Understanding Liability in PA's Construction Zone Accidents

There are plenty of good things one can say about the beautiful state of Pennsylvania, but the state also has a few issues that are widespread. In specific, the infrastructure. A recent study ranked Pennsylvania amongst the top states with the worst roads. If you have ever traveled through the state or are a resident, you know this all too well. However, it has to be pointed out that Pennsylvania is a state that gets the full blast of all four seasons and has heavy commercial trucking traffic which together are very hard on the roads. As a result, drivers will often see construction zones all over the state.

In a construction zone, there is often less room to travel and traffic can have altered patterns to account for the work that is being done. Also, traffic must drive slower through a construction zone, even when construction is on a highway. As a result, of all of the varied factors that go into active construction zones, they are a common location for accidents to take place.

If you were in an accident in a construction zone in Pennsylvania, then figuring out how to obtain compensation can be complicated. Determining liability in a construction zone in Pennsylvania is complex, which is why having an attorney’s help can be advantageous. The Pennsylvania construction accident attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can assist you with a construction accident injury claim.

Liability in a Pennsylvania Construction Accident

Depending on how the construction accident happened, a construction company or a driver may be liable for an accident.

Construction Company Liability

It is the duty of the construction company working on a site to ensure that it is safe. This is true even when it is in a dangerous location like a roadway where cars may be traveling at fast speeds like a highway, and have to be communicated to in advance of the need to slow down. The construction company must take appropriate steps to alert traffic that there is going to be a change in road conditions and that dangers could exist.  

Using the right signage, managing traffic patterns with cones and barrels, and having all the right traffic control and public safety practices in place is essential.  When there is a failure to do this, and the construction company or their employees are negligent and violate this duty, then the construction company may be liable for the damages that are caused by a construction accident.

Driver Liability

On the other hand, when all of the correct steps are taken by the construction company and their employees to keep a site safe and to reduce the chances of an accident happening but a driver is negligent and still causes an accident then the driver may be liable. When it comes to construction accidents, speeding, distracted driving, and intoxicated driving are common types of negligent actions on behalf of drivers that cause the most construction accidents.

Speak with an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP

If you are harmed in a Pennsylvania construction site accident, do not hesitate to call Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, at (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys to discuss your case.