Columbus Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Hit and run accidents often leave victims hopeless, wondering if they have any recourse to cover their mounting losses like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. That frustration is compounded when their own insurance company fights claims related to the crash. However, you have rights and options. Gervelis Law Firm is here for you when you need us most.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- February 10, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
- Why Choose Gervelis Law Firm for My Columbus Hit and Run Accident Claim?
- Our Columbus, OH, Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
- How Can Gervelis Law Attorneys Help With My Hit and Run Accident Claim?
- What Type of Compensation Is Available in a Columbus Hit and Run Case?
- Steps To Take After a Hit And Run Accident in Columbus, Ohio
- How Long Do I Have To File an Ohio Hit and Run Accident Claim?
- Common Challenges in Columbus Hit and Run Accident Cases
- Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
An experienced Columbus hit and run accident lawyer from Gervelis Law Firm can investigate to determine the driver’s identity, identify other potential sources of compensation, navigate the insurance process, and pursue justice for you. If the driver is identified, we can pursue a claim against them. Our Columbus car accident lawyers know the evidence to look for, what questions to ask, and how to turn that information into a strong legal case.
We offer free consultations to assist you in determining your best options for pursuing compensation.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
Under Ohio Revised Code §4549.02, drivers must stop immediately after a collision with property or persons on a public road or highway. They must provide their contact and insurance information to others involved in the accident or the police at the scene. A hit-and-run accident occurs when an involved driver illegally leaves the scene without exchanging the required information.
Leaving the scene could result in a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the nature of the accident. The lowest charge is for fleeing the scene of an accident with no injuries. That is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Charges and penalties get progressively harsher. Fleeing from an accident with a known death is a second-degree felony punishable by two to eight years and a maximum fine of $15,000.
All convicted Ohio hit and run drivers receive a minimum six-month license suspension. If they cannot prove they have insurance, a judge can order restitution of up to $5,000.
Why Choose Gervelis Law Firm for My Columbus Hit and Run Accident Claim?
Our Columbus hit and run attorneys take a client-centered approach and provide personalized attention. If you cannot visit our office, we will meet you at the hospital, in your home, or anywhere convenient for you and your family.
Our car accident lawyers have significant experience with hit and run cases. When you hire us, we will deploy our Rapid Investigation Team to your accident site within 24 hours. Swift action is critical in hit and run accidents, as we must secure evidence that could show how your accident happened and help identify the other vehicle.
We have proudly represented Ohio personal injury victims since 2000 and have a proven record of positive case results for our clients. Our notable outcomes include the following:
- $495,000 was secured by attorney Stephanie Mehle for a client who suffered multiple fractures and a brain bleed after the defendant went through a stop sign on CR37 and crashed into our client.
- $130,000 was secured by attorney Stephanie Mehle in a case where the defendant’s vehicle went over the center line on US 36 and collided with our client.
At Gervelis Law Firm, we understand how hit and run accidents impact your life. We will keep you informed every step of the way—that’s the Gervelis Guarantee.
Our Columbus, OH, Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
Mark Gervelis
Founder Mark S. Gervelis is a board-certified civil trial lawyer, a distinction recognized by the Ohio Supreme Court. He has multiple years of recognition as an Ohio Super Lawyer and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the country’s most prestigious groups of trial lawyers.
David Tschantz
Attorney David Michael Tschantz graduated from the University of Akron Law School and has an in-depth knowledge of the Ohio legal landscape. He focuses on representing victims in even the most complex car, motorcycle, and truck accidents.
Stephanie Mehle
Attorney Stephanie M. Mehle represents accident victims, some with catastrophic injuries and significant damages. She is a proud graduate of Ohio’s Kent State University and the University of Akron Law School.
How Can Gervelis Law Attorneys Help With My Hit and Run Accident Claim?
Our skilled attorneys will use their significant experience in past claims to help you build a strong hit and run accident case. We will take several steps on your behalf, including the following:
- Investigate the accident with our Rapid Investigation Team
- Gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical documents
- Identify potential compensation sources, such as uninsured motorist coverage and other liable parties
- Navigate the insurance claims process
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Litigate your case in court if necessary
- Advocate for your financial recovery and best interests
Your fault can affect your compensation in an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Insurance companies know this, so they will try to pin the blame for the accident on you. We will fight back against any claims that you caused the accident.
Client Testimonials
We work tirelessly to earn our clients’ trust by handling every case with integrity and sticking to our guiding principle—the client’s needs always come first. Here is what some of our satisfied clients have to say:
What Type of Compensation Is Available in a Columbus Hit and Run Case?
After a hit and run accident, you can pursue economic and non-economic damages to recover compensation for your financial losses and the impacts of your crash on your life. Potential damages include the following:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses and other losses in a wrongful death hit and run claim
Our Columbus hit and run accident lawyers know what can increase Ohio car accident settlement amounts and will fight for every penny.
Steps To Take After a Hit And Run Accident in Columbus, Ohio
Protecting your health is paramount. Other steps you take after a hit and run accident can impact an insurance claim or lawsuit, including the following:
- Call the police: A police report verifies the other driver left and may include critical opinions regarding what caused your crash.
- Seek medical attention: If you don’t get emergency care, see a doctor quickly. Delaying medical care can be misconstrued as a sign that your injuries weren’t serious.
- Document the scene and gather any available evidence: Take pictures and videos of your vehicle, skid marks, and debris from the other vehicle.
- Collect witness information: Witness statements can bolster your case.
- Don’t talk about the accident: Don’t discuss the accident with anyone involved, especially the other driver’s insurance company. Anything you say about it can be misconstrued or used against you later.
- Contact a Columbus hit and run accident lawyer: Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to investigate your accident and build a strong claim for damages.
Do not talk to an insurance adjuster, even from your company, without a lawyer. Our accomplished Columbus personal injury attorneys can protect you from tactics to deny or limit your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File an Ohio Hit and Run Accident Claim?
You must file your claim within Ohio’s two-year personal injury statute of limitations. The clock starts running on your claim on your accident date. A judge will likely dismiss your claim if you do not meet the deadline. If a loved one has died from a hit and run accident, you have two years from the death date to file a wrongful death claim.
It is critical to contact our attorneys immediately after your accident, even if you don’t know who the other driver was. We can discuss your insurance and legal options and advise you on seeking compensation within the deadline.
Common Challenges in Columbus Hit and Run Accident Cases
The first challenge in a hit and run accident case is identifying the other driver. Provide the police with as much information as possible, and point out any debris that does not belong to your vehicle.
If the other driver remains unidentified, you might be eligible to pursue a claim under optional insurance coverage in your own policy. Such coverage may include the following:
- Uninsured motorist coverage, which can help pay medical and other expenses after a hit and run accident
- MedPay coverage, which also covers medical expenses
- Collision coverage, which pays for your vehicle damage regardless of fault
You must overcome a hurdle in Ohio’s uninsured and underinsured motorist law to collect from that coverage. The statute requires independent corroborative evidence that the accident was the unidentified driver’s fault. Your word is not enough.
Partner with our experienced Ohio hit and run lawyers so we can gather evidence to prove the other driver’s liability and handle your insurance company.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
If you need hit and run legal advice in Columbus or the surrounding area, contact Gervelis Law Firm today for a free consultation by calling 866-792-2728 or completing our online contact form. Act quickly before crucial evidence is lost, and give our trial-tested investigators and attorneys time to build your case.
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