car crash

Road construction contractors and maintenance companies along with state and city agencies are legally responsible to ensure the construction work sites in Rhode Island are safely designed.

Road Construction Zone Accident Lawyers

The law requires the government agencies and roadway cruise follow specific rules to channel or redirect vehicular traffic through the zone. When a construction zone has not been properly designed, motorists can become easily confused and cause accidents with injuries or deaths when colliding with concrete barriers, construction equipment, workers or other vehicle sharing the roadway.

Construction work zone accident

Unfortunately, construction works zone accidents and auto crashes happen far too often in Rhode island and Providence Plantations, causing serious injuries and fatalities to workers, drivers and passengers. Most of these accidents occur in construction zone areas with posted signage and warnings that provide a notification to motorists to travel at a slow speed while increasing their awareness. Even with signage, many motorists fail to adjust their driving habits to accommodate the hazardous zone, creating a dangerous situation to all workers and other sharing the roadway.

Injuries and Deaths in Rhode Island 

Out of the more than 80,000 accidents occurring in work zones every year, more than 100 workers lose their lives at roadway construction sites. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), these accidents injure and kill highway maintenance workers, construction laborers, supervisors, construction equipment operators, commercial truckers and heavy equipment drivers along with motorists and passengers traveling the roads.

Statistics maintained by the Federal Highway Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation claim that the majority of motor vehicle and truck accidents happen during business hours (8 AM to 5 PM) Monday through Friday. These accidents often involve rear end impacts, sideswipe collisions, crashes into fixed objects and others. However, not every work zone accident is a result of driver negligence. Some involve:

• Defective Paving – Many motorcycle, trucking and auto (car) accidents occur from the steep drop off that can cause the motorist to lose control of their vehicle on the shoulder or road surface.

• Improper Planning – A roadway crash can occur from an ineffective, negligent MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) plan developed by road architects and highway engineers designed to move traffic safely and effectively through the construction work zone.

• Ineffective Marking and Signage – Driving a car through a construction work zone can be challenging or impossible when negotiating the vehicle through improperly marked or signed sites.

• Failure of Regulatory Compliance – Construction project managers are required by law to meet every local, city, state and federal regulation. Any failure of a regulation that causes an accident with injuries or death can make those in noncompliance legally at fault for damages.

• Construction Defect – If the road contractor failed to construct the highway road project as designed in the approved plan, the company can be held legally responsible for any injury or death.

Filing an automobile crash Claim or Lawsuit 

While it might be obvious that the accident is a result of poor construction zone design or the negligence of other drivers, proving the case for compensation can be challenging. This is because determining liability or which parties are at fault for the accident can be difficult. Because of that, many victims will hire a personal injury attorney who specializes in construction work zone accidents.

City and town liability

Successful claims and lawsuits often involve identifying whether the contractor, municipality or other parties are responsible for the victim’s damages. An experienced RI car accident lawyer will carefully investigate the scene of the accident, identify companies and individuals whose negligence caused the injuries and file suit to pursue fair and adequate compensation to meet the financial needs of the injured victim.

Construction works zone site

In addition to motorist becoming injured at a construction works zone site, workers are also vulnerable to death and serious injury. Many work zone related deaths in Providence occur from an adequate protection or negligent driving of others.

Typically, these types of cases are handled on contingency, so the victim can avoid paying upfront fees. A reputable Rhode Island personal injury attorney will work to ensure adequate recompense is obtained to cover their client’s medical expenses, lost time away from work, pain, suffering and other damages.

Construction’s “Fatal Four”

Out of 4,251* worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2014, 874 or 20.5% were in construction―that is, one in five worker deaths last  year were in construction. The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites were falls, followed by electrocution, struck by object, and caught-in/between. These “Fatal Four” were responsible for more than half (58.1%) the construction worker deaths in 2014*, BLS reports. Eliminating the Fatal Four would save 508 workers’ lives in America every year. Falls — 349 out of 874 total deaths in construction in CY 2014 (39.9%) Electrocutions — 74 (8.5%) Struck by Object — 73 (8.4%) Caught-in/between — 12 (1.4%)” OSHA

If you have suffered injuries or physical damages to your vehicle after an auto accident in Rhode Island caused by another’s negligence, you are likely entitled to receive financial compensation. However, any simple mistake might seriously harm your claim or lawsuit for compensation and make it impossible to receive the compensation you truly deserve. If you were injured in a car accident in RI, contact an auto accident lawyer RI!

