A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
The University of Toledo is situated west of Bancroft Hills near the Ottawa River, and driving through the area can be challenging due to consistent traffic congestion. When an accident occurs, the drivers involved are required to remain at the scene and report the crash to 911 if it results in property damage, injury, or death. If you are hurt in a hit-and-run near the University of Toledo campus, it’s crucial to hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Near the University of Toledo Campus
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be confusing and frustrating. If the driver who caused your accident near the University of Toledo campus fled the scene, you will need to hope the police identify and locate them, and your recovery options may be limited. You should report the accident to 911 immediately and provide them with as much information as you can about the hit-and-run driver, their vehicle, and the location of your accident.
Once you receive medical treatment for your injuries, you should hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer at your first opportunity. A skilled local attorney can help you understand your legal options in this difficult situation. If the hit-and-run driver is found, they will likely face criminal charges from the state, but you will need an attorney’s help to file a civil claim for damages.
Claiming Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Toledo
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 11,350 vehicle crashes in Lucas County in 2025. After most accidents in Ohio, filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy is typically an injured driver’s first option for recovering compensation for their damages. However, the driver who hit you may have fled the scene specifically because they do not have auto insurance.
If the at-fault driver is located and they do have insurance, your attorney can help you file a claim with their insurance company. Dealing with insurance carriers is often challenging because they will try to settle claims for as little as possible, so you should not wait for an insurance company to deny or devalue your claim before speaking with an attorney.
If the insurance company sees that you have legal counsel, they are more likely to treat you fairly. Even if you are filing a claim with your own insurance carrier for your uninsured motorist coverage, you should not assume that any insurance company is ever on your side.
If the at-fault driver is not located or they do not have insurance, you may be able to claim compensation from your own auto insurance policy. While not strictly required, drivers in Ohio are strongly encouraged to purchase uninsured motorist accident coverage with their auto insurance policies. If you have this coverage, your own policy may provide compensation after an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Alternatively, you may be able to claim compensation for your damages directly from the at-fault driver with a personal injury case. If they have limited assets, it may be difficult to obtain suitable compensation, but a skilled Toledo hit-and-run accident attorney can clearly explain all of your recovery options. Ultimately, these are difficult cases to resolve, and legal counsel you can trust will be a crucial asset to have on your side.
FAQs
How Common Are Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Hit-and-run accidents are more common than many people may realize. Between 2018 and 2022, there were more than four million people in the US involved in hit-and-run accidents nationwide. About 74% of these accidents only resulted in property damage. If you are injured in a hit-and-run, or if you return to your parked vehicle to discover someone has hit it, it is crucial to speak with an experienced Toledo hit-and-run accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Long Will Police Investigate a Minor Hit-and-Run?
The time the police will spend investigating a minor hit-and-run typically depends on whether they have any leads, such as the at-fault driver’s license plate, security footage, dashcam footage, or traffic camera footage that clearly shows how the accident happened. If there are no viable leads for the police to use, then their investigation may unfortunately wrap up fairly quickly.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a hit-and-run accident depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, whether the at-fault driver is found, whether they have insurance, and your own insurance coverage. Hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to have a better chance of securing appropriate compensation for your damages.
Why Should I Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Toledo?
You should hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Toledo to help you build a stronger case as efficiently as possible. An experienced attorney can help you pursue accountability from the at-fault driver if they are located and explain your recovery options if they are not. Whatever your case entails, you have the greatest chance of reaching a favorable outcome if you hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer to represent you.
What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Ohio?
The penalties for hit-and-run in Ohio largely depend on the severity of the accident. If the at-fault driver only caused property damage, they face a misdemeanor charge, fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension. If they caused an injury, they are likely to be charged with a felony and face a much longer sentence, heavier fines, and liability for the victim’s injuries. The state will prosecute them for breaking the law, and your attorney can help you file a civil claim.
The team at Gervelis Law Firm has decades of experience representing injured clients in a wide range of accident cases, including hit-and-run accidents. Mark Gervelis is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer with an extensive record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for injured clients throughout Ohio, and our firm can explain what to do after a hit-and-run accident near the University of Toledo campus. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
