Michigan collection truck driver in critical condition after being struck by car

A collection truck driver for Stevens Disposal and Recycling, based in Petersburg, Michigan, is in critical condition after being struck by a car while on the job, reports WTVG.

The victim, Donnie Cooper, is currently in an intensive care unit in a medically induced coma. According to a GoFundMe created by his family, Cooper “broke both femurs, his ribs… and [has] a collapsed lung” from the incident. While the total extent of his injuries is not known yet, the family says he has severe head trauma and will undergo a procedure for internal bleeding.

“Just slow down, like, literally my boyfriend is fighting for his life, and I don’t even know if he’s going to make it,” Cooper’s girlfriend, Jody, told WTVG.

She adds that the driver who collided with Cooper has been identified and stayed at the scene following the accident, however; the family does not know specifics such as how fast the driver was going.

“The state of Michigan has the move over law which requires cars to slow down,” Kevin Shipman, manager of customer relations and business development for Stevens Disposal, told Fox 2. “Unfortunately, I don't think it is strong enough, meaning you only have to slow down by 10 mph. They could do more.”

This is believed to be what happened during the Sept. 15 collision. Although the road Cooper was on in Monroe, Michigan, is residential, the speed limit there is 55 mph.

As reported by Fox 2, Stevens Disposal is working to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future by using more automated garbage trucks.

Cooper’s family is accepting donations to help pay for rent, food and monthly bills in the aftermath of the accident. To visit the GoFundMe, click here.