Crashes involving vulnerable road users are rising across Michigan. In 2023, there were 2,114 pedestrian-involved crashes, an 11% increase from the previous year. Cyclists also face serious risks in intersections and crosswalks, where confusion over right-of-way can turn dangerous.

If you were hit by a vehicle while walking or biking, knowing who had the right-of-way can help determine fault and whose insurance company pays your claim.

Read on to learn what the law says about crosswalks, intersections, and yielding to know your rights. If you were hurt in a crash, a skilled Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer from Fieger Law can negotiate for full compensation for your injuries.

Crosswalks: Who Legally Has the Right-of-Way?

Crosswalks provide pedestrians with a predictable and protected path across the street. In Michigan, drivers must yield in most crosswalk situations, even when no signal is present.

Here’s how the law applies:

  • Motorists are legally required to stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, even without a traffic light.
  • Pedestrians who enter during a “walk” signal remain protected, even if the light changes while they are still crossing.
  • Pedestrians outside a crosswalk (jaywalking) don’t have automatic right-of-way, but drivers may still share fault if the accident occurred while speeding or distracted.
  • Cyclists must yield like a car would when entering a crosswalk or intersection.

If you were injured by a negligent driver while using a crosswalk, our personal injury attorneys at Fieger Law can help you hold the driver accountable.

Should Cyclists Ride on the Sidewalk or the Street?

In Michigan, sidewalk riding is allowed only if local ordinances permit it. Even when it’s legal, cyclists on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

In 2023, bicycle-involved crashes in Michigan rose by 10%, with 24 cyclist fatalities. Many of these crashes happen near intersections, often when drivers fail to look for bikes coming from the sidewalk.

Whether you were riding safely in a bike lane, on the street, or on the sidewalk when you were hit by a careless driver, speak to Fieger Law today. Our Michigan bicycle crash lawyers know how to push back against insurance companies and protect your rights as a cyclist on the road.

What Happens at Four-Way Stops? Pedestrians vs. Turning Drivers

Four-way stops often cause confusion, and not just for drivers. Pedestrians and cyclists face serious risks when others don’t follow the rules. Understanding who must yield (and when) can make the difference in assigning fault after a crash.

Here’s how right-of-way works at four-way stops in Michigan:

  • If only vehicles are at the intersection, then the driver who arrived at the intersection first has the right-of-way.
  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way in the crosswalk, regardless of who arrived first.
  • Right-turning drivers are required to wait if a pedestrian is crossing in front of them.
  • Left-turning motorists must yield to both pedestrians and traffic proceeding straight.
  • Cyclists must stop completely and follow the same rules as vehicles.

Not sure whether you had the right-of-way in your accident? Talk to our legal team at Fieger Law. We’ll help clarify your rights and pursue maximum financial recovery.

Turn Arrows, Green Lights, and Confusion: Who Goes First?

Many drivers wrongly believe a green turn arrow at a signalized intersection gives them absolute right-of-way. A green arrow tells the driver they may turn, but it doesn’t override a pedestrian who has already entered the crosswalk.

The same applies when turning right on red, during a green light, or with a flashing yellow arrow; drivers are required to yield to anyone legally crossing.

Do Pedestrians and Cyclists Have to Stop at Stop Signs?

Stop sign rules differ depending on whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, which can cause confusion after a crash. Under Michigan law:

  • Cyclists must stop at stop signs; they must follow standard traffic rules in Michigan.
  • Pedestrians don’t have to stop at stop signs but must cross safely and use marked crosswalks when available.
  • Drivers should always yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk, regardless of who got there first.

When a driver strikes a pedestrian, the consequences are often severe. 80% of pedestrians hit by a vehicle suffer serious injuries or lose their lives.

If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced Michigan pedestrian accident lawyers at Fieger Law can help you pursue compensation for your losses.

Injured While Crossing the Road? Let Fieger Law Fight for You

Crosswalks and intersections aren’t gray areas. The law sets clear expectations and, when drivers ignore them, pedestrians and cyclists often pay the price.

If you’re hit while walking or biking, you shouldn’t be left to deal with medical bills, lost wages, or insurance delays on your own. Fieger Law knows how to handle intersection cases, challenge blame-shifting, and pursue the full support you’re owed.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to hear your story and build a strong legal case on your behalf.