Hit and Run: Never Leave the Scene of an Accident

No matter how a motor vehicle accident occurs, the state traffic laws require certain procedures to be followed. Although getting into an accident can trigger some pretty basic human instincts: If we feel we’ve done something wrong, our first impulse could be to flee the scene. But it should come as no surprise that fleeing the scene of a car accident can result in very serious consequences down the road.

An Accident has Occurred, Now What?

Ohio’s state traffic laws require any driver involved in an accident must stop their vehicles as soon as it is safe and follow the steps below:

1. Check on all drivers and passengers and provide basic aid and/or call for emergency help.
2. Contact the police; the police will make sure all procedures are followed correctly and help keep evidence preserved.
3. Exchange Information: Contact Information, Insurance, and Drivers License.
4. Identify witnesses during the accident who could help support facts.
5. Get in touch with insurance – yours and the other vehicle’s insurance company.

Unattended Vehicle Collision

If you find yourself in an incident where you collided with stationary property or an unattended vehicle don’t drive off because “no one saw” the accident. It’s important that you make the effort to identify the owner of the property you damaged and let them know what had happened. You can do this by writing a note for the owner with your license number and identifying information or writing down the vehicle license number of the car you damaged.

Don’t Leave the Scene of an Accident

The penalties for felony hit and run can be quite severe. Most states impose fines of between $5,000 and $20,000. And there is very real potential for incarceration as punishment for a felony hit and run. Depending on the nature of the accident and the injuries that resulted, in some states a felony hit and run is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Remember, a hit and run might be classified as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. While the term “misdemeanor” sounds relatively minor to some people, in most states misdemeanors are punishable by a significant fine of up to $5,000 and also by up to one year in jail.

If you’ve previously been involved in an accident give the attorneys at McKenzie & Snyder a call: 513-737-5180