Skip to main content

HIT AND RUN ACCIDENTS


Personal injury attorney reviewing Hit and Run Accidents & Driver Negligence Cases Nationwide
Nationwide Success

Auto Negligence Attorney

investigating serious hit and run accidents

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published a concerning report regarding an increasing number of fatal hit-and-run crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians. Hit and run accidents reached the highest point on record in 2016, with nearly 65 percent of victims being bicyclists and pedestrians.

Bicycle safety and pedestrian safety advocates say the steady increase in fatal hit-and-run accidents is mostly attributed to poorly designed streets and drivers unaware of collisions at intersections and bike lanes.

The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says in 2015 that around 5,376 pedestrians were killed by cars and another 818 deaths involved crashes between bicycles and cars. The AAA says an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes are recorded every year. In 2016, there were 2,049 deaths from hit-and-run accidents.

Joe Lyon is an experienced personal injury attorney, well-versed in the science and economic impacts of a preventable cyclist and pedestrian injury or death.

Following an accident, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer to review potential hit and run accident lawsuits.

Causes of Hit and Run Accidents

Negligent motorists may have a defense as to why they hit another motorist, cyclist or a pedestrian, but they will never have a good reason for colliding with a victim and fleeing the scene. Hit and run accidents involve quite a few cyclists and pedestrians, as the driver feels like they can drive away and quickly leave without anyone else noticing. The root causes of accidents may include:

  • Lack of Sidewalks or Crosswalks
  • Lack of Bike Lanes
  • Distracted Drivers
  • Texting and driving
  • Impaired drivers
  • Poorly designed roads

Hit and Run Accident Lawsuits

An overall increase in traffic deaths may be the result of simply more people on the road and a growing number of bicycle commuters. On the other hand, fatal crash rates for bicyclists and pedestrians could be increasing because more people are distracted drivers, primarily preoccupied with tasks on their mobile phone.

A spokesman for the League of American Bicyclists says driver behavior is to blame, and that motorists disregard the safety of pedestrians and Cycling Accidents, leading to injury and deaths. Following an accident, failing to stop for a victim is inexcusable and deemed a hit and run accident.

If identified, the responsible motorist will have a warrant out for his or her arrest and will be liable for injuries and damages caused. Better policing, more traffic cameras, and better road engineering have all be proposed to reduce these preventable accidents.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

Please complete the form below for a FREE consultation.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

photo of attorney Joe Lyon
A Voice for Those who have suffered 
Why are these cases important?

In the immediate aftermath of serious car accidents, victims are often injured and wondering about the cause of the crash, how they will pay for damages and medical costs, and how to recover compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering. After all injuries are treated by medical professionals, it is critical to start building a personal injury case with an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Questions about Auto Accident Cases
What is a motor vehicle accident lawsuit?

Regardless of the cause of car accidents, victims deserve representation in order to help recover losses, and to identify the liable parties involved. Ohio car accidents may be the result of defective auto components, negligent motorists, poor road conditions or poor road design, among other risk factors. 

 

A motor vehicle accident suit holds parties responsible for the injuries and damage caused, as well as alerting companies or insitutions of any necessary risks that may have caused the accident. 

What is the process and why should I pursue it?

The process involves preserving evidence of the collision, getting witness testimony, and hiring accident experts to determine who was responsible for the auto accident. 

Since most auto insurance policies are not capable of compensating someone injured in a catastrophic accident, it is advisable to contact and hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to properly investigate the case.

What are the common causes of motor vehicle accidents?

There are numerous causes of auto accidents on Ohio’s roadways, including driver negligence, driver fatigue, distracted drivers, driving and texting, poor road conditions, and unsafe highway design. Regardless of the primary cause of a car accident, it is important to investigate with experienced accident reconstruction experts and contact a Cincinnati Auto Accident Attorney to weigh your legal options.

One safety study concluded that negligent highway design and conditions are a factor in more than half the fatal crashes in the United States.  Some common design flaws may include:

  • Sharp Turns
  • Poor Road Maintenance
  • Blind Spots
  • Poorly lit roadways
  • Poor Signage
  • Unsafe on and off ramps
  • Excessive speed limit
  • Narrow shoulder or no shoulder
What are common types of MVAs?
Distracted Driving

Times have changed in recent years with so many drivers looking at their phones. Texting and driving is a huge issue, and even as it’s illegal, the problem persists. The number one cause of car accidents involve distracted motorists that divert their attention from the road. Drivers may talking on a phone, sending a text message, adjusting the radio or eating food. Any distraction for a few seconds can be the difference between a safe trip and an accident.

