Leaving The Scene Of An Accident In Michigan

Have you or a loved one left the scene of an accident?

Are you worried about the penalty that may result because of your lapse in judgment?

You need a criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor to represent you!

In Michigan, Leaving the Scene of an Accident statutes punish people who are involved in an accident who don’t stop and provide the required information to the other driver or most proximate police department. Even the term “accident” can be vague, leaving a driver uncertain about what his or her obligations are following a minor incident.  “Knowledge” of the accident s is another grey area, especially if the driver doesn’t realize the extent of the accident.  Drivers are often unaware of their reporting requirements (after all, when was the last time you heard a public information message telling these people what do in the event of a minor accident, similar to seatbelt use ‘click it or ticket’ or texting/driving ‘it can wait, as it’s against law’)  What information is required to report, other than a name and insurance information?  This ambiguity can lead to a separate charge, called “Fail to Report an Accident,” which is still a misdemeanor. 

Leaving the Scene/Failing to Report charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the type of accident. Leaving an accident resulting in damage only to a fixture is a misdemeanor carrying no license consequences.  Leaving an accident resulting in property damage to another car is a misdemeanor carrying with it 6 points on a driver’s master record.  And leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death are felony charges, resulting in possible imprisonment and complete suspension or revocation of driving privileges. 

Dan Geherin, owner of Geherin Law Group PLLC. in Ann Arbor, has defended hundreds of Leaving the Scene/Failing to Report cases in his 22+year career.  Dan has a long, track record of success defending these allegations, both in terms of trial victories, voluntary dismissals and successful negotiations. He’s also a driver’s license specialist, so he knows how to answer questions about license consequences and help clients avoid the pitfalls of these charges and the effect they have on a person’s ability to drive. 

If you’re being investigated or charged with “Hit and Run” allegations in Ann Arbor or throughout Washtenaw County, please contact Dan and his firm at GLG Michigan immediately. We’ll thoroughly explain the laws and determine whether a viable defense exists for your charge.

Schedule a free consultation online here or call (734) 263-2780 (we’re open 24/7).

GLG Michigan:  Defending Driving/Traffic allegations throughout Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and Southeastern Michigan.