Types of Car Accidents by a Providence Lawyer

Speeding Related Accidents in Rhode Island: In this day and age, many motorists are rushing to get to work or to their intended destination. As a result, there are numerous rear end car / automobile or truck crashes caused by speeding and careless operation of a motor vehicle. Speeding violations are not only limited to travelling faster then the designated speed limit but could include what is commonly known as ‘Conditions requiring reduced speed’.

(See, RI General Law § 31-14-1 Reasonable and prudent speeds. – No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing… ) This means that if it is snowing, sleeting or raining, a motorist must take that into account when determining how fast to travel. If the roads are icy, slick or wet a motor vehicle operator must reduce his speed so that an auto accident does not result. If the roads are covered with black ice or oil or you see a police detail on the side of the road or highway, it is crucial that you reduce your speed.

If someone is injured in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island or an automobile wreck as a result of a tortfeasor speeding then the motorist who was speeding was at least partially at fault / negligent and responsible to pay damages to the injured person. If you were injured in an auto accident in RI or MA, please contact a Rhode Island or Mass. personal Injury Attorney.

Texting and Driving and Distracted Driving: Distracted driving runs the whole gamut from texting and driving, web surfing, instant messaging, gps usage to cell phone calls and driving. The RI distracted driving statute has a very broad definition of ‘texting and driving’  “”Text Message”, also referred to as short messaging service (SMS) means the process by which users send, read, or receive messages on a wireless handset, including but not limited to, text messages, instant messages, electronic messages or e-mails, in order to communicate with any person or device.” 31-22-30

Hit and Run Accidents- Many hit and run accidents result from drunk driving. There have been numerous instances of a motorist who was operating under the influence of alcohol seriously injuring or killing another person and then leaving the scene of the collision to avoid criminal charges, accountability and responsibility for the deadly RI car crash.

Recently, there was a very serious fatal hit and run accident in which a woman was killed in Somerset, MA. Police is Somerset, Massachusetts arrested a man on suspicion that he was involved in the fatal hit and run car accident. Police found his front license plate at the scene of the deadly motor vehicle crash. After police requested that he turn himself in, he drove the damaged motor vehicle to the police station.

“The Somerset Police Department seized Cooper’s vehicle and his cellphone to see whether he had been calling or texting at the time of the crash. Ferreira said he did not have any further information as to what investigators found on Cooper’s phone.” Herald News

At the alleged perpetrator’s arraignment the district attorney documented a rather lengthy criminal record which includes ” two prior arrests for operating under the influence, as well as operating to endanger, shoplifting and larceny, and marijuana and drug possession charges from Rhode Island.” Herald News

Reckless driving crashes: “In United States law, reckless driving is a major moving traffic violation. It is usually a more serious offense than careless driving, improper driving, or driving without due care and attention and is often punishable by fines, imprisonment, and/or driver’s license suspension or revocation.” Wikipedia “Unfortunately, pedestrians were one of the few groups of road users to experience an increase in fatalities in the United States in 2011, totaling 4,432 deaths. ” NHTSA

In a strange yet dangerous situation a motorcyclist played a cat and mouse game with police. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this reckless and allegedly criminal conduct. “The motorcyclist who routinely drove his bike at 100 miles per hour along Interstates 93 and 95 and Route 24, eluding State Police and other officers for the past month was captured after a pursuit early today, authorities said.” Boston  

“The suspect, identified as Daniel Rebello, 29, of Somerset, had engaged in a cat and mouse game with law enforcement, taunting an Arlington police officer on Friday and then roaring away, officials said. The State Police said on Monday Rebello called their headquarters in Framingham and boasted that he had gotten away from them once again.”

“But Rebello’s luck ran out about 7:30 a.m. today. He was arrested by Randolph Police Officer Charles Boudreau hiding behind a parked tractor trailer off Route 139 in Randolph, but only after he first sped north on Route 24 and then drove south on the grassy median strip to avoid State Police troopers waiting for him, police said.” Id. 

Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrian accidents are particularly sad since many pedestrian accidents are fatal leading to Providence Superior Court Wrongful Death litigation. If you or a loved on was injured in a car-pedestrian accident then it is imperative that you retain a RI Personal Injury attorney or a Wrongful Death lawyer in Rhode Island asap.