Hit and Run

Failing to Stop at the Scene of an Accident

In Michigan, if you are involved in an accident you are required to remain on scene – if you flee the scene, you face serious consequences. It is important to understand your duties and obligations following an accident to ensure you avoid hit and run charges and these harsh penalties.

ZAYID LAW has proven results and aggressively defends clients in Macomb County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, and Wayne County.

How to Avoid Hit and Run Charges

If you have been involved in an accident, the law requires that you “immediately stop [your] vehicle at the scene of the accident” and you must “remain there” until you have done the following:

1. Provide your name and address, vehicle registration number (and the name and address of the vehicle’s owner, if it isn’t you) to the police and the other drivers involved in the accident.
2. Present your driver’s license to the police and other drivers involved in the accident;
3. Assist anyone injured in the accident (e.g. calling 911)

Exception to “Stop and Remain”: You do not have to immediately stop if you have “a reasonable and honest belief that remaining at the accident scene will result in further harm.” Under those circumstances, you must “immediately report the accident to the nearest or most convenient police agency or officer” and provide the information described above. (MCL 257.617(1))

Penalties

• Vehicle Damage Only: Misdemeanor
  • Up to 90 days in jail and/or fine up to $100
• Personal Injury: Misdemeanor
  • Up to 1 year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000
• Serious/Permanent Injury: Felony
  • Up to 5 years in prison and/or fine up to $1,000
• Death: Felony
  • Up to 15 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000

ZAYID LAW’S Hit and Run Defenses

• Imminent Danger: As noted above, Michigan law carves out an exception to the requirement to remain on scene when a person has “a reasonable and honest belief that remaining at the accident scene will result in further harm.” This does not, however, relieve you of your requirement to immediately report the accident.
• Medical Emergency: Another defense, albeit more challenging, is to argue that you were in the midst of a medical emergency when the accident occurred, and leaving the scene was a matter of life and death (for you or a passenger) in order to get to a nearby hospital.

ZAYID LAW has experience defending hit and run charges and understands how these defenses work, depending on each unique circumstance. The sooner you call me, the sooner I can begin my investigation into the facts of your case and begin building a defense. If you’re facing hit and run charges, call me today at 888-ZAYID-LAW for your free initial consultation.