If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ohio, you are legally required to stop, provide your information, and render aid if necessary. Failing to do so is commonly referred to as “hit and run” or “hit skip”—two terms that mean the same thing under Ohio law. At Paulozzi LPA, we understand the complexities of Ohio’s traffic laws and the severe consequences that come with a hit and run charge and are here to provide expert legal representation .
Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4549.02, a hit and run occurs when a driver involved in an accident knowingly leaves the scene without fulfilling legal obligations, such as providing identification and assisting the injured. This applies whether the accident causes property damage, injuries, or fatalities.
A common misconception is that hit and run offenses only occur on public roads. However, you can be charged with hit skip in Ohio even if the accident happens in a parking lot, private driveway, or any non-public area.
There are three primary categories of hit and run in Ohio:
Let’s break these down further.
If an accident occurs on a public roadway, drivers are required to:
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious criminal charges.
If an accident occurs in a location like a parking lot, driveway, or private road, Ohio law still requires drivers to:
This type of offense applies when a vehicle damages a building, fence, utility pole, or any other structure attached to real estate. In such cases, the driver must:
Ohio enforces strict penalties for hit and run offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the accident.
Yes. If you cause property damage—such as hitting a building or fence—without being in a motor vehicle (e.g., on a bicycle), you can still face legal liability. However, you cannot be charged with hit and run on a public road or parking lot unless you were driving a motor vehicle.
If you are being investigated or have been charged with hit and run (hit skip) in Ohio, follow these steps immediately:
Law enforcement may not have enough evidence to charge you, but they will try to get a confession. Do not make any statements before consulting an attorney.
At Paulozzi LPA, we can assess the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a strong defense to either reduce or dismiss charges.
If you were falsely accused, obtaining traffic camera footage, witness statements, or proof that someone else was driving your car can be crucial to your case.
In some cases, paying for the damages may allow for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Yes. If convicted of a hit and run offense, you face an automatic Class 5 license suspension, which lasts between 6 months and 3 years. The only exception is if the offense involves real estate damage, which does not carry a mandatory suspension.
If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, here’s what you should do:
As one of Ohio’s leading personal injury law firms, Paulozzi LPA is dedicated to helping victims of hit and run accidents seek justice and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced attorneys will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact Paulozzi LPA today for a free consultation—we are ready to stand by your side and advocate for your rights.