Rhode Island auto accident lawyer

Victims of RI car accidents who have never navigated personal injury claims before make common mistakes that include:

#1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Many victims wait too long to visit the emergency room or see their doctor after an automobile accident for a full examination of any medical problem directly associated with the motor vehicle crash. In many situations, serious injuries and other medical conditions surface days after the Rhode Island accident. This is because the body produces excess adrenaline when involved in an accident that often masks serious pain and discomfort associated with injuries.

In many situations, the claims adjuster working for the insurance company might view your failure to get medical attention promptly as an indicator that your injuries are minimal or made up. They often use this delay of seeking treatment as an argument to minimize the amount of compensation they offer.

#2. Minimizing Aches and Pains

The victim can diminish the value of their claim for compensation if they tell the other driver they feel “fine” after the accident. Additionally, many victims failed to detail their aches, pains, discomfort and concerns to their physician when seeking medical treatment.

#3. Admitting Responsibility

It is essential that the victim never admits fault or responsibility for the Providence car accident to anyone because it could jeopardize a case for compensation. Rhode Island Personal injury attorneys advise their clients to never indicate they were not hurt in a collision.

#4. Not Calling the Police

It is essential that the victim calls the police immediately after the automobile accident to assist in evaluating which parties are at fault. The report often aids Barrington, Bristol and Warren personal injury attorneys seeking a fair and adequate settlement.

#5. Not Seeking Legal Representation Quickly

Many victims avoid hiring a Cranston, Warwick or Pawtucket attorney because they think it will cost too much. However, a reputable personal injury attorney has the legal expertise to save victims a lot of money overall. This is because the lawyer can use various legal theories to navigate a lawsuit or claim for compensation and maximize the amount of recompense their client will receive while the victim focuses on healing.

#6. Providing Too Much Information

Many claims adjusters working for insurance companies are good at developing a friendly relationship with victims injured and accidents. However, the main focus of their employment is to save the insurance carrier as much money as they can and delay and deny claims payments.

In some situations, adjusters will outright deny the claim to the victim or offer the lowest amount of compensation possible. It is better to not answer any question asked by the claims adjuster and instead retain an experienced personal injury attorney in RI to do all the talking.

#7. Signing a Document without Legal Representation

Insurance companies know that they can minimize the amount of compensation payout to victims if a low settlement offer is accepted within hours or days after the accident. In many situations, the insurance company will ask the victim to sign a legal document requesting all medical records. The “Release of All Claims” document can provide them the victim’s entire medical history, which could preclude receiving any compensation at all.

#8. Avoiding Medical Advice related to your injuries

The doctor treating the victim for their injuries often recommends medications, treatments, procedures and surgeries to ensure the best possible healing. Claims adjusters take notice when the injured party disregards medical advice and uses the information as a way to show the victim was not really injured.

#9. Losing Valuable Evidence

It is essential that all evidence, information and eyewitness accounts at the accident scene are preserved. Victims often forget to acquire valuable information from the scene including the other driver’s license information, insurance carrier and policy number.

#10. Keeping Inaccurate Expense Records

To receive fair and full compensation, it is essential to maintain accurate records of every expense associated with the automobile accident. This is the only way that the victim can be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, lifestyle changes, pain and suffering.

It is crucial that victims arm themselves with all the necessary knowledge possible before and after a car accident in RI to ensure they receive the amount of compensation they deserve.

