Car Accidents from Illegal Left Turns in Michigan: Your Rights and Compensation
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A left-hand turn seems like a routine driving maneuver, but when it is done illegally, it can lead to serious collisions. In Michigan, illegal left turns are a frequent cause of intersection accidents. Drivers who turn without a green arrow or fail to yield to oncoming traffic put themselves and others at risk. If you have been injured in a crash caused by an illegal left turn, understanding Michigan’s no-fault laws and your right to seek compensation is important. A Michigan car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and protect your interests.
When Is a Left-Hand Turn Illegal in Michigan?
Under Michigan traffic laws, a left turn must be made safely and with proper signaling. A left turn is illegal when the driver does not have a green arrow or a solid green light and fails to yield the right of way to approaching vehicles that are close enough to pose a hazard. MCL 257.650.
At an intersection with a traffic light, a driver intending to make a left turn must allow vehicles going straight through in the opposite direction and wait for traffic to clear before making the left turn.
Turning left at an intersection where a sign prohibits the turn is also illegal. Drivers may not turn left from a lane that is not a designated turning lane, and they must complete the turn into the correct lane of the roadway.
Another common violation occurs when a driver runs a red light and attempts a left turn. Even with a green light, a left turn is only lawful if the traffic is clear and the turn can be made without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. A Michigan car accident lawyer often sees cases where a motorist misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic or tries to beat a yellow light, leading to a collision.
Making a Left-Hand Turn on a Two-Lane Highway
When making a left hand turn on a two-lane highway (one lane doing each direction), the law in Michigan is clear. The vehicle turning left must wait for the car coming from the opposite way to pass, and the vehicle turning left must turn as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the highway. MCL 257.647.
What is a Michigan Left or Michigan U-Turn?
A Michigan left is not a traditional left-hand turn at an intersection. Beginning in the 1960s, MDOT started installing “Michigan Lefts” or Michigan U-Turns to decrease crashes and ease traffic congestion. Instead, to make a left down a roadway, drivers must continue straight through the intersection, turn right and then make a U-turn at a median crossover. Usually, this entails the driver making a right and then crossing over to the far-left lane to enter the U-turn lane. The driver then turns their vehicle left when traffic clears.
What Does a Michigan U-Turn Look Like?
Below is a great example of what a Michigan U-Turn looks like, as illustrated by the Michigan Department of Transportation:
Common Reasons for Left-Turn Collisions
Many left-turn car crashes are the result of driver inattention or poor judgment. The most frequent causes include:
- Failure to yield: The turning driver does not yield to oncoming traffic that has the right of way.
- Distracted driving: The driver is looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or otherwise not focused on the road.
- Misunderstanding traffic signals: The driver incorrectly assumes a green light means it is always safe to turn left.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs affect reaction time and decision-making.
- Speeding: The turning driver underestimates how fast an oncoming vehicle is approaching.
In Michigan, about 280,000 car and truck accidents occur each year, resulting in roughly 71,000 injuries. Left-turn crashes account for a significant portion of intersection collisions. In fact, approximately 30% of all crashes in Michigan occur at intersections and nearly 58% of those are head-on left-turn and angle crashes. In addition, roughly 30% of all Michigan fatal crashes occur at intersections
If you are involved in such an accident, knowing your legal rights can make a difference in your recovery.
What to Do Immediately After an Illegal Left-Turn Crash
The moments after a crash can be confusing, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim. Follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up later.
- Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, insurance details, and vehicle information.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the intersection, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Also get contact information from witnesses. Record the scene on your cell phone.
- File a police report. Michigan law requires reporting any crash that causes injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. The officer will file a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident but do not give a detailed recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a Michigan car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help preserve evidence and guide you through the no-fault system.
Your Rights Under Michigan’s No-Fault Law
Michigan operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after a car accident, your own insurance policy pays for your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Every Michigan driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.
PIP benefits cover:
- Reasonable and necessary medical care
- Attendant care services
- Mileage to and from medical appointments
- Up to 85% of lost wages for a maximum of three years
- Replacement services (for example, housework or lawn care) up to a daily limit of $20 for up to three years
- Funeral and burial expenses
The Michigan no-fault law was reformed in 2019, with changes taking effect July 1, 2020. Before that date, every policy had unlimited lifetime medical benefits. After July 1, 2020, policyholders can choose their PIP medical benefit level: Unlimited, $500,000, $250,000, $50,000 (for those on Medicaid), or opt out entirely if covered by Medicare or other qualified health coverage. This reform limits the available medical benefits for many drivers, making it even more important to understand your coverage.
Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver for an Illegal Left Turn?
Although Michigan is a no-fault state, you may still be able to sue the driver who caused the illegal left turn for pain and suffering compensation. Under MCL 500.3135, you can bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but only if your injury meets a threshold defined as one of the following:
- Death
- Serious impairment of a body function
- Permanent serious disfigurement
If your injury meets that threshold, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, excess economic losses, and other damages not covered by your PIP benefits. An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can evaluate whether your injuries qualify under the law.
Deadlines You Must Know
Time is limited when pursuing a claim after a left-turn accident. You have one year from the date of the crash to file a PIP claim for first-party no-fault benefits under MCL 500.3145. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to medical and wage loss benefits. Additionally, if you intend to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, the statute of limitations in Michigan is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, the one-year PIP deadline is shorter and requires prompt action.
Reporting the crash to law enforcement is also required when there is injury or property damage over $1,000. The police report can be an important piece of evidence in your case. Make sure to obtain a copy of the UD-10 Traffic Crash Report for your records.
How a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating Michigan’s no-fault system and proving an illegal left turn can be challenging. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or argue that you contributed to the accident. An experienced Michigan accident attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, and handle communications with insurers.
Michigan personal injury lawyers like the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have been representing injured individuals in Michigan for over 50 years. They understand the complexities of no-fault law and can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. At Lee Free, we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.
When choosing representation, look for a firm with a strong track record in auto accident cases. The right attorney will explain your rights under the no-fault law, help you file PIP claims, and, if necessary, prepare a lawsuit against the negligent driver who made the illegal turn. Your focus should be on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own PIP benefits still cover your medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to sue the uninsured driver directly if the other driver was negligent and your injuries meet the threshold under Michigan law. An attorney can help you explore all available options.
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering after a left-turn accident?
Pain and suffering damages are available only if your injury qualifies as a serious impairment of body function, permanent disfigurement, or death. You must file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver, vehicle owner and other potential defendants. A great Michigan car accident lawyer near you can assess your case and advise you on the likelihood of success.
Do I need to report a crash that was just a fender bender?
Michigan law requires a UD-10 Traffic Crash Report when the accident results in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even for minor damage, it is very wise to report the crash to local law enforcement so there is an official record. This can protect you if the other party later claims injuries.
How long do I have to see a doctor after the crash?
You should see a doctor as soon as possible after any car accident, even if symptoms are not immediate. Delaying treatment can hurt your health and give the insurance company a reason to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash. Your PIP benefits cover reasonable and necessary medical care from the date of the accident.
An illegal left-hand turn can change your life in an instant. Understanding Michigan’s no-fault law, knowing what to do at the scene, and consulting a knowledgeable Michigan car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and obtain the compensation you need to move forward.
