Michigan Snow Plow Car Accidents: Prevention With Green Oscillating Lights

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Green lights on MDOT snow plows reduces car accidents making them more visible and alerting motorists to the need for caution in wintery conditions

The oscillating green safety lights we see on the backs of Michigan snow plows are there to prevent a car snow plow accident. Because they are easier to see, drivers able to be more aware, reduce their speed, and exercise more care to avoid a rear-end crash with a plow.

The green lights are aimed at reducing the number of Michigan snow plow car accidents in wintery conditions.

The safety goal of the green snow lights is four-fold:

The green lights on snow plows help to alert motorists to wintery, low-visibility conditions.
They serve as a reminder to drive at an appropriate speed because of winter road conditions.
The green lights raise motorists’ awareness of the presence of snow plows – whose drivers are putting themselves at risk to clear the roadways and make them safer for motorists.
By increasing visibility and awareness, the oscillating green safety lights will prevent rear-end crashes involving snow plows.

Accident lawyers like myself applaud the green, safety lights. They’re much more effective than amber lights at catching motorists’ attention. Drivers who are more alert and attentive are less likely to be involved in a crash with a snow removal vehicle.

Difference between green and amber snow plow lights

Kent County Road Commission Deputy Managing Director Jerry Byrne explains that the green lights on snow plows are catching drivers’ attention and reducing car accidents in Michigan whereas the amber lights just weren’t getting the job done:

“We haven’t had any rear-end accidents with the green lights on the trucks . . . and that’s what we’re really trying to eliminate. Folks slow down and don’t rear-end the backs of the trucks. We’ve had injury incidents in the past, so our goal is to spend a little money to save the number of accidents.” (MDOT video, “When Green Means Slow“)
Because amber lights were being “used by so many different entities that motorists become numb to them” and they “ignor[e] the crew’s amber caution lights” and, thus, motorists “weren’t slowing down for plow trucks.” (WOOD TV 8)

How will oscillating green lights prevent a car snow plow accident in Michigan?

Here’s what the MDOT has to say about the safety benefits of oscillating green lights on the backs of snow plows:

“Studies suggest that humans can differentiate more shades of green than any other color. Better visibility with green lights means safer roads for winter maintenance workers and motorists.” (MDOT, “Green Lights on Snowplows“)
“Green lights will alert motorists to drive with caution during inclement weather conditions and low visibility. The goal is to reduce rear-end crashes and improve safety on the road.” (MDOT, “Green Means Slow”)
“Our visual system would be more attracted to a bright green light versus a bright white flashing light in a heavy snowstorm . . . Our visual system is piqued to be sensitive to the green/yellow spectrum.” (Dr. Bernie Tekiele of the Michigan Eye Institute, quoted in the MDOT video, “When Green Means Slow“)

What does Michigan law say about oscillating green lights on snow plows?

To prevent a car snow plow accident, the Michigan Vehicle Code allows snow removal vehicles to use oscillating green lights. Specifically, the new law provides:

“Flashing, rotating, or oscillating … green lights, placed in a position as to be visible throughout an arc of 360 degrees, must be used by a state, county, or municipal vehicle engaged in the removal of ice, snow, or other material from the highway and in other operations designed to control ice and snow . . .” (MCL 257.698(5)(d))

What to do if you are in a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan?

If you’re in a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, prioritize safety by moving to a secure location and calling 911 for police or medical help. Avoid admitting fault, document the scene with photos, and collect witness and driver or agency information. Report the accident as required by law and obtain the official crash report. Notify your insurance company promptly, as our state’s no-fault system covers medical expenses, while property damage claims may involve the at-fault party or government agency. Seek medical evaluation even for minor injuries, and consider consulting an attorney to protect your rights. Always maintain safe distance from snow removal vehicles to reduce collision risks.

Seek medical attention

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Collisions with snow removal vehicles can cause hidden or delayed injuries such as whiplash, internal trauma, or concussion, which may not be immediately apparent. Getting evaluated by a healthcare professional ensures that any injuries are identified and treated early, reducing the risk of complications and supporting a faster recovery. Medical records from these evaluations are also essential for insurance claims and potential legal action, as they provide objective evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident.

Timely medical attention also strengthens your position under our state’s no-fault insurance system, which covers treatment for injuries resulting from a crash regardless of fault. By documenting your injuries promptly, you create a clear record that can support claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs. Even if you feel fine at first, scheduling an examination after a crash protects both your health and your rights, ensuring you receive the care and compensation you may be entitled to.

Call the police

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, calling the police is an essential step to ensure safety, compliance with the law, and accurate documentation of the incident. Police can secure the scene, direct traffic if necessary, and provide emergency assistance. They also create an official crash report, which is critical for insurance claims and any potential legal action, particularly when the accident involves a government-operated vehicles like a plowing truck.

