Key Takeaways:
- In 2024, Michigan had the fifth-highest rate of drivers without auto insurance in the U.S.
- Because so many Michigan drivers do not have car insurance, hit-and-run accidents are frequent.
- PIP insurance allows accident victims to file an accident claim and obtain compensation even if the negligent driver is not identified.
- If an at-fault driver fled the scene of an accident, the victim can pursue compensation for their medical bills and other expenses through their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
- An experienced and skilled Michigan car accident attorney can provide legal advice and help you deal with your insurance company to help cover the cost of your injuries and property damage.
It is a terrible day when someone hits your car. Even worse is when they flee the scene. Hit-and-run accidents happen all the time in Michigan, in part because so many Michigan drivers have no car insurance.
As of 2024, Michigan had the fifth-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country. Approximately one in five Michigan drivers has no car insurance. Fortunately, Michigan’s PIP insurance system means you do not need to wait to identify your hit-and-run driver to get fair compensation.
Learn about hit-and-run accidents, how long the investigations can take, and how a skilled Michigan car accident lawyer can help you receive compensation whether or not the at-fault driver is found. Matz Injury Law can provide a free case evaluation and present your legal options for filing an insurance claim.
How Long Does It Take for Police to Investigate a Hit-and-Run in Michigan?
Realistically, it can take days, weeks, or months for police to investigate a hit-and-run in Michigan. In many cases, the negligent driver isn’t found at all. Police often put hit-and-runs on the backburner after a few days if no strong leads emerge. However, it does not impact your compensation. You can still seek compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) insurance.
Who Pays for Damages in a Michigan Hit-and-Run Case?
If the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run case is unidentified, they are treated as an uninsured driver. That means you can pursue compensation through your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
If the driver is eventually identified and insurance has already paid out compensation, the insurance company can pursue the at-fault driver to get their money back.
Uninsured motorist insurance is inexpensive and a worthwhile investment for Michigan drivers. Because of its affordability, we generally advise our clients to get the maximum coverage possible. It will be worth it if you are in a hit-and-run or any other kind of accident involving an uninsured/underinsured driver.
Related Article: Michigan Personal Injury Protection Guide
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Michigan
It can be worrying about what to do after being involved in a hit-and-run, especially if you have substantial damage to your motor vehicle or are injured and the medical expenses keep piling up.
The steps you should take are much like any other type of car accident:
- If possible, quickly note down or take a photo of the other driver’s license plate number (this way, you have it before they take off).
- Obtain medical attention as soon as possible for your injuries. If anyone appears to have serious injuries, call 911 right away.
- Try to remember and write down the car’s make, model, and color, along with a description of the driver.
- Call the police ASAP to create an accident report and document that a hit-and-run occurred.
- Obtain eyewitness contact information before they leave the accident scene so your attorney can obtain witness statements if necessary.
- Document the accident scene, including any injuries, damage to your car, and other relevant factors, including if any security or street surveillance cameras are in the vicinity.
- Speak to an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney about your car accident (Matz Injury Law offers free case reviews).
- Call your insurance company within the required timeframe and notify them of the crash (but follow your attorney’s advice so the insurance company has less reason to deny you compensation for your injury claim).
- Obtain a copy of the accident report the responding police officer wrote up.
Related Article: 2024 Guide to Michigan Car Accident Lawsuits
Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law
Matz Injury Law has been championing the rights of accident victims since 1977. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash, we can help. Our personal injury lawyers know the challenges accident victims face and how frightening it can be not knowing what to do when a hit-and-run occurs. Our legal team is very experienced in these and other personal injury matters.
When you work with a Matz Injury Law car accident lawyer, you can count on receiving personalized service and attention to your case. You will work directly with your lawyer and never feel like you are just a case number. We listen to our clients and work closely with them throughout their cases.
We proudly represent people throughout Michigan and have driven hundreds of thousands of miles to meet with our clients in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. To date, our personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $300 million for our clients. If you choose our law firm to represent you in your case, you can rest easy knowing our lawyers will know what to do and prioritize your needs.
Schedule a free consultation to learn how Matz Injury Law can help after your hit-and-run accident.
Testimonials
“Not only was I contacted back right away after requesting some information online, but Mr. Matz assisted me in making some phone calls on my behalf and got results right away. […] Amazing customer service, very friendly, kind, and personable, and FAST results!!!! I know who I will contact if I ever need an attorney again.” — Karina S.
“I worked with Steve and his staff for almost 3 years. Every interaction I had with him or the staff was great. Always happy, very personable, and always pleasant to speak with. Steve goes above and beyond for his clients and for this I am very grateful to have worked with him. If ever in need again, he will be who I contact to represent me.” — Jessica D.
Recent Settlement Results
- $245,000 settlement to a high school student who suffered a broken arm when her vehicle was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
- The client kept an additional $27,759 with Matz Injury Law’s “22, not 33” promise.
- $525,000 settlement for a 72-year-old retiree who suffered a head injury as a result of a hit-and-run accident.
- The client kept an additional $59,483 with Matz Injury Law’s “22, not 33” promise.
Related Article: Championing a Lower Attorney Contingency Fee
Reliable Representation When the Culprit Runs Away
Matz Injury Law is fully committed to protecting the rights of Michigan’s injured. If you suffer a hit-and-run or another type of car accident, our attorneys are here to help and support you.
The insurance system is complex, and insurance companies regularly try to reduce or outright deny claims. Our lawyers know how to navigate the system and negotiate with insurance companies.
To schedule a free consultation about your personal injury case, call Matz Injury Law at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form. You won’t have to pay a fee upfront. If you do not receive compensation, neither do we. Furthermore, our law firm only collects a 22% fee, far lower than the 33 ⅓% most law firms charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statistically, only 10% of hit-and-run accidents in the U.S. are solved. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes are more common than we would like to think. In the United States, one occurs every 43 seconds. While some cases will be solved through the investigation process, but more often than not, law enforcement agencies never identify the driver.
Related Article: What Evidence is Needed to Prove a Hit-And-Run Accident?
Yes, if the at-fault hit-and-run driver is identified, you can pursue a claim against them for the damages they have caused. Although identification of the driver is not necessary to receive compensation, you can pursue money to pay for your bodily injuries and damages through your UM/UIM insurance.
If the driver who fled the accident scene is identified and the insurance company has already paid compensation, the company has the right to pursue them to get their money back to cover the cost of the insurance claim they paid out.
