Jodi DeSoto, wife of the late Superior Court Judge Hector DeSoto, was killed in a hit-and-run on Saturday, September 17th. DeSoto was crossing the street when she was struck by an SUV at around 8 p.m. on Rhode Place in Belleville, New Jersey. The vehicle fled the scene and Jodi DeSoto was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center in New Jersey, but died later that evening due to injuries from the accident. The incident remains under investigation as the driver of the vehicle in question has yet to be located and charged.

Our most sincere condolences go out to the family of Jodi DeSoto during this difficult time. We hope that the authorities are able to locate the driver of the SUV and arrest him for his part in the fatal accident.

Although pedestrian fatalities are down in motor vehicle accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 4,092 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2009 alone. The same study indicates that almost half (48%) of all pedestrian deaths occur on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

According to DeadlyRoads.com, New Jersey state law mandates that “leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a 3rd degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in state prison.” The same section also includes that “the presumption on non-imprisonment for 1st offenders does not apply to this crime and a sentence for this crime is imposed consecutively to convictions for aggravated manslaughter or vehicular homicide.”

If found, the driver of the vehicle that struck Jodi DeSoto has the possibility of facing criminal charges, jail time, and may be held responsible for compensating her family for their devastating loss. Victims of accidents like this hit-and-run, as well as their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, treatment, and other damages suffered from the accident. If you’ve suffered a personal injury from a crash, contact a car accident attorney in New Jersey to find out how to go about getting compensation for your injuries. Console & Hollawell are award-winning personal injury lawyers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who have been serving victims and their families for over 17 years. Their vast experience as PA and NJ injury attorneys and their personal dedication to your individual case guarantees that you will get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured, call toll-free today at 1-866-778-5500 to set up a FREE consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back.

View the original article here