Hit-and-Run Driver Kills One, Critically Injures Another on Empire St in Newark, NJ

Newark, NJ (June 29, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed, and another was left in critical condition early Friday morning, June 27, after a hit-and-run driver struck both of them on Empire Street in Newark. 

One victim was pronounced dead on the scene. The second remains in critical condition. Authorities had not released the identities of the two victims.

The driver fled the scene following the crash and had not been identified at the time of this report. The investigation remains ongoing.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person who lost their life, and we hope the second victim makes as full a recovery as possible.

Can Hit-and-Run Victims Recover Compensation Before the Driver Is Found in Newark, NJ?

Yes, hit-and-run victims in Newark can pursue compensation even before the at-fault driver is identified, and understanding this option early can provide important financial relief during what is an extraordinarily difficult and uncertain time.

In New Jersey, uninsured motorist coverage is specifically designed to address situations where a driver flees the scene and cannot be immediately identified, allowing victims or their families to seek compensation through their own insurance policy or a household member's policy rather than having to wait indefinitely for the driver to be found.

For families of those killed in a hit-and-run, a wrongful death claim can move forward against an unidentified driver through this uninsured motorist coverage pathway, and if the driver is later identified through the ongoing investigation, the claim may then expand to include a direct action against that driver and their own insurance coverage.

Similarly, a surviving victim with critical injuries can pursue their own personal injury claim through uninsured motorist benefits while the investigation continues, ensuring that the passage of time before an arrest does not delay access to necessary compensation for medical care and other losses.

Because hit-and-run investigations can sometimes take significant time to resolve, particularly when no immediate witnesses or vehicle descriptions are available, families and victims should not feel that their legal options are on hold while waiting for an arrest.

A lawyer may be able to assist victims and their families in filing claims under available uninsured motorist coverage as soon as possible, keep an eye on the ongoing police investigation for any updates that might reveal the culpable driver, and modify the legal plan as new information becomes available.

If you or your family was affected by a hit-and-run crash in Union County, you do not have to navigate this process alone. The Law Offices of Sander Budanitsky is available to help families understand their rights, explore available legal options, and pursue accountability. 

For legal guidance and dedicated support, contact our personal injury lawyer today at (908) 241-3445. 

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.