Road construction workers are at risk from motorists in Michigan

Road construction workers who are stationed on the side of the road for any reason in Michigan are inherently vulnerable to injuries and death in an accident. The danger is a growing concern for administrators, legislators and law enforcement. With that, the Michigan Department of Transportation continues to emphasize the need for drivers to follow the Move Over law and to give roadside workers room to do their jobs without fear of a vehicle crashing into them.

Workers in jeopardy

Even as drivers are warned that they must reduce their speed and move to let road workers do their jobs there are still a troubling number of accidents with worker injuries and even death. There is constant potential for injury and death that roadside workers, emergency crews and first responders must face because drivers refuse to follow the law.

Consider some recent examples:

• A pickup truck driver lost control and hit a construction worker on I-75 near Saginaw in early January 2022. The pickup truck also crashed into the median barrier in the construction zone. Contractors were working to put sections of the barrier back in place. The driver reportedly suffered significant, non-threatening injuries.
• A construction worker was taken to the hospital after a hit-and-run accident in September 2021 near Grand Rapids. A semi hauling a blue trailer caught a piece of construction equipment on the trailer and continued down the road, according to Michigan State Police. The construction worker’s injuries were considered minor.

Distraction is a primary concern with drivers texting, using social media and watching movies while driving. Other catalysts include speeding, driving under the influence and recklessness. Even as these road works take precautions by using a truck to serve as a shield for other trucks and workers, the potential for injury remains significant. Drivers are expected to move over when they see these vehicles on the side of the road. If that is not possible, they need to reduce their speed.

Get help with your benefits

Anyone whose job requires that they place themselves in harm’s way will run the risk of suffering workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits are imperative to give the injured person the freedom to return to full health. These types of work accidents can leave the worker with broken bones, torn muscles, brain trauma, spinal cord damage, scars, internal injuries and more. In a worst-case scenario, there will be a fatality.

To pursue compensation, it is useful for road workers, first responders and anyone else stationed on the side of the road to know how to pursue the maximum in benefits. Having advice from the start is key and can help with filing a successful claim. Working with the auto accident attorneys at Bashore Green can help you significantly increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve following an auto accident that wasn’t your fault. Call us at 248-838-0635 to set up your no obligation appointment.