Woman in coma following hit-and-run accident

All Practice Areas

A 77-year old woman was taken to Hackensack hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Kennedy Boulevard near 65th Street in North Bergen. She is currently in a medically induced coma, and she is believed to have suffered brain injury and a broken back as a result of this accident.

The driver that struck the woman attempted to flee, but another driver that witnessed the accident followed him. Police then confronted the driver and reported the smell of alcohol on the man’s breath. He also was driving with his 15-year old son in the vehicle.

The driver has been charged with assault by auto, knowingly leaving the scene of the accident, reckless driving, driving without a license, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The driver’s blood alcohol level was measured at 0.17. Apparently, he was also driving a vehicle rented by another individual – that individual now being charged for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle.

Despite the number of accusations leveled against the driver, he told the police that it was the injured woman’s fault for walking in the middle of the street. The driver also blamed a curve in the road for what occurred.

Victims of accidents such as this and family members would greatly benefit from the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorneys can investigate accidents, pursue claims against all negligent parties, and help victims receive whatever medical care they require.

Whatever the circumstances, the woman is likely suffering from life threatening injuries due to the negligence of another individual. Sadly, brain injuries are of the sort that do not allow for full recovery – if recovery is even possible.

Source: NJ.com, “West New York woman, 77, suffers brain injury and broken back in hit-and-run,” by Ron Zeitlinger, Oct. 20, 2012