A 36-year-old Rahway man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Dec. 12. According to the Rahway Police Department, the accident happened around 5:40 p.m. on St. George Avenue at its intersection with Race Street. Although the pedestrian was rushed to the hospital for treatment, he died from the injuries he suffered.
A review of area surveillance video revealed that the pedestrian had been crossing St. George Avenue when a green Nissan Altima struck him and then kept driving. Upon discovering the video, police officials reported released an alert to the public. From that alert, they were led to a 42-year-old Linden man as well as the vehicle they believed he had been driving at the time of the accident.
The police arrested the driver, and he was placed into custody at the county jail, where his bond was set in the amount of $75,000. Officers continue to investigate the accident and have requested that anyone who may have witnessed it or who has information contact them.
A pedestrian accident can be catastrophic, causing serious injuries or death. Pedestrians are unprotected and thus are more likely to suffer such injuries in the event they are struck by a motor vehicle. When a motorist strikes a pedestrian and then flees, failing to call for help or to render assistance, the motorist will likely face criminal consequences when he or she is found. In addition to the motorist’s criminal proceeding, the family of the pedestrian who was wrongfully killed may prosecute a separate civil lawsuit through filing a wrongful death case against the motorist. By doing so, the family may be able to recover damages in order to receive compensation for their economic and noneconomic losses.
Source: NJ.com, “Linden man charged in fatal Rahway hit-and-run“, Jessica Remo, December 17, 2014