Michigan Car Accident Laws: Your Legal Duty After an Accident

Be sure to understand your legal duties after a Michigan car crash, such as exchanging information and rendering aid to anyone who is injured.

If you’re a driver in Michigan, it’s important to know the traffic laws that apply to you, including your legal duties after an accident. Failing to comply can result in major penalties.

Here we give you an overview of Michigan’s car accident laws so you know what to do if you’re involved in a crash. You can also check out Section 257 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to learn more.

1. Michigan Driver Exchange of Information Law

After a car crash, Michigan’s exchange of information law requires you to provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number, as well as the name and address of the vehicle’s owner, to other people involved in the accident and any police officers on the scene. You must also show your driver’s license.

The driver of a vehicle who has been involved in an accident shall immediately stop at the scene and shall remain there until the requirements of section 619 are fulfilled or immediately report the accident to the nearest or most convenient police agency if remaining at the scene will result in further harm.

The stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.617

The driver of a vehicle who knows or who has reason to believe that he or she has been involved in an accident with an individual or with another vehicle that is operated or attended by another individual shall do all of the following:

  • Give his or her name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is operating, including the name and address of the owner, to a police officer, the individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which he or she has collided.
  • Exhibit his or her operator’s or chauffeur’s license to a police officer, individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which he or she has collided.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.619

2. Michigan Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid

If you are involved in a car accident in Michigan, you have a legal duty to provide “reasonable assistance” to anyone injured. This duty extends to providing medical aid and transportation to the injured party. If you can’t provide this assistance yourself, you can arrange for someone else to do so.

The driver of a vehicle who has been involved in an accident shall render to any individual injured in the accident reasonable assistance in securing medical aid or arrange for or provide transportation to any injured individual.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.619

3. Michigan Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police

According to Michigan law, you must immediately report a car accident that results in injury or death to the nearest local law enforcement agency. You also must report crashes resulting in $1,000 or more in property damage.

The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident at the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient police officer.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.622

What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, it’s a misdemeanor offense to fail to report a car accident that you’re legally obligated to report. Such a violation is punishable by a fine of up to $100 and a maximum of 90 days imprisonment.

It is a misdemeanor for a person to violate this act, unless that violation is by this act or other law of this state declared to be a felony or a civil infraction.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.901

4. Michigan Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty

Under Michigan law, you must immediately stop at the scene of an accident, even if no one gets hurt. You also need to exchange personal details with the other people involved in the accident and provide this information to any police officers investigating the crash.

The driver of a vehicle who has been involved in an accident shall immediately stop at the scene and shall remain there until the requirements of section 619 are fulfilled or immediately report the accident to the nearest or most convenient police agency if remaining at the scene will result in further harm.

The stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.618

The driver of a vehicle who knows or who has reason to believe that he or she has been involved in an accident with an individual or with another vehicle that is operated or attended by another individual shall do all of the following:

  • Give his or her name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is operating, including the name and address of the owner, to a police officer, the individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which he or she has collided.
  • Exhibit his or her operator’s or chauffeur’s license to a police officer, individual struck, or the driver or occupants of the vehicle with which he or she has collided.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.619

5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Michigan?

Michigan law requires you to immediately stop your vehicle if you hit a parked car. You must then find the owner of the vehicle and tell them your name and address, as well as the name and address of the person who owns the car you were driving. If you can’t find the owner, you must report the collision to the police.

The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle striking the vehicle or, if such owner cannot be located, shall report it to the nearest or most convenient police officer.

Mich. Comp. Laws § 257.620 

Failing to fulfill your obligations after a Michigan car crash can get you in serious trouble, even if the accident was not your fault. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of your legal responsibilities after an accident and take action accordingly.