You had the right of way. You followed the rules. Someone else didn’t, and now you’re left dealing with the consequences. A failure-to-yield crash can lead to serious injuries and unexpected losses. Plus, your recovery takes longer than expected. Now you’re dealing with pain, stress, and financial pressure that someone else caused.
Fieger Law takes on tough car accident cases involving right-of-way issues. You get a legal team that understands how to prove fault under Michigan law and how to build a case around your injury. When another driver ignores traffic laws and causes harm, you should not be stuck with the consequences. We help you build a case, demand accountability, and recover what was lost.
Contact Fieger Law today and get a free case review.
5 Common Scenarios for Failure-to-Yield Accidents
A failure-to-yield accident happens when a driver does not give the right-of-way as required by law. It can lead to crashes at intersections, merges, or pedestrian crossings. Drivers are expected to pause or allow others to move first, depending on the situation. When that does not happen, things quickly spiral out of control and serious injuries and property damage follow.
Here are five common failure-to-yield case types our law firm takes on:
- Intersection right-of-way violations
- Left turn yield failures
- Stop sign and traffic signal violations
- Highway merge and lane change incidents
- Pedestrian crosswalk violations
Fieger Law handles failure-to-yield accidents across Michigan. Some involve high-speed highway merges. Others happen when drivers ignore stop signs or enter crosswalks without checking for pedestrians. No matter the cause, we investigate the crash, gather evidence, and hold the right party accountable. If you were injured because someone ignored the rules, we are ready to help.
Michigan Laws Regarding Failure to Yield
Understanding how Michigan law defines “failure to yield” is key to building a strong legal case. The following laws explain when drivers must yield, what rules apply in specific situations, and how those violations affect liability after a crash:
Right-of-Way Regulations in Michigan
Michigan law outlines specific expectations for yielding. Under MCL 257.649, drivers must yield to vehicles already in an intersection and give the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the right if both enter at the same time. The same statute applies to broken traffic lights, which must be treated as stop signs.
Specific Michigan Traffic Laws That Apply
Multiple statutes describe when and how a driver must yield. MCL 257.650 covers left turns and requires yielding to any oncoming traffic that poses a hazard. MCL 257.652 applies when a driver enters a public road from a private driveway or alley. They must stop and yield to all approaching vehicles. MCL 257.612 states that drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street.
How Do These Laws Affect Accident Liability in the State?
Violation of any right-of-way statute may establish fault in a civil case. Under MCL 257.401, the driver and the vehicle owner may both be held liable if someone is injured. In failure-to-yield cases, pointing to the specific law that was broken helps show negligence. It gives your case a legal foundation backed by the traffic code, which can lead to a stronger recovery for damages.
Common Injuries in Failure-to-Yield Accidents
Failure-to-yield accidents often involve side impacts, sudden turns, or unsafe merges. Even at lower speeds, the body can absorb a violent amount of force. Injuries vary depending on how the crash happened. What part of the vehicle was struck, and whether you were walking, driving, or riding as a passenger also determines the extent of your injuries.
Common injuries from failure-to-yield accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Cuts, bruises, and facial trauma
Some injuries heal with time. Others stay with you for life. Even a fracture or neck injury can lead to chronic pain, limited movement, or job loss. The full impact depends on your age, health, and what kind of care you receive.
Determining Liability in Failure-to-Yield Cases
Proving fault in a failure-to-yield crash starts with strong evidence. It includes photos of the scene, vehicle damage, traffic patterns, and surveillance footage, if available. Timing and position matter in these cases. We may hire a traffic reconstruction expert if the accident involves serious injury or conflicting accounts.
Police reports and witness statements play a major role in a car accident claim. An officer may cite the other driver for a right-of-way violation or include observations that support your version of events. Eyewitnesses can confirm who entered the intersection first or whether a turn was made without proper clearance.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule under MCL 600.2959. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance Considerations for Michigan Victims
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers medical expenses, wage loss, and replacement services regardless of who caused the crash.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits help cover treatment and some lost income, but the amount depends on the coverage limits chosen in your policy. No-fault benefits do not include compensation for pain and suffering unless your injury meets Michigan’s serious injury threshold under state law.
If you suffer a serious impairment of body function, permanent disfigurement, or death, you may pursue an injury claim against the at-fault driver. That allows you to seek damages beyond what no-fault covers.
Why Choose Fieger Law for Your Failure-to-Yield Accident Case
When a driver ignores the rules of the road and leaves you injured, you need legal support that does more than fill out paperwork. Fieger Law builds every case with a clear legal strategy, a command of Michigan traffic laws, and the experience to take it to court when needed. We work to prove fault and recover what the crash took from your life.
Why victims across Michigan hire Fieger Law:
- Decades of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases
- In-depth knowledge of Michigan traffic and liability laws
- Access to medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- Aggressive case preparation aimed at securing maximum recovery
- Track record of taking complex cases to trial when necessary
- Direct, honest communication throughout the legal process
Every failure-to-yield case brings its own set of facts, evidence, and challenges. Whether you were hit in an intersection or during a turn, we know how to prove what happened. If you need help recovering damages, we are ready to help.
5 Steps to Take After a Failure-to-Yield Accident
What you do after a failure-to-yield crash can affect your ability to recover financial and personal damages. The steps you take in the first hours and days help establish what happened and protect your legal rights. Every detail matters, especially when the other driver tries to avoid responsibility.
Here are five steps to take after a failure-to-yield crash:
- Call the police and file a report.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Collect and organize all related documents.
- Preserve physical and digital crash evidence.
- Contact our personal injury law firm.
Waiting to take legal action can weaken your case. Evidence fades, paperwork gets lost, and insurance adjusters may try to shift blame. Acting quickly gives your case a clear foundation and puts pressure on the other side.
Contact Fieger Law for a Free Case Assessment
If another driver failed to yield and left you injured, now is the time to act. Your next move matters. Fieger Law helps you understand your legal options and take steps that protect your future. You don’t have to guess what to do next.
Contact us now and get a free case review from an experienced lawyer in Michigan.
