Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer | RI Automobile Crash Attorneys

A Rhode Island car accident lawyer is keenly aware that Automobile collisions are the highest percent of all negligence claims in Rhode Island which result in injury or property damage. However, personal injury in RI is certainly not limited to your garden variety rear end car accident.

Rhode Island car accident lawyer

If you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash in RI, please get in touch with East Providence and RI Car Accident Attorney David Slepkow 401-437-1100. There are hundreds of different types of mishaps that may befall motorists on a day to day basis in the Ocean State. There are some cases in Rhode Island  in which a person violates an ordinance or law causing a motor vehicle wreck. Some collisions result from a motorist operating a motor vehicle carelessly  and not using due care.

RI Car Crash

Whether a RI Car Crash resulted from criminal behavior such as drunk driving / reckless driving or negligence such as failure to exercise due care by failing to stop in time resulting in a rear end accident, the victim is entitled to just compensation for their injuries and pain and suffering. It is imperative that a victim of negligence whether it is a motorcycle accident, bicycle accident or car accident obtain a good Rhode Island Personal injury attorney.

A RI Car Accident Lawyer will help you get compensation for your medical bills, hospital bills, physical therapy, mri, chiropractic care and massage therapy as well as lost wages and pain and suffering.

• texting while driving
• reckless driving 
• spinal cord and head injury
• fatal accident | wrongful death
• snowstorm accident
• elderly drivers
• drowsy driving and sleepy driving
• distracted driving
• common types of automobile accident
• unusual distracted driving
• GPS and onboard technology distractions
• head-on accident
• failure to yield right of way
• parking lot vehicular accident
• injured passenger
•  rollover multi-car crash

Fatal Crash in RI

A motor vehicle crash can also turn into a tragedy if someone is killed in the collision. A deadly car accident in Rhode Island may lead to wrongful death litigation if the disaster was caused by the failure to exercise due care or reckless conduct such as drunk driving, speeding, drowsy driving or texting and driving. In the event that a loved one or spouse died in a motor vehicle accident, it is important that you immediately contact a RI Wrongful Death Attorney.

Providence Personal Injury Lawyer

A Providence Personal Injury Lawyer who has never handled a fatal accident claim in RI would not have the experience to properly represent you in a complicated RI wrongful death cause of action. Pursuant to statutes, a death claim may not be pursued directly by a spouse, parent or beneficiary of the estate of the deceased. A wrongful death lawsuit in Providence Superior court or the surrounding counties (Kent / Newport/ Washington) must be pursued by the executor of the estate of the deceased. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer is well aware that the settlement or judgment resulting is not an asset of that RI estate.

Resulting Car Accident Injuries

A SUV or automobile accident with another car, truck or motorcycle can cause hundreds of different types of injuries ranging from the standard whiplash injury to traumatic head injury. Injuries may include herniated disk, paralysis, brain injury, spinal cord injuries, broken arms or legs, scarring, etc. The best Rhode Island personal injury attorneys will battle the insurance company until they get you a top dollar settlement to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, there are dozens of hit and run accidents in Rhode Island. Many of these hit and runs are drunk drivers or operators high on marijuana who hit and kill pedestrians and leave the scene to avoid jail time for Drunk driving death resulting.

Suspect arrested in Lincoln hit-and-run that injured 23-year-old woman  “A North Providence man, 50, was arrested Christmas Day after Lincoln Police Officer Kyle Wingate saw a motor vehicle being operated at Anna Sayles Road and Old River Road with front-end damage consistent with that of the suspect vehicle from a pedestrian hit-and-run that injured Melissa Richmond on Dec. 21.”

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rhode Island:

In order to fully understand negligence, it is necessary  to do an analysis of the most common causes  causes of automobile and motor vehicle wrecks. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer explains common causes of RI car accidents.

Speeding:

Under the laws in the Ocean State, a person could be speeding even if they are driving speeds under the designated speed limits. A motorist must take into account icy highways, slick roads, black ice, police officers exposed on the side of the road pulling over a motorist as well as rain and make sure that their speed is reasonable under the circumstances. (§ 31-14-1 Reasonable and prudent speeds.) If you violate this law you may not only be negligent but you may be fined by a police officer.

A white SUV Motor Vehicle left the street, rolled over and crashed and one person was killed. According to wpro: “Witnesses tell WPRO that the white SUV was speeding before the crash.”