” There were 53 Rhode Island traffic fatalities in 2016, eight more than in 2015, but 13 fewer than in 2011. Nationally, roadway safety had been steadily improving for decades before fatalities crept up slightly in 2015. There were 44,524 traffic deaths in 1975; 42,708 fatalities in 2006; 32,744 fatalities in 2006, and 35,092 fatalities in 2015, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although it may not be reflected in its drivers’ reputation, Rhode Island actually has some of the nation’s safest roads. In 2015, the state had 6.04 traffic deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers, compared with a national average of 16.09 deaths per 100,000 drivers, according to NHTSA. Deadly Rhode Island crashes this year include an unlicensed 16-year-old killed after spinning out on Route 95 in Warwick, a New York City man hit in an alleged “road rage” incident on Route 295 in Johnston, three women passengers killed when a car collided with a telephone poll in Pawtucket and a 19-year-old pedestrian fatally struck by a pickup truck in Coventry.” Projo

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Not only does running a red light increase the potential of causing a vehicle accident, it is often more likely than not to end with catastrophic injuries or death. Sadly, most red light accident injuries and fatalities in Rhode Island are caused by the reckless or careless actions of those who intentionally or unintentionally run the light. The highest incident rate of red light running tends to occur during daylight hours.

Rhode Island traffic signal / red light car accident

Running a red light continues to be a major issue to roadway safety, especially at intersections and crosswalks. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that running a red light is a leading cause of city accidents, resulting in death of tens of thousands of individuals every year. Studies indicate that “being in a hurry” is the most popular excuse drivers give when cited for running a red light that caused an accident.

Why Red Light Accidents Occur in Scituate, Smithfield and Woonsocket Rhode Island

Many populated areas install intersection lights as a way to ease commuter congestion and increase traffic flow often bogged down by blinking lights and four-way stops. However, the installation of a light system is not always effective for drivers tackling traffic jams in a hurry. In many cases of red light accidents, the driver was rushing when approaching a yellow light instead of slowing down because the light was about to change to red.

Running a red light in Rhode Island

Many red light runners cause Rhode Island accidents because they were distracted or inattentive and not focusing on the roadway. Distracted drivers in RI are often busy doing a variety of other things inside the vehicle including:

• Speaking on cell phones or texting
• Reading emails on smart phones
• Adjusting radio settings
• Gathering information from the GPS navigation system
• Drinking beverages or consuming food
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Speaking to others in the vehicle
• Searching for objects out of reach
• Driving impaired by fatigue, alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication

There are some situations where no driver is actually at fault for a collision at an intersection. This can hypothetically occur when the traffic light system is operating improperly by simultaneously providing a green light to drivers traveling in both directions.

Filing a Claim for Compensation as a result of a Providence, East Providence, Woonsocket or Pawtucket Car accident In large metropolitan areas, many communities have equipped major intersections with cameras to record moving traffic as a way to control the system and ease congestion. However, these cameras also capture which drivers are fault at the time of a red light accident. The video record provides valuable evidence when seeking compensation for an injury caused by a driver running a red light. Because of that, many victims will hire a Rhode Island personal injury attorney who specializes in red light accidents to obtain compensation to pay for a variety of expenses including:

• Hospitalization, emergency services and medical care costs associated with the injury
• Financial compensation to recover funds lost from time away at work due to injury suffered in the accident
• Funds for intangible harm including pain, suffering, mental anxiety and emotional distress of dealing with injuries or death associated with the accident
• Compensation for property damage including car replacement or repair

Hiring a RI auto accident Attorney

Under the state’s tort law, red light accidents are often fact intensive, complex cases and often require the skills of a reputable Providence or Central Falls car accident lawyer with extensive experience. Personal injury law firms in RI accept these types of accident cases on contingency to avoid the need for the victim to pay upfront fees.

The RI law firm can recover damages and losses caused by the negligent action of a reckless driver traveling through a red light. All lawsuits and claims for compensation must be submitted to the court before the state’s statute of limitations concerning the case expires.

There are a wide variety of traffic laws across the entirety of the United States. It can sometimes be hard to keep track of all the violations that can be incurred from running a specific light, driving even a few miles over the speed limit, or turning from the wrong lane. These are all pretty basic driving infractions, of course, but some are not so black and white. Take, for example, the yellow light violation. In some areas, depending on how the ticketing police officer is feeling that particular day, you could technically receive a ticket for running a yellow light. The officer in question may argue that the yellow light means to stop.

