- August 08, 2024
- Criminal Defense
Under Michigan law, you must stop if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. You must pull over and exchange information with the other parties involved. If you don’t stop, you could face hit-and-run charges and criminal consequences – even if you’re not at fault for the accident. To protect your legal rights, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney if you face charges in a hit-and-run case.
When Accidents Result in Injuries
Imagine this scenario: you’re driving down the street when you accidentally cross the center line and hit a cyclist going the other direction. This situation can quickly escalate from an unfortunate accident to a criminal investigation, particularly if the cyclist suffers critical injuries. Law enforcement will closely examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine if you violated any traffic laws leading to the collision. If investigators believe you did, you could potentially face criminal charges such as reckless driving, a conviction for which could carry jail time in certain circumstances.
Moreover, the fact that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet does not absolve you from responsibility. While helmet use is crucial for safety, its absence does not automatically shift the blame for the accident onto the cyclist.
What Do I Do If I’m Involved in an Accident?
Regardless of whether you are at fault for the accident, you are required to stop your vehicle and exchange information with all other parties. The information you must share includes your name, address, vehicle registration number, insurance information (insurer and policy number), the vehicle owner’s name and address, and driver’s license information. If anyone was injured, you must contact law enforcement and offer the victim assistance. If you fail to do this, you may be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, even if you were not at fault.
What Charges Will I Face in A Hit and Run Case?
Under Michigan law, there are three types of hit-and-run accidents, each with different consequences. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in which someone was injured or property was damaged, you could face a misdemeanor charge. However, accidents in which severe bodily injury or death results carry felony criminal charges. Specifically, the following circumstances could result in these criminal convictions:
- Property damage – If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Michigan involving property damage, including damage to a vehicle, you could face a misdemeanor charge with up to 90 days in jail, a $100 fine, or both.
- Bodily injury – If you leave an accident scene that caused someone else to suffer injuries, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and face penalties of up to one year in prison, up to $1,000 in fines, and a driver’s license suspension.
- Severe bodily injury or death – If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in an accident victim’s severe bodily injury or death, you may be charged with a felony, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years and fines of up to $5,000 in the case of a severe injury or a fifteen years prison sentence and up to $10,000 in fines if the victim died.
Contact The Law Office of John Freeman Today
If you are facing criminal charges following a motor vehicle accident, John Freeman wants to hear from you. Mr. Freeman is passionate about defending your American rights and freedoms under the law. Contact us online or by phone for a free, confidential consultation to get started with your case today.