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Legal Representation for Accident Victims
When operating a motor vehicle, a driver is expected to abide by the rules of the road for the safety of themselves, their passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicles on the road. When something goes wrong and a collision occurs—either with another car or a pedestrian—this shows that the at-fault driver failed in some way to drive safely.
Regardless of the specific reason for the car accident, the next step is for the driver to stay at the scene of the crash to speak with the police and make sure everyone is okay. Unfortunately, some drivers decide to skip this step and leave the scene of the accident, further harming the crash victims.
This action is against the law. If you have been involved in this type of incident, you will likely have questions about your legal options and ramifications. When you need help navigating this challenging event, hit-and-run lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio are ready to act on your behalf. Contact Watson Kuhlman, LLC for a free consultation so you can learn what your legal rights are after a Cleveland car accident.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The first thing to know is what the law considers a hit-and-run accident. There are essentially two events wherein an accident is considered a hit and run. The first example is when one driver hits another driver with their car and then flees the scene of the car accident.
The second example is when a driver hits a pedestrian with their car and then flees. In both situations, the driver could face criminal charges since it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident in hopes of avoiding responsibility for the crash.
In fact, Ohio classifies hit-and-run crimes in varying degrees based on the severity of the injuries of the car accident victim. The hit-and-run charges may range from a first-degree misdemeanor up to a second-degree felony, depending on the physical injuries of the car crash victims.
For example, if you left the scene of an accident that caused serious injury to the car accident victim, you could be charged with a felony of the fifth degree. This can result in six months to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines.
If you left the scene of a car crash that caused someone’s death, you could be charged with a felony of the third degree. This is punished by one to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
On the other hand, if none of the car crash victims suffered severe injuries, you could be charged with a misdemeanor of the first degree, which could result in up to 180 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. Note that all of these charges could also lead to driver’s license suspension for six months to three years.
If you’re worried you could be criminally charged for causing an Ohio hit-and-run accident, you should seek legal representation from criminal defense attorneys. Experienced lawyers are aware of the legal complexities of car accident cases involving criminal charges, so they can defend you from the allegation that you caused a car crash and left the accident scene.
You can also benefit from getting legal help if you’re a car accident victim who suffered injuries when a hit-and-run driver collided with your vehicle. A skilled Cleveland car accident lawyer can review the details of the accident to determine if you have a personal injury claim worth pursuing. If so, you may be able to recover compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any other losses caused by your Cleveland car accident. Contact our law firm today to get started on your personal injury case.
Why Do People Leave the Scene of the Accident?
There are many reasons why someone may make the rash (and illegal) decision to flee the scene of a Cleveland car accident. For starters, some people panic in the moment, which makes them run without thinking about the legal consequences they could face or the pain they could be putting the car accident victims through.
Other drivers may make a quick decision to run based on the potential consequences they could face due to the details of their personal situation. For instance, they might not be properly insured by a car insurance company. They might also be driving without a valid driver’s license or have a warrant out for their arrest.
Another common reason a driver might leave the scene of a car accident is that they are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are worried they’ll be charged with a DUI/OVI when the police arrive. Given that a drugged or drunk driving conviction could result in jail time, license suspension, and fines, it’s clear why an impaired, negligent driver might be tempted to leave the scene before completing a police report.
Whatever the reason for a hit and run may be, it is still against the law to flee the scene without taking responsibility. If you made this choice after a Cleveland car accident, you should contact our law firm for the legal support you’ll need during your criminal defense case. If you’re a car accident victim interested in pursuing compensation, you should talk to an experienced car accident lawyer for help with the personal injury claims process against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our car accident attorneys are eager to assist with your car accident claim, so call our Cleveland, Ohio law firm today.
What Should You Do as an Ohio Hit-and-Run Victim?
A hit-and-run accident can be disorienting, but it is important to remain calm so you have the best chance to remember as much as possible. Certain information can be very helpful in finding the at-fault driver who caused your Cleveland car accident, allowing you to hold them accountable by bringing a car accident claim against their insurance company.
