In recent years, there has been a significant increase in injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits concerning pedestrians hit by motor vehicles such as trucks, cars, motorcycles and vans. In many cases, the pedestrian accident occurred because of driver negligence when the motorist did not take necessary precautions. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident contact a pedestrian accident attorney in RI.
Pedestrians in area
By law, drivers in Rhode Island and across the U.S. are responsible for slowing down and preparing to stop as quickly as necessary to handle any situation where individuals are gathered or walking by the roadway. This is especially true under adverse weather conditions in Rhode Island, at night or in situations where vision is obscured. The law in numerous states demands that drivers of automobiles and motor vehicles yield to pedestrians walking, slowing or stopping by the roadway or intersections to minimize the potential of danger.
Pedestrian Car Accidents
In 2012, more than 4700 pedestrians in the U.S. lost their lives in traffic accidents, and more than 75,000 suffered serious injuries. Young children and older adults in Rhode island and Providence Plantations tend to be at greatest risk of being injured while walking near roadways, on sidewalks and through intersections. The 10 most common types of pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles and cars in RI and across the world involve:
1. Driving While Distracted – Any motorist, motorcyclist or trucker talking on a cell phone, texting, drinking beverages, consuming food or speaking to passengers can easily become distracted and unexpectedly strike a pedestrian.
2. Speeding – Traveling too fast sometimes diminishes visibility and capacity to take immediate evasive action if a pedestrian is in the way.
3. Disobeying Signals and Traffic Signs – Pedestrians can be hit any time a Rhode Island driver disobeys a traffic signal or signage by driving through stop signs, red lights or failing to yield to those crossing the street in a designated crosswalk.
4. Failure to Yield – In many situations, the pedestrian has the right of way at intersections and sections on the road specifically marked for crossing. A failure to yield to a pedestrian causes many Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket accidents with injuries and death every year.
5. Driving While Impaired – Operating a motor vehicle in Rhode island, Warwick, Cranston or newport while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs (DUI/ DWI) can significantly diminish the driver’s ability to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
6. Hazardous Traffic or Weather Conditions – Any condition that obscures the RI motorist’s ability to see their environment increases the potential of accidents, including those involving pedestrians.
7. Failure to Signal When Turning – It is essential that motorists signal every time they make a turn on a side street, at an intersection or into a driveway. Failing to signal often causes confusion, especially to bicyclists and pedestrians in Rhode Island attempting to use a crosswalk.
8. Vehicle Defect or Malfunction – Malfunctioning brakes, defective tires and substandard auto parts can cause serious issues on the roadway. Any type of vehicle equipment failure can make it more difficult for the driver to maintain safety on the road.
9. Poorly Maintained Rhode Island and Providence Roads – Potholes, road construction and poorly designed roadways are one of leading factors of many RI pedestrian accidents. This includes pedestrians walking along busy streets or on high-speed roads.
10. Jaywalking – When a pedestrian crosses the roadway at an angle to the street or at a point not specifically marked a crosswalk, they are considered to be “jaywalking.” This type of behavior can be very confusing to a driver in Rhode Island, Barrington, Bristol and Warren, especially if the pedestrian appears unexpectedly.
Providence pedestrian death
Nearly all East Providence and Rhode Island pedestrian injuries happen at the point of impact or when flung against a hard object or the ground. Injured individuals hit by a vehicle suffer various injuries including bone fractures, sprain or torn ligaments, head trauma, spinal cord injury, contusions, lacerations, abrasions, blood clots and bruising.
Filing a Compensation Claim in Newport Superior Court
In almost every case, a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle has the legal right to file a claim or lawsuit in Providence or Newport Superior Court for compensation against the driver at fault for the RI accident. This is because all drivers have a responsibility of care to operate their vehicle safely. However, these types of cases are complex and often require the skills of a competent Rhode Island personal injury attorney to handle the case. Make sure the personal injury lawyer in RI is also a Rhode Island pedestrian accident attorney. A Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyer will have the requisite experience to handle the intricacies of a RI pedestrian car crash.
If a spouse, friend loved one or child is killed in a deadly / fatal pedestrian accident then it is important that your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer is also a RI wrongful death attorney. A Providence wrongful death lawyer with experience in fatal truck, motorcycle and bicycle collisions can help the estate get the compensation it deserves as a result of the death.
