Between 2015 and 2019, four million people throughout the United States were involved in hit and run accidents, also called a hit and skip in Ohio. In 2018, more than one hit and run crash occured every minute on U.S. roads. Also, AAA estimated that an average of 682,000 hit and run crashes occurred each year since 2006.
Like the laws of every other state in the U.S., Ohio law requires people to stop at an accident scene. The number referenced above clearly shows that many people do not, and although drivers have the option of adding personal injury protection insurance coverage, not everyone can afford this. This can leave drivers with serious expenses.
Failing to stop after a car crash in Ohio is a serious crime that has long-lasting consequences. But is there a difference between hit and skip and hit and run, and can you go to jail for hitting someone with a car in either case?
If you’ve been charged with a hit and run accident, it’s vital to contact a Dayton hit and run lawyer. At Gounaris Abboud, our team of hit skip Ohio lawyers have decades of experience helping those who’ve been charged with serious crimes. Call us today.
Is It Illegal to Leave the Scene of an Accident in Ohio?
Ohio law forbids anyone from leaving the scene of an accident or collision. You must remain on the scene to wait for a law enforcement officer to arrive and exchange information with the other driver involved. Even if you hit an unattended motor vehicle in a parking lot, you must stay and call the police, or you could be charged with a parking lot hit and run in Ohio.
By law, you must provide your license plate number and contact information to a few people at the scene of an accident. These parties include:
- Person injured
- Police officer
- Any other drivers involved in the collision
If the other party is injured, you’ll need to contact emergency services. If the injured person is not well enough to take down contact information, wait until a police officer arrives so that you can give them everything that the law requires for their police report.
According to Section 4549.021 of the Ohio Revised Code, it makes no difference whether the collision occurred on public or private property. The at-fault driver will have just 24 hours to report the accident or collision or face being charged with a hit and run accident.
It’s important to remember that in this day and age, there are cameras everywhere. From security cameras to smartphones, you can expect to have been recorded. Hit and runs don’t typically go unnoticed, so coming forward can be the right option for everyone involved.
What to Do If You Were the Driver Who Fled the Accident Scene
In Ohio, there is no difference between a hit and run and a hit and skip. Even if you know that leaving the scene of an accident is wrong, it’s an impulse that you may be shocked into following. You could be afraid of suffering serious physical harm from the car accident victims if you stay, or you may even have attempted to stop your vehicle and lost sight of the other car in the process.
All of these things can happen in a split second, and the hit and skip consequences in Ohio may only come to mind once the fright has worn off. If you do find yourself involved in a hit and run car accident, there’s one crucial thing you must do. You need to contact an experienced attorney who can help you understand what your next steps should be.
At Gounaris Abboud, you can receive the legal counsel you can rely on when facing a hit and run charge. We can assess the accident, gather evidence, and prepare a legal strategy designed to protect both your rights and your future.
If you're facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident, the experienced team at Gounaris Abboud can help. Schedule a consultation with our skilled Dayton car accident attorney today.
What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident In Ohio?
Leaving the scene of an accident is generally a first-degree misdemeanor. The penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Ohio is a maximum 180-day jail sentence along with a fine of no more than $1,000.
The penalties become more severe as the seriousness of the hit and run increases. A person accused of hit and run in Ohio that caused a serious personal injury faces a fifth-degree felony charge.
A fifth-degree felony charge carries the possibility of a prison sentence between six months and one year, along with a fine of no more than $2,500.
If the hit and run accident caused a serious injury and it can be proven that you knew about the injury when you left the scene, you can face a fourth-degree felony.
According to Ohio hit and run law, you can be charged with a third-degree felony if the hit skip accident resulted in a death. Of all of the charges, the most serious hit and run one you can face is a second-degree felony, which involves leaving the scene of the accident while knowing someone has died.
| Injury Type | Charge | License Suspension | Maximum Fines | Jail Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Injury | First-degree misdemeanor | Minimum of six months | $1,000 | 0-6 months |
| Serious Injury | Fifth-degree felony | Minimum of six months | $2,500 | 6-12 months |
| Known Serious Injury | Fourth-degree felony | Minimum of six months | $5,000 | 6-18 months |
| Death | Third-degree felony | Minimum of six months | $10,000 | 12-60 months |
| Known Death | Second-degree felony | Minimum of six months | $15,000 | 2-8 years |
Collateral Consequences of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Ohio
In addition to criminal sanctions, hit and skip consequences in Ohio for the person who left the scene of the accident include a class five driver’s license suspension. A class-five suspension lasts from six months to three years.
Also, Ohio will assess six points on the operator’s license. Accumulating 12 points in two years is grounds for a Class D suspension of up to six months.
Ohio Hit and Run Defense
Ohio hit and run laws require the prosecution to prove that the driver knew that an accident occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. Disputing the knowledge element of the charge could be a successful trial defense.
Additionally, moving to suppress seized evidence or statements because the police violated the rights of the accused can bolster a strong defense strategy.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run?
If you were the hit and run driver, you have 24 hours to report the accident. If the hit and run collision occurred with an unattended vehicle and you can’t find the vehicle operator, you also have no more than 24 hours to let the nearest police authority know the location of the motor vehicle damaged in the accident.
Seek Immediate Legal Representation for a Hit and Run
Police often doggedly pursue others after hit and run accidents, especially those involving death or severe injury. Therefore, you must contact an aggressive and knowledgeable defense lawyer immediately for help protecting your rights.
Remember that you have the right to refuse to speak with the police after a hit and run. Schedule a free consultation with our seasoned Dayton hit and run attorney.
