Legal Question in Traffic Law in Ohio

motorcycle accident

I went around a curve and hit some grit on a public road.Bike went down and an ambulance came to scene almost immediately.They checked me out and I signed to not recieve any medical care as I was only scrapped up a little.They said I could go and I left.Now the Highway Patrol calls and ask why I left the scene.I tell him the ambulance poeple said I could and he says no they didn't.I have to go to the Patrol today and show insurance proof.They bike is mine and I will fix it.There was no other property damages.What can I expect?


Asked on 8/13/07, 7:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jeff Reynard Reynard & Rice, LLP

Re: motorcycle accident

Sounds as if the officer wants to issue you a ticket for Hit/Skip or failure to control. Although, hit/skip requires some damage to either persons, property, or real estate other than your own.

The officer has no real authority to request proof of insurance other than if he is issuing a ticket (the BMV handles proof of insurance issues). So the officer telling you to come down and provide proof is just a ruse to allow him to personally serve the ticket upon you without having to track you down.

It's up to you on how you want to proceed. Personally, I don't appreciate officers tricking people, so I'd hire an attorney to handle it. But if he hits you with a citation for hit/skip, that's a misdemeanor of the 1st degree and carries a 6 month to 3 year license suspension.

If this happened in or around Central Ohio, contact my office for assistance.

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Answered on 8/13/07, 9:04 am


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