What Is Hit and Run (Hit/Skip) in Ohio?
- Hit and run, also known as hit/skip, refers to leaving the scene of an accident without providing your identity or contact information. Ohio law treats “hit and run” and “hit/skip” as the same offense, though courts and attorneys may use the term hit/skip more frequently.
- A hit and run accident in Ohio occurs when a driver does one or more of the following:
- Knowingly leaves the scene of a collision or crash
- The crash involves injury, death, or property damage
- Fails to report the accident to authorities or those involved
- Does not identify themselves to the injured person, property owner, or law enforcement
- Has knowledge that the collision occurred, even if they deny responsibility
Can I Be Charged With Hit and Run in Ohio if I’m Off the Road or on Private Property?
- Yes. You can be charged with hit/skip in Ohio even if the accident occurs off public roads or on private property
- For example, if you hit a parked car in a grocery store parking lot or damage property without reporting it, you can still face Ohio hit and run charges.
Types of Hit and Run Offenses in Ohio
Ohio Revised Code §4549.02:
- If you hit an unoccupied vehicle, you are required to securely attach your information to the damaged vehicle.
- If you cannot do so, you must contact police within 24 hours and report the incident.
- If you cannot locate them, contact law enforcement within 24 hours to report the accident.
Penalties for Hit and Run in Ohio
The penalties for hit and run (hit/skip) in Ohio depend on the severity of the crash and whether injury or death occurred. Offenses can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony:
- Public Road or Highway Hit and Run
- 1st-degree misdemeanor (base charge)
- 5th-degree felony if serious physical harm occurs
- 4th-degree felony if you knew serious harm occurred
- 3rd-degree felony if the accident caused death
- 2nd-degree felony if you knew the crash caused death
All violations include a mandatory Class 5 driver’s license suspension (6 months–3 years) and 6 points on your Ohio license.
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- Same structure as above, with similar penalties and license suspension.
- Charged as a 1st-degree misdemeanor with 2 license points.
Can I Be Charged With Hit and Run in Ohio if I Wasn’t Driving a Car?
While you may not face criminal charges if you were cycling and collided with a car, the property owner can still pursue a civil claim for damages.
What To Do If You’ve Been Charged With Hit and Run (Hit/Skip) in Ohio
If you’ve been accused of a hit and run in Ohio, it’s critical to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A skilled lawyer can:
- Negotiate restitution to reduce or dismiss charges
- Review traffic camera footage or surveillance evidence
- Determine if someone else was driving your vehicle
- Communicate directly with prosecutors and law enforcement on your behalf
If you’re being investigated, do not speak to police before consulting an attorney. Law enforcement may lack sufficient evidence and will often seek a confession to strengthen their case.
Can My Ohio Driver’s License Be Suspended for a Hit and Run Conviction?
Note: Hit and run involving real property damage only does not result in automatic suspension but may still carry fines and civil liability.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY
Call Makridis Law Firm at (330) 394-1587 as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation. We will make sure you are treated fairly and not wrongly accused or punished. We will review the evidence, investigate, explore all defenses, and negotiate a fair resolution in your case.