Two MDOT Workers Killed in Ingham County Work Zone Crash on US-127
Two workers from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) died on Tuesday, May 26, after being struck by an SUV in Ingham County.
The crash took place on northbound US-127 near Holt Road at around 1:18 p.m. when two workers were hit by a vehicle. The two workers, ages 51 and 49, both from Mason, were killed.
A third worker was evaluated and released at the scene by first responders.
The driver of the SUV, a 24-year-old DeWitt man, was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Investigators believe the driver lost control of his vehicle at a high speed. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Part of northbound US-127 was shut down while first responders cleared the scene and attempted to save the men. Traffic reopened at 6:30 p.m., and the road is now fully open.
Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, said every fatality in a work zone is a devastating reminder that more must be done to protect road workers. He called on drivers to slow down, pay attention and remember that work zones are “someone’s workplace.”
The Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) also released a statement saying it has raised concerns about highway work-zone safety for years and is again calling on state officials to review the fatal crash and strengthen signage and safety procedures.
“Safety cannot be treated as a talking point after tragedy strikes,” MSEA President Jacob VanSickle said in a statement.
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team, Delhi Township Fire, Mason Fire and MMR Ambulance.
The crash remains under investigation. The names of the people involved have not yet been released.
Michigan Law and Work Zone Crashes
Michigan law imposes enhanced penalties when certain moving violations cause injury or death in a work zone.
Under MCL 257.601b, a driver who commits a qualifying moving violation in a work zone and causes injury may face misdemeanor penalties. If the violation causes death, the offense can become a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.
The law is commonly associated with “Andy’s Law,” Michigan’s work-zone safety legislation designed to protect road workers and others in marked work zones.
Depending on the facts, investigators and prosecutors may consider whether the crash involved:
- moving violation causing death
- reckless driving causing death
- speeding in a work zone
- distracted driving
- operating while intoxicated or impaired
The crash may also raise civil wrongful-death, insurance and workers’ compensation issues, depending on the investigation and available coverage.
Because the workers were killed while performing their jobs, workers’ compensation death benefits may be involved. Separate claims against a third party, such as a negligent driver, may also be possible depending on the facts.
If questions arise about the work-zone setup itself, liability can depend on who controlled the work zone, who employed the workers, what safety rules applied and what legal defenses may be available.
Questions that can affect liability in a work-zone crash may include:
- Was the work zone properly marked?
- Were signs, cones, barrels, arrow boards, attenuators or barriers properly placed?
- Was the speed limit properly posted?
- Were workers exposed to live traffic without sufficient protection?
- Did the work-zone setup comply with applicable safety standards?
- Were there prior complaints or known hazards at that location?
Get Help From Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center is the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates. Our attorneys help injured people and grieving families across Michigan with work-zone crashes, car accidents, No-Fault claims, wrongful death cases, third-party lawsuits, insurance disputes and serious injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Michigan work-zone crash or another serious crash, call Michigan Legal Center at (248) 886-8650 or contact us for a consultation.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.
Note
Our firm used outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified every fact regarding this crash. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Michigan Legal Center immediately so we can correct the post. This post can be removed upon request.
Disclaimer
This post is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. If a photograph is used with this post, it was not taken at the actual crash scene unless specifically stated.