Icy Road & Snowstorm Motor Vehicle-Pedestrian Accident

In recent years, the Northeast, Massachusetts and Rhode Island has seen more than its fair share of snowstorms leading to vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. In fact, many of these RI and Mass. accidents occur during inclement weather when the storm drops excessive amounts of snow or sleet. Much of the aftermath of mounting snow and ice can last for days after the storm has passed.

In many incidences, the most hazardous part of the snowstorm occurs afterwards when the accumulated snow begins to melt during the warmer daylight hours and refreezes during subfreezing nights, forming huge ice patches often covered by additional snow or icy sludge.

(keep in mind, that in Rhode Island fatal pedestrian-motor vehicle wrecks must be pursued by the executor or administrator of the deceased estate working with a Wrongful death lawyer in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations)

The work of road maintenance crews in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and in Boston involves clearing the roadway drop salt on the streets in an effort to melt the ice and snow. However, their efforts often create a hazardous condition when accumulated water along curbs and crosswalks are allowed to refreeze overnight when temperatures begin to drop. The icy conditions often cause hazardous conditions, especially in congested areas of the city where pedestrians are sharing the roadway when crossing the street.

In congested areas, pedestrians in Providence and Pawtucket are often at risk to serious injury when involved in a car accident where a vehicle loses control on an icy or snowy patch on the road. In many situations, negligence is involved when road crews do not properly clear the street, or the motorist is driving recklessly under hazardous conditions. In many incidences, an icy road and snowstorm automobile -pedestrian accident is the result of:

• Driver/human error
• Improper road maintenance
• Drunk driving
• Unsafe road design
• Distracted driving
• Defective vehicle parts including steering systems, tires and brakes
• Malfunctioning or improperly designed signs and traffic signals

Serious Pedestrian Injuries in Rhode Island and Massachusetts (MA) as a result of auto crashes

Anytime a pedestrian is hit by a moving object, they are often the victim of serious injuries or death. The impact of being hit by a vehicle can cause the pedestrian to suffer a variety of injuries including:

• Head injury and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Partial or full paralysis (spinal cord injury)
• Back and neck injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Lacerations, bruises and contusions
• Disfigurement

Financial Liability for Pedestrian accidents in Rhode Island and in Mass.

In most incidences in Rhode Island, the pedestrian has the right of way when walking on sidewalks and crossing the street. When involved in an accident and suffering injuries that were not their fault, the pedestrian likely has a legal claim for financial compensation against all responsible parties. By hiring an attorney, the victim can seek damages and losses that involve recompense for their:

• Medical expenses and hospital bills
• Future medical needs including additional surgery, rehabilitation, tests, procedures and treatments
• Compensation for their emotional injury and mental anguish
• Money to recoup lost wages and future earnings when unable to work because of the injuries associated with the accident
• Loss of support, consortium and companionship

By filing a claim or lawsuit, the RI or MA personal injury attorney can seek compensation from all parties at fault for the accident and injuries. Most cases are settled out of court when the Providence pedestrian accident attorney can successfully negotiate an adequate compensation. In the event that a settlement cannot be reached, the RI or Massachusetts pedestrian accident lawyer can file a lawsuit to take the case to trial from the judge and jury.

In addition to the driver causing the accident, there may be other (third parties) involved. A third party deemed at fault for the Cranston, Warwick or Woonsocket accident with injuries might include road maintenance crews, car manufacturers, auto parts suppliers and other drivers.

Hiring an East Providence personal injury attorney is essential to ensure a successful outcome of the claim. Personal injury lawyers in Rhode Island or Massachusetts who specialize in vehicle-pedestrian accidents involving ice and snow provide services on contingency. This means no upfront fees are required by the victim because the law firm is paid through the award at trial or out-of-court settlement.

In the event that a pedestrian is killed in a car, truck or motorcycle accident then the estate of the deceased acting through the administrator and represented by a RI wrongful death attorney will be the party to pursue compensation as a result of the fatal pedestrian accident.