Man charged after Delta County yard crash injures two
A 69-year-old Escanaba man faces charges after police say he hit a man and woman in their yard and drove away, leaving both seriously injured.
Michigan State Police Gladstone Post troopers responded about 9:39 p.m. Oct. 23 to U.S. 2/41 near I.75 Lane in Delta County.
The preliminary investigation found that the driver left the highway, crossed a driveway and hit the pair, pinning them against their parked car about 20 to 25 yards from the road. He continued through the yard and returned to the highway, police said.
Both injured people were taken to a hospital for treatment.
A Delta County Sheriff's Office deputy found the driver about two miles from the crash. Police said he showed signs of intoxication. After further investigation, Matthew Smith was arrested and taken to the Delta County Jail.
Smith was formally charged Oct. 28 and waived arraignment in 94th District Court. The charges are:
- operating while intoxicated causing serious injury
- failing to stop at the scene resulting in serious impairment or death
- failure to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident
- failure to stop after a collision
Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. Smith's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 12. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Delta County Sheriff's Office, Rampart EMS, Menominee County Sheriff's Office and Hannahville Police Department assisted state police.
Michigan drivers' duties after a serious injury crash
A driver who knows or has reason to believe they were involved in a crash on a public road or other property open to public travel must stop immediately. Michigan's law on leaving a serious injury crash requires the driver to stay until the required information and assistance duties are fulfilled. If the driver reasonably and honestly believes staying would cause further harm, the law requires an immediate report to the nearest or most convenient police agency or officer to provide the required identifying information.
Under Michigan's crash information and assistance requirements, drivers must provide their name, address and vehicle registration information, identify the vehicle's owner and show their driver's license. They must also reasonably assist an injured person in obtaining medical aid or arrange or provide transportation.
Leaving a crash that results in a serious impairment of a body function can be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. That duty to stop does not depend on whether the driver caused the crash.
Michigan Legal Center's steps after a Michigan car accident explain how to get medical care, report the crash and preserve information that may be needed afterward.
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Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles pedestrian injuries, serious motor vehicle crash claims and no-fault insurance disputes.
If you were injured in a Michigan hit-and-run crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to discuss whether Michigan Legal Center can help with your injuries and insurance questions.
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Read more about Michigan car accident claims and the help available after a serious crash.