Having a police report helps establish an objective record of the accident, including the conditions, vehicle positions, and statements from all parties and witnesses. In our state, reporting is required for crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage (MCL 257.622). Promptly notifying Michigan law enforcement protects your legal rights, supports insurance processes, and ensures that the details of the snow plow car accident accident are accurately documented before they can be disputed or forgotten.

Exchange information

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, exchanging information is a key step to ensure that all parties can be contacted and claims can be properly processed. You should collect the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details if available. If the snow removal vehicle is government-operated, record the agency name, vehicle number, and any identifying details. This information is essential for filing insurance claims or any potential legal action.

Exchanging information also helps gather witness contacts and other relevant details about the Michigan snow plow car accident scene. Accurate and complete information ensures that your insurance company or legal representative can follow up effectively, supports a smoother claims process, and protects your rights if there is any dispute over fault or damages. Even if the other party is uncooperative, documenting as much as possible on your own can be critical for later claims.

Document the scene

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, documenting the scene is essential for protecting your rights and supporting insurance or legal claims. Take clear photos or videos of your vehicle, the snow removal vehicle, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible damage. Include weather conditions, visibility, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. This visual evidence provides an objective record of the accident and can be critical if there is a dispute over fault.

In addition to photos, write down details such as the time, location, and sequence of events, and gather contact information from witnesses. Thorough documentation helps your insurance company and legal representatives accurately assess the situation, strengthens your claim, and ensures that important details are not lost or forgotten over time. Keeping a detailed record immediately after the Michigan snow plow car accident accident increases your chances of a full and fair resolution.

Avoid admitting fault

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, it’s important to avoid admitting fault at the scene. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the collision, making statements like “I’m sorry” or “It’s my fault” can be used against you in insurance or legal proceedings. Focus on providing factual information about what happened without speculating or assigning blame.

Instead, let the police, insurance adjusters, and legal professionals determine fault based on evidence and official reports. Sticking to objective descriptions protects your rights, helps prevent misunderstandings, and ensures that any claims or potential lawsuits are evaluated fairly. Maintaining this careful approach is a key step in safeguarding your position after a crash with a snow removal vehicle.

Notify insurance company

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, notifying your insurance company promptly is a critical step. Our state’s no-fault insurance system requires that you report accidents to ensure coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who was at fault. Providing timely and accurate information about the accident helps your insurer begin the claims process quickly and reduces delays in receiving benefits.

When reporting, include details such as the location, time, weather conditions, and any documentation or photos of the accident. Prompt notification also allows your insurance company to investigate, communicate with the other party or government agency if the snow removal vehicle is publicly operated, and protect your rights under your policy. Acting quickly helps ensure a smoother claims process and can prevent complications or disputes later.

Obtain a copy of the police report

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, obtaining a copy of the police report is an important step in protecting your rights and supporting any insurance or legal claims. The report provides an official record of the accident, including vehicle positions, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer’s observations. This documentation can serve as objective evidence if fault is disputed or if you need to file a claim against a government-operated snow removal vehicle.

Having the police report also helps your insurance company process your claim more efficiently by providing verified details of the incident. It ensures that all parties have a consistent account of the accident and can be critical if legal action becomes necessary. Requesting the report promptly helps preserve accurate information before memories fade or details are lost.

Keep organized records

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, keeping organized records is essential for managing your insurance claim and any potential legal action. Maintain a file with all relevant documents, including medical records, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, photos of the accident scene, and the police report. Organizing these materials ensures you have everything needed to support your claims and respond promptly to requests from insurers or attorneys.

Well-organized records also make it easier to track expenses, medical treatments, and any lost wages related to the accident. Having a clear, comprehensive record helps your insurance company or legal representative accurately assess damages, strengthens your position if fault is disputed, and reduces delays in receiving compensation or resolving claims.

Consult a lawyer

After a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan, consulting a lawyer can be an important step to protect your rights and navigate the often complex claims process. Snow removal vehicle crashes, especially those involving government-operated vehicles, can involve specific procedures, deadlines, and liability rules that may not be immediately obvious. An experienced attorney can guide you through filing claims, communicating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action.

A lawyer can also help ensure that your medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other damages are fully documented and fairly compensated. By providing legal advice early, you reduce the risk of mistakes that could limit your recovery and gain support in handling interactions with government agencies or insurance adjusters. Consulting an attorney helps safeguard your interests and gives you confidence that your case is managed effectively.

Can I sue a snow plow after a car accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, it is possible to pursue a claim or lawsuit if you are involved in a car accident with a snow plow, but the process depends on who operates the vehicle. If the plow is privately operated, you can generally file a personal injury or property damage claim by showing that the operator was negligent—for example, driving too slowly, erratically, or without proper safety measures—and that this negligence caused your accident. Evidence such as photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, and the police report can be critical in supporting your case.

