If you live in the state of Michigan and you are involved in an accident that injuries a person or property, you need to stop at the scene of the accident so that you are not accused of participating in a hit and run. Here are the three actions you need to take following an accident in the state of Michigan so that you are not accused of and prosecuted for a hit and run.

Whom To Speak With

After an accident, you don't have to call the police, although it is a good idea to do so. Calling the police allows them to verify that you did fulfil your obligations after an accident. After an accident, you need to talk with either the driver of the other vehicle, the passengers in the other driver's vehicle, the pedestrian you hit, and/or the police. Speaking to these parties as you follow the four steps below will fulfill your legal obligations following an accident so that you will not face hit and run charges.

#1 Share Personal Information

The first thing you need to do is share your personal information with one of the parties listed above. You need to share with them your name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle if it is someone different than yourself. You also need to share the vehicle registration number or VIN of the vehicle you were driving.

#2 Show Your Driver's License

The second thing you need to do is show your driver's license to one of the affected parties or the police. This will allow them to verify the personal information that you shared in the above step. It also allows them to collect your driver's license number as further verification of your identity. Additionally, showing your driver's licenses is the best way to prove that you are allowed to drive.

#3 Obtain Medical Help

The third thing that you need to do is make sure that medical help is obtained for anyone who was injured at the scene of the accident. Generally, that means that you should either offer or actually call for emergency services to come to the scene of the accident. If you have a first aid kit, you are also offer basic first-aid yourself to anyone who was hurt at the accident.

If someone did need medical assistance, it is expected that you stay at the scene of the accident to assure that individual gets the help that they need. Abandoning someone before medical help arrives could be seen as fleeing the scene of the accident even if you provide your contact information to the affected parties. 

If there are legal issues dealing with the insurance company or the other party in the accident, contact a car accident attorney.