Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Columbus

Key Takeaways:

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

Taking immediate action can make all the difference in recovering damages and ensuring justice.

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Being involved in any car accident is traumatic, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, victims face additional challenges and stress. 

Hit-and-run accidents leave injured parties without immediate information about the responsible party, complicating the process of seeking fair compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

“Hit-and-run crashes are unfortunately becoming more common across Ohio and nationwide,” says experienced personal injury attorney Robert Erney of Erney Law. “According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run crashes happen somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds, with the number of fatalities from these incidents reaching record highs in recent years.”

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Columbus, understanding your legal rights and taking prompt action can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. This guide outlines crucial steps to protect yourself after such a devastating event.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver in a car crash leaves the accident scene without stopping to provide contact and insurance information or assist injured parties. Under Ohio law, all drivers involved in an accident must follow these steps:

• Stop their vehicle at the scene or as close as possible
• Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number
• Show their driver’s license if requested
• Render reasonable assistance to any injured person

“Leaving the scene of an accident is not just morally wrong—it’s a serious criminal offense in Ohio,” explains Robert Erney. “Depending on whether the accident resulted in property damage, injury, or death, penalties can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony, with significant jail time and license suspension.”

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

The moments following a hit-and-run accident are critical. Taking these immediate steps can help protect your health and strengthen your potential insurance claim or legal case:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health should be your primary concern after any accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek a medical evaluation promptly.

• Some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records will document the connection between your injuries and the accident
• Delaying treatment could give insurance companies a reason to dispute your claim

Report the Accident to the Police

Contact law enforcement as soon as possible after the accident happened.

• Ohio law requires hit-and-run accidents to be reported within 24 hours
• A police report provides official documentation of the accident
• Law enforcement may be able to identify the fleeing driver through an investigation

Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible:

• Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and your injuries
• Look for and document any skid marks or property damage
• Note environmental conditions and time of day
• Write down the license plate number (even partially) and description of the fleeing vehicle
• Look for nearby surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident

Identify Witnesses

Witness statements can be invaluable in hit-and-run cases.

• Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
• Ask if they noticed any details about the fleeing driver or vehicle
• Determine if they would be willing to speak to your insurance company or attorney

“Witnesses play a crucial role in hit-and-run investigations,” notes Erney. “Statistics show that drivers who flee crashes involving witnesses are more likely to be identified later. Every detail matters, so even seemingly minor observations about the vehicle or driver can help law enforcement track down the responsible party.”

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider promptly to report the accident.

• Explain that you were involved in a hit-and-run
• Ask about your coverage options, particularly uninsured motorist coverage
• Follow their instructions for filing a claim
• Be honest but careful about what you say—avoid admitting fault or downplaying injuries

Investigating the Hit-and-Run Accident

After reporting the accident, multiple parties may conduct investigations:

Police Investigation

Law enforcement will try to identify the hit-and-run driver through:

• Reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
• Interviewing witnesses
• Examining physical evidence from the accident scene
• Checking repair shops for vehicles with damage consistent with your accident

Insurance Investigation

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to:

• Evaluate the damage to your vehicle
• Review your medical records
• Determine the extent of coverage available to you
• Possibly conduct their own search for the fleeing driver

Legal Team Investigation

A Columbus hit-and-run accident lawyer can supplement official investigations by:

• Hiring accident reconstruction experts
• Canvassing for additional witnesses or evidence
• Subpoenaing records that might help identify the fleeing driver
• Building a comprehensive case for maximum compensation

Challenges in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges for victims seeking compensation:

Identifying the At-Fault Driver

Without an immediate exchange of information, finding the responsible party can be challenging:

• Approximately 50% of hit-and-run drivers are eventually identified nationwide
• Identification rates vary significantly by state and circumstance
• Cases involving serious injuries or fatalities typically receive more investigative resources

Proving Fault and Damages

Even with the driver identified, establishing liability requires evidence:

• Physical evidence from the accident scene
• Witness testimony
• Expert analysis and reconstruction
• Medical documentation linking injuries to the crash

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance providers may:

• Try to minimize payouts for hit-and-run claims
• Question the severity of your injuries
• Dispute your account of how the accident happened
• Delay processing your claim

Time Limits for Reporting and Filing a Claim

Be aware of important deadlines:

• Report the accident to the police within 24 hours
• Notify your insurance company as soon as possible (ideally within days)
• The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is generally two years from the date of the accident
• Your insurance policy may contain additional deadlines for filing claims

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Hit-and-Run Case

When selecting an attorney, look for:

• Experience specifically with hit-and-run cases in Columbus
• Knowledge of Ohio’s traffic laws and insurance regulations
• A track record of successful settlements and verdicts
• Recognition from peers (such as Ohio Super Lawyer designation)
• Clear communication and compassion for your situation

Contact Erney Law for Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Columbus or throughout Ohio, don’t face this challenging situation alone. The experienced personal injury team at Erney Law understands the complexities of hit-and-run cases and is dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Our legal team will provide personalized attention to your case, investigate the accident thoroughly, and work tirelessly to protect your rights. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover fair compensation for you.

Contact Erney Law today at (888) 880-4878 for a free consultation to discuss your hit-and-run accident claim. Let our knowledge, experience, and commitment work for you during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents

How common are hit-and-run accidents?

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 alone. This translates to a hit-and-run accident happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The number of fatalities resulting from these crashes has been increasing at an average rate of 7.2% per year since 2009.

Who is most at risk in hit-and-run accidents?

Pedestrians account for the majority of people killed in hit-and-run crashes. Approximately 1 in 5 pedestrian deaths involve a hit-and-run crash, compared to only 1% of vehicle driver deaths. Males make up around 70% of hit-and-run victims in single-car/single-pedestrian crashes.

Why do drivers flee the scene of an accident?

Of course, no one wants to face a hit-and-run charge, and research indicates that drivers who leave the scene are between two and nine times more likely to have been intoxicated at the time of the collision. Other common reasons for fleeing a car accident scene include driving without a license or insurance, having outstanding warrants, panic, or fear of consequences.

What factors increase the likelihood of identifying a hit-and-run driver?

Drivers are more likely to be identified in crashes that occur during daylight hours, in rural areas, or when a child under 15 is involved. Crashes outside roadways or crosswalks also have a higher rate of driver identification.

Does Ohio have a high rate of hit-and-run accidents?

While not among the highest in the nation, Ohio does see a significant number of hit-and-run crashes annually. States with the highest rates per capita include New Mexico, Louisiana, and Florida, while New Hampshire, Maine, and Minnesota have the lowest rates.