If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident on a familiar Upper Arlington roadway, you know how unsettling it can be. Under Ohio law, leaving the scene of an accident (even one causing minor property damage) without stopping, providing your identity, and rendering aid can lead to serious criminal penalties. For injury victims, though, you may wonder if you can also be compensated for your losses. An Upper Arlington hit-and-run accident attorney can explain your legal options.
For residents and visitors in Franklin County, The Fitch Law Firm LLC brings in-depth knowledge of Ohio’s hit-and-run statutes and a commitment to help guide you through both the legal and emotional aftermath of the crash. An Upper Arlington car accident lawyer with our law firm will stand by your side for the entirety of your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Compensation Can an Upper Arlington Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?
When a driver flees the scene, it can leave you facing mounting expenses and uncertainty about how to get reimbursed for your losses. You may be dealing with spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or other serious injuries. In Ohio, you may be able to recover losses like:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently
- Property repair or replacement for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash
- Losses related to long-term effects, such as reduced earning potential or ongoing health limitations
- Pain and suffering, reflecting the physical and emotional toll the accident has had on your life
Why Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Can Be Difficult
The biggest challenge is identifying the at-fault driver. Without that person’s insurance information, you may need to rely on:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in your own auto policy
- Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage if you’ve purchased it
- Evidence from police investigations, traffic cameras, or eyewitnesses to track down the driver
Even when you have insurance, adjusters may attempt to reduce or deny payouts, sometimes questioning the extent of your losses or disputing the details of the crash. We can help you take legal action when that is the case.
How a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Upper Arlington Can Help You Recover
An Upper Arlington personal injury lawyer can:
- Work with law enforcement and investigators to locate the other driver or gather strong proof for your insurance claim
- Examine your policy to identify all available coverage options
- Handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from tactics that minimize your recovery
- Ensure your claim is filed correctly and within Ohio’s legal deadlines
- Build a compelling case to show the full scope of your losses and advocate for fair compensation
With legal guidance, you can focus on healing while your attorney fights to secure the resources you need to move forward.
For a free legal consultation with a Upper Arlington hit and run accident lawyer
(614) 545-3930
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in Upper Arlington
In the moments after a hit-and-run, it’s normal to feel shaken and unsure what to do next. Acting quickly and carefully can protect your health, strengthen the investigation, and improve your chances of recovering compensation for your losses:
- Ensure your safety and get medical attention: If you’re in a safe location, remain there and call 911. It’s important to be examined by a medical professional for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Contact law enforcement immediately: The Upper Arlington Police Division will respond, gather details, and prepare an official crash report. This police report will be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Document the scene: If it’s safe, collect as much information as possible, such as photos of your vehicle, the surrounding area, skid marks, and any debris. Do your best with a written description of the other vehicle, including color, make, model, or partial plate number. Take notes on time, location, weather, and any unusual behavior by the fleeing driver.
- Identify and speak with witnesses: Bystanders may have noticed details you missed, such as the direction the other driver fled or identifying features of the vehicle. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer promptly, even if you don’t yet have complete details. Ohio insurance policies often have strict reporting deadlines for uninsured motorist claims.
- Contact a personal injury attorney early: An Upper Arlington hit-and-run accident lawyer can begin investigating right away, securing video footage from traffic or security cameras, requesting police records, and preserving other time-sensitive evidence. Early legal involvement helps ensure no critical information is lost.
Taking these steps quickly can mean the difference between a stalled case and a strong claim that leads to meaningful recovery.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
(614) 545-3930
How The Fitch Law Firm LLC Can Help
When a driver flees, you want a team that moves quickly and cares deeply. The Fitch Law Firm LLC has compassionately served the injured for 30+ years, recovering tens of millions for clients.
We start with a free consultation and a no-win, no-fee policy, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work. Our staff is available 24/7, and we’ll travel to you if your injuries make it hard to come to us.
Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Cases
In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years to pursue wrongful death lawsuits, though there can be exceptions. While this may seem like plenty of time, hit-and-run cases often require extensive investigation to identify the at-fault driver or build a strong uninsured motorist claim.
Evidence like traffic camera footage or witness memory can fade quickly, so it’s helpful to involve an Upper Arlington hit-and-run accident attorney as soon as possible. Acting early helps protect your rights and ensures your case is filed before the legal deadline expires. Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC today.
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You All The Way
Proving Liability in a Hit-and-Run Case
Establishing who is responsible after a hit-and-run can be challenging, but it’s essential to recovering compensation. Your lawyer may use a combination of police reports, witness statements, traffic or security camera footage, and accident reconstruction to piece together what happened.
In Ohio, fleeing the scene itself is a violation of the law, and evidence of that conduct can strengthen your case. Even if the other driver is never identified, your attorney can help prove the collision was caused by another motorist’s negligence so you can pursue recovery through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Contact an Upper Arlington Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, facing physical pain, financial strain, and unanswered questions about the driver who fled. You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone.
An Upper Arlington hit-and-run accident lawyer from The Fitch Law Firm LLC can provide compassionate support, thorough investigations, and relentless advocacy to help clients recover the compensation they need to move forward. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run in Upper Arlington, we’re ready to listen, guide you through your legal options, and fight for your best outcome. Call us today for a free consultation.
