A hit-and-run accident, also known as a hit-skip, is when a driver causes a car accident then flees the scene.

While any car crash can be traumatizing, a hit-and-run accident is particularly scary and frustrating because victims often feel like there is no one who will be held responsible.

Fortunately, the hit-and-run accident injury lawyers at Robenalt Law can help identify the other driver and hold them responsible. And even if we are unable to identify the other driver, we can still help you recover compensation for your injuries.

A Driver’s Responsibilities After a Car Accident

Ohio drivers who are involved in a car accident that causes property damage or personal injuries are required to stop and wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene, or provide the required identification and insurance information to the other driver. A driver who fails to do so can face significant penalties, including fines, a license suspension, and jail time. Penalties are even more severe if the accident resulted in personal injuries or death.

Reasons a Driver Flees the Scene After a Car Accident

A driver may flee the scene of a car accident for any number of reasons, but the most common is that alcohol was a factor in causing the crash. Other reasons include:

• Driver panic
• Driving with an invalid or suspended license
• Driving an uninsured vehicle
• Fear of consequences
• The driver has a criminal record or outstanding warrant
• Talking on the phone or texting

What To Do After a hit-and-run Accident

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, your first instinct may be to try to chase down the other driver.

Don’t.

A driver may be fleeing the scene because they are intoxicated, have a criminal record, or driving a stolen vehicle. Whatever the reason, a fleeing driver does not want to be caught, and chasing them puts you at greater risk.

A driver may be fleeing the scene because they are intoxicated, have a criminal record, or driving a stolen vehicle. Whatever the reason, a fleeing driver does not want to be caught, and chasing them puts you at greater risk.

Instead, if you are seriously injured, call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. You may also wish to request that police officers be sent to the scene so they can write a report and try to identify the other driver.

Try to remember as much information as you can about the other driver and their vehicle. If you can remember the license plate, color, make, and model of the car, what the driver looked like, or the direction in which they fled, it will be easier for the police to track down the hit-and-run driver.

You can also try to identify anyone who may have witnessed the crash and ask for their name and contact information. In addition to people who were on the street or other drivers who may have stopped, consider people who were in surrounding buildings.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Provide Compensation After a hit-and-run Accident

Securing compensation for victims of a hit-and-run accident poses unique challenges. An experienced car accident injury lawyer may need to work with an accident reconstruction specialist to determine liability, and a private investigator to try to identify the driver who caused the crash.

If, despite your lawyer’s best efforts, you are still unable to locate the driver who caused the accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation under your own Uninsured Motorist insurance policy.

A skilled and experienced Ohio car accident injury attorney can analyze your insurance policy and help make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.

Robenalt Law: Seeking Justice for hit-and-run Accident Victims

If you were injured in a hit-and-run car accident, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more.

The car accident injury lawyers at Robenalt Law understand how insurance companies operate and will do everything we can to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. In fact, Tom Robenalt began his career working for insurance companies where he learned first-hand how they evaluate claims. Today, he uses that experience to help victims receive the compensation that they deserve.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a hit-and-run accident, you need a zealous and experienced attorney on your side. The car accident injury lawyers at Robenalt Law will analyze your case, try to negotiate a fair and favorable settlement and, if necessary, take your case to trial.

Learn more about our lawyers and how we fight for justice for people who were injured in car accidents. Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, then contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case and how we can help.

Tom Robenalt started his litigation career representing insurance companies at a large firm in Cleveland. For the past 25 years, he has used that experience to help victims and the families of people who were hurt in car accidents.