Stopping and assisting someone you’ve struck with your car isn’t just a moral responsibility, it’s the law. Unfortunately, there are numerous instances where drivers leave the scene of an accident, presumably to avoid the potential civil and criminal consequences of their actions. One such hit-and-run incident recently ended the life of an elderly Bergen County woman.
In the pre-dawn hours of July 10, 77-year-old Chong Soon Sim, was found unconscious on Grand Avenue in Leonia. Based upon her location and severe injuries, it was apparent that she was struck by a vehicle whose driver had fled the scene. Once found, Sim was taken immediately to Hackensack Hospital in critical condition. Approximately a week later, it was reported that she had died as a result of the crash.
After authorities reviewed the evidence, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of Osmary Jimenez-Luna, a 34-year-old resident of North Bergen, on multiple charges related to the fatal collision. Though not all of the facts are known, this incident could involve several factors commonly associated with hit-and-run cases, such as:
- Pre-dawn hours — There are several reasons why late night or pre-sunrise morning hours are prone to cases where drivers leave the scene of an accident. Darkness could make it difficult to see a pedestrian, and once a collision occurs, a driver might believe that they can escape the scene without being noticed by law enforcement or witnesses.
- Elderly victim — Older individuals might have a more difficult time noticing an oncoming vehicle, as well as difficulty evading contact.
- Possible speeding — Grand Avenue in Leonia is a part of State Route 93, a main north-south road running from Ridgefield to Englewood. In Leonia, the speed limit is 30 miles per hour, but many people travel much faster on this road in off hours when traffic is very light. Even a slight deviation above the speed limit could be the difference between a deadly collision and a near miss.
Whatever the specific cause, obtaining appropriate compensation from a driver who fled after causing a collision can be very complicated. Retaining the right attorney is critical to achieving a measure of justice through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Seigel Law fights for victims of New Jersey hit-and-run accidents. Having collected more than $500 million for clients, we can develop a strong legal case for you, even if the at-fault driver is never identified or lacks sufficient insurance. For a free consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online. Our office is in Ridgewood.