Michigan Hit and Run Lawyer

Michigan Hit and Run Attorney

Car accidents are scary and frustrating enough as it is. However, the situation becomes even more difficult and complex when the other driver takes off and refuses to take responsibility. In these cases, having a skilled Michigan hit and run lawyer can make a significant difference. They can help you navigate the legal challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Believe it or not, hit-and-runs are common in the US. In fact, an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes occurred annually over the last 10 years.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and watched the other driver leave the scene, you need an experienced hit and run lawyer with the skill and resources to fight for your rights, both in the courtroom and outside of it. At Wigod & Falzon, our dedicated team is here to support you through this challenging time and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Hit-And-Run Accidents

There are several reasons why hit-and-run incidents occur. Below are some of the most common situations:

• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol (drunk drivers) who flee the scene to avoid arrest.
• Drivers not paying attention because they’re looking at their phones or talking to passengers in the vehicle
• A driver that may have warrants against them or have no auto insurance
• Drivers of stolen vehicles or fleeing the police after committing a crime
• Bicyclists or motorcyclists hit by vehicles while riding on highways
• Pedestrians hit by a driver on the shoulder of the road

Regardless of the cause, a hit-and-run is never excusable. As the victim, you need a lawyer who is knowledgeable of the law and will guide you every step of the way.

What To Do After a Hit-And-Run

If you find yourself in an accident where the other driver flees the scene, there are a couple steps you should take to stay safe and protect yourself. Here’s what you should do:

Document the other driver’s license plate

Take a photo or write down the other driver’s license plate. If you can, write down the vehicle’s make, model, and color, or a description of what the at-fault driver looks like.

Call the police

Call 911 to document the hit-and-run accident. Talk to the officer and tell them clearly what happened. Provide any information you recorded regarding the at-fault driver or their vehicle.

Get witness information

Talk with the hit-and-run crash witnesses, and get their names and contact information.

Take photos

Take photos of any crash vehicles, the scene, and your injuries. Document as much of the crash as possible.

Check the scene for possible sources of video evidence

Find a safe spot to pull over and look around. Check to see if any nearby businesses have surveillance video.

Notify your insurance of the crash immediately 

Most insurance policies have special requirements for Michigan hit-and-run auto accidents, including making a police report and notifying your insurance company within 24 hours

Get a copy of the police report and provide a copy to your insurance

Get a copy of the Michigan accident police report. Provide a copy to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Hire an experienced lawyer

If you forgot to do one of these steps, an experienced lawyer will investigate and try to find this information out for you.

Accident Compensation

In Michigan, you may sue for a hit-and-run accident; but only under limited circumstances. You can of course sue the at-fault driver who flees the scene, but this is only if the police arrest them for causing the crash.

Additionally, you may also end up having to sue your auto insurer if they deny your “uninsured motorist” benefits claim. This claim is a type of car insurance that can pay for your pain and suffering if you or your passengers are injured in an auto accident caused by a hit-and-run.

However, many auto insurance companies provide uninsured motorist insurance coverage to those who have been injured by an uninsured driver who flees the scene of the crash. If the driver is not caught by the police, they are treated as an “uninsured” at-fault driver for purposes of a crash victim’s uninsured motorist coverage.

If you, the victim, is uninsured, you still are entitled to compensation under Michigan’s Assigned Claims Plan.

Need a Hit and Run Lawyer?

If you or a loved one are the victim(s) of a hit and run, we’ll fight for your rights and recovery.

Our expert team has handled dozens of these cases and will help you navigate the process, file your claim correctly, gather evidence, and maximize compensation. We can also handle appeals if necessary.

Contact us today for a free consultation on your hit-and-run case. As always, there are no fees for your case until we win.