Jersey City leaving the scene of an accident charges
A surveillance video from Saturday afternoon shows the hit and run of a pedestrian in Jersey City, New Jersey. A Jersey City man is currently in critical condition at the Jersey City Medical Center after he was struck by a pickup truck while walking in a crosswalk several blocks from the Holland Tunnel. Police are asking for the public's help in locating this black Ford pickup truck which had a silver toolbox in the bed of the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Police say the driver sped away from the scene of the accident. In fact, according to reports, the driver accelerated and swerved to dislodge the victim from the vehicle. Police estimate that the vehicle was traveling 35 to 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. If you have any information relating to this accident, please contact the Jersey City Police.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in New Jersey. Moreover, if there is serious personal injury involved, the driver is facing significant jail time and license suspension. Knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident in which serious bodily injury occurred is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1.1 which is a crime of the third degree. These charges will be handled at the Superior Court or "county level". Further, if the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, the driver can be charged with aggravated assault or death by auto (vehicular homicide) depending on the injuries to the victim. Finally, leaving the scene charges can also be handled at the Municipal Court level under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129. If there is injury involved, the driver is facing a fine of $2,500 to $5,000, a one year license suspension, and up to 180 days in jail.
For additional information, please call the Iler Law Firm for immediate assistance at (732)842-7787.
