Detroit Road Crew Member Struck by Passing Car on I-75
A Detroit road crew member struck by a passing car on I-75 was hospitalized Monday afternoon after a collision disrupted traffic and left both the worker and the driver injured. The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. on the southbound lanes of I-75, just near the East Warren Avenue overpass, according to Michigan State Police.
Details of the Collision
Authorities reported that a City of Detroit maintenance crew had been stationed on the right shoulder of the freeway performing work duties. The crew’s vehicles, including a pickup truck, were parked in a protective convoy to alert oncoming traffic. Despite these precautions, a Buick Enclave traveling southbound drifted across the lane line, slamming into the back of the parked pickup truck.
The force of the crash not only caused severe damage to both vehicles but also struck one of the road workers who had been outside with the crew at the time. The worker was pinned between the Buick and the pickup truck, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
In a dramatic aftermath, the Buick flipped onto its roof, leaving its driver in need of immediate medical attention. Michigan State Police confirmed that the driver of the Buick was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Meanwhile, the injured road worker was assisted by his colleagues and taken to a local hospital in another crew vehicle for evaluation and treatment.
Road Safety Concerns
This accident highlights the persistent dangers faced by road maintenance crews across Michigan. Despite signage, safety vehicles, and work-zone protocols, distracted or inattentive driving continues to put the lives of workers at risk. Motorists are reminded that Michigan law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency responders, utility workers, or maintenance crews operating on the roadway.
Compensation at Stake for Victims
For the injured road worker, the accident could carry financial, physical, and emotional consequences that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath. Compensation may be available for:
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Medical Expenses: Hospital visits, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
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Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and any future diminished earning capacity.
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Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the incident.
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Worker’s Compensation Benefits: Coverage for workplace injuries, though these benefits can sometimes be limited.
It is essential to note that work zone accidents frequently involve multiple liable parties, including negligent drivers, employers, and even third-party contractors, which can complicate the claims process.
How Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC Can Help
At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be for victims and their families to navigate these situations. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing injury victims in Michigan, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. We thoroughly investigate accident reports, gather evidence, and work with experts to build strong cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a roadway, you may be entitled to far more than what initial insurance or worker’s compensation claims suggest. At our firm, we believe in protecting workers who put themselves in harm’s way to maintain safe roadways for all of us. We stand by our clients every step of the way, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
