Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Livonia, MI

When a driver flees the scene of a crash, the victims are left with injuries, bills, and questions about how to move forward. At Vahdat Weisman Law, our hit-and-run accident lawyers are focused on delivering clear guidance, prompt action, and favorable results. From our office in Livonia, Michigan, we represent clients throughout Michigan and across the United States. Our team understands the intersection of Michigan no-fault benefits, uninsured motorist (UM) claims, and civil liability, and we know how to move quickly to protect your rights after a hit-and-run.

What Qualifies as a Hit and Run in Michigan

What qualifies as a hit and run in Michigan is straightforward. A driver who is involved in a collision must stop and provide identification. If the driver leaves, the incident is treated as a hit-and-run. The at-fault driver may face criminal charges, but a criminal case is separate from your civil claim for compensation. You do not need a criminal conviction to pursue civil recovery, and we often proceed on parallel tracks, coordinating with law enforcement while independently building your civil case against the at-fault driver.

No-Fault Benefits and Personal Injury Protection

Michigan is a no-fault state, which means your first layer of medical coverage and certain wage-loss benefits usually come from Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of fault. Your PIP coverage level depends on the selections you make in your policy, and in some cases, there may be coordination with a health plan. If you do not have an automobile insurance policy in your household or if coverage is not available, you may be eligible to apply for benefits through the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. Strict notice and timing rules apply, including the one-year deadline to claim PIP benefits and the one-year-back rule limiting retroactive recovery, so contacting counsel quickly is essential. Our attorneys manage these deadlines, complete and submit the necessary applications, and address common disputes regarding medical necessity, allowable expenses, and wage documentation for our clients every day.

Third-Party Claims and UM Coverage

Beyond PIP, you may pursue noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and additional economic losses, against the at-fault driver if you meet Michigan’s threshold for a third-party claim. In a hit-and-run, the challenge is obvious: the driver is unidentified. Many cases proceed as uninsured motorist claims under your own policy, which stands in for the unidentified driver’s liability. UM coverage is contractual, so your policy language governs notice, proof requirements, and limitations. Some policies require prompt police reporting and proof of physical contact with the fleeing vehicle, while others use different formulations. We analyze the policy, give you precise instructions for preserving the claim, and handle communications with your insurer so that technicalities or deadlines do not trap you.

Fault Allocation and Why Liability Still Matters

Liability still matters in a no-fault state, particularly for third-party claims. Michigan applies a modified comparative fault system. If an injured person is more than 50% at fault for the crash, they cannot recover non-economic damages. If the injured person is 50% or less at fault, their non-economic damages are reduced in proportion to their fault. Economic damages can also be reduced in proportion to fault. Because hit-and-run cases often begin with limited information, insurers may attempt to attribute fault to you. Our approach is evidence-driven—we secure traffic camera footage when available, canvass nearby businesses for surveillance footage, collect data from your vehicle’s event recorder, if available, and quickly locate and interview witnesses. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when the circumstances warrant their expertise, including cases with disputed speed, visibility, or roadway design.

Early Evidence Preservation and Investigation

Evidence preservation is critical in the first days after a collision. We advise clients to file a police report immediately, seek medical attention, and document all injuries and property damage. Photographs of the scene, skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage help reconstruct the impact, and may reveal paint transfer or parts that match a specific make and model. We send preservation letters to municipalities, businesses, and homeowners to safeguard footage that might otherwise be overwritten. When a suspect vehicle is identified, we move promptly to inspect it and, if necessary, obtain court orders to preserve telematics or other electronic data.

Insurance Coverage Review and Assigned Claims

Hit-and-run victims often face uncertainty about coverage. We review your automobile policy, any household policies, and potential coverage through resident relatives. We also analyze health insurance coordination and short- or long-term disability benefits when applicable. For clients who lack PIP coverage, we prepare and file applications with the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan and appeal denials. In UM claims, we navigate policy requirements for recorded statements, independent medical examinations, and examinations under oath, and we prepare clients thoroughly for each step of the process.

Categories of Recoverable Damages

Damages in a hit-and-run case can be significant. PIP benefits may include medical expenses, mileage for medical travel, attendant care when medically necessary, replacement services, and a portion of lost wages (subject to statutory limits and duration). Third-party claims may include past and future medical expenses not covered by PIP, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. In catastrophic-injury cases, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, we coordinate with life care planners and vocational experts to present a complete picture of your needs, including future surgeries, therapy, home and vehicle modifications, and long-term assistance.

