At any time, you could be driving safely when someone else’s dangerous behavior puts you in jeopardy. As Bergen County and other parts of North Jersey are a short trip over a bridge or through a tunnel from New York City, sometimes drivers from the five boroughs cause serious accidents in the Garden State.
A recent hit-and-run case in Teaneck seems to be a case where a motorist who was involved in illegal activity fled New York City, only to end up driving the wrong way on Route 4, just a few miles from the George Washington Bridge. The BMW M3 driven by 24-year-old Emelio Lutchmansingh of Queens collided head-on with a Jeep Compass. Instead of staying at the scene, he fled on foot but was apprehended nearby by local law enforcement. Both Lutchmansingh and the two people in the Jeep were taken to the hospital. Police found cocaine in the BMW and the car’s license plates matched those of a stolen vehicle.
Fortunately, the at-fault driver was caught in this case, but when that doesn’t occur, being involved in a hit-and-run accident can make recovering appropriate compensation more complicated. If the vehicle operator who caused the crash cannot be located, victims often need to rely on their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to recover damages they’ve incurred.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of a hit-and-run accident and investigate as to the liable motorist’s identity. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage can play a vital role.
At Seigel Law in Ridgewood, we have recovered more than $500 million for victims of auto accidents and other incidents caused by negligence and willful misconduct. We have the skill and experience to handle complex cases, including claims involving out-of-state defendants and UM coverage. If you’ve been hurt in a vehicle collision, we will fight to secure the payment you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other types of compensable damages. Our firm also represents plaintiffs in wrongful death litigation arising from fatal car and truck crashes. To schedule a free consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.