Whenever construction happens on or near Philadelphia streets busy with cars and people, the chance of a construction accident becomes an even greater concern to our team of Pennsylvania injury lawyers.
It’s up to construction companies to ensure their projects are safe for both workers and passersby. However, as a pedestrian, it can’t hurt to be aware of the dangers posed by construction work and think about how you can keep your own risk of injury to a minimum.
Here, we look at some of the best ways you can stay safe near construction zones as a pedestrian.
Construction signage provides critical information about safety hazards and potential construction accidents. These signs indicate areas that are off-limits, provide directions for detours, and warn of potential dangers like falling debris or heavy machinery crossing.
Therefore, educating yourself about the universal symbols and instructions commonly used on construction signs is a good way to look out for your personal safety.
Wearing bright or reflective clothing ensures that construction workers and machinery operators can easily see you. This is particularly important at dawn and dusk, and in poorly lit areas where visibility is naturally reduced. Staying visible is among the best ways to avoid common construction accidents.
Paying attention is vital when navigating near construction areas. Unfortunately, our concentration has never been as compromised as it is today. According to PC Mag, the average American currently checks their phone 144 times a day.
Whether you’re distracted by your smartphone or something else, failing to concentrate on your surroundings significantly increases your risk of accidents near construction sites. Active construction zones are dynamic, with hazards that can arise suddenly; if you don’t keep your wits about you, you’ll have a diminished chance of avoiding a hazard like this.
So, what happens if you’ve had an accident that was partially your fault? Fortunately, Pennsylvania applies a comparative negligence rule in situations like these. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can recover compensation in line with your degree of responsibility. If your negligence was 20% to blame for your accident and the overall value of your damages was $100,000, your entitlement will be capped at $80,000.
Having a top-class construction accident lawyer in your corner in a case like this will maximize your chances of recovering enough compensation to cover your costs.
Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers posed by construction sites. It's essential to keep them close and hold their hands when passing near or through construction zones.
When it comes to older children who can go from place to place unaccompanied, it’s crucial to explain the importance of staying away from construction equipment and not entering restricted areas. Educating children about construction safety and setting a positive example by following safety rules yourself will significantly reduce their risk of accidents.
Construction activity on a given site will vary, with some phases posing more risks to passersby than others. For example, the risk posed by falling objects is particularly relevant to pedestrians, especially when construction workers are hauling materials with cranes or working on scaffolding.
By staying informed about the active times and what work is being done, you can plan your routes to avoid these areas or be extra cautious when passing through. Local government websites, community boards, or news outlets often provide useful information on construction schedules.
If you saw someone suffer an injury because of a construction accident, would you know how best to help them?
Familiarizing yourself with the emergency response protocol in construction areas can be lifesaving. Know whom to contact in case of an emergency, whether it's site security, local authorities, or emergency services.
While you should always wait for paramedics to administer care after an emergency, it’s a good idea to read up on the principles of first aid and apply them if the need arises. Simple interventions are often the difference between life and death for a person who has been in an accident.
Whether you’ve had an accident during work on a site, while passing by a construction site on foot, or in some other capacity, we can help. Don’t allow construction-site negligence to leave you saddled with medical bills, lost wages, and other costs – come and talk to us about your legal options.
Contact the Cochran Firm in Philadelphia today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach us via the contact form on our website or by calling us at 800-969-4400.
