienced Jersey City Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney today. We specialize in handling these types of injury cases and will provide you with a detailed consultation to discuss your options.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Jersey City New Jersey
The state of New Jersey considers a hit-and-run to be a serious offense. Not all hit-and-run accidents involve people getting injured or killed. Something as minor as a fender bender could be considered a hit-and-run if the guilty driver flees the scene. In this type of case, the driver would likely be issued a citation. If the driver only slightly hit the car, they might not even be aware of the accident. But they could still face severe penalties for leaving the scene.
New Jersey courts want drivers to remain at the accident site, no matter how big or small it is. Even if you just crashed into a signpost on the road, you are supposed to wait for a public official to come by. If there was an accident with another vehicle and nobody was injured, each driver involved in the incident must stop their car and at least exchange contact information with each other. If there was an injury or serious property damage, then you must all wait for the police to show up.
If a hit-and-run driver causes someone to die or get injured, here are the possible penalties they could face if they get caught:
- Up to $5,000 in fines.
- Up to 6 months in jail.
- 8 points deducted from their driving record.
- License suspension for one year.
If a hit-and-run driver causes damage to another driver’s vehicle, here are the possible penalties they could face if they get caught:
- Up to $400 in fines.
- Up to 1 month in jail.
- License suspension for 180 days.
- 2 points deducted from their driving record.
These charges may be more extensive if the guilty driver has a history of reckless driving and hit-and-run accidents. They might also lose their insurance or see a huge increase in their monthly premiums. Therefore, if you are someone who has committed a hit-and-run, you need to contact a hit-and-run accident attorney immediately and go over your options. Consultations are confidential and protected by attorney/client privilege.
When the Driver is Located
If you find yourself to be the victim of a hit-and-run in Jersey City, you will have plenty of legal options at your disposal. This is especially true if the police find the guilty driver of the hit-and-run. Not only will that driver be facing criminal charges and penalties, they’ll also be facing a civil lawsuit from you as well. If they have insurance, then seeking compensatory damages will be easy.
First, you need to hire a hit-and-run accident attorney who will work with your insurance company to get you the proper compensation from them that you deserve. If you have personal injury protection and collision coverage on your insurance plan, then you are good to go. Personal injury protection will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses incurred as a result of the guilty driver hitting you. Collision coverage will cover vehicle damage expenses.
New Jersey requires all drivers to have a minimum of $15,000 for their personal injury protection coverage. This applies to just one person for each accident. However, you can elect to purchase up to $250,000 of coverage for this. But if you or the guilty driver does not have insurance, then you will need to file a lawsuit instead. Although you might not get paid even if you win the case, at least you will win on record.
When the Driver is Not Located
Do not assume that the police will always find these hit-and-run drivers. Even though the police perform an investigation at the scene of the crime, there are times when they’ll come up empty. In this case, your personal injury protection coverage from your insurance plan will cover your medical expenses up to its limit. It doesn’t matter which party was the cause of the accident. Plus, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, this can also help cover your medical expenses and any property damage that you suffered.
Unlimited & Limited Right to Sue
If you have a standard auto insurance policy in New Jersey and became victimized in a hit-and-run accident, then you must choose between two lawsuit options; a limited right to sue and an unlimited right to sue. Each one has their own set of rules regarding the compensation that you can get. Of course, the guilty driver of the hit-and-run accident must be found first or else you will have nobody to sue. Then you will only receive compensation from your insurance company.
An unlimited right to sue is a great lawsuit option if you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident and have experienced pain and suffering from it. This will give you compensation for all the injuries that you endured from the hit-and-run accident. The severity of your pain and suffering does not matter either. Meanwhile, you can file a claim with your insurance company and receive compensation from them too.
A limited right to sue is when you or your family member experiences pain and suffering from a permanent injury or multiple permanent injuries. Some examples of this include losing a body part, losing a fetus, displaced fracture, severe disfigurement, or even death. The courts will ultimately determine if your lawsuit option is acceptable or not.
The unlimited right to sue option will usually mean more compensation for you. However, it will also cause your insurance premiums to go up. Some drivers tend to choose the limited right to sue option because it costs insurance companies less money. As a result, the monthly premiums will not go up so much. If you’ve retained the services of a hit-and-run accident attorney, they will consult with you on which lawsuit option that you should make.
Contact a Jersey City Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney at the Bhatt Law Group today by calling (201) 798-8000 today.
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Recent Settlements
$2,300,000 Settlement
Our client’s car was t-boned by a commercial vehicle. As a result, she required multiple lumbar spine surgeries. Bhatt Law Group immediately filed a lawsuit and retained experts. Prior to trial and after several depositions, we were able to obtain a settlement on behalf of our client.
$2,000,000 Settlement
Our client’s vehicle rolled over several times after being side-swiped by an 18 wheeler. This resulted in significant injuries to his neck and back. Client was unable to return to work because of his injuries. The insurance company contested the liability but after filing suit, serving discovery, and taking depositions, Bhatt Law Group was able to settle this case.
$1,750,000 Settlement
Our client was struck by a car that was attempting to make an illegal u-turn. This resulted in significant damage to our client’s car and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Our client required both back and knee surgery and physical therapy.
$1,300,000 Settlement
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to her spine.
$950,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was struck by a motor vehicle when crossing the street. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a fractured leg and injuries to her back. This was a difficult liability case but the settlement was obtained as a result of strong settlement negotiations.
$825,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he slipped and fell on ice. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a broken ankle.
$375,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Jersey City. The liability insurance carrier argued low impact with minimal property damage and our client’s age to minimize the extent of his damages. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to his neck and back resulting in multiple injections including a two level lumbar fusion and discectomy surgery. This settlement was the result of strategic preparation and strong settlement negotiations.
$100,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maplewood. The claim had its complexities due to the claimant’s ongoing health issues, prior accident history and age. As a result of the subject accident, our client sustained an aggravation of injuries to her neck, back and right shoulder resulting in a one level discectomy with instrumentation. The bodily insurance carrier tendered its insured’s policy limits prior to the two year statute of limitations and without extensive litigation.
$75,000 Settlement
Multi-motor vehicle accident involving our client who suffered back injuries requiring injections.
* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Your Personal Injury Team
When someone’s negligence causes you or a loved one serious injury, you deserve justice. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Bhatt Law Group is here to help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured people throughout New Jersey.
Your Criminal Defense Team
When you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense in New Jersey, you need a dedicated team of lawyers who will fight your charge aggressively. At Bhatt Law Group, our criminal defense team is made up of skilled and experienced trial attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who will work hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
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Domestic matters can be incredibly complicated and emotional. Our team of New Jersey family lawyers at Bhatt Law Group are dedicated to protecting your best interests in family law matters, from divorce to custody disputes to DYFS investigations. Let us help you through this challenging time in your life.
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Client Stories
Renee
Bhatt Law Group Client
Renee was involved in a T-bone accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to go above and beyond to help Renee after her accident.
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Drupaj
Drupaj was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Drupaj and was by his side through the entire process.
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Jocelyn
Jocelyn was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Jocelyn through her trauma.
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Tatyana
Tatyana was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Tatyana and exceeded her expectations.
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Stephanie
Stephanie was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Stephanie by exceeding her expectations.
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