Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defenses?
A hit and run accident in Bergen County is a serious traffic offense under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, carrying penalties from fines and license suspension to potential jail time. If you are facing a leaving the scene of an accident charge, a hit and run accident lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Hit and Run Law
New Jersey law requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage to immediately stop at the scene. You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other involved parties and any police officer. If the property owner is not present, you must leave a note with your information and report the accident to the police. Failure to comply with these duties constitutes the offense of leaving the scene of an accident, commonly called a hit and run. The severity of the charge depends on whether the accident involved property damage only, bodily injury, or serious bodily injury/death.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 (official New Jersey Legislature site). Court procedures and filings for Bergen County are handled through the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
Local Court Process for a Hit and Run Charge
In Bergen County, a hit and run accident charge is typically heard in the Superior Court, Law Division, Municipal Part. Prosecutors in Hackensack take these charges seriously, especially if there was an injury. A common local procedural fact is that the court will scrutinize the driver’s knowledge of the accident; proving you were unaware you hit something can be a key defense. The process often involves several steps.
- Receive the Summons: You will receive a summons ordering you to appear in the designated Bergen County Municipal Court.
- Initial Arraignment: At your first court date, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Your attorney will obtain evidence from the prosecution and may negotiate for a reduction to a lesser offense.
- Pre-Trial Conference: The court may hold a conference to discuss case status and potential settlements.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge. If a plea is accepted, you will be sentenced.
- Sentencing and Appeals: If convicted, the judge will impose penalties. You have the right to appeal the decision.
Potential Penalties for Leaving the Scene in NJ
In Bergen County, a hit and run conviction carries severe penalties including fines, jail, and a mandatory license suspension, with the degree based on the accident’s severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hit & Run (Property Damage) | Traffic Offense | Up to 30 days | $200 – $400 | 6-month suspension | Community service, Surcharges |
| Hit & Run (Bodily Injury) | Traffic Offense / Crime of the 4th Degree* | Up to 180 days | $2,500 – $5,000 | 1-year suspension | Possible civil liability, Community service |
| Hit & Run (Serious Bodily Injury/Death) | Crime of the 3rd Degree | 3-5 years state prison | Up to $15,000 | 1-year suspension | Felony record, Civil lawsuits |
*Can be indicted as a crime if injury is proven.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Bergen County Traffic Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the immediate consequences of a hit and run charge—like license suspension—and work to protect your driving privileges from the start. Our approach is based on a detailed review of the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage, to build the strongest possible defense strategy for your hit and run accident charge.
Case Results and Client Focus
While specific locality case counts are not published, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We focus on achieving dismissals, reductions to non-criminal traffic offenses, and minimizing license suspensions for our clients in Bergen County and across New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Bergen County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County. We are familiar with the local courts, including the Superior Court in Hackensack, accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. If you need a hit and run accident lawyer near Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, or Paramus, we are here to help.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities throughout Bergen County including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m charged with a hit and run in Bergen County?
Do not speak to the police without an attorney. Contact a hit and run accident lawyer Bergen County immediately. Gather any evidence you have, like photos of your vehicle, and write down everything you remember about the incident for your lawyer.
Can I go to jail for a hit and run with no injury in NJ?
Yes. For a property damage hit and run, the law allows for up to 30 days in jail. While not common for a first offense, the risk increases if you have prior tickets or if the prosecutor views the circumstances as particularly negligent.
What are the defenses to a leaving the scene of an accident charge?
It depends. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, necessity (e.g., leaving to get emergency help), or mistaken identity. A hit and run accident charge lawyer Bergen County can evaluate the police report and evidence to identify the best defense for your specific situation.
Will my insurance cover the damages if I left the scene?
Probably not. Most auto insurance policies have clauses that exclude coverage if the insured driver violates the law, such as committing a hit and run. This means you could be personally responsible for all property damage and injury claims.
How long will a hit and run stay on my driving record in NJ?
A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident will typically remain on your New Jersey driving record for at least 5 years from the date of conviction, and it may be visible to insurance companies and employers for much longer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your hit and run accident case in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyer Middlesex County | Criminal Defense Lawyer Bergen County
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.