Man charged after Manchester hit-and-run ATV crash

MANCHESTER, NJ – A man had been charged following a hit-and-run ATV crash that left one person in critical condition on Sunday on an old mining property.

According to Patch.com, Brett Durant, 31, of Scotch Plains was riding his white 2019 Polaris RZR side-by-side ATV when he struck the second vehicle on the Heritage Minerals property.

John Guzman, a 28-year-old man from Queens, NY, was riding a blue Yamaha quad-style when the accident happened. He had been going west when Durant came east along the south side of the lake and struck him.

Durant fled the scene on his ATV while emergency workers and witnesses worked to piece together details of the crash.

Guzman was conscious when he was taken by helicopter but had suffered head trauma and broken bones from the accident. He was not wearing safety equipment when he was ejected from his ATV. He was airlifted from the scene.

Witnesses gave details that eventually leading to the description of Durant’s ATV, its possible location, and the identity of the driver. The ATV was seized after being found hidden in the woods. Durant was also found and arrested.

Firefighters from Manchester and volunteer companies from Ridgeway and Whiting used their off-road vehicles to transported personnel at the scene.

Police had began patrolling the private property sometimes known as Chrystal Lake following another incident last month. There are no trespassing signs around the property that is not open for recreational use.

If someone you care about was killed or severely injured in an accident, there may be a lot going through your head. The NJ injury attorneys of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers have helped people like you fight for justice. We will discuss all of your legal options with you, free of charge. Call (973) 860-3765 to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

Note: This blog reports on the types of cases our firm has extensive experience handling. It is painful to learn of the prevalence of these serious accidents, and it is our sincere hope that future catastrophes can be avoided. Our blog posts are written from scouring recent news stories. As more information is revealed, these stories may be updated. If the information in this blog article is outdated or false, please let us know so we can add updates or corrections.

Disclaimer: By showing the frequency of these serious accidents, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers hopes that more will be done to prevent them. Another aim is to give readers information that can be used to help them reduce the likelihood they are involved in a serious accident. Content on our blog is not legal advice.