Left-turn collisions can occur at intersections, driveways, and other locations where a vehicle crosses opposing traffic. Michigan law establishes right-of-way and signaling requirements for drivers making left turns, but determining fault after a collision depends on the specific circumstances and available evidence.

Michigan’s Left-Turn Rules

Under MCL 257.650, a driver intending to turn left within an intersection must yield the right of way to an approaching vehicle that is already within the intersection or is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard. After yielding and signaling as required, the driver may proceed with the turn.

Michigan separately addresses left turns made at locations other than intersections under MCL 257.649a. This may apply when a driver turns left into an alley, private road, or driveway and crosses the path of approaching traffic.

Under MCL 257.648, drivers must also provide the appropriate signal before turning. Failure to yield or signal as required may be relevant when determining fault, but a traffic violation does not necessarily resolve every question about how a collision occurred.

Why the Left-Turning Driver Is Not Automatically at Fault

Although Michigan law places an important duty to yield on drivers making left turns, the circumstances of a crash may involve the actions of more than one driver. For example, the speed of an approaching vehicle, the traffic signal, and the actions of each driver immediately before the collision may all be relevant when determining fault.

Michigan’s comparative fault rules under MCL 600.2959 allow fault to be allocated among multiple parties based on their respective contributions to a crash. The percentage of fault assigned to an injured person may affect the damages available in a civil claim.

What Evidence May Help Determine Fault

Left-turn crashes can involve disputed questions about vehicle speeds, traffic signals, and the positions of the vehicles when the turn occurred. Relevant evidence may include photographs and video from the scene, witness statements, vehicle damage, dash cam footage, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences.

A police crash report may also provide useful information about the vehicles, drivers, witnesses, and circumstances documented by the responding officer. However, the report itself does not necessarily determine who is legally responsible for the collision. Preserving available evidence early can help establish how the crash occurred.

How Michigan No-Fault Benefits and Injury Claims May Apply

Michigan’s no-fault system may provide eligible injured people with PIP benefits for accident-related medical expenses, wage loss, and certain other losses without regard to who caused the collision. Under MCL 500.3107, PIP benefits may include allowable expenses for reasonably necessary medical care, rehabilitation, and other qualifying expenses. Available benefits depend on the applicable insurance coverage and circumstances.

No-fault PIP benefits generally do not compensate an injured person for pain and suffering or other noneconomic losses. Under MCL 500.3135, an injured person may be able to pursue a claim against an at-fault driver for noneconomic damages when the injuries meet Michigan’s statutory threshold, including serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death.

Whether an additional claim is available depends on the facts of the collision, the injuries involved, and the evidence concerning fault.

If you were injured in a left-turn collision in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

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