Failing to obey a traffic control device

The technical identification for failing to obey a traffic control device is known as a 21450 in the state of California, for example. This will incur a penalty in the eyes of the law, so be warned. The code stands for:
• (1) A person commits the offense of driver failure to obey traffic control device if the person drives a vehicle and the person does any of the following:
• (a) Fails to obey the directions of any traffic control device.
• (b) Fails to obey any specific traffic control device describes in ORS 811.260 in the manner required by that section.
• (2) A person is not subject to this section if the person is doing any of the following:
• (a) Following the directions of a police officer.
• (b) Driving an emergency vehicle or ambulance in accordance with the privileges granted those vehicles.
• (c) Properly executing a turn on a red light as authorized under 811.360.
• (d) Driving in a funeral procession led by a funeral lead vehicle or under the direction of the driver of a funeral escort vehicle.
There are a few circumstances where driving through a “stale” yellow light, meaning a yellow light that is about to turn red, would be allowed. According to the folks at ExpertLaw, “Your testimony will have to include a VALID reason as to WHY it would have been unsafe for you to try to stop.” In this case, driving through the light safely and cautiously is allowed. This is okay when you are already in the intersection or during periods of wet roads due to weather.

Yellow light violation

A yellow light violation is a picky topic that truly varies district by district. If you’re unsure of your city’s traffic violations, speak with a local officer or sheriff’s department.

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Motor Vehicle accidents in Rhode Island can cause hundreds of different types of injuries to numerous different areas of the human body. Injuries in a car collision in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations could be to the chest, neck, head, knees or pelvis. If you were injured in a Rhode Island car crash it is strongly advisable to retain a top Rhode Island personal injury lawyer.

Severity of motor vehicle crash

Obviously, the severity of the Providence car wreck and the type of collision will play a major role in the nature of the injury. Even though the type of injuries ranges from a whiplash injury to paralysis, there are some types of injuries that are more common than others.

A motorcycle, bike or bicycle accident in Rhode Island obviously is much more likely to be fatal or cause very serious injury such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis or fractured bones. Similarly a tractor trailer, semi- truck or 18 wheeler crash in RI will be exponentially more serious than a standard RI car accident. Even an SUV, bus, pickup truck, flatbed truck or van motor vehicle crash will be more serious than a standard car accident.

Emedicinet states: “Trauma is the leading cause of death, morbidity, hospitalization, and disability in Americans aged 1 year to the middle of the fifth decade of life” Medscape

Rollover accident

In a rollover motor vehicle accident, a passenger or motorist can be tossed around the motor vehicle and even in some occasions ejected through the windshield. In a rear-ender there could be a spinal cord injury, fractured vertebrae or whiplash injury. A broadside (T bone) collision could lead to a host of other injuries such as whiplash or fractured bone. In the event of a single car accident or a single car rollover crash the type of injury will be determined by the severity of the impact.

Multi vehicle collision in RI

A multi vehicle rear end motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island could cause a series of traumas to the victim’s body. In some instances a pedestrian is seriously injured when hit by a motor vehicle.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle pedestrian accident then retain a top Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyer. In some instances, a RI car accident can be deadly causing family members immense grieving and suffering. Fatal car accidents in Rhode Island often result in wrongful death litigation in Providence Superior Court. A fatal accident caused by a drunk, stoned or reckless driver can compound the suffering of the spouse, child or loved ones of the deceased. A wrong way highway fatality or a loved one who is killed by a speeding or distracted driver who is texting while driving can cause the family endless sleepless nights trying to figure out why this happened.

