Skilled Ohio Hit and Run Lawyers
Our hit and run accident attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have been defending clients against hit and run charges for years. They have successfully defended numerous people against the state’s attempts to take their freedoms and punish them financially. With years of experience and a passion for our clients’ rights, our team markedly increases your chances of getting your charges reduced or even dropped.
If you have been charged with a hit and run anywhere in the state — including Montgomery County, Warren County, Butler County, Columbus, and Cincinnati — don’t hesitate to call (937) 915-6271 or reach out online, and our legal team will get back to you promptly. The sooner we start on your defense, the stronger your case will be.
Understanding Ohio’s Duty to Stop Laws
Ohio Rev. Code § 4549.02 requires motorists to stop and remain at the scene of any accident they are involved in. Failure to do so puts drivers at a high risk of criminal and civil liability. If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident (also known as a hit and run), you need skilled representation to fight the charges and protect your freedoms and financial health.
In many cases, hit and run drivers flee accident scenes to avoid liability. However, this is not always the case. In some instances, people can leave the scene of an accident completely unaware that they have been in one. So when they are subsequently charged with hit and run, it is a complete surprise to them.
If you are aware of an accident, you indeed must stop. You are also required to provide various information to the other driver or police officer on the scene, such as:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your vehicle’s registration number
- The vehicle owner’s name and address if you are not the owner
However, if the other vehicle is unoccupied or unattended, you must leave a note containing the above-listed information in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.
Elements of Failure to Stop after an Accident in Ohio
The crime of failing to stop requires a prosecutor to prove various elements. If you have been charged with hit and run, our team will attack every element of the prosecutor’s case to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
The elements that the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt are:
- The defendant was driving or operating a motor vehicle while on a public highway or road in Ohio
- The defendant experienced an auto accident with another individual or someone’s property
- The defendant was aware of the accident when it occurred
- The defendant failed to immediately stop their vehicle after the accident
- The defendant failed to remain at the scene of the accident until providing contact information to any person injured in the crash; to the driver, passenger, attendant, or owner of the vehicle that was in the crash; or to any police officer who arrived on the scene
- The defendant failed to notify the police if the other driver or passenger involved in the accident was injured and was unable to receive the driver’s contact information
- If the owner/driver of the other vehicle was not present, the defendant failed to attach a note in a conspicuous place on the unoccupied vehicle
As you can see, the prosecutor must prove various elements to convict defendants in hit-and-run accidents. But remember that you can be charged with failure to stop regardless of whether you are at fault for the accident or collision.
The good news is that the evidence is often sufficient to convict a hit-and-run driver. Whatever the circumstances, you can count on Gounaris Abboud to vigorously defend your freedom against the charges you are facing.
