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Columbus Hit and Run Lawyer

Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident? Call LHA for a Free Consult: (614) 500-3836.

Ohio law requires all drivers who have been involved in an accident to stop and exchange information with other parties. When a driver leaves the scene of a crash without doing so, they have committed a hit and run traffic violation. Since hit and run consequences can result in serious property damage or bodily injury, you will need a skilled Columbus hit and run lawyer to help you overcome the worst of these penalities.

If you have hit and run charges, you should consult an experienced Columbus hit and run lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates right away. We can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options during our free case consultation. Call us today at (614) 500-3836 to set up an appointment.

Ohio Hit and Run Laws

Ohio hit and run laws apply to accidents that occur on public roads and highways as well as on private property. If you are involved in a crash, you must stop and do the following:

  • Provide your name, address, insurance details, and vehicle registration number to anyone else involved in the collision.
  • Notify the nearest police department and remain at the accident scene if a person is not able to understand or record your information. This can be disregarded if you need to be transported by an ambulance or police because you require immediate medical attention
  • Securely attach your information to the vehicle if a vehicle involved in the accident was not occupied.

Why Columbus Drivers Hit and Run

There are a variety of reasons why a driver may hit and run. You may hit and run because you hit a parked car or a stationary object like a building or curb and caused property damage as a result. If you hit another vehicle and caused property damage with minor injury, you may hit and run as well.

In addition, many people hit and run due to fear of being caught for another offense and facing multiple charges. Moreover, drivers can hit and run in an attempt to avoid getting caught for:

Regardless of the reason for failure to stop after an accident, a hit and run lawyer can help you avoid the most serious penalties. A simple mistake should not lead to harsh hit and run consequences. When you consult a Columbus hit and run lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates, we will listen to your side of the story and make sure the prosecution and court hear your situation.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene in Ohio

Failure to stop after an accident on a public road, highway, or private property may leave you with a first-degree misdemeanor charge and hit and run penalties including fines up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

In the event that the accident has caused serious physical harm to a person, you may be convicted of a fifth-degree felony, pay up to $2,500 in fines, and up to one year of incarceration.

If the accident has taken another’s life, you may be charged with a third-degree felony and punished with up to $10,000 in fines and a prison sentence of one to five years. Additionally, you will likely receive six points under Ohio’s driving point system and a driver’s license suspension of six months to three years.

Defenses to Ohio Hit & Run Charges

If you are facing hit and run charges, contact a Columbus hit and run lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates right away. We may be able to help you avoid a conviction by investigating the circumstances of your case and crafting a solid defense.

Some of our defense strategies we may use include:

  • You were not the driver of the vehicle involved.
  • You were not aware that you caused any damage or injuries.
  • An emergency situation prevented you from remaining at the crash scene.
  • There was a reason why you did not willfully flee the scene.
  • You were not informed of any injury at the scene of the accident.
  • Your ticket was written incorrectly.
  • You were in a one-car accident on a public road or highway.
  • You were arrested before the 24-hour reporting period, which states that you have 24 hours to report the accident, was over.

A Columbus hit and run lawyer at our firm will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and determine your intent for the hit and run. Then, we will use strong defense strategies that applies to your case in order to help get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Contact an Experienced Columbus Hit and Run Lawyer from LHA Today

If you’ve been charged with a hit and run offense or involved in an accident with a hit and run driver, be sure to contact a Columbus hit and run lawyer from Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836. We may be able to help you avoid the severe hit and run consequences or find the individual responsible for your losses and damages.

Contact a Columbus traffic violation lawyer right away to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced attorney. Learn how we can help you.

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