The police in Franklin Township, New Jersey, are asking the public for help after a hit-and-run driver injured a 14-year-old girl and killed her horse. The young girl was riding her horse on Monroeville Road in Franklin Township at around 7:30 p.m. when the driver struck her and her horse and then fled the scene. The horse reportedly died at the scene of the accident, and paramedics treated the girl for injuries, which they said were not life-threatening. The police did not share any details about the suspected hit-and-run driver, but it is likely that the vehicle would have sustained damage due to the collision. Officers did not comment on what the suspected cause of the accident was and whether it was suspected that the hit-and-run driver was speeding or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident in New Jersey, and police are actively looking for the suspect. The investigation into the case is still ongoing, and officers request assistance from anyone who may have information on the individual responsible for this horrific accident.
Suing for Hit-and-Run Accidents in New Jersey
Hit-and-run accidents are among the worst that a person can find themselves in. While no car accident is preferable, not knowing the identity of the person responsible for the crash means that you cannot pursue coverage from their insurance. Of course, there are ways of trying to identify the driver, such as traffic and dash cameras, witness statements, and public pleas, but if you are unable to identify the driver, you will not be able to bring a lawsuit against them. One alternative theory of recovery is to identify any other potentially liable parties. For instance, if a traffic signal malfunctioned and caused the crash, or you were hit in an area that has repeatedly been the site of car crashes because of the intersection design, you may be able to hold the city accountable. A lawyer can review the facts and circumstances of your case in order to determine whether there are any other potentially liable parties who caused or contributed to causing the accident.
Recovering Damages After Hit-and-Run Accidents in New Jersey
If you were in a hit-and-run accident and were driving a vehicle, you will be able to use your own car insurance to cover your damages up to the limit of your uninsured motorist policy. If you are subsequently able to identify the responsible driver, you can bring a claim against their insurance or against them in court in order to recover the full amount of your damages. In a personal injury claim, damages are determined based on the total amount of financial damages incurred as a result of the accident, as well as for pain and suffering.
It is important to keep track of your costs, including medical care and lost wages so that you can receive full compensation as part of your personal injury lawsuit. You should also factor in any anticipated future costs if your medical treatment is ongoing after the settlement is reached.
Pain and suffering damages are calculated based on the total amount of your economic damages as well as the permanence and severity of your injury. Put simply, the more serious and permanent your injury is, the higher your pain and suffering damages will be. In some cases, especially in hit-and-run accidents, punitive damages may also be appropriate to request. Punitive damages are unlike other kinds of damages because rather than serving to make the injured party financially whole, they exist to punish the offender.
Because so many things can affect the overall value of a claim, the best way to get an accurate estimate as to how much your claim may be worth and how much you will be able to recover by bringing a personal injury lawsuit, is to schedule a consultation with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer who can take the time to review the facts and circumstances of your case.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney at Smith & Williams Law Firm, LLC
If you have suffered an injury in a New Jersey vehicle collision that was not your fault, you should not have to bear the burden alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Smith & Williams Law Firm are ready to help you navigate the personal injury process and get the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