Deadlines, Notice Requirements, and Statutes of Limitation

Deadlines matter. In Michigan, the general statute of limitations for negligence claims is three years from the date of the crash (subject to specific exceptions). Contract-based UM claims may have shorter time limits because the deadlines in your policy can be enforceable if they are reasonable and clearly stated. PIP claims have their own notice and one-year-back limitations. There may also be deadlines for providing proof of loss or attending examinations demanded by the insurer. Our role includes tracking all deadlines and taking timely action to ensure your claim is not barred due to a technicality.

Fatal Hit and Runs and Wrongful Death Claims

When a hit and run causes a fatality, the personal representative of the estate may bring a wrongful death claim. The Michigan Wrongful Death Act (MCL 600.2922) governs who can recover and which damages are available. Damages can include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, the decedent’s pain and suffering, loss of financial support, and loss of society and companionship for eligible family members. We guide families through the probate process to appoint a personal representative and, when required, obtain court approval of any settlement. We do so with compassion, clear communication, and respect for your family’s privacy and goals.

Our Case Strategy and Step-by-Step Process

Our process is structured and proactive. During an initial consultation, we review the facts, discuss medical care and benefits, and outline immediate next steps. We notify insurers and law enforcement, begin evidence preservation, and map out deadlines. We assemble medical records and bills and work with your providers to document diagnoses, causation, and prognosis. We present a comprehensive demand when appropriate, and if the insurer does not negotiate in good faith, we file suit and aggressively pursue discovery leading up to trial. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, which positions our clients for better negotiation outcomes.

Why Clients Choose Vahdat Weisman Law

Clients choose Vahdat Weisman Law because we pair our deep knowledge of Michigan’s no-fault law with practical experience in UM litigation and complex injury cases. Our attorneys are ready for a courtroom fight, but we also understand that most clients value efficient resolution. We communicate in straightforward ways, provide regular updates, and remain accessible throughout your case. Because we represent injured people, we commonly work on a contingency-fee arrangement, meaning our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and you owe no attorney fee if there is no recovery (subject to a written fee agreement, Michigan law, and certain ethical rules). We also advance reasonable case costs when permitted, and we explain how costs are handled at each stage of your case.

Adapting When the Fleeing Driver Is Identified

If the police later identify the fleeing driver, we adapt. We can proceed directly against that driver and their insurer if coverage exists, and we coordinate any UM claim to ensure that any recovery stays in your pockets. If multiple vehicles or commercial parties are involved, we evaluate additional liability theories, including negligent entrustment, negligent hiring and supervision for commercial fleets, and potential roadway-defect claims when supported by the facts and within the statutory notice period. In short, we leave no viable avenue unexplored.

Practical Guidance for Injured Victims

Practical steps you can take today include obtaining the police report number, listing all symptoms even if they seem minor, following your doctor’s instructions, and not posting about the crash on social media. Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurer before speaking with counsel. Even seemingly harmless comments can be misinterpreted or used to dispute causation. Keep all receipts and correspondence. Start a simple journal noting pain levels, medical visits, and how injuries affect your work and daily life. These details help prove your non-economic damages down the road.

Every Case and Every Client is Different

Every case and client is unique. Quality legal advice depends on the facts of your case. While this information is meant to help, we invite you to contact Vahdat Weisman Law for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will review your situation, explain your options, and outline a plan that is designed for you. If we are the right fit, we will move forward immediately to protect your benefits, build your case, and pursue full and fair compensation.

Statewide Representation in Livonia, Michigan

Our geographic reach extends across Michigan and into other jurisdictions when necessary (where we often partner with trusted local counsel for cases requiring proceedings outside Michigan). Whether your crash occurred in Livonia, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or elsewhere, we stand ready to help. We know the local courts, we understand Michigan insurance carriers and how they approach claims, and we bring the resources and focus necessary to take on complex hit-and-run litigation.

Contact Vahdat Weisman Law

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, timing and strategy matter. Contact Vahdat Weisman Law in Livonia, Michigan, at (734) 469-4994 to speak with an attorney who understands Michigan no-fault benefits, UM claims, and the litigation strategies that move cases forward. We will work to secure your benefits, identify responsible parties, and pursue the damages you deserve—with professionalism, precision, and a commitment to your recovery.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and prior results do not guarantee future success.