Michigan winters don’t play fair. One moment you’re navigating ice, slush, and near-whiteout conditions… the next, a snow plow or other city vehicle barrels into you, leaving you injured, shaken, and staring at a twisted mess of metal and headlights.

You’re in pain. You’re scared. And as the medical bills start piling up, one question won’t stop spinning in your head:

“Who pays for this?”

If you’ve been hit by a municipal vehicle—especially a snow plow—your situation becomes more complicated than a typical crash. Government agencies follow different rules, different deadlines, and different liability standards. Victims often feel powerless.

At Marko Law, we step in exactly when things feel impossible. We help you cut through the legal fog surrounding city-owned vehicles and governmental immunity. And we know that world well. In fact, attorney Jon Marko has taken on—and beaten—government departments, including securing a $10.4 million verdict against the City of Detroit, as well as multiple other high-impact government-related cases that helped shape Michigan law.

When the government tries to hide behind its rules, we push back—hard.

Government Vehicle Crashes in Michigan: Understanding the Law

What Is Governmental Immunity?

In Michigan, cities, counties, and many public employees are protected by the Governmental Tort Liability Act. In simple terms, it means:

Most government agencies can’t be sued for negligence.

That doesn’t mean victims are out of luck—but it does mean you must fit your case into one of the statutory exceptions. And if you miss the right exception, or fail to meet a deadline, the government will slam the door on your claim.

Every case is different. Speak with an attorney to understand your rights.

The Motor Vehicle Exception — Your Path Around Immunity

One of the most important exceptions is the Motor Vehicle Exception, found in MCL 691.1405. Here’s the rule in plain language:

If a government employee negligently operates a motor vehicle and causes injury, the government CAN be held liable.

This matters because snow plows, salt trucks, and most road-service vehicles count as “motor vehicles” when operated on Michigan roads.

Negligent operation can include:

• Driving too fast for winter conditions
• Failing to keep a proper lookout
• Improper or unsafe positioning of the plow blade
• Distracted driving
• Failing to follow safety protocols
• Operating equipment without proper training or supervision

These cases are complex—but not impossible. In fact, Michigan courts have examined this issue closely. In West v. Department of Natural Resources, a case involving injuries connected to government-operated vehicles, the court analyzed the scope of the motor-vehicle exception—work that attorneys like Jon Marko have been deeply involved in.

This experience matters when your case depends on navigating this exact legal terrain.

When the Motor Vehicle Exception Applies to Snow Plows

Snow plows aren’t just large vehicles—they’re massive, steel-bladed machines often operating in the worst road conditions imaginable. To hold a city accountable, you must show that the plow operator acted negligently. Examples include:

• Excessive speed on ice or slush
• Improper blade height or angle, causing the plow to strike vehicles or push snow into traffic
• Failure to follow city plow protocols
• Distracted or careless driving
• Inadequate training or supervision by the city
• Failure to clear blind spots caused by heavy equipment

Municipal agencies often argue that plow drivers get extra leeway because of hazardous conditions. But negligence is negligence—and many serious injuries and deaths happen because rules were not followed.

At Marko Law, we know how to gather the evidence, obtain city records, secure maintenance logs, and expose failures that the government prefers to keep buried.

Who Pays for Your Damages?

No-Fault Insurance & Your Immediate Benefits

Regardless of who caused the crash, Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance steps in first. This means you may be entitled to:

• Unlimited medical coverage (depending on your policy)
• Wage loss benefits
• Replacement services
• Attendant care when needed

Even when a city vehicle is 100% at fault, you must still follow No-Fault rules—and missing a step can cost you thousands. Our team guides clients through the process so nothing gets overlooked.

Suing the Government for Pain & Suffering

To pursue a claim beyond No-Fault benefits—like pain and suffering—you must show:

1. The government vehicle was operated negligently,
2. The motor-vehicle exception applies, and
3. You suffered a “serious impairment of body function” (Michigan’s injury threshold).

Pain and suffering damages may include:

• Emotional trauma
• Physical pain
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement

These damages are often the largest part of a case—but only if handled correctly.

Property Damage Claims Against the City

If a snow plow destroys your vehicle, mailbox, or other personal property, you can make a claim against the city. But here’s the catch:

• The process is highly technical
• Damages may be limited
• Strict statutory deadlines apply (some as short as 30–120 days)
• Claims must be filed with the correct city department or risk being denied

Marko Law helps clients avoid these traps and recover the compensation they’re entitled to.

What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Snow Plow

Prioritize Safety

Move away from traffic if you can. Winter roads are unpredictable, visibility is low, and secondary crashes happen all the time. Turn on your hazard lights and keep warm.

Collect Evidence When Possible

If you’re able, gather details while everything is fresh:

• The name of the snow plow operator
• The city department or contractor involved
• Vehicle numbers or identification markings
• Names and contact info of witnesses

These cases often turn on proof, not assumptions.

Photograph Everything

Take pictures or videos of:

• The accident scene
• Your vehicle
• The snow plow
• Road conditions
• Injuries
• Skid marks, debris, and plow blade positions

Winter weather erases evidence fast. Documenting it early gives your attorney the advantage.

Get a Medical Evaluation Immediately

Even if you “feel okay,” winter crashes can cause hidden injuries like concussions, internal trauma, or soft-tissue damage. Medical records form the foundation of your injury claim.

File a Police Report

A formal police report is crucial—especially when the defendant is a municipality. It verifies key facts and prevents the city from rewriting the story later.

DO NOT Speak to Adjusters Alone

City insurance representatives may seem friendly—but their job is to limit payouts.
Don’t give statements. Don’t sign anything. Don’t agree to recorded calls.

Your words can be twisted against you. Let your attorney handle the conversations.

Call an Attorney Who Understands Government Liability

Government vehicle cases involve strict deadlines, immunity defenses, and legal traps. You need a team that knows how to cut through those barriers and force accountability.

At Marko Law, this is what we do.

Snow Plow Hit You? Marko Law Hits Back.

You didn’t ask for this.
You didn’t cause this.
And you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.

Being hit by a snow plow or city vehicle thrusts you into a world of pain, confusion, and legal red tape—especially when the government hides behind immunity. But these cases can be won, and Marko Law has the record, the reputation, and the relentless drive to fight for you.

From multimillion-dollar verdicts to nationally recognized trial victories, our team has stood up to government agencies—and beat them. Now, we’re ready to stand up for you.

But time is not on your side. Government claims have strict, unforgiving deadlines. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case becomes.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

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