Key Takeaways:
- McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC has recovered more than $200 million for injured clients across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey over the past 15 years.
- The firm represents construction zone car accident victims on a “contingency fee” basis, so clients pay no upfront legal fees and owe nothing unless the firm secures compensation.
- Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT deployed troopers directly into work zones across southeastern Pennsylvania, including routes near Philadelphia, through Operation Yellow Jacket, an initiative designed to curb unsafe driving in construction areas.
- Settlement amounts vary by injury severity, but victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and the firm has secured multi-million-dollar settlements for clients hurt in serious crashes.
Philadelphia drivers encounter shifting lane patterns on Interstate 95, the Schuylkill Expressway, and city streets nearly every day. Construction zone accidents often occur when drivers do not adjust quickly enough to a temporary lane shift, a narrowed lane, or a sudden merge. PennDOT reported 1,393 work zone crashes across Pennsylvania in 2025, and driving too fast for conditions ranked among the top factors in fatal crashes. Philadelphia car accident lawyers see firsthand how these roadway changes lead to serious collisions, and understanding the risk helps drivers stay safe and helps injured victims understand their legal options.
How Temporary Lane Shifts Raise the Risk of a Crash
A “temporary lane shift” moves traffic away from its usual path and often narrows the space between vehicles and workers. Drivers who do not anticipate the shift may drift, brake suddenly, or attempt an unsafe merge. PennDOT recorded 428 work zone intrusions in 2025 alone, and 16 caused worker injuries. Reduced visibility, inconsistent signage, and nighttime construction schedules add further risk when a roadway configuration changes without warning.
Pennsylvania law directly addresses driver conduct in these areas. Under 75 Pa. C.S. Section 3326, motorists must obey traffic-control devices and reduced speed limits in active work zones, and violations that injure or kill a worker carry enhanced penalties. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation outlines the posting requirements and enforcement tools that protect drivers and workers alike.
Who May Be Liable for a Construction Zone Crash?
“Liability” in a construction zone accident case is not always straightforward. A negligent driver who ignores a lane shift typically bears responsibility, but a contractor that fails to post signage, maintain cones and barriers, or provide sufficient lighting may also share fault. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer can investigate the scene and identify every party responsible for a victim’s injuries.
What to Do After a Construction Zone Accident
Victims should seek medical attention, document the lane configuration and signage with photographs, and report the crash to police. Because construction zone liability often involves a private contractor, consulting a construction accident lawyer early preserves evidence before it disappears from an active job site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does Pennsylvania double fines for work zone violations?
Yes. Pennsylvania law doubles fines for many moving violations committed in an active work zone, and drivers convicted of unsafe speed following a work zone crash automatically lose their license for 15 days.
Can I sue a construction company for a lane shift accident?
Victims may pursue a claim against a contractor or traffic control company when inadequate signage, missing cones, or poor lighting contributed to the crash, in addition to any claim against a negligent driver.
How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania generally allows two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, though limited exceptions may apply.
What does it cost to hire McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC?
The firm handles construction zone accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so clients owe no lawyer fees unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf.
Our Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Fight for the Rights of Injured Construction Zone Car Crash Victims
If a temporary lane shift or an unsafe work zone caused your crash, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC are ready to review your case. For a free consultation, call us today at 215-569-8488 or contact us online. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, as well as Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Wilmington, Delaware. We proudly serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.