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Romulus, MI (May 11, 2026) — A Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper was hospitalized on Sunday, May 10, after a semitruck struck a patrol vehicle on Interstate 94. The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near Merriman Road.
At the time of the crash, the MSP was in the process of closing the interstate to facilitate a utility cable crossing. Two troopers were positioned in the right and center lanes with their emergency lights activated to block traffic.
According to state police, a semitruck driven by a 59-year-old man from Ontario, Canada, failed to move over and rear-ended one of the stationary patrol cars.
The impacted trooper was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The truck driver was cited at the scene for failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the wreck.
We wish a full and swift recovery to the hurt trooper.
What are the Legal Implications of Michigan’s Move Over Law?
In Michigan, the Move Over Law (Emergency Vehicle Caution Law) requires motorists to slow down and, if safe, move over at least one lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated. A violation to this law carries significant legal consequences.
Establishing Negligence Per Se in Civil Claims
When a driver is cited for violating the Move Over law, it can be used in a civil case as evidence of negligence per se. This means that because the driver broke a safety law designed to protect people on the roadside, they are automatically presumed to have acted negligently.
Navigating Strict Liability for Commercial Drivers
Professional drivers, particularly those operating heavy semitrucks, are held to a higher standard of care on Michigan highways. You have the right to investigate whether the driver’s failure to move over was the result of distracted driving or a lack of training by the motor carrier.
A legal counsel can review the driver’s safety record and the company’s internal “safety scores” (CSA scores) to determine if this was an isolated incident or part of a pattern of disregarding Michigan’s highway safety statutes.
Recovering Damages for Violations Resulting in Injury
In Michigan, if a Move Over violation results in injury to emergency responders or other motorists, the penalties and civil liabilities are enhanced. You have the right to pursue a claim for the full spectrum of damages, including long-term rehabilitation and lost earning capacity.
A Romulus car accident lawyer works with medical and vocational experts to quantify these losses, ensuring that the settlement reflects the severity of the injury caused by a driver’s disregard for the safety of those working on the shoulder of the interstate.
Michigan’s law system after an accident can be confusing. At Ratton Law Group, we can help you deal with the insurance companies and ensure you are pursuing the full compensation you deserve.
If you have questions following a driving accident in Michigan, you can contact Ratton Law Group at (313) 631-0502 to speak with our personal injury lawyer in a free initial consultation and discuss your legal options.
Notes: This post is based on information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the crash have not been independently confirmed. If you notice any inaccuracies, please reach out to Ratton Law Group PC so we can update the post with the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: The content in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney–client relationship and is not meant to solicit business. If you were injured in an accident, please seek medical care right away. The photo used here is for illustration only and does not depict the actual accident scene.
