Legal Question in Traffic Law in New Jersey

Accident & Failure to Stop, etc

Situation: 17 year old driver with 6 mos experience driving within 40 mph limit on local road. Concerned by car tailgating him, he fails to stop soon enough when car in front stops because of pedestrians crossing street at an intersection. No crosswalk; not sure where walkers were at time. Driver did not realize extent of damage at the time of impact and car that was hit turned at the intersection onto the side road despite wide shoulder. Thinking that the hit driver was OK and continuing by the turn off the street onto another, the new driver continued home 3 mins away unaware of the law requiring him to stop. He was waiting for his dad to complete a conference call before advising dad of what happened. Police arrived before that conversation took place, from a report by one of the pedestrians.

Damage to one car was probably over $500 and the other may or may not be over $500. No physical injuries.

Tickets given: Leaving the scene 39:4-129b, failure to report accident 39:4-130, and careless driving 4-97. I believe the local authorities will plea settle situation and not suspend license for max6mos nor apply all ticketed points. I think they gave extra tix to allow one to be tossed. Your input is appreciated. Thnx

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