Navigating a roundabout should be simple but in reality, these circular intersections often lead to confusion, near-misses, and serious crashes. As more roundabouts pop up across Michigan, many drivers are left wondering: Who has the right-of-way? Who’s at fault in a roundabout accident? And what should you do after a crash?
Unlike traditional intersections, roundabouts rely heavily on driver judgment. A split-second mistake such as failing to yield, changing lanes mid-circle, or misjudging another vehicle’s speed can lead to collisions that raise tough questions about liability. If you’ve been injured in a roundabout crash in Michigan, understanding how fault is determined is critical to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
Why Roundabouts Are a Common Site for Car Accidents in Michigan
Roundabouts were introduced in Michigan as a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional intersections. They’re designed to reduce high-speed collisions, improve traffic flow, and minimize delays. But despite those benefits, roundabouts can still be dangerous especially for drivers unfamiliar with the rules or caught off guard by other vehicles.
In cities like Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, roundabouts are increasingly replacing stoplights at busy intersections. While the design may lower the risk of deadly T-bone and head-on crashes, it introduces new risks: confusion over lane selection, failure to yield, and improper merging. Add in fast-moving traffic and split-second decisions, and accidents are bound to happen.
Many drivers mistakenly assume that entering vehicles have the right-of-way or that they can switch lanes mid-roundabout. These misconceptions lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and failure-to-yield crashes especially during peak traffic hours.
Types of Crashes That Happen in Roundabouts
Roundabouts are meant to simplify traffic movement, but when drivers don’t understand how to navigate them properly, collisions are common. Unlike traditional four-way stops, roundabouts require constant motion, quick decision-making, and proper lane positioning. When one driver makes the wrong move, others often don’t have time to react.
Here are the most common types of car accidents that occur in Michigan roundabouts:
Each of these crash types presents different liability challenges depending on speed, visibility, signage, and whether the drivers involved followed traffic laws.
Who Has the Right-of-Way in a Michigan Roundabout?
One of the biggest sources of confusion in roundabout accidents is right-of-way. In Michigan, the law is clear: vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way, and all entering vehicles must yield before merging. Unfortunately, not every driver follows or even understands this rule.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), roundabouts are governed by a few key principles:
Misunderstandings about these rules often lead to preventable crashes. For example, a driver entering too aggressively may cause a failure-to-yield collision, while another who changes lanes mid-roundabout can sideswipe a vehicle beside them. In many cases, dash cam or traffic footage becomes crucial in proving who failed to follow the law.
Determining Fault After a Roundabout Accident
Figuring out who’s at fault in a roundabout crash isn’t always straightforward. Because traffic is continuously moving and multiple vehicles may be involved, fault often hinges on small details such as who had the right-of-way, which lane a driver was in, or whether someone signaled properly when exiting.
Michigan uses a comparative negligence system, which means more than one driver can share blame. In roundabout collisions, liability is typically assigned based on traffic laws, witness statements, dash cam or intersection footage, and the specific actions of each driver.
Even a small error like failing to signal or misjudging the gap when entering can place full or partial fault on a driver. That’s why documenting the scene and speaking with an experienced car crash attorney is so important.
What to Do After a Crash in a Roundabout
The moments after a roundabout crash can be disorienting, especially with traffic still circulating around you. But your actions in the aftermath can make a major difference in protecting your health, preserving evidence, and strengthening your claim.
If you’re involved in a roundabout accident in Michigan, follow these key steps:
Even if the accident seems minor, roundabout crashes often involve disputed liability. Getting legal help early can make the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.
Can You Sue After a Roundabout Accident in Michigan?
Yes, you can sue after a roundabout crash in Michigan if your injuries meet certain legal thresholds. Because Michigan is a no-fault state, your own insurance company will generally cover medical expenses and lost wages up to your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) limits, regardless of who caused the accident. But if you’ve suffered a serious injury, you may also have the right to file a third-party lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
To sue in Michigan, you must meet the “serious impairment of body function” standard. This could include:
A lawsuit allows you to recover damages not covered by no-fault insurance, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical costs, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.
Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer If You Were Hurt in a Roundabout Crash
Roundabout accidents can be complicated, especially when drivers disagree about what happened or who had the right-of-way. Don’t leave your case to chance or let an insurance company decide what your injuries are worth. If you’ve been injured in a roundabout crash anywhere in Michigan, we’re here to help.
At The Clark Law Office, we’ve spent decades holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. We’ll investigate the crash, preserve key evidence, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win your case. For more information on similar crash scenarios, visit our full guide to common types of car accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roundabout Accidents in Michigan