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is by no means a new phenomenon. Texting and operating a motor vehicle in RI is prohibited in Rhode Island. In the case of a fatal crash or a wreck involving serious personal injury related to distracted driving, criminal charges could be pursued by the local police department or the state police. “Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2012 alone, 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes.” http://www.distraction.gov

There are hundreds of different types of distracted driving but the most common types appear to be: texting and driving, use of a gps, web surfing and driving, dialing or using a cell phone, smart phone or mobile device while driving

Illegal U turns:

A man was killed when the bike he was driving hit a Semi Truck which was making an illegal U-turn. Sadly the motorcycle hit the tractor trailer which turned in front of the biker so the biker was unable to stop in time.  JS

Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign is also a major cause of accidents in Rhode Island. In some instances, the motorist does not see the traffic signal but some people ignore red lights because they are either intoxicated or in a rush to get home or to work. “§ 31-13-4 Obedience to devices. – The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable to him or her placed in accordance with the provisions of chapters 12 – 27 of this title…”  RI law

Mechanical failure causing automobile accidents

The most frequent types of mechanical failures resulting in collisions are defective tires or brakes. A worn down brake pad can cause a car to careen into and smash another vehicle especially if there is snow or ice on the road or highway. In some cases the owner of the vehicle negligently delayed in getting the brake pads replaced.

Other vehicle owners have improperly operating braking systems that could result in the brakes failing to operate properly. If a motorist cannot stop appropriately in a safe and prudent manner then a car crash can result. Improper tire traction as a result of worn down, flat tires or tire blowouts can be a major cause of trucking, motorcycle or motor vehicle mishaps. The other types of accidents that result with mechanical failure typically pertain to non- operational head lights or tail tights, steering failures as well as inoperable windshield wipers.

Drowsy and sleepy driving in RI | RI car accident attorney:

Sleepy and tired driving is huge societal problem in this day and age especially with truckers. Truck drivers are under increasing pressure to maximize productivity and get their deliveries on time. This has resulted in numerous instances of tractor trailer and semi-truck crashes as a result of the truck driver falling asleep at the wheel.

If you have suffered serious injuries as a passenger in a Rhode Island motor vehicle accident, or a loved one has died from the incident, you likely have the legal right to file a claim for compensation. In fact, Rhode Island law provides various legal remedies to ensure you receive adequate financial compensation for any major or minor injury you incurred. You have the right to file a claim or suit against the motorist responsible for the RI accident even if you are riding as a passenger.

In many situations, determining fault or responsibility for the Providence accident can be a confusing legal issue. This is why it is beneficial to hire a East providence , Warwick or Cranston Injury attorney to handle the case for compensation. Usually, a Woonsocket, Pawtucket, Cumberland or Tiverton personal injury law firm will provide legal representation on your behalf. This means they will:

• Figure out all relevant factors in the case
• Review police reports
• Obtain and review medical records
• Gather witness statements
• Reconstruct the scene of the accident

All of their efforts will help ensure that every responsible party is held legally accountable for your injuries to provide ample compensation and a sense of justice.

Common Defendants in RI auto accidents

Your car accident lawyer in Rhode Island will attempt to file a claim or lawsuit against all common defendants directly involved in the accident. This could include the driver of the other vehicle, the driver of your vehicle, or any other individual at fault for causing the RI car crash. If there is not adequate insurance coverage to pay for your injuries, your Rhode island personal injury lawyer will also seek recompense from under-insured or uninsured motorist coverage if applicable.

Many passengers are hesitant to file a claim if the driver at fault for the accident is a friend or relative. However, as a passenger in the vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation under their policy, and the policy may handle some of your medical expenses.

Other Defendants

Your RI auto accident attorneys will evaluate the case to determine if there are other defendants legally liable for the accident and your injuries. Other potential defendants in your North Providence, East Greenwich, Johnston or Providence automobile collision case could be the vehicle owners, vehicle manufacturers, roadway maintenance crews, auto parts companies and others.

