Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians in Rhode Island are susceptible to severe, life-changing injuries if they’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, such as a car accident. An experienced Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims pursue much-needed compensation to offset resulting injuries, costs, and trauma.

Economic damages are awarded to reimburse for the financial costs, expenses, and losses related to your pedestrian accident or that of a loved one, including: 

  • Hospitalization and other current medical bills 
  • Ongoing medical treatment and future medical costs 
  • Physical therapy 
  • Medical devices and equipment 
  • Property damage 
  • Nursing assistance 
  • Funeral and burial expenses if a pedestrian accident in Rhode Island is fatal
Non-economic damages are awarded to pedestrians for the hard-to-value suffering and life changes that can follow an accident, including: 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Chronic physical pain 
  • Emotional distress 
  • Disfigurement 
  • Scarring 
  • Loss of consortium 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

At Marasco & Nesselbush, our attorneys will carefully evaluate the details of your case with respected experts and specialists. They can help us prove liability and more fully understand how your injuries affect your day-to-day life (and how they’re likely to affect your life for years to come). With their assistance, we’ll be able to prepare strong arguments for negotiations and, if necessary, trial.

How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents In Rhode Island?​

Hundreds of pedestrians are involved in motor vehicle accidents in Rhode Island every year. According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, 147 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents between 2007 and 2018. 

The number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents varies each year, with some years reporting as few as five fatal crashes, while others see more than 20 pedestrians die in accidents statewide.

In 2020, Rhode Island fatal pedestrian accidents increased by a shocking 121 percent over the year prior. Pedestrians in the Plantation State seem to have fared better in 2021. Fatalities dropped by 30 percent in the first half of the year.

These are only statistics concerning deadly pedestrian accidents in Rhode Island. Hundreds of others survive their accident, but still struggle with severe, debilitating, and painful injuries.

What Causes Most Rhode Island Pedestrian Accidents?​

Pedestrian accidents are largely a consequence of human error and negligence, including: 

  • Speeding
  • Driving too fast for road or weather conditions 
  • Distracted driving 
  • Distracted walking 
  • Drunk driving 
  • Driving through yellow and red lights at intersections 
  • Rolling through stop signs 
  • Failing to look for pedestrians in intersections or marked crosswalks 
  • Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians 
  • Vehicle malfunctions due to negligent maintenance and repair 
  • Fatigued driving 
  • Road defects 
  • Inadequate sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure 
  • Obscured traffic signs or signals 
  • Failure to clear snow off sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the roadway
cars crossing a bridge in downtown providence

Other factors can also contribute to pedestrian accidents in Rhode Island. These are sometimes beyond the control of pedestrians and motorists and might include road construction, inclement weather, and vehicle defects.

It’s important to note that more than one thing can contribute to a pedestrian accident. Our Rhode Island personal injury attorneys will work hard to identify every possible cause. With this knowledge, we’ll be able to pursue damages from anyone who might be liable for the crash.

How Can I Stay Safe As A Rhode Island Pedestrian?​​

Most pedestrian accidents are avoidable. They are the result of human error and negligence. The good news is that pedestrians can reduce the risk of getting into a traffic accident or suffering injuries while walking in Rhode Island by following these tips:

  • Always use a sidewalk whenever possible.
  • Obey traffic safety signals, including pedestrian walk signs.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street, even when you have the right of way.
  • Cross the street in marked crosswalks whenever possible.
  • Cross the street at intersections.
  • Do not wear headphones or talk on the phone, as these distractions can prevent you from identifying changes in traffic or increase the likelihood that you walk out in front of traffic.
  • Wear reflective material or carry a flashlight if you are walking at night.
  • Always assume that motorists can’t see you or won’t stop. Defensive walking might increase the time it takes for you to get to your destination, but at least it can increase the chances of you getting there safely.

Common Types Of Pedestrian Accidents In Rhode Island​​

At Marasco & Nesselbush, we represent clients who have sustained injuries or lost family members in:

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our top-rated Rhode Island trial attorneys if you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident. We’ll be there to help you through the process of seeking damages for your injuries and suffering.

Rhode Island Pedestrians Are Vulnerable To Catastrophic Injuries When Struck By A Car

Common pedestrian accident injuries include:

Always seek medical treatment immediately after being struck by a car or suffering injuries as a pedestrian in Rhode Island. Some injuries, including brain trauma, might not be evident right away. Prompt care can help ensure that all of your injuries are properly diagnosed and that you are prescribed an appropriate treatment plan to optimize recovery.

a woman talking to a doctor in rhode island

Pedestrian Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are incredibly common among pedestrians, especially in young children. One study found that traumatic brain injuries account for about 6.3 percent of all pedestrian injuries in children. About two-thirds of these TBIs are classified as moderate, while roughly one out of every four is severe.

TBIs are a factor in 55 percent of all fatal pedestrian accident cases involving children.

It’s easy to understand why pedestrians are so susceptible to brain injuries. They’re not protected by a large steel frame. Unlike bicycles or motorcyclists, they don’t have a helmet or safety gear to protect them in a car wreck.

When they’re struck by a vehicle, there’s nothing between them and the asphalt or hard concrete below. When the head strikes the ground, the pedestrian can sustain a closed head injury that causes the brain to move, twist, or turn in the skull. This can result in brain bleeds, contusions, bruising, loss of consciousness, and other types of TBIs.

What Rhode Island Traffic Laws Apply To Pedestrians?​