Michigan Law: Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident

In Michigan, it is illegal to leave the scene of any accident, no matter how minor, without providing your information or calling the police. That includes private property like a grocery store or busy downtown parking lot.

Under MCL 257.618, if an accident results in property damage (such as hitting a parked car) and you leave the scene without exchanging information or reporting it, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in Michigan include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• A fine up to $100
• 6 points added to your driver’s license
• License suspension or revocation in more serious cases
• Restitution to the victim

Even worse, if there's physical injury or a more serious accident, charges can escalate to a felony. But even a low-speed, minor scrape carries the potential for lasting damage to your criminal and driving records.

So You Left the Scene — What Happens Now?

You’re reading this because you likely panicked and drove off. Maybe you didn’t see damage. Maybe you were scared someone would confront you. Or maybe you simply didn’t know what to do.

Whatever the reason, leaving was a mistake—but it doesn’t mean your life is over or that you’re guaranteed to face jail time. You still have options.

Every day, we help drivers across Michigan—including in cities like Plymouth, Canton, and Livonia—deal with consequences from minor accidents that spiraled out of control. If you take fast action, you can often reduce or eliminate penalties.

First Steps: How to Fix a Hit-and-Run Accident After the Fact

Here are the immediate steps you should take if you hit a parked car and left the scene:

1. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

This is not the time to go it alone. A lawyer can assess the facts, contact law enforcement on your behalf, and help you avoid self-incrimination. Often, your attorney can report the accident to the proper authorities before they report you.

Call Boria Law: Defense attorney Aaron J. Boria has years of experience handling difficult traffic and criminal matters throughout Michigan. Contact us today at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation.

2. Collect Any Evidence You Can

Do you remember which car you hit, where it happened, or when? Take down as many notes as you can, including pictures of your vehicle’s damage. Surveillance footage often helps in these cases and may be obtainable by your lawyer if you act fast.

3. Consider Filing a Police Report Through Your Attorney

It may help your case tremendously if your lawyer reports the incident before the other driver or police do. This shows responsibility, good faith, and may support our argument for leniency or even dismissal.

4. Don’t Contact the Other Driver Yourself

It might be tempting to reach out directly, but this can backfire. Any statements you make can be used against you later. Instead, allow your attorney to handle everything—including help with insurance claims and negotiations.

What Are the Defenses for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Michigan?

There are multiple legal defenses available depending on your unique situation. It’s not always open and shut just because the other car was hit and you left. Here are some common strategies we successfully use:

• No knowledge of the impact: If you genuinely didn’t feel the collision or didn’t realize damage occurred, intent may not be proven.
• Emergencies: If you left due to a legitimate emergency and then promptly reported the incident, we might argue mitigating circumstances.
• Mistaken identity: In busy downtown lots, surveillance video can sometimes confuse vehicles or license plates. If there's uncertainty about who was driving, we can challenge identification.
• Voluntary reporting: If we report the accident before law enforcement contacts you, we present you as proactive and responsible.

Every case is different. We custom-tailor our defense to both the facts and the court jurisdiction, whether it’s the 35th District Court in Plymouth or another southeast Michigan court.

Can a Hit-and-Run Be Expunged in Michigan?

If convicted, yes—it’s possible over time. Under Michigan’s Clean Slate law, certain traffic-related misdemeanors (including leaving the scene of a property damage accident) may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period and provided all requirements are met.

That said, the best time to act is before you’re convicted. That’s why we encourage you to reach out to us now, while the situation can still be managed.

Real Case Example: Quick Action Paid Off

Our client was exiting a packed parking deck in downtown Ann Arbor after a football game. While turning sharply, her car scraped the bumper of another vehicle. Panicking and fearing confrontation, she drove off.

A few hours later, after calming down, she found our firm online and called. We jumped into action and notified local police, negotiated with the other driver, and resolved the matter without any criminal charges being filed. The client ended up with nothing more than an insurance payout. Her record remained clean.

If she had waited or ignored the issue, this could have ended very differently.

Will Insurance Still Cover a Hit-and-Run You Caused?

Possibly—but you’ll need to proceed carefully. If you admit fault without your insurance company hearing from your lawyer first, you may be denied coverage or worse, expose yourself to civil liability.

Let us talk to the insurance company for you. We’ve dealt with every major insurer—GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, and others—and we know how to protect your statement and your rights.

Have Police Already Called or Sent a Letter?

Don’t wait to respond on your own. Politely decline to answer any questions without your attorney and call us immediately. Even responding with “I just want to explain…” can weaken your defense or admit guilt unknowingly.

Let us handle the communication. We can often improve the outcome just by taking initiative, removing emotion, and presenting you as the responsible person you are.

How We Fix Hit-and-Run Accidents in Michigan

When someone comes to our office after a hit-and-run situation—especially ones involving no injuries—we immediately begin damage control. That includes:

• Talking to local police on your behalf
• Guiding voluntary self-reporting to avoid criminal prosecution
• Negotiating with the other driver to prevent lawsuits
• Minimizing driver’s license points or violations
• Preparing an aggressive legal defense if charges are filed

We offer free consultations and time-sensitive representation. Contact Attorney Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 today to schedule your confidential case review. We serve clients across Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, and surrounding counties.

Conclusion

Mistakes happen. Maybe it was your first time in a hectic downtown parking structure. Maybe you didn’t even notice the bump. But once you drive away from an accident scene in Michigan—no matter how small the damage—you’re potentially opening yourself up to criminal charges.

The good news? By acting fast, reaching out to experienced legal counsel, and voluntarily addressing the issue before it snowballs, you can often avoid harsh consequences and keep your future on track.

Don’t wait until the police knock. Take proactive steps, protect your license and record, and let us guide you through fixing the mess. Hit-and-run doesn’t have to define you—but how you respond today just might.

Ready to make it right? Call Attorney Aaron J. Boria now at (734) 453-7806 and schedule your free consultation.