A New Jersey auto accident that involved a van and a dump truck left the driver of the van with serious injuries, the Bucks County Courier Times reports. The accident occurred on the Burlington County Bridge when a metal bar fell off of a dump truck and went through the driver’s side window of the van. The van then veered into opposing lanes of traffic and struck another vehicle. The van’s driver sustained severe injuries and was transported to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported. The dump truck did not stop at the scene of the collision, but the driver may not have known the incident occurred. Officials are searching for the dump truck, which they say is a purple Kenmore truck which may have New Jersey tags.
It is a violation of New Jersey law to leave the scene of an accident. New Jersey Statutes 39:4-129 (a) (Action in case of an accident) states: “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene.” It is also the duty of truck drivers to secure their load properly so it does not pose a potential danger to other motorists.
In the above situation, assuming the owner and driver of the dump truck cannot be identified, the driver of the van still may have the right to pursue a claim for uninsured motorist coverage as a result of this “hit and run” type accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, including that of an uninsured or “hit and run” driver, contact the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Blume Forte. We have assisted thousands of injured victims of automobile accidents, helping them to receive fair and appropriate compensation for their injuries and other damages. Call us at 973-845-4421 to find out how we can help you protect your legal rights.