A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
The Ohio State University campus is situated in the heart of Columbus, and driving in the area can be challenging during most of the year. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and sometimes drivers who cause accidents flee to avoid responsibility. Navigating a hit-and-run near the Ohio State University campus can be challenging, and you need to hire a hit-and-run lawyer to assist you with your case.
Navigating a Hit-and-Run Near the Ohio State University Campus
Ohio enforces a fault rule for vehicle accidents, meaning that when multiple parties are involved in a crash, whoever was at fault is liable for the resulting damages. State law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident and call 911 whenever a crash results in property damage, injury, or death, and when a driver causes an accident but flees the scene, this is known as a “hit-and-run.”
If you were hit by another driver near the Ohio State University campus and they fled the scene, you should call 911 to report the accident right away. Try to provide as much information as you can about the hit-and-run driver, and hopefully, the police will be able to locate them relatively quickly. You should seek medical attention for your injuries and then hire a hit-and-run lawyer at your first opportunity.
Building Your Case Against a Hit-and-Run Driver in Columbus
The Ohio State Highway Patrol recorded 5,959 accidents resulting in serious injuries and 1,033 fatal accidents statewide in 2025. A recent news report in Columbus states that between 2017 and 2023, about 6% of all fatal accidents in the area involved a hit-and-run driver. When a driver commits a hit-and-run, they not only face civil liability for the damages they caused, but also criminal charges from the state.
The greatest initial challenge in a hit-and-run accident case is identifying and locating the at-fault driver. Once police have identified them, your Ohio hit-and-run attorney can explain the steps you will need to take to hold them accountable for your damages. Recovering from most vehicle accidents in Ohio starts with filing an auto insurance claim, and a victim may need to build a personal injury case to recover appropriate compensation for their losses.
When you hire a hit-and-run lawyer to represent you, they can coordinate with law enforcement and gather evidence needed to prove liability. Success with your case not only requires proving that the hit-and-run driver caused your accident, but also that they are directly responsible for causing your claimed damages.
Your attorney can guide you through the auto insurance claim filing process if the at-fault driver has auto insurance. Alternatively, you will need to build a personal injury case against them, and your legal representative can calculate the various damages you are eligible to claim. In most car accident cases, injured drivers can claim compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering they have experienced.
When a hit-and-run driver has caused serious injuries, they may be forced to pay punitive damages to the victim, and their penalties for breaking Ohio law are likely to increase significantly when their illegal misconduct has resulted in severe or fatal injuries. Your Ohio hit-and-run attorney can explain how any such variables may influence your case and guide you through each step of the recovery process.
Ultimately, time is a crucial factor for any hit-and-run accident case in Ohio. You should report the accident to 911 immediately so the police have a better chance of locating the at-fault driver right away, and an experienced attorney can help you pursue accountability for your damages. The team at Gervelis Law Firm has years of proven experience handling difficult accident cases in Ohio, so reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
What Evidence Do You Need in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case?
The evidence you need in a hit-and-run accident case could include physical evidence from the scene of the crash, such as debris from the at-fault driver’s car, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, if available. Once you report the accident to 911, give the police as much information as you can remember about the at-fault driver and their vehicle, including make, model, and license plate number, if possible.
What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Ohio?
The penalties for hit-and-run in Ohio can include fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and liability for any damages caused to others. Penalties are likely to increase significantly if the defendant has caused serious bodily harm or death to another party in the accident. The defendant may also be forced to pay the victim punitive damages along with the other compensation owed for their civil damages.
How Much Is a Hit-and-Run Case Worth in Columbus?
The value of a hit-and-run case in Columbus largely depends on the severity of your injuries. Your Ohio hit-and-run attorney can calculate claimable civil damages like your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and income you are unable to earn while you recover. An injured plaintiff may also receive additional compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages. Your attorney can estimate the total value of your claim.
Why Should I Hire a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Columbus?
You should hire a hit-and-run lawyer in Columbus to help you reach a favorable outcome in your case. Navigating a hit-and-run near the Ohio State University campus can be incredibly difficult, and the first steps you take after the accident will directly affect the outcome of the recovery efforts you attempt. When you have experienced legal counsel on your side, you are more likely to successfully prove fault and recover compensation for your damages.
The team at Gervelis Law Firm can provide comprehensive legal representation in the aftermath of your recent hit-and-run accident near the Ohio State University campus. Founding partner Mark Gervelis is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer with an extensive record of securing real results for injured clients throughout Ohio, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your hit-and-run case in Columbus.