Wrongful death attorney in Rhode Island

Wrongful death cases must be pursued by the executor or administrator of the deceased estate on behalf of the beneficiaries set for in the RI wrongful death statute. Typically the executor will retain a Rhode Island wrongful death attorney to represent the estate. Nonetheless, the settlement funds or judgment obtained on behalf of the estate is not an asset of the estate available to the creditors.Read the RI wrongful death statute here: RI law

Traumatic Brian Injury

Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) or head injury – Some motor vehicle accidents result in a minor concussion while other crashes result in a more serious traumatic brain injury. In any event, head injuries are very serious and must be addressed immediately with medical help. According to the TBI guide: “If a person is driving a car at 45 miles per hour and is struck head-on by another car traveling at the same rate of speed, the person’s brain goes from 45 miles per hour to zero in an instant. The soft tissue of the brain is propelled against the very hard bone of the skull.”  tbiguide

Neck/ back injuries, Whiplash/ strains/ sprains & soft tissue injury– Whiplash injury such as cervical sprains and strains is a very real consequence of Rhode Island auto accidents. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are well known for minimizing the consequences of this very frequent type of RI car accident injury. Medicinet declared that: “Whiplash is a relatively common injury that occurs to a person’s neck following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force that causes unrestrained, rapid forward and backward movement of the head and neck, most commonly from motor vehicle accidents.”  Medicinenet 

Whiplash

“Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused when it is forcefully whipped or forced backward or forward. The structures involved are the muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and nerves in the neck. “Pain or stiffness in the front and back of neck, either immediately following or up to 24 hours after the injury. Dizziness, headache, and nausea and vomiting. Muscle spasm with soreness and stiffness in the neck. Tenderness and swelling at the injury site. iach  “ An injured victim will need to retain the services of a top Providence car accident lawyer or a RI personal injury Attorney.

Cut, Lacerations and scarring- A serious auto accident can cause the driver/ motorist to hit the windshield or steering wheel with blunt force trauma. This type of trauma could cause a concussion as well as cuts, lacerations, bruises and scars.  “Broken glass, torn sheet metal or flying objects inside the car can all cause lacerations or cuts. Simple cuts may heal on their own or with a few stitches. Deep lacerations may result in blood loss and require surgery to repair. Scarring may result from cuts and require surgery to minimize visible scars, especially if the scars are on the face or neck.” Merrittwebb  

Fractures- A broken bone is a fracture. A fracture could occur in a car accident victim’s legs, hip, arms or spinal cord. The Hensley Legal group states: “Also called fractures, broken bones generally occur as a result of trauma suffered in an auto accident. If someone else’s negligence was responsible for the accident that caused you broken bones, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. ” Hensley Legal Group, PC  “Broken Bones after a Serious Car Accident”

It is crucial that you do not attempt to negotiate you own settlement with the insurance company adjuster. www.insurancelawhelp.com Please retain a RI personal injury attorney to help you get the motor vehicle or truck accident settlement that you deserve.

NBC news reports: “Teen Admits Responsibility in Deadly Drunken Driving Crash“The truck struck several vehicles, including Jennings’ truck where two 13-year-old boys were seated at the time of the crash. Ashlynn Evans, 18, had her Volkswagen side-swiped and pushed from the road. The 13-year-old’s suffered minor injuries and Evans was not hurt. Riding in the red pickup truck were eight teenagers, including Couch. Six of the teens were in the cab of the truck, while two others were sitting in the bed of the truck. The pickup rolled over and became lodged in a tree.”  nbcdfw

Non TBI Head Injuries- A Warwick or Cranston car accident could result in a head injury different from a traumatic brain injury such as an eye injury. Facial trauma could cause a loss of vision, a broken nose or a fractured jaw. A motor vehicle collision in Pawtucket or Woonsocket could even lead to dental injury necessitating a trip to the dentist.

Foot Injury or Leg injury: In some East Providence, North Providence or Johnston car accidents the victim suffers a serious knee or leg injury. There are often cases of multiple fractures, a toe injury, meniscus tear or even a severed limb.

Chest Injury- A Woonsocket, Lincoln or Cumberland auto accident could cause broken ribs. If the motorist or passenger is not wearing a seat belt they could be seriously injured by the trauma from smashing up against the car dashboard or steering wheel. “Blunt injury to the chest can affect any one or all components of the chest wall and thoracic cavity. These components include the bony skeleton (ribs, clavicles, scapulae, sternum), lungs and pleurae, tracheobronchial tree, esophagus, heart, great vessels of the chest, and the diaphragm.”  e-medicine 

“The force of the collision between the truck and the Chrysler caused the Chrysler to hit a Mazda CX-5. The Chrysler then plummeted off the bridge, 27 feet into 7 feet of water. Miraculously the Chrysler driver was able to swim from her motor vehicle to be rescued and brought via ambulance to the hospital for medical treatment.”  Information

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.

