How Traffic Accidents Have Become Criminal

For decades, traffic accidents were typically viewed as unfortunate civil matters—incidents handled through insurance claims, traffic citations, and, in severe cases, civil lawsuits. But in recent years, there has been a significant shift. More accidents are being treated as potential criminal events, exposing drivers to charges that can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

This new landscape has created major consequences if you’re involved in a crash, including jail time, fines, and long-term damage to your driving record. It has also increased the number of people seeking driver’s license restoration in Michigan after a conviction leads to suspension or revocation.

Below is a breakdown of how and why this shift has happened—and what it means for everyday drivers.

The Criminalization of Ordinary Driving Mistakes 

Historically, only extreme driving behaviors—like drunk driving or reckless driving—resulted in criminal charges. But states across the country, including Michigan, have broadened criminal liability in traffic crashes. Today an accident that once resulted in a ticket can now result in criminal charges.

Why?

Several factors have contributed:

• Tougher legislation targeting distracted driving and impaired driving
• Public pressure to hold drivers accountable for serious injury crashes
• Greater use of forensic evidence, such as phone records, vehicle data, or surveillance footage
• Prosecutors applying criminal statutes more aggressively, even when intent was not present

Common Situations Now Leading to Criminal Charges

1. Distracted Driving Crashes

Texting or using a mobile device behind the wheel, once a minor offense, can now lead to:

• Misdemeanor charges
• Felony charges if someone is seriously injured or killed

Michigan’s hands-free law strengthened the consequences even further.

2. Failure to Stop After an Accident

If you’re involved in an accident—especially a hit-and-run — these cases face a wide range of criminal penalties, even when no one is injured.

3. Accidents Involving Serious Injury or Death

Even if you didn’t intend harm, prosecutors may pursue charges under:

• Negligent homicide
• Moving violation causing injury
• Moving violation causing death

In these cases, intent isn’t required. The simple act of making a mistake behind the wheel can trigger criminal liability.

4. Accidents Involving Suspended Drivers

If you cause an accident while driving on a suspended or revoked license, criminal charges are nearly automatic. This is why driver’s license restoration in Michigan is so important for people who rely on their vehicle every day—driving without valid privileges has become extremely risky.

Consequences for Drivers: More Than Just Court Fines

Drivers charged with a criminal offense linked to a traffic accident face:

• Jail or prison time
• Probation
• Heavy fines and court costs
• Restitution
• A permanent criminal record
• Dramatic insurance increases
• Driver’s license suspension or revocation

Many people are shocked to learn that even a simple accident can lead to losing their driving privileges for months or years. This leads many to seek driver’s license restoration in Michigan, a process that often requires documentation, substance-use evaluations (in alcohol-related cases), letters of support, and a hearing before the Secretary of State.

Understanding this shift is essential because it means drivers must be more aware than ever of how their actions behind the wheel can be interpreted in a courtroom—not just in an insurance office.

Protecting Yourself: What Drivers Should Know 

1. Treat driving as a legally high-risk activity.

Small errors can have big consequences.

2. Avoid distractions at all costs.

Phone-related crashes are among the most aggressively prosecuted.

3. Never drive on a suspended or revoked license.

The legal and financial consequences are severe. If you need to regain your driving privileges, start the process of driver’s license restoration in Michigan as early as possible.

4. After an accident, stay on the scene and call the police.

Leaving—even if scared or confused—can turn a minor accident into a criminal case.

5. Contact an attorney if you face any criminal charges related to a crash.

Early legal counsel can be the difference between a ticket and a misdemeanor—or a misdemeanor and a felony.

Don’t Risk Your Future: Get Help With License Restoration Now

Traffic accidents have increasingly become criminal events due to changes in public attitudes, technology, and legislative priorities. Ordinary drivers who make honest mistakes can face severe consequences that affect their freedom, career, and driving privileges.

If your license has been suspended or revoked because of a traffic-related conviction, pursuing driver’s license restoration in Michigan is a crucial step toward rebuilding stability and independence. Contact Geherin Law Group, PLLC. today to schedule your free initial consultation!