While the law in New Jersey has made it mandatory for the involved parties to stop at the accident scene and exchange information, many drivers flee the scene. They usually do this to avoid being involved in a legal claim or in the fear that they may be liable for the other party’s damages. However, not only is this unethical but a serious crime as well.
If you have witnessed a hit-and-run car accident, you may have crucial information that may help the victim get justice sooner. Call 911 and wait at the accident site until the police officers arrive and ask for your statement. If your loved one has been injured in such an accident, speak to an attorney today and get your questions about personal injury answered.
What can you do to help?
If you have witnessed a hit-and-run accident and wish to help the parties, you may take the following steps.
- The parties may not be in the right state of mind after the accident and have difficulty exchanging information. Regardless of what happens, make sure to note down details of the accident, including the number of parties involved, vehicle information, how the accident unfolded, etc.
- If the victims are severely injured, help them get out of the hazardous accident site and call an ambulance. Stay with the injured parties until the paramedics arrive.
- Give honest witness statements to law enforcement officers.
What to do if you have witnessed a hit-and-run accident with an unattended car?
It may happen that a vehicle may hit another vehicle with no one inside it. The culprit may try to take advantage of the situation and flee the scene, thinking they would not have to deal with paying for the victim’s damages. However, if you have witnessed such an accident and wish to help the victim, you can leave a note on their car’s windshield with your name and contact number. Therefore, your witness statement will be able to help the victim find the culprit.
Why is it important to speak up when you witness a hit-and-run accident?
If you witness a hit-and-run accident, you must do your part in making the road a safer place and report it to the police. Drivers only flee when they have been engaging in illegal activity, such as driving without a license, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, etc. If you remain silent, it encourages the dangerous driver to continue their behavior.