Construction Zone Car Accident Lawyer Detroit: Crashes in Work Areas

You were careful. They weren’t. Maybe you slowed down in the orange barrel maze. Maybe you followed every confusing sign, every flashing arrow. But then—bam. Another driver plowed into you. Or a construction vehicle made a sudden turn. Or a missing sign left you no warning before disaster struck.

Detroit’s roads are constantly under construction—but that doesn’t mean drivers and contractors get a free pass to be careless. Construction zones are some of the most dangerous areas on Michigan highways, and when things go wrong, it’s you who suffers: crushed cars, broken bones, missed work, medical bills piling up.

These aren’t just “accidents.” Often, they’re the direct result of:

• Poorly marked lanes
• Mismatched or missing signage
• Sudden lane shifts with no warning
• Speeding drivers ignoring reduced zone limits
• Construction crews failing to protect the public

Whether the crash was caused by a reckless driver, a negligent construction company, or a city crew that failed to make the area safe—we come armed with legal firepower to make them pay.

We know how Michigan’s roadwork laws work. We know the local roads, the state contractors, and the legal loopholes they try to hide behind. And we’re not afraid to take on powerful players, from city departments to big insurance firms.

Michigan Law on Construction Zone Accidents

Mandatory Reduced Speeds and Increased Caution

Michigan law requires drivers to slow down and use extreme caution in construction zones. According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, this isn’t optional. Speed limits are posted and enforced—especially when workers are present.

But here’s what happens in reality: Drivers fly through the cones like it’s a racetrack. They ignore signs, merge dangerously, or fumble with their phones. That kind of behavior is not just reckless—it’s illegal in work zones.

Double the Fines—And Double the Liability

Michigan law doubles fines for traffic violations in construction zones. But it’s not just about tickets. That elevated responsibility can also increase liability in civil court.

If a driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent in a construction zone and caused your crash, they may face enhanced civil liability—which strengthens your case for compensation.

What About No-Fault Insurance? Here’s the Breakdown

Michigan’s No-Fault Law still applies in construction zone crashes, which means:

• You’re entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover medical bills, wage loss, and more—regardless of fault.
• But if you suffered a “serious impairment of body function”—like a brain injury, spinal trauma, or broken bones—you may sue the at-fault driver or company for full damages.

What If a City, County, or State Is at Fault?

If the crash was caused by a public entity—like MDOT, the City of Detroit, or a government-hired contractor—you may face governmental immunity defenses.

But don’t be discouraged. Marko Law has successfully brought lawsuits against public agencies by proving gross negligence, defective roadway design, or failure to warn.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Construction Zone Crash?

Negligent Drivers: Speeders, Texters, and Reckless Operators

The most common—and deadly—factor in construction zone crashes? Careless drivers.

• Speeding through posted work zone limits
• Distracted by phones or GPS
• Weaving through cones or tailgating in bottlenecks
• Ignoring merge signs or slamming on brakes last minute

If another driver’s recklessness caused your injuries, they’re liable—and we’ll use black box data, dash cams, and eyewitness testimony to prove it.

Construction Companies: Unsafe Sites, Poor Planning

Contractors have a legal duty to make work zones safe for drivers—not just their crews. When they cut corners, people get hurt.

We’ve seen it all:

• Missing warning signs
• Confusing or contradictory lane markings
• No flaggers present during active work
• Poor lighting or unsecured equipment in the roadway

If the construction company failed to follow safety protocols, they may be held liable for negligence. And we know how to uncover those failures—even when they try to hide them.

Municipal Agencies: Road Design and Signage Failures

In some cases, government agencies like MDOT or local public works departments contribute to the hazard:

• Badly designed detours
• No warning about sudden lane closures
• Unclear or obstructed signs
• Dangerous transitions between pavement and gravel

These cases involve governmental immunity, but don’t let that scare you. If we can prove gross negligence or a failure to maintain safe roads, you may still have a case.

Third-Party Contractors and Site Operators

Construction zones often involve multiple companies working together: subcontractors, traffic control firms, equipment rental providers. If one of them dropped the ball—by leaving equipment in the road, failing to light the zone, or mismanaging traffic—they can be brought into your case.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Crash

Call 911 Immediately and Get Medical Help

Always report the crash—even if it seems minor. Police need to document what happened, especially in a work zone where construction crews or equipment might be involved. If you’re hurt, don’t tough it out. Get checked by EMS on scene or go to the ER. Some injuries—like brain trauma or spinal injuries—may not show symptoms right away.

Document Everything—Before It Disappears

Construction zones change daily, sometimes hourly. That makes your documentation extremely valuable:

• Take wide shots of the crash scene
• Capture signs (or missing signs), lane closures, barriers, cones
• Photograph all vehicles involved, license plates, skid marks
• Record any construction equipment nearby or obstructing the roadway

Get Names of Workers and Witnesses

Was a flagger present? Did a construction worker witness the crash? Ask for names, company affiliations, or contact info. These people may be key witnesses or provide insight into who was responsible for setting up (or failing to set up) the work zone.

And if bystanders saw what happened, get their phone numbers before they disappear.

Don’t Discuss Fault With Anyone on Scene

It’s natural to want to talk it out, but avoid saying anything that could be used against you later.

• Don’t apologize
• Don’t argue
• Don’t speculate

Even saying “I didn’t see the sign” can be twisted by insurance companies to pin fault on you. Let the facts speak for themselves—and let us do the talking when the time comes.

Call Marko Law Before You Call Your Insurance

Insurance companies aren’t on your side. They’re trained to minimize payouts—especially in construction zone cases where multiple parties might be on the hook.

Before you give any recorded statement or accept any settlement offer, talk to Marko Law. We’ll protect you from lowball tactics and start building a powerful case from day one.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Construction Zone Crash?

Medical Expenses—Now and in the Future

We pursue full coverage of all medical costs, not just the bare minimum. That includes:

• ER visits and hospital stays
• Surgeries and follow-up care
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Medication, mobility aids, and transportation
• Long-term treatment for catastrophic injuries like spinal cord or brain trauma

Lost Income and Future Earning Ability

If your injury forced you to miss work—or worse, changed your ability to earn a living—you can seek compensation for:

• Past lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Missed career opportunities
• Disability-related job changes

Pain and Suffering

This is where many insurance companies try to shortchange victims. But at Marko Law, we know your pain is worth something.

You may be compensated for:

• Physical pain and limitations
• Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Property Damage

Your vehicle and any personal property inside it (phones, laptops, equipment) should be repaired or replaced at full, fair value. We also pursue compensation for diminished vehicle value—especially if the car was relatively new.

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one in a construction zone crash, you may have a claim for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
  
  
• Loss of companionship and support
• Lost future income
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages

In cases where the crash was caused by gross negligence—like a contractor ignoring known hazards or a driver blatantly violating work zone laws—we may pursue punitive damages.

These are meant to punish egregious conduct and send a message: this should never happen again.

Get Legal Protection Before You Get Railroaded

Construction zone crashes are messy—multiple parties pointing fingers, insurance companies lowballing you, and city agencies hiding behind red tape. While you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, they’re already building a defense.

Don’t wait. Don’t get pushed around. And don’t face this alone.

At Marko Law, we know how to take on reckless drivers, negligent contractors, and public agencies that fail to make our roads safe. We don’t blink at complexity—we lean in. Whether your case involves broken bones or broken laws, we bring the fight.

We offer free case evaluations, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com