Several weeks ago, a Jersey City woman holding a baby, as well as two other passengers, fled the scene of an accident involving her personal vehicle and a fire truck, a serious offense that could carry heavy charges. The woman, Bianca Lockett, was found by witnesses and police summons several hours after the incident. The accident occurred at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard and Audubon Avenue as the firefighters were responding to an incident on the Eastern Parkway. At the time of the accident, the truck had activated both sirens and lights, which should have been enough to deter any reckless driving in that area.

Following the crash, a firefighter was being treated for rib injuries related to the accident at Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health. The engine that was struck, Engine 5, was pulled out of service for extensive front-end damage sustained during the accident. It was later released that the truck was responding to a boiler issue rather than a fire. Statements regarding the incident were released by Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill.

Along with Lockett and the baby, two other passengers from the vehicle also fled on foot to board the NJ Transit 87 bus. As they were boarding the bus, one of the witnesses from the scene who had followed them in pursuit with her car was able to take a photograph with her phone of the group before they left. This was used as evidence in the investigation by police officers.

Lockett was later found at her home on Orient Avenue, after police matched the photo, additional witness statements, and registration information found in the vehicle to her name and address. She was informed of incoming court summons by mail for charges of driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. In addition, Lewis Shuler, the vehicle owner, was also issued a summons for allowing Lockett to drive the vehicle without a license, as well as having the vehicle uninsured.

Charges for leaving the scene of an accident are very serious. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-130, for first offenses, when there are any personal injuries sustained or property damages resulting in $500 or more, penalties can include fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 a 1 year mandatory loss of license, and a possible jail term of up to 180 days. For subsequent offenses, a license will be suspended for life. When leaving the scene of an accident results only in property damage under $500, the penalties for a first time offense include fines between $200 and $400, a 30 day jail term with mandatory 6 month license suspension. Additional offenses are $400-$600 in fines and a 30 to 90 day jail term, and license suspension for one year.

As you can see, there are serious consequences involved with leaving the scene of an accident. An experienced attorney is often able to avoid these severe penalties through entering into a plea bargain with the State.

If you’ve been involved in a similar traffic violation, you need experienced legal assistance. Call me, David W. Polsky, for your free consultation. I can be reached by phone at (973) 686-9787.