Defective brakes and tires may lead to serious or even fatal accidents. Car or truck manufacturers have a legal responsibility for the safety of every vehicle they design and manufacture. This often requires extensive research and continuous testing where companies become aware of the vehicle’s inefficiencies and other serious problems. The protection and safety of all vehicle occupants should be the leading priority for every automobile manufacturer.

Common Defective Automotive Parts

Unfortunately, many car companies place profits ahead of consumer safety, leading to serious accidents involving catastrophic injury and death. In some instances , motorists and automobile owners are at fault for not inspecting , repairing and or replacing defective brakes, tires, lights etc. Visit website for more info.

Worn down brakes

Nearly every product used in the automobile manufacturing process is designed to be safe and manufactured correctly after being sufficiently tested to ensure there is no risk of danger to occupants in the car or truck. However, some defective parts still make it into the vehicle and eventually cause serious problems that result in personal injuries and wrongful death.

Some of these effective products include:

• Seat Belt Failure – If a vehicle driver or passenger was involved in an accident and was ejected, investigators will attempt to determine if they were wearing their seat belts or if it failed to hold them properly inside the vehicle.
• Faulty Brakes – Malfunctioning or defective brakes can easily lead to a serious collision, injuring or killing vehicle occupants or innocent bystanders. 
• Bad Tires – A tire blowout can easily cause the vehicle to rollover or swerve out of control, making it nearly impossible for even the most proficient motorist to regain control.
• Failing Airbag – Sadly, many airbags are defective in their design and will inflate unexpectedly, not inflate fully or not at all.
• Exploding Gas Tank – If the gas tank is installed without proper protection under the vehicle, a blunt force impact can cause the tank to rupture and explode.
• Accelerator Pedal Problems — Automobile manufacturers have recalled many cars that have defective accelerator pedals known to stick in place and remain depressed, which can cause unintended or sudden acceleration.
• Overall vehicle design that creates the propensity of a van or SUV rollover.

In many situations, the automobile manufacturer is fully aware of the defective part and its potential liability, but still refuse to recall the car and truck until it is no longer financially feasible to avoid the problem.

Nationwide Automobile Recalls

In the automobile industry, 2012 was an exceptional year, where automobile manufacturers recalled almost the same number of vehicles as they sold. Statistics maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that approximately 14.3 million vehicles (past and current models) were recalled compared to the 14.5 million vehicles sold that year.

Unsafe vehicle parts

While the number of recalls is staggering, it represents only a small part of all vehicles on the road with known design flaws and manufacturing defects. Even though automakers have a responsibility to provide reasonable care to consumers by selling reliable safe vehicles, many of them decide to disregard that responsibility. That decision recklessly endangers the health, lives and well-being of millions of individuals who purchase their vehicles or drive their cars and trucks on the nation’s roadways.

RI personal injury lawyer

While the automotive industry relies on consumers to generate its profits, it often abandons its customers at the first sign of a major defect that causes accidents with injuries and death. Unfortunately, many RI vehicle accidents are not the cause of drivers’ negligence, adverse weather conditions or poorly maintained roads, but from defective designs and faulty manufacturing processes. However, filing a product liability lawsuit or claim for compensation can be very complex and require the skills of an aggressive personal injury attorney.

Rhode Island defective brakes lawyer

A skilled RI car accident lawyer or Rhode Island product liability attorney must prove how the cause of the accident with injuries or death is directly associated with the design or manufacturing process of the automobile or its parts. Through forceful legal representation, your Providence negligence attorney can file a claim against all parties responsible for the accident, which could include the manufacturer, distributor, retailer, installer or repair shop that built or maintained the vehicle. Successful RI personal injury law firms can fight back against insurance companies and large corporations hoping to hold onto their profits by passing the cost to the injured victim.