One second, you’re driving safely, the next, you’re injured, and the driver responsible has vanished. Hit-and-run crashes can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure of your next steps.
In 2022, there were an estimated 859,421 hit-and-run crashes nationwide, causing 189,462 injuries and 2,854 deaths. In Ohio, the fatal hit-and-run rate was 0.65 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Hit-and-run cases are challenging but often solvable with swift police action and support from an experienced legal team. In this blog, we explore how investigators and Cleveland car accident lawyers track down those responsible for your injuries, which can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How Police Investigate Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, local law enforcement takes the matter seriously. Leaving the scene of a crash involving an injury is a felony in Ohio, and the Cleveland Police Department has procedures in place to find offenders.
Police may use several tools to track down a hit-and-run driver, such as:
- Traffic or Security Camera Footage: Officers often review video footage from traffic lights, city-operated surveillance systems, or private businesses near the crash site. A clear shot of the vehicle’s make, model, or license plate can be enough to track the driver.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses can provide essential information, such as the vehicle’s description, its direction after leaving the scene, and full or partial license plate details. Police interviews with witnesses are one of the first steps taken during any investigation.
- Vehicle Debris and Paint Transfers: Damaged parts or paint chips left behind at the scene can help identify the vehicle. These may be matched to specific car models or traced using manufacturer databases.
Filing a police report immediately after the accident ensures investigators have a starting point and access to time-sensitive evidence.
To file a police report after a hit-and-run in Cleveland, call 911 if there are any injuries. For non-emergencies, contact the Cleveland Division of Police at 216-621-1234. You can also file a report in person at any police district.
To obtain a copy of your crash report, visit the Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Retrieval Portal.
How Your Lawyer can Help Find the Driver and Build Your Case
Even when police are involved, hiring an attorney increases the odds of identifying the person responsible for your injuries. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, here’s how we help:
- Securing Additional Video Evidence: Our team contacts nearby businesses and homeowners to retrieve surveillance footage that may have captured the crash or the fleeing vehicle, which police may not have obtained.
- Interviewing Witnesses Promptly: We track down and interview witnesses before their memories fade, sometimes identifying details not included in the initial police report.
- Working With Accident Reconstruction Experts: By analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, and crash dynamics, reconstruction specialists can determine the type of vehicle involved and help establish fault, even if the driver hasn’t been found yet.
- Collecting and Preserving Your Records: We gather medical records, photographs of the scene, damage reports, and other crucial documentation to strengthen your injury claim and prepare for possible litigation or insurance negotiations.
What if the Driver is Never Found?
Not all hit-and-run drivers are caught, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Ohio law requires insurance providers to make uninsured motorist (UM) coverage available. This protection offers compensation in cases where the at-fault driver is either unidentified or uninsured.
UM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future care or rehabilitation costs
Our attorneys can review your insurance policy, identify coverage you may not be aware of, and negotiate for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Take Immediate Action After a Hit-and-Run Crash
If you were injured in a hit-and-run, taking the right steps now can make a huge difference later:
- Call 911 and file a police report immediately.
- Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Take photographs of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Write down what you remember about the vehicle and driver.
- Contact a Cleveland car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we know how devastating these accidents can be and are ready to help you find answers. Whether the driver is caught or not, we explore every legal avenue to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Were you Hurt in a Hit-and-Run Crash?
Call our Cleveland car accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll stand by your side, investigate aggressively, and fight for the full value of your claim. No matter how difficult your case may seem, we won’t stop until we’ve explored every option for justice.