If the snow plow that caused the car accident is operated by a city, county, or the Michigan Department of Transportation, the process is more complex. You typically must first file a formal government tort claim or notice of claim within a specific deadline, often between 90 and 180 days, before you can pursue a lawsuit MCL 600.6431(1), (2), & (4) and MCL 691.1410(1). State law provides certain protections for government entities and employees, so proving negligence—such as failure to follow proper procedures, unsafe driving, or lack of required safety equipment—is essential. Consulting a lawyer experienced in auto crashes and government claims is strongly recommended to navigate deadlines, document evidence, and ensure your rights are fully protected.

What are the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan?

In Michigan, the deadlines for filing a lawsuit after a car accident with a snow plow depend on who operates the vehicle. If the plow is privately operated, standard personal injury and property damage claims must generally be filed within three years of the crash (MCL 600.5805(1) and (2)). If the snow removal vehicle is government-operated, such as by a city, county, or state agency, you typically must first submit a government tort claim within a shorter period, often 90 to 180 days, before you can pursue a lawsuit MCL 600.6431(1), (2), & (4) and MCL 691.1410(1). After filing the claim, the time to take legal action may range from one to two years, depending on the agency’s response. Because these deadlines are strict and vary by situation, consulting an attorney experienced in Michigan auto accidents and government claims is strongly recommended to ensure your rights are fully protected.

What types of compensation is available?

In Michigan, the type of compensation available after a car accident with a snow plow depends on whether the plow is privately or government-operated and on the nature of your damages. Under Michigan’s no-fault insurance system, your own insurance typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. If you have property damage, collision coverage on your policy can help repair or replace your vehicle.

If the crash was caused by a negligent private snow removal vehicle operator, you may also pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other non-economic damages through a personal injury claim if your injuries meet the our state’s serious impairment of body function threshold. For government-operated plows, compensation usually focuses on property damage and proven economic losses, and you must follow the proper government tort claim procedures to recover. In all cases, documenting your injuries, vehicle damage, and associated costs is essential to ensure full and fair compensation.

How long does a settlement take?

The timeline for a car accident settlement involving a snow plow in Michigan can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the crash, whether the vehicle is privately or government-operated, and the complexity of the claim.

Private Snow Plows: Settlements with a private operator or their insurance company can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The process usually involves gathering evidence, documenting injuries and property damage, negotiating with the insurance company, and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit. More complex cases or disputes over fault can extend the timeline.

Government-Operated Snow Plows: If the snow plow is operated by a city, county, or state agency, the process can take longer. You must first file a government tort claim, which can take several months to be reviewed. After the claim is processed, additional negotiations or legal action may be required, often extending the timeline to six months or more, depending on the agency and complexity of the case.

Overall, the settlement process is highly case-specific, and consulting an attorney experienced in auto crashes—especially those involving government vehicles—can help streamline the process and ensure all deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

What are the factors in a settlement?

In Michigan, several factors influence the settlement for a car accident involving a snow plow. Key considerations include determining fault and proving the operator’s negligence, the type and severity of injuries, and associated medical expenses. Lost wages, property damage, and, in private cases, pain and suffering or emotional distress can also affect the amount. Insurance policy limits and, for government-operated plows, compliance with required claim procedures and deadlines can impact recovery. Strong evidence, such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and repair or medical records, is essential to support your claim and help ensure fair compensation.

Should I hire a lawyer for a snow plow car accident in Michigan?

Hiring a lawyer after a snow plow car accident in Michigan is often strongly recommended, especially if the crash involves significant injuries, property damage, or a government-operated plow. Snow removal vehicle crashes can be legally complex because they may involve government liability rules, strict filing deadlines, and no-fault insurance regulations. An experienced attorney can help you navigate these requirements, file claims correctly, and negotiate with insurance companies or government agencies to maximize your compensation.

A lawyer can also ensure that all damages—such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and in private cases, pain and suffering—are properly documented and included in your claim. Consulting an attorney early can protect your rights, prevent costly mistakes, and streamline the process, particularly when dealing with government entities that have strict procedural rules and limited liability.

Why choose Michigan Auto Law for my snow plow car accident case?

Michigan Auto Law is your trusted partner in pursuing justice after a car accident involving a snow plow. With over 50 years dedicated exclusively to auto injury cases, our award-winning attorneys have a proven track record of achieving high-value settlements and record-setting verdicts, including $102.6 million against General Motors and $40 million for wrongful death. Our team is consistently recognized among Michigan’s top attorneys, earning accolades such as Super Lawyers, Best Law Firms in America, Best Lawyers in America, and the highest ratings for legal ability and ethics from Martindale-Hubbell.

We provide personalized attention, clear communication, and compassionate support, guiding you through the claims process to help secure faster settlements and maximum recoveries. Our “no win, no fee” approach ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to everyone, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a car accident with a snow plow in Michigan? Call the attorneys at Michigan Auto Law now!

If you were injured in a crash with a snow plow in Michigan, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation an experienced car accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

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