What to Do After a Hit and Run in Michigan
A hit-and-run accident is terrifying and infuriating. The driver who caused your injuries fled the scene, and you are left dealing with pain, vehicle damage, and a flood of questions about who will pay. Michigan law provides specific protections for hit-and-run victims, but navigating the system requires understanding both the criminal and civil sides of your claim.
Michigan's Hit-and-Run Criminal Statute
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Michigan under MCL § 257.617-617a. If the accident involves injury, the fleeing driver faces a felony charge punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the accident results in death, the penalty increases to up to 15 years. If the accident involves only property damage, it is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail. Michigan State Police and local departments investigate hit-and-runs using surveillance footage, traffic cameras, debris analysis, paint transfer evidence, and witness reports.
Your Insurance Options After a Hit-and-Run
Under Michigan's no-fault system, your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits under MCL § 500.3107 cover your medical expenses regardless of whether the other driver is identified. Your PIP pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment up to your elected coverage tier. If you purchased uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your policy, you can also claim pain and suffering damages through your own insurer — treating the hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist. If you do not have auto insurance, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may provide PIP benefits.
Can You Still Sue the Hit-and-Run Driver?
If the driver is eventually identified, you can pursue a full third-party personal injury claim including pain and suffering, lost wages beyond PIP coverage, and future medical expenses. Michigan's statute of limitations gives you three years from the accident under MCL § 600.5805. Koussan Law works with law enforcement and private investigators to track down hit-and-run drivers using vehicle part identification, neighborhood canvassing, and social media monitoring.
Steps to Take Immediately
Call 911 and request police and EMS. Document everything at the scene: damage, debris, skid marks, traffic camera locations, and any witness information. Note any details about the fleeing vehicle — color, make, model, partial plate. Seek medical treatment within 24 hours. Report the claim to your own auto insurance promptly. And call Koussan Law at (313) 800-0000 — early investigation dramatically increases the chances of identifying the driver. Use our case calculator to get an initial estimate of your claim.
