Elizabeth, NJ (April 20, 2026) — Elizabeth police are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred on Saturday, April 18, on Trumbull Street. Emergency units were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:41 p.m. following reports of a two-vehicle collision.
Upon arrival, fire and EMS units found one vehicle remaining at the scene with significant damage. A female occupant of that vehicle reported experiencing back pain as a result of the impact.
Witnesses reported that the second vehicle involved in the crash fled the area immediately following the impact, traveling in an unknown direction.
Authorities are piecing together the events of the incident.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work After a Hit-and-Run in Elizabeth, NJ?
In Elizabeth and throughout New Jersey, every standard auto policy is required to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. When a driver flees the scene and remains unidentified, the law classifies them as “uninsured.” What this does is basically ensure that your own insurance provider “steps into the shoes” of the missing driver to address your damages.
Through your UM policy, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, just as you would if the other driver had stayed and exchanged information.
Furthermore, since New Jersey is a “no-fault” state, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits kick in immediately to cover urgent medical costs, such as emergency evaluations for back pain or whiplash, regardless of who caused the collision.
However, recovering these expenses isn’t always automatic. To protect your claim, you must satisfy New Jersey’s “corroboration” rules. Because the offending vehicle is missing, insurers often demand independent evidence to prove a second car was actually involved, rather than the driver simply losing control of their own vehicle.
This is where the details of the investigation become vital. Physical evidence, such as paint transfers on your bumper, scattered debris, or statements from nearby witnesses, serves as the necessary proof to confirm a hit-and-run occurred.
In these cases, an experienced attorney can help secure this evidence and handle the complex negotiations with your carrier to ensure your UM claim is treated with the fairness you deserve.
Dealing with an insurance company after a hit-and-run can be frustratingly complex, as your own insurer may try to minimize your claim. Contact The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky today to make sure your UM benefits are properly assessed and calculated.
We can manage the communication with your insurance provider and fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and vehicle damage.
To learn more about your rights and options moving forward, get in touch with The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky at (908) 241-3445 and schedule a free consultation.
Note: This post has been prepared using publicly available secondary sources. The facts surrounding the incident have not been independently confirmed. If you believe any portion of this report contains inaccurate or outdated information, please contact The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, L.L.C. so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute a request for legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical care.
Any images included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene.