While you will never receive compensation for more than the value of your case, filing a claim against other defendants can ensure you receive all the funds you deserve. The money you receive should cover various damages including:

• Hospitalization and medical bills
• The costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Recompense for time away from work (missed wages)
• Property damage, including automobile repairs if you own a vehicle in the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

Getting Legal Help in Providence

If you have suffered serious injuries from a motor vehicle collision as a passenger in the car, you likely have a strong liability claim against every party at fault. Because of that, it is essential to seek legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in vehicle accidents can handle every aspect of your case, including collecting evidence, obtaining statements and investigating the accident scene. A skilled personal injury attorney may still be able to help you obtain compensation if all vehicles are uninsured.

Hiring a RI motor vehicle accident lawyer ensures that your legal rights are fully protected. Allowing the RI injury attorney to handle the case will avoid any delay or denial of the claim and minimize the chances of a lengthy court battle to seek and obtain compensation. It is essential to avoid discussing the incident “for accuracy purposes” to an insurance adjuster or sign any legal paperwork without first discussing the case with your East Providence, Central falls or Woonsocket lawyer. This is because you may be accepting a low-ball settlement for your claim and in exchange, you give up your right to seek further compensation.

Car accidents in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations cause devastating injuries and death to motorists, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. Statistics maintained by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) indicate that over 3 million people suffer injuries every year in vehicle  and automobile accidents across the nation. While every auto accident  in RI is unique with its own facts, evidence and severity, there are specific commonalities to the types of injuries the victims endure.

Common types of  crash injuries in Rhode Island:

There are hundreds perhaps thousands of different types of injuries that result from vehicular collisions in Rhode Island. This personal injury law post seeks to outline some of the more common types of car wreck collisions in Rhode Island.

Head and Brain Injuries

Harm to the head or brain is by far one of the most debilitating injuries a motorist, passenger or other individual can experience. Brain injuries and head trauma often occur when the head is hit violently, or encounters an object at great velocity.

Many victims of car  collisions can suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) at a level from mild to severe. The extent of their injuries often depends on how the brain jostles or moves about inside the skull. The trauma to the brain often causes significant bleeding, swelling and bruising that can leave permanent damage even with the best medical care.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are a common occurrence in a vehicle accident, especially during a  Providence rear end collision. The force of impact can cause whiplash or damage to the spinal column. Often times, the impact will cause cervical dislocation that requires rehabilitation, physical therapy and at times extensive surgery to allow the neck to fully recover.

In some situations with it spinal cord is damage or cut beyond repair, the injured victim suffers permanent disability that could involve quadriplegic or paraplegic paralysis. The extent of the injuries usually requires lifelong assistance by quality medical professionals and caregivers.

Back Injuries

The back is another common area for injury in a Rhode Island car accident. Victims often experience fractured vertebrae or herniated discs along with strains and sprains to many of the tendons and ligaments surrounding the spinal cord. Often times, the injury limits the victims mobility.

If the spinal column is torn or bruised the interior axons can be destroyed and reduce feeling or function to any or all of the body below the injury. In some cases, a severe back injury can leave the victim paralyzed for life.

Internal Damage

When the victim of a  motor vehicle accident suffers an extensive blow to the torso, the injury can easily cause temporary or permanent internal damage. The severe impact of an auto or truck accident can injure the victim’s heart, aorta, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowels or other organs. In addition, the victim might suffer fractured bones to the extremities, or cracked ribs that can easily puncture internal organs, especially the lungs.

If left undetected, nearly any type of internal injury can create a life-threatening condition, where the victim can easily die as a result. Because of that, it is essential that every vehicle  and trucking accident victim receive emergency medical care, even if their injuries seem minimal.

Disfigurement

The harsh impact and severity of many  RI car  accident, semi truck and tractor trailer accidents can leave the victim disfigured. Shattered glass, seat belt straps, steering wheel, dashboard, windshield and airbag can all produce injuries to the face and body.

In many incidences, the victims are left disfigured for life or require many additional surgeries to restore their natural appearance. Common disfigurement injuries involved bruises, scrapes, fractures, lacerations and punctures that can affect the victim’s physical, mental, emotional and psychological health for years.

Nearly every type of vehicle accident leaves psychological scars. Victims often experience high levels of emotional distress, persistent depression and anxiety along with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). The psychological injury caused by a vehicle accident can have a direct effect on nearly every aspect of an individual’s life and produce negative effects that last a lifetime. Source

The Federal Motor Carrier safety Administration reported:
“Driver fatigue may be due to a lack of adequate sleep, extended work hours, strenuous work or non-work activities, or a combination of other factors.14 The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.” FMCSA