(248) 286-8100 LET US HELP
Michigan Lawyer Blog

What Happens After a Hit and Run?

 

Personal Injury Results

$15.3 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

$3 MILLION | PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT (INGHAM COUNTY, MI)

$2.1 MILLION | PREMISES LIABILITY (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$2 MILLION | TRUCK ACCIDENT (OAKLAND COUNTY, MI)

$1.9 MILLION | AUTO ACCIDENT (WAYNE COUNTY, MI)

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but that doesn’t stop some people from doing so. Hit-and-run crashes can be much worse than typical car accidents. With no one to call for help, injuries can intensify – and it can be difficult to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Sometimes, the police never find the perpetrators of hit and runs, and many people who leave the scene of an accident do not have car insurance or the funds they will need to pay for your damages.

We’ll walk you through what happens after a hit-and-run accident, so you have the tools you need in any kind of car crash. Keep reading and check out our blog, “Hit and Run Auto Accidents in Michigan,” to learn more about hit and runs.

First, Authorities Respond


If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, stay put, and call 911 if you or any of your passengers sustain injuries. Even if no one is hurt, you should still notify the police. Depending on the severity of your accident, the police will either come to the scene of the crash and file a report or ask you to come into the station and file a report there.

Police always come to the scene when injuries are involved, so make sure you don’t follow the fleeing driver. Never leave the scene until responding officers give you permission to do so.

While you wait for help to arrive, try to write down as much information as you can remember about the accident. Helpful information may include:

  • The other vehicle’s license plate number

  • The make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you

  • Damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle

  • The direction the other driver was headed

  • The location, date, time, and cause of the accident


You should also take photos of your surroundings, as well as the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained. If there are witnesses nearby, ask them what they saw and get their contact information.

Remember, police will search for the person who harmed you, but they may not catch them. Even if they do, you may have few options for recovery.

Second, Insurance Companies Step In


Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, so you always turn to your insurance company first. Your personal injury protection (PIP) should help you with medical bills and other injury-related expenses. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may also be able to use it toward property damage and other costs.

Report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible but don’t worry about negotiating a settlement, making formal statements, or signing any documents right away.

Third, Accident Victims Seek Attorneys


Whether you need to give a statement to the police to help with a conviction or negotiate with insurance companies, you should have a lawyer on your side. Hit and runs bring up countless legal questions, and Goodman Acker P.C. has answers.

Further, your insurance company is not always on your side after a crash and may be looking out for its bottom line instead of your best interests. With proven results and over 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys are ready to gather evidence and advocate for you after a hit-and-run accident.

Call us at (248) 286-8100 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Archives

Categories