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What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash [Michigan]
A hit-and-run crash can leave victims dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about what to do next. Knowing the steps to take immediately after a driver leaves the scene can help protect both your safety and your legal rights under Michigan law.
What Michigan Law Requires After a Hit-and-Run
Under MCL 257.617a(1), a driver who knows or has reason to believe they have been involved in a crash on a public or private road open to travel must immediately stop and remain at the scene until the requirements of MCL 257.619 are fulfilled. Those requirements include providing their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information to the other party and to police. Under MCL 257.617(1), when a crash results in serious impairment of body function or death, the driver must stop immediately and remain at the scene or immediately report to the nearest police agency.
Under MCL 257.617a(2), a driver who violates this requirement and the crash results in injury faces a felony charge carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. If the crash results in death, the penalty under MCL 257.617(2) is up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Leaving the scene is a serious criminal offense in Michigan — not a minor infraction.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Crash
Call 911 right away. Give the dispatcher your exact location and any details about the fleeing vehicle, including its make, model, color, direction of travel, and any portion of the license plate you observed. Do not attempt to follow the other driver. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms from vehicle crashes often develop hours after the incident. Document the scene with photographs if it is safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses before they leave.
How Insurance Coverage Works if the Driver Is Unidentified
When the at-fault driver flees and is not identified, Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan under MCL 500.3172 may provide a pathway to personal injury protection benefits for your medical expenses and wage loss. The plan is administered by the Michigan Automobile Insurance Placement Facility and is available when no applicable no-fault policy can be identified for the crash.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy, it may provide compensation for damages caused by a hit-and-run driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Michigan, so whether it applies depends on the terms of your policy.
What Happens if the Driver Is Found
If the driver is later identified, additional legal options may become available. An attorney can evaluate whether claims against the at-fault driver may be pursued, what insurance coverage applies, and how any criminal proceedings may affect a civil case.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.
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Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
