Providence Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Seven pedestrians died in Rhode Island traffic accidents in 2018, and 20 the year before that. On average, 12 people lose their lives every year in a pedestrian accident in Rhode Island. Nationally, pedestrian accidents rose four percent from 2017 to 2018, to their highest point in 30 years. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,227 people were killed in pedestrian accidents in 2018, and pedestrian accidents have seen a 35% increase over the past ten years.
As cities get more crowded and congested with traffic and gas prices rise, more people in urban areas choose to walk rather than drive when they can. At the same time, rates of distracted driving car accidents have exploded, and some of the populations taking the worst hit are motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians, who are harder to spot when a driver’s attention is pulled away from the road onto a smartphone or in-vehicle infotainment system.
Whatever the cause, Providence pedestrian accident lawyer Michael Kiselica holds negligent drivers accountable for the harm caused to pedestrians by their negligence, including the most serious and catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident in Rhode Island, call the Kiselica Law Firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Rhode Island?
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk – Rhode Island Law requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same side of the street as the vehicle or is approaching from the opposite side so closely that it would be unsafe for the vehicle to proceed. Pedestrians are not allowed to suddenly walk into the path of a vehicle where it would make it impossible for the driver to yield. Pedestrians are also required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles if crossing the street at any point other than an intersection where there is no marked crosswalk.
- Overtaking a vehicle which has stopped for pedestrians – If a vehicle is stopped at any marked crosswalk or at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross, it is extremely dangerous and illegal for a driver approaching from the rear to overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Making a right turn before first looking for pedestrians crossing the street
How do you determine fault in a pedestrian accident?
It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a pedestrian accident, and both sides may be pointing the finger at the other for causing the accident. It is important to know that in Rhode Island, an accident victim can pursue a negligence claim even if the victim is also accused of negligence. Any negligence on the part of the victim will reduce the amount of damages that are recoverable, but it will not prevent the victim from succeeding on a claim where the driver was negligent as well. At the Kiselica Law Firm, we conduct a thorough investigation and build a strong case that holds the negligent driver accountable for the full measure of their responsibility in causing the accident. We don’t compromise just to settle a case, and we’ll argue strenuously on your behalf if you’re accused of causing or contributing to an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Get Help after a Serious Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident
For help after a pedestrian accident in Rhode Island, call the Kiselica Law Firm at 401-421-0300 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an experienced and successful Providence pedestrian accident lawyer. We’ll let you know if we think you have a claim, and there’s no fee unless and until we recover for you.
