Elizabeth, NJ (May 6, 2026) — On Tuesday, May 5, a hit-and-run occurred at approximately 11:44 a.m. at the intersection of 5th Street and Livingston Street.
According to initial reports, a black Ford pickup truck struck another vehicle and immediately fled the area, heading in an unknown direction. First responders from the Elizabeth Police Department and emergency medical services arrived to find two individuals suffering from injuries.
Authorities are piecing together the events of the incident.
We wish the injured individuals a full and swift recovery.
Why You Should Seek Legal Help After a New Jersey Hit-and-Run
When a driver flees the scene in New Jersey, the path to compensation becomes a race against time and insurance red tape. A lawyer acts as an essential advocate to navigate the complex challenges of hit-and-run litigation.
1. Identifying the Phantom Vehicle Through Independent Investigation
In a hit-and-run, the police are often focused on the criminal aspect of the flight, but a lawyer focuses on the civil recovery. An attorney will act quickly to subpoena footage from nearby businesses and search for doorbell cameras or dashcam footage.
2. Navigating the Complexities of No-Fault PIP Claims
New Jersey’s no-fault laws mean your own insurance pays your medical bills, but these companies often look for reasons to deny or prematurely end treatments. A lawyer ensures that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits remain active so you can continue the physical therapy or diagnostic care needed for your recovery.
3. Maximizing Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If the driver is never found, your own insurance company becomes your legal adversary in an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim. A lawyer understands the tactics insurers use to undervalue hit-and-run claims and will fight to ensure you are compensated for your pain, suffering, and lost wages as if the other driver had been caught.
4. Managing Communication with Multiple Insurance Carriers
Following an accident with two injured parties, there may be multiple insurance companies involved, each trying to shift blame or reduce their liability. A lawyer manages all communications, shielding you from aggressive adjusters and ensuring that no statements are made that could be used against you. This professional barrier allows you to focus on your physical healing while your legal rights are aggressively defended.
At The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky, 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, contact our personal injury lawyers or call us 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.
