Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

On October 7, 2009, in Westland, Mi., on a rainy night about 10pm, I was making a from newburgh rd. (4 lanes and 1 center lane) onto ford rd. (4 lanes and 1 center lane) when i hit a pedestrian 1/3 the way into my turn. He went into the nearby gas station and declined help and was no injuries were visible. So i called 911 myself and waited for the police to arrive on the scene. The ambulance took the guy to the hospital and the police issued me a ticket for hitting the pedestrian. I believe the pedestrian was not legally within the crosswalk when he was hit. In fact, i know he was in the intersection when he was hit. Nevertheless, at court the judge plead my case (he say he was doing me a favor) down to careless driving and fine me $160.00.

How can i appeal this decision. Was the pedestrian drunk? How can i get the hospital records from the incident? The police never proved by reasonable doubt that the pedestrian was ever in the crosswalk. Not to mention did he have the right-of-way. Can someone please help me.


Asked on 10/15/09, 2:53 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Timothy Klisz Klisz Law Office, PLLC

Apealling a traffic conviction is pretty unlikely. The burden of proof is preponderance of the evidence and you did strike a pedestrian, whether legally in the intersection or not. Appealing is difficult for the layperson and very expensive with an attorney. I wish you the best of luck. www.kliszlaw.com Tim Klisz

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Answered on 10/20/09, 3:01 pm
Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

You can request an appeal with the District Court if it was an informal hearing. However you have little time to do this-- you have to do it NOW. They will ask yo to file for request to appeal and ask you to post bond ($160)-- they may then set it for a formal hearing date-- this would be a good time to retain an attorney. On the other hand, if you already had a formal hearing and lost, you can appeal to the Circuit Court. Again you have time limitations to do this. Attorneys of Michigan, PLLC, Daniel Hajji 248.865.4700

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Answered on 10/20/09, 4:39 pm


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