Driver Error

Whether a simple mind lapse that results in a driving mistake, or ignoring a traffic law, driver error is a leading cause of road accidents. Common driver errors are failing to signal a turn, drifting into a different lane, cutting off drivers, ignoring road signs, following too close, speeding, and failing to stop at signals.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speeding increases the risk of a traffic accident dramatically. As driver increase the rate of travel they significantly decrease their ability to adjust to traffic and other objects in the road. The faster a driver travels, the less stopping distance they will have.

Reckless driving includes unsafe lane changes, improper turns, tailgating, and racing.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause many car accidents every day. Almost a third (30 percent) of fatal car accidents in the U.S. are alcohol-related. Also, drug-related accidents are common. Even as states crack down on drunk driving, the number of drivers who drink and drive still present a problem. Victims of drunk driving accidents are likely to settle valuable cases.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Negligent drivers run red lights and stop signs, and thereby risk causing accidents. Running red lights often causes high-speed side-impact collisions, which are particularly dangerous. Drivers in a hurry are some of the most dangerous motorists on the road.

Teen Driving Accidents

Young drivers and teenagers lack road experience and pose a serious risk. Teen drivers cause many car accidents, and drivers aged 16-20 kill nearly 8,000 people each year. Driver training and support is integral to creating a safer atmosphere on Ohio roads.

Ohio Driver Fatigue Accidents

It’s not only truck drivers that drive while extremely tired. There are a lot of drivers on the road that have sleep disorders, or have a changing work schedule that inhibits their driving ability. Many drivers on the road in Ohio are often too tired to properly operate their vehicle. They make poor driving decisions and create dangerous situations.

Road Rage Accidents

Road rage and aggressive driving can easily lead to an accident. If you observe a driver visibly upset, you are encouraged to keep a distance. If you tend to get angry with other motorists, remember that nothing good can come of driving more aggressively or speeding up to catch another driver in traffic.

Dangerous Ohio Roads

City authorities have a duty to clear roads of debris and snow and other materials. If an auto accident occurs due to city officials failing to create safe roads, a municipality can be held liable. Roads may also be unsafe due to poor road design and traffic signal placement. Contact The Lyon Firm if you suspect an Ohio road of being particularly dangerous. You may save the life of another Ohio motorist.

Unsafe Road Work

Work zones are very dangerous for both workers and drivers. Many work zones are poorly marked, poorly manned, and uneven pavement can easily cause an accident. Many road construction contractors fail to provide a safe driving environment, and any road work accident can be investigated following a collision.

Failure to Yield

Many roads are only as safe the drivers and traffic flow. When drivers fail to yield to cars or trucks, a collision can occur, leading to serious injury. All drivers must pay attention to all signage and yield to traffic, particularly on highway ramps.

Ohio Uber Accidents

Rideshare companies have produced a great deal of drivers who may be in a hurry to pick up fares, and can be overworked as well. Uber accidents and Lyft accidents are more and more common. Victims of rideshare and taxi accidents may have good accident claims against negligent drivers.

Ohio Pedestrian Accidents

With more distracted drivers come more pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians have a right to cross the street, and yet this has become a hazardous exercise. Crosswalk accidents and School Zone accidents can be severely dangerous and deadly.

Ohio Cycling Accidents

Ohio Cyclists have a right to share all roads except for freeways, but many drivers do not respect bicycles on the road. Cycling accidents should be investigated, as many motorists are guilty of aggressive driving around bicycles.

Your Right to Safety
Watch our Video About Subrogation in Auto Accidents
Auto Accident Settlements

The Lyon Firm aggressively, professionally, and passionately advocates for injured individuals and families against negligent individuals or companies to obtain just compensation under the law. 

DISTRACTED DRIVER

WRONGFUL DEATH

$1,000,000

(Brown County, Kentucky):  Joseph Lyon was second chair a case involving a driver texting and driving when he crossed the median, killing a father of four. The case was resolved once discovery confirmed the cell phone records proved the texting-related incident. The settlement will pay for the surviving childrens’ education. The driver was likely facing additional criminal charges at the time of the settlement.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

$495,000

(Cincinnati, Ohio):  Joe Lyon was lead counsel in a $495,000 settlement. The case involved a motorcycle operator who sustained fractures of the calcaneus, talus, medial cuneiform, tarsal bones, and tarsometatarsal when a car ignored its driving lane and crossed into his right-of-way. Settlement provided repayment of medical bills of $20,000 and funds for future education to re-enter the work force in a less physically-demanding job.