Ohio law requires every driver involved in a car accident to remain at the scene of the accident until the driver gives his or her name and address to the driver and occupants of any damaged vehicle, any person injured in the accident and the police officer at the scene.  Leaving the scene without giving information to the other driver and police officer is a criminal violation, and the penalties increase if anyone was hurt or died in the crash. Here is an overview of the penalties associated with leaving the scene of an accident in Ohio.

What Are the Legal Requirements After an Accident?

Drivers involved in a car accident in Ohio are required to stop driving, remain at the scene, and contact the police to report the accident in order to provide the information described above.  If someone is injured in the accident and cannot communicate, then the driver must wait at the scene until a police officer arrives. If the accident results in less than $400 in damage and no injuries, then after exchanging information with the other driver, you may file an accident report with the BMV.  If anyone was injured, you also have an obligation to call the nearest police authority to report the accident.    This applies to the driver who caused the accident, as well as any other motorists involved.

What Are the Potential Penalties of Fleeing the Scene of an Accident?

The criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident vary, depending on the amount of damage and whether anyone was injured. For instance, driving away after a collision with a building or parked car is usually considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

However, if someone was seriously injured in the collision, you may be charged with a fourth or fifth degree felony. If convicted, you may face a maximum sentence of 12 months and $2,500 in fines.

The charges increase to a third-degree felony if another driver or passenger was fatally injured in the crash. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident may result in up to 60 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

The maximum sentence is reserved for drivers who leave the scene if they know someone was killed in the accident. In these cases, prosecutors may charge drivers with a second-degree felony, punishable by up to eight years in prison and $15,000 fines.

On top of the jail sentences and fines, drivers convicted of a felony will lose their driving privileges for a period of six to 36 months.

If you’ve been charged with a hit-and-run accident in Clermont County, trust Nichols, Speidel & Nichols to provide the spirited defense you deserve. Their attorneys have helped car accident victims and criminal defendants in difficult legal situations since 1926. Visit their website for more on their criminal defense services, or call (513) 732-1420 to schedule a consultation today.