In a hectic society, carefully sharing the road is crucial to ensure everyone remains safe including bicyclists and pedestrians. Behaving safely and legally is the responsibility of all to protect innocent pedestrians attempting to cross the road. Although cities such as Providence and Woonsocket go to great lengths marketing street lanes, crosswalks and bike paths, pedestrian accidents still occur.
Motorists usually at fault for pedestrian accidents in RI
Unfortunately, personal injury attorney in Rhode Island handle too many pedestrian accident cases caused by driver negligence. While the behaviors of some foot travelers cause dangerous situations that lead to their own injuries (such as texting and walking), most pedestrian accidents are the result of drivers struggling to operate their vehicle safely while people walking across the street.
Sadly, many car and truck motorists fail to perform all the necessary precautions to protect pedestrians in or near the road. Most of these accidents are the result of multiple factors including distracted driving, texting while driving, failing to notice pedestrian traffic, speeding or other negligent action of the motorist. Drivers in passenger motor vehicles are not the only threat to a pedestrian crossing the street. These types of accidents are just as likely to occur with trains, vans, buses and tractor-trailers.
Common pedestrian accident causes include:
• Motorists driving intoxicated
• Drivers running red lights and striking pedestrians legally in the crosswalk
• Driving distracted including texting or talking on cell phones
• Driving car in RI at excessive speed through residential areas where children are at play
• Turning right through crosswalk without giving a pedestrian the right-of-way
• Obstructed driving where cars are parked illegally, making it challenging to see bicyclists and pedestrians in the roadway
• Parking lot injury where the pedestrian was struck while walking behind the vehicle without being noticed
• Sidewalk accidents where motorists back out of driveways and onto the road without stopping for crossing pedestrians
• Hit and run where a motorist strikes a pedestrian and leaves the scene of the accident
• Driving a car on the sidewalk after losing control of the vehicle
Determining Fault in a Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident
When a motorist hits a pedestrian in Rhode Island, it is up to the court system to determine which party is at fault for the accident. Typically, the individual failing to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances is considered negligent in their action. In some cases, both the pedestrian and the driver are at fault or negligent. However, in many types of pedestrian/vehicle accident, the pedestrian is entitled to seek compensation for their injuries.
This is because state law requires motorists to take all necessary steps to avoid hitting pedestrians by exercising due care. This often requires yielding to individuals in the crosswalk and taking proper precautions to keep an eye out for children near the roadway.
A Claim against Third Parties In Providence Superior Court
Additional third parties might also be at fault for the accident, including road maintenance agencies, automobile manufacturers and others. Roadway obstructions or improperly maintained streets can cause dangerous situations that lead to a pedestrian/vehicle accident. Automobile manufacturers might also be responsible for the RI auto accident by selling cars with defective equipment including faulty brakes or tires.
A skilled RI pedestrian accident attorney can determine all parties at fault for the RI car accident and hold each one accountable for financial compensation to the victim. Speaking with an experienced Providence personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian injuries in RI is crucial to protect your legal rights after a Rhode island car accident.
Your RI car accident attorney will seek financial recovery for all of your economic and non-economic losses including:
• Medical bills associated with the accident
• Hospitalization expenses
• Time off from work
• Loss of living a normal life
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
It is essential to seek the skills of a reputable Rhode Island pedestrian accident attorney or Rhode Island personal Injury Lawyer to bring a claim or file a lawsuit against parties that caused your injuries. Your RI personal injury lawyer can build a strong case to ensure you receive the financial relief you deserve. Through a free initial consultation, the RI Injury law firm can discuss all of your legal options for compensation.
“In 2013, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States.1This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 2 hours.1
Additionally, more than 150,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2013.2 Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.3″ Center for Disease Control, Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pedestrian_safety/