In particular, you should try to remember the following information since it will make identifying the car and driver easier:
- Car make and model
- License plate number
- Physical description of the driver
Any information you can remember about the responsible party will be helpful to your personal injury case, so take the time to think about your memories of the crash. Even if you are unable to remember the entire license plate number, having part of it may still be enough to allow police to find the at-fault driver. If you can remember unique details about the car – such as the color and any modifications or damage that could make it stand out on the road – you should tell the police and your car accident lawyer.
In addition to remembering as many details as possible, you should also take certain steps to protect yourself legally following a hit-and-run accident. The first step is to call the police to inform them of the situation. An officer will be sent to the scene, and you will be able to give a statement and any relevant details to the police while filling out a police report.
If you or your passengers have any visible injuries immediately following the crash, you should see a doctor for medical care or even take an ambulance to the hospital right away if emergency medical treatment is necessary. If your injuries don’t require immediate treatment, you can stay at the scene to take down the contact information and witness statements of anyone who saw the hit-and-run accident. You should also take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle and then notify your insurance company of the accident.
Finally, you should schedule an initial consultation with a Cleveland car accident lawyer so you can get help with the legal process of seeking fair compensation for your losses. Experienced car accident attorneys know how to determine who is at fault for the crash, begin gathering evidence to prove it, and get their clients the maximum compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Depending on the details of your Cleveland car accident, you could secure compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
If you’re interested in getting fair compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company, it’s time to speak with a skilled car accident lawyer about your insurance claim. Our Cleveland car accident attorneys have handled countless car accident cases for injured crash victims throughout Ohio. We’re committed to ensuring our clients receive fair compensation for their property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and more. Call us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer who truly cares about the outcome of your case.
What Are You Legally Required to Do After a Car Accident?
If you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, you are legally required to perform certain responsibilities. If you fail to do so, you could face criminal charges, especially if the crash resulted in severe injuries or death to one or more victims.
For example, you are expected to come to a complete stop near the crash site. The next legal requirement for a driver involved in an accident is to check on the other drivers and passengers to determine if they’re injured and need emergency medical care. At that point, you’re expected to call 911 to get police officers to the scene, along with an ambulance if necessary.
Finally, you are legally expected to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or pedestrian involved in the accident. You are also expected to cooperate with the police when they arrive, as you’ll need to help complete a police report that records the details of the accident.
If you failed to perform these actions because you fled the scene of the accident immediately after it happened, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor charge and driver’s license suspension. The charge could even be a felony if someone involved in the crash suffered a serious injury or death after you fled the scene.
If you followed these steps as required and were still accused of leaving the scene of an accident, an experienced hit-and-run defense lawyer may be able to help you through the legal process. You deserve the chance to defend yourself from serious accusations, especially since a conviction could lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension. Contact our Cleveland law firm today for help with the legal complexities of your criminal defense case.
How Can a Cleveland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help with Your Car Accident Case?
In a hit-and-run accident, seeking legal advice early on could make a difference in the outcome. If you were the victim of the accident and the other party fled the scene, speaking with a Cleveland car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation so you can get justice for your suffering once the driver can be identified.
At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our lawyers understand that gathering evidence and going back and forth with the insurance company to get a fair settlement is the last thing you want to do while recovering from your injuries. This is why we encourage you to let a Cleveland car accident lawyer handle all communications with the insurance adjusters and any other insurance company representatives involved in your car accident case.
On the other hand, if you are the person accused of leaving the scene of an accident, working with a lawyer may help you avoid hefty fines and months of jail time as the result of a hit-and-run charge. A criminal defense attorney may be able to argue on your behalf in order to avoid felony charges, driver’s license suspension, and other unpleasant consequences for leaving the scene. If you are facing felony charges, a lawyer may be able to ask for leniency in the form of a first-degree misdemeanor instead.
A lawyer can explain your legal options while offering guidance and counsel on what to expect from your case. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious matter, and hiring a law firm to represent you is always a smart move in the right direction.
There is no denying the fact that any type of car accident is a stressful event. In the case of an accident where the other party leaves the scene without following the legally required responsibilities, the matter becomes instantly more stressful and confusing. The good news is that help is available when you need it most for your car accident case. Contact our law offices at (216) 208-7858 for a free consultation with a caring Cleveland car accident lawyer. Whether you are a victim planning to seek compensation or a hit-and-run driver facing criminal charges, we are here to represent your best interests on the legal front.
