Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Passaic County, NJ
A hit and run accident in Passaic County is a serious offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying potential criminal charges and severe civil liability for uninsured damages. If you were injured by a driver who fled, you need a lawyer to identify the at-fault party and pursue compensation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Hit and Run Laws and Your Rights
New Jersey law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene, provide their information, and render reasonable assistance. Leaving the scene, or a hit and run, is a criminal traffic offense. The severity of the charge depends on the accident’s outcome. For accidents involving only property damage, it’s a disorderly persons offense. If the accident caused bodily injury or death, it becomes an indictable crime (felony). The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit stemming from a hit and run is two years from the date of the accident under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2.
As a victim, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. A hit and run accident lawyer Passaic County can handle the details of identifying the responsible driver through police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage. If the driver cannot be found, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide a important source of recovery.
- Secure Your Safety and Report: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. A police report is the foundational document for your case.
- Gather Immediate Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, any vehicle debris, and skid marks. Note the time, location, and any details about the fleeing vehicle.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a full medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records directly link your injuries to the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer promptly to initiate a claim, particularly under your uninsured motorist coverage.
- Consult a Hit and Run Attorney: Contact a lawyer before giving any detailed statements to insurance adjusters. An attorney can manage communications and begin the investigation.
- Investigation and Claim Filing: Your lawyer will work with law enforcement, review camera footage, identify witnesses, and file the necessary insurance claims or lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In Passaic County, a hit and run accident charge carries penalties ranging from fines and license suspension for property damage cases to significant prison time for accidents involving serious injury or death.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 6-month suspension minimum | Civil liability for damages |
| Hit & Run (Bodily Injury) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension minimum | Civil liability for injury damages |
| Hit & Run (Death) | Crime of the 2nd Degree | 5-10 years | Up to $150,000 | Permanent revocation possible | Wrongful death lawsuit |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Passaic County Hit and Run Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to contested cases like hit and runs. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand that a hit and run accident charge lawyer Passaic County must be both an aggressive investigator and a skilled negotiator with insurance companies. We serve clients across all Passaic County communities, including Paterson, Clifton, and Wayne.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific locality results are not published, our firm’s approach to hit and run cases is thorough and client-focused. We work to identify fleeing drivers and maximize recovery through all available avenues, including uninsured motorist claims. Our goal is to secure compensation for your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other losses.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Passaic County Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near You
Our New Jersey location represents clients throughout Passaic County. We are accessible via I-80, Route 46, and other major highways, serving hit and run accident victims in Paterson, Clifton, Wayne, Passaic City, Totowa, and Little Falls.
Hit and run accident lawyer near Passaic County courts and communities.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Passaic County FAQ
What should I do immediately after a hit and run in Passaic County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, and try to note details about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, partial license plate). A police report is essential for both the criminal investigation and your insurance claim.
Can I still get compensation if the hit and run driver is never found?
Yes. Your primary path for compensation is through your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. New Jersey requires this coverage, and it is designed for exactly this scenario. A lawyer can help you file this claim effectively.
What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in NJ?
Penalties escalate based on severity. For property damage, it’s a disorderly persons offense with up to 6 months jail and license suspension. For injury or death, it becomes an indictable crime with years of prison time and larger fines.
How long do I have to sue after a hit and run accident in New Jersey?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under New Jersey’s statute of limitations. It is critical to consult a leaving the scene of an accident lawyer Passaic County well before this deadline to investigate and build your case.
Will my insurance rates go up if I use uninsured motorist coverage for a hit and run?
It depends on your insurance company and policy. In New Jersey, using UM coverage for a hit-and-run where you are not at fault may not always lead to a rate increase, but you should discuss this with your attorney or agent.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer | Bergen County Personal Injury Lawyer | Passaic County DUI Lawyer
Passaic County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on hit and run accident lawyer New Jersey covers the process from start to finish.
Your case in Passaic County, New Jersey
Injury claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Law Division. In Passaic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Passaic Vicinage (11th Vicinage), 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, NJ 07505, telephone (973) 247-8000, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, which sets a two-year filing limit for injury claims; tolling rules and exceptions can change that period, so confirm your deadline early. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Passaic County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Passaic County NJ lawyers directory · Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Monmouth County, NJ.