Hit and run incidents often involve a car accident where a pedestrian is injured and the motor vehicle driver is unknown because they fled the accident scene. This was not the case in a New Jersey hit and run accident where a Good Samaritan led police to the driver responsible for the car accident.

The New Jersey car accident occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. and resulted in the pedestrian incurring physical injuries that left her in critical condition. As a result of the accident, the 6- year-old pedestrian suffered injuries to her head and chest.

As the driver of the motor vehicle left the accident scene, the Good Samaritan followed the driver through two cities. The Good Samaritan was near his motor vehicle when he heard the pedestrian scream. Following the pedestrian’s scream, he witnessed the pedestrian lying in the road and the driver’s vehicle leaving the accident scene. The Good Samaritan followed the driver and reported the accident to police by calling 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan was able to provide police with the driver’s license plate information.

During the accident, the driver’s vehicle sustained damages at the accident scene. The vehicle’s broken pieces provided evidence for police to match the driver’s vehicle to the accident scene. The driver later admitted to his involvement in the accident and his attempt to evade the Good Samaritan who was following him after the accident.

The driver was charged with fourth degree assault by auto. The operator of the motor vehicle faces criminal charges for the accidents that could result in 18 months of jail time. Criminal charges are not the only claims that can be brought against a hit-and-run driver. Civil claims can be brought by a victim requesting compensation for the damages he or she suffered.

Source: Nj.com, “Somerset Prosecutor: Hit-and-run driver left critically injured woman on a Watchung road,” Warren Cooper, March 09, 2012