My name is Elijah Wimbush, also known as Dotbwoii. I am a survivor of a devastating hit-and-run that occurred in Paterson, New Jersey, on November 20, 2010. I lost my leg, suffered significant internal injuries, and endured years of emotional trauma—all while the person responsible faced no consequences and continued living their life freely.

 

Now, fifteen years later, I have finally discovered who hit me: Britney L. Gaskins. I have credible witness testimony, digital evidence, and a direct admission. And yet, I’m being told that I cannot pursue legal action because the statute of limitations has expired, even though I only recently learned the truth.

 

This is not justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

⚖️ What I’m Asking For

 

 

 

It should never be “too late” to seek accountability for a life-altering act of violence—especially when the victim was unaware of who was responsible due to withheld evidence, silence from witnesses, or law enforcement failure.

 

I respectfully urge New Jersey lawmakers to:

 

Amend the law to allow civil legal action in hit-and-run cases involving serious injury or death when new evidence or discovery emerges, regardless of how much time has passed.
Establish a civil “lookback window” for survivors who were denied justice because the identity of the responsible party was unknown or concealed.
Implement tolling protections for cases in which law enforcement failed to act appropriately, evidence was hidden, or witnesses only came forward years later.
Ensure access to legal representation for survivors whose claims are dismissed prematurely due to expired timelines, despite having valid new evidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🔍 Legal Background: Why Change Is Needed

 

 

 

In State v. Rosado (2023), the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled that criminal prosecutions cannot be revived after the statute of limitations has expired, even when supported by new DNA evidence, because doing so would violate the ex post facto clause.

 

But my situation is a civil matter, not a criminal one. I’m not asking for imprisonment or criminal punishment—I’m asking for the ability to hold the person who harmed me accountable through a legal process.

 

The courts have clearly stated that they cannot change this. Therefore, the responsibility now falls on the legislature—and on the citizens of New Jersey—to demand change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

🧭 Why This Matters

 

 

 

This change would close a dangerous loophole that currently allows hit-and-run drivers to avoid consequences by staying silent long enough.
It would affirm the rights of survivors, regardless of how long it takes for the truth to come out.
It would encourage safer behavior on New Jersey’s roads and promote accountability for reckless, life-changing actions.
Most importantly, it would give a voice back to victims who have waited years—sometimes decades—without justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

📌 Additional Facts

 

 

 

Britney L. Gaskins graduated from Morris College with a degree in criminal justice, which may have aided her ability to avoid detection and navigate the system for years while remaining silent.
Her mother, Angela D. Gaskins, played a role as an accomplice, helping to cover the situation and allegedly disposing of or relocating the vehicle involved. Angela lived in another state, which may have helped her interfere or assist in obstructing accountability.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

✍️ I’m Asking for Your Support

 

 

 

Please sign this petition to call on New Jersey lawmakers to take action. Let’s fix this gap in our legal system so that no survivor is ever told it’s “too late” to seek justice—especially when the delay was never their fault.

 

Thank you for standing with me.

 

Sincerely,

Elijah “Dotbwoii” Wimbush