Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

Published on: September 10, 2025

A hit-and-run crash leaves car owners with damage, medical bills, and no driver to hold accountable. You still have to deal with insurance forms and repair costs, even though the responsible person is gone. Even though Michigan law protects victims of these accidents, it can be difficult to get compensation, so having an auto accident lawyer becomes essential.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in Michigan

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help anyone who’s been injured. Michigan law requires drivers to stay where they are, exchange insurance information and contact details, and call the police, but not everyone follows that rule.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Property damage is usually considered a misdemeanor, but if someone is hurt or killed, it’s a felony. The law punishes those who flee, but it doesn’t repair your vehicle or reimburse any lost income. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. handles these cases regularly and understands how Michigan’s insurance laws work when the other driver can’t be found.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Safety needs to be your biggest priority, so move to a secure area right away to check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident. Give the police as many details as possible about the other vehicle, including the make, color, model, license plate numbers, and direction the vehicle was moving in.

If you’re able, take photos of your car and any debris and skid marks. Get the names and numbers of any witnesses because these details help you later when working with a hit-and-run accident lawyer who needs evidence to support your claim.

Why You Should Consider an Auto Accident Lawyer

Many people think they can’t recover anything if they can’t identify the other driver, but a Michigan hit-and-run attorney can still help investigate the case, manage insurance claims, and handle communication with adjusters.

Investigating the Scene and Identifying the Driver

Law firms often work with investigators who review traffic and security footage, as well as speak with witnesses and collect physical evidence. Clues like paint transfer or vehicle debris can sometimes reveal the make or model of the other car. Accident reconstruction experts may also review the scene to confirm how the crash took place.

Dealing with Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Michigan’s no-fault insurance pays for medical care no matter who’s determined to be at fault, but it doesn’t always cover other damages like pain, suffering, or all of your lost wages. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver isn’t identified, and insurance companies often try to use technicalities to reduce payouts. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. understands those tactics and knows how to push for fair compensation.

Handling Legal Paperwork and Claims

Claims require accurate documentation, including police reports, medical records, wage statements, and repair estimates. Any information that’s missing or inconsistent can slow down payment. Our firm manages this process to make sure the paperwork is correct and that deadlines are met.

Michigan Laws on Hit-and-Run Accidents

Michigan law makes it illegal to leave the scene of any accident that’s caused damage or injury. Drivers are required to provide identification and insurance information, and help anyone injured, within reason.

Penalties depend on the damage. Property damage can mean up to 90 days in jail. Injury cases can mean up to a year, and serious injury or death can mean up to five years. Regardless of fault, Michigan’s no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which cover medical bills and some wage loss.

Victims usually have three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline permanently bars compensation claims, which is why timely legal action matters.

How a Lawyer Protects Your Rights and Compensation

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that sound reasonable but actually fall short. Once you accept, the case closes permanently.

Our attorneys calculate the complete value of your claim, including medical costs, future care, lost income, and pain and suffering. We handle communication with adjusters and push for the amount you’re legally owed. If negotiations fail, we’re prepared to go to court. Some car accident lawyers in Michigan avoid litigation, but our team has extensive experience trying vehicle accident cases and understands what evidence juries pay attention to.

When to Contact a Lawyer After the Accident

It’s best to contact a lawyer right away while the evidence is still fresh. Video footage gets erased, and witnesses forget key details. Early involvement gives investigators a better chance of finding the driver or building a stronger uninsured motorist claim.

You don’t need to wait for police results. Law enforcement manages many cases at once, but a lawyer focuses directly on yours. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. works on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to pay anything unless we win.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim, it’s worth giving us a call for a free consultation. Whether you’re dealing with a hit-and-run or other accident injuries, our attorneys can explain your legal options under Michigan law.

Moving Forward After a Hit-and-Run

A hit-and-run accident comes with layers of paperwork, insurance questions, and uncertainty, and the process involves gathering records, filing claims, and sometimes taking legal action. Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can manage these steps and keep your case moving efficiently.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, contact attorneys who are familiar with Michigan’s traffic and insurance laws. Contact us for a free consultation. There’s no upfront fee, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Call 1-866-MICH-LAW anytime to schedule a case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.