Blog by Linda Khorozian

Bergenfield Man Charged in Hackensack Hit-And-Run: What New Jersey Drivers Should Know About Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Posted by Linda O. Khorozian | May 14, 2026 | 0 Comments

Authorities in Bergen County announced criminal charges against a Bergenfield man following a fatal hit-and-run investigation in Hackensack, once again highlighting the serious legal and public safety issues surrounding drivers who leave the scene of accidents in New Jersey.

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, authorities charged Terrence J. Hedden, of Bergenfield, with knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death after an investigation into a pedestrian crash in Hackensack.

For victims involved in serious crashes, a New Jersey car accident lawyer or Bergen County personal injury lawyer may need to investigate liability, insurance coverage, and injury claims following a hit-and-run accident or pedestrian collision.

Hackensack remains one of the busiest traffic corridors in Bergen County because of:

  • Route 4 congestion
  • heavy commuter traffic
  • rideshare activity
  • delivery vehicle traffic
  • pedestrian-heavy intersections
  • commercial vehicle movement

As North Jersey traffic continues increasing, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and hit-and-run collisions remain a growing public safety issue throughout Hackensack, Bergenfield, Teaneck, Englewood, Fort Lee, and surrounding communities.

If you were injured in a car accident, pedestrian accident, or hit-and-run collision in New Jersey, a New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Khorozian Law Group may be able to help investigate insurance coverage and liability issues. Call (201) 944-9200 or use the Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

Police investigating a nighttime hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Hackensack Bergen County New Jersey

Hackensack and Bergen County Continue Seeing Serious Traffic and Pedestrian Accident Risks

Hackensack roadways continue experiencing increasing congestion involving:
🚗 passenger vehicles
🚛 commercial trucks
🚴 cyclists
🚶 pedestrians
🛵 delivery drivers
🚕 rideshare traffic

Areas throughout Bergen County—including Hackensack, Bergenfield, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee—have become increasingly difficult for both drivers and pedestrians because of traffic density and constant roadway activity.

According to the BCPO release, investigators ultimately identified and charged the individual allegedly involved in the Hackensack incident.

For many victims, accidents involving fleeing drivers create major concerns regarding:

  • medical bills
  • insurance coverage
  • liability investigations
  • uninsured motorist claims
  • injury compensation
  • future medical treatment

That is why many accident victims eventually consult with a Bergen County personal injury lawyer or car accident attorney after serious crashes.

🚨 Leaving the Scene of an Accident Can Lead to Criminal and Civil Consequences

Under New Jersey law, drivers involved in accidents are generally expected to:

  • stop immediately,
  • remain at the scene,
  • provide identifying information,
  • and contact emergency services when injuries occur.

When drivers allegedly leave the scene, investigations often become significantly more serious.

Authorities may rely on:

  • surveillance cameras
  • witness statements
  • roadway evidence
  • cellphone data
  • vehicle damage analysis
  • forensic investigation

Even when criminal charges are filed, injured victims still frequently face complicated insurance and injury-related issues afterward.

That is why preserving evidence quickly is critical after any hit-and-run collision.

Why Hit-And-Run Accidents Often Create Insurance Problems

One of the biggest issues in hit-and-run cases is determining what insurance coverage may apply.

Depending on the circumstances, injured drivers or pedestrians may need to explore:

  • bodily injury coverage
  • PIP benefits
  • uninsured motorist coverage
  • underinsured motorist coverage
  • household insurance policies

Victims often do not realize how quickly insurance issues become complicated after serious accidents.

Speaking with a car accident lawyer or accident attorney may help injured individuals better understand available options after a New Jersey hit-and-run accident.

🚶 Pedestrian Accidents Continue Increasing Across North Jersey

Pedestrian accident risks continue increasing throughout:

  • Hackensack
  • Bergenfield
  • Englewood
  • Teaneck
  • Fort Lee
  • Paramus
  • Jersey City
  • Newark

Heavy traffic, distracted driving, nighttime visibility issues, and delivery congestion all contribute to serious roadway dangers.

Even lower-speed pedestrian accidents can cause:

  • fractures
  • spinal injuries
  • traumatic brain injuries
  • orthopedic trauma
  • permanent mobility limitations

Victims involved in serious crashes often require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and future care.

A pedestrian accident lawyer may help investigate available insurance coverage and liability following a serious New Jersey accident.

🚗 What To Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident in New Jersey

After a hit-and-run accident, victims should try to:

  • Call police immediately
  • Seek medical attention
  • Preserve photographs and video
  • Obtain witness information
  • Check nearby businesses for surveillance cameras
  • Notify insurance carriers quickly
  • Preserve damaged property and clothing

Quick action may become extremely important because surveillance footage and evidence are often lost quickly.

Victims involved in serious collisions frequently consult with a Hackensack car accident lawyer or Bergen County injury attorney after crashes involving:

  • hit-and-run drivers
  • pedestrian accidents
  • commercial vehicles
  • rideshare accidents
  • uninsured drivers

Why North Jersey Car Accident Risks Continue Rising

North Jersey remains one of the busiest traffic regions in the country because of:

  • commuter congestion
  • delivery traffic
  • warehouse activity
  • rideshare growth
  • commercial trucking
  • dense pedestrian areas

As roadway congestion continues increasing throughout Bergen County and Hudson County, accidents involving pedestrians and fleeing drivers remain a major concern.

Injured in a New Jersey Car Accident or Pedestrian Accident?

Khorozian Law Group represents accident victims throughout Bergen County, Hudson County, Essex County, and surrounding North Jersey communities.

Whether your injuries involve:

  • a car accident
  • pedestrian accident
  • hit-and-run collision
  • rideshare accident
  • truck accident
  • commercial vehicle crash
  • or another New Jersey personal injury matter

…our office may be able to help investigate liability and available insurance coverage.

📞 (201) 944-9200or use the Online form for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

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