Oakland, NJ (July 25, 2025) – On Thursday, July 24, a child was killed after a small family was involved in a pedestrian accident in the Oakland area. The deadly crash took place at the intersection of E. Oak Street and Ramapo Valley Road that afternoon at around 3:45 p.m. A mother and three children were crossing at the intersection when they were struck by a white Acura.
Emergency crews were quickly dispatched to the scene to render aid. The incident took place near an office of pediatricians and nurses who also assisted the injured parties. A four-year-old boy was critically injured and was rushed to a medevac and was later pronounced dead. The victim’s mother, five-year-old brother, and nine-month-old were believed to have recovered. The at-fault driver fled the scene without rendering aid. No further information on the deadly crash is currently available. An ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident is in progress.
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time. Our thoughts are also with the injured victims and their families in hopes of a full recovery.
Deadly Hit-&-Run Accidents in New Jersey
New Jersey has seen a troubling rise in hit‑and‑run collisions amid an overall increase in traffic fatalities. In 2024, the state recorded at least 687 traffic deaths—a 13.4% increase over 2023—with 221 pedestrian fatalities, the highest in over 30 years.
According to NHTSA‑based research, New Jersey ranked third nationwide for fatal crashes involving hit‑and‑runs, with 8.51% of fatal collisions involving a fleeing driver—substantially above the U.S. average. Lawmakers are now pushing for tougher penalties and expanded enforcement to curb this dangerous trend.
Hit-and-run accidents don’t occur for one specific and particular reason. Sadly, there are many causes for these sorts of crashes, such as:
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Distracted Driving – Using phones, GPS, or other distractions leading to unintentional collisions.
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Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Alcohol or drug impairment reduces judgment and increases fear of arrest
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Fatigue or Drowsy Driving – Sleep-deprived drivers may not realize they caused an accident.
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Reckless or Aggressive Driving – Speeding or ignoring traffic laws increases crash risk and driver guilt
It is difficult to pick up the pieces and continue your way of life after a deadly crash has unexpectedly claimed the life of a loved one. You deserve justice, and the person responsible should be held to account. To achieve this and more, it is important that you are able to work with a competent wrongful death lawyer in order to make sure you get the most out of your case.
Our compassionate legal team at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq is here to help you during this difficult time. Contact our offices today at (800) 923-3456.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
Disclaimer: This content is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided should be construed as legal or medical advice. Additionally, the featured image in this post is not from the actual accident scene.