What Should You Do When Hurt in an Ohio Hit-and-Run Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents happen with surprising frequency. After an accident, Ohio law states that a driver should immediately stop and remain at the scene of an accident until the driver has exchanged his or her name, address, and registered number of the vehicle he or she was operating to the other driver and, if applicable, to any police officer at the scene. But not everyone follows the law. People who don’t stop after an accident, or who don’t remain at the scene of the accident to provide their information, are committing a serious criminal offense known as a hit-and-run.

Hit-and-Runs Are Against the Law

Under Ohio Revised Code section 4549.02, a person is required to stop following a collision with any other person or property. Failure to stop after an accident can result in a first-degree misdemeanor or, in cases where bodily injury occurs, a fifth-degree felony.

Four Things You Should Do When Hurt in an Ohio Hit-and-Run Accident

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Ohio, it’s important to find safety, call the police, record your memory of events, and contact an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer.

• Get to Safety — Removing yourself from immediate danger should be your first priority after a hit-and-run accident. Call an ambulance, if necessary, and look after your physical safety by taking yourself off the roadway and out of harm’s way.
• Call the Police — Report your hit-and-run accident as soon as you are able by calling 9-1-1. A state trooper or police officer will be on his or her way to assist you and to learn more about the crime committed.
• Record the Events — Try to remember as many details about the other vehicle as possible. Was it a car or a truck? What color was it? What was its make and model? Were there any distinguishing features, such as tinted windows, specialty tires, brake discs, or any other notable features? These details may provide enough information for the police to search for the vehicle on the road and to make a future arrest.
• Contact an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney — Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can have life-altering consequences, especially when personal injury is involved. If you’ve been hurt in an Ohio hit-and-run accident, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to take the steps toward recovering compensation for your pain.

Prosecuting a Hit-and-Run Perpetrator

If the perpetrator of the hit-and-run accident is found, your report to the police may initiate a criminal case against that driver. As the victim of the hit-and-run, you may also be able to initiate a civil case to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced Ohio personal injury attorney can help in this process.

Call the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers with KNR

In the event that the perpetrator of the hit-and-run accident is not found, you may still be able to file a claim to recover damages for your property or injuries. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW to learn more today.