What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run in Michigan?

A driver commits a hit and run when they cause or are involved in an accident but drive off instead of stopping and exchanging information with the other drivers involved. Because drivers have a legal obligation to stop at the scene of an accident, the penalties for a hit and run can be severe. Contact an Upper Peninsula criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case and obtain legal representation today.

What is Michigan’s Law on Hit and Runs?

According to Michigan Vehicle Code 257.618, a driver who knows or has reason to believe that they were involved in an accident must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident and fulfill the following requirements.

Give their name and address to the other driver, passengers, or a police officer
Provide the other driver, passengers, or police officer with the registration number of their vehicle and the name and address of the vehicle owner if it is not them
Present their driver’s license to the other driver, passengers, or police officer
Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident including calling for medical help
Report the accident to the police if the property owner is not present at the time

If a driver violates any of the above requirements they could be charged with a hit and run.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit and Run in MI?

Michigan’s law regarding the penalties an individual can incur after committing a hit and run specifies different consequences for different outcomes of an accident. Consider the following standard penalty guidelines.

For leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in property damage:

Misdemeanor charge
Fines of up to $100
Up to 90 days in jail
Suspension of driver’s license

For leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injuries to another person:

Misdemeanor charge
Fines of up to $1,000
Up to 1 year in prison
Suspension of driver’s license

For leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury or death:

Felony charge
Fines of up to $5,000
Up to 5 years in prison
Suspension of driver’s license

For causing then leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury or death:

Felony charge
Fines of up to $10,000
Up to 15 years in prison
Suspension of driver’s license

As established above, the more severe the consequences of the accident, the harsher the penalties for fleeing the scene will be. Part of the reason the penalties can be so stringent is that by stopping at the scene, the driver can offer assistance to an injured individual and help get them to safety or call for medical help, potentially preventing a death or permanent disability. If you are facing hit and run charges in Michigan it is crucial that you obtain legal counsel. Reach out to an experienced attorney today for more information.