Hit and Run Attorney in Youngstown

Leaving the Scene of an Accident Cases

In Ohio, every driver involved in a collision is legally required to stop at the scene and exchange information with the police. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident where injuries have occurred, they risk facing felony charges. For any motorist, facing charges for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) or drugs is already a severe legal matter. If “Hit and Run” charges are added to an OVI offense, the consequences become significantly harsher. Offenders may face extended jail time, substantial fines, and long-term suspension of their driver’s license.

If you or a loved one find yourselves in this difficult situation, facing both Hit and Run and DUI charges, securing professional legal representation is essential. Partnering with the legal team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group is a smart step toward protecting your future. We provide comprehensive legal support and will build a robust defense tailored to your situation. If you have fled the scene of an accident, do not wait. Contact us immediately to speak with a skilled Youngstown criminal lawyer.

Charges for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Ohio

Under Chapter 4549 of the Ohio Revised Code, three specific statutes govern a motorist’s duty to stop after an accident. These laws dictate the necessary actions drivers must take:

• Stopping after an accident on public roads or highways — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02
• Stopping after an accident on non-public roads or highways — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.021
• Stopping after an accident involving damage to real or personal property — Ohio Revised Code § 4549.03

When a collision occurs, the driver must remain at the location. Whether the accident results in personal injury or property damage, the vehicle operator is required to stop immediately and stay until they have shared specific details with the other driver or a law enforcement officer. These mandatory details include:

• The motorist’s name and address.
• The name of the vehicle owner (if different from the driver).
• The vehicle’s registration number.

This information must be provided to anyone injured in the crash, the operator or occupant of the damaged property, or any police officer attending the scene in Mahoning County or the surrounding area.

Furthermore, it is the driver’s duty to locate the owner, operator, or occupant of any damaged property—whether it is a car, house, or other asset—and inform them of the incident. You must also share your personal details with them as outlined above. If you are unable to locate the property owner, you are required to report the accident to the nearest police department in the jurisdiction where the event took place.

During this process, it is wise to keep the contact information of a Youngstown DUI attorney close by. This ensures you can report the incident to a legal professional and receive immediate advice on how to proceed. When you need trusted legal counsel, turn to Youngstown Criminal Law Group.

The severity of the charges depends largely on the nature of the injuries sustained:

• No injury caused: Classified as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• Serious physical harm caused: Classified as a fifth-degree felony.
• Death caused: Classified as a third-degree felony.

Consult With a Youngstown Criminal Lawyer

If you have left the scene of an accident for any reason and require a defense strategy, the Youngstown Criminal Law Group is here to help. Our team will listen to your side of the story and work tirelessly to seek a reduction in charges or minimize potential penalties. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a Youngstown DUI attorney, contact us at 412.387.6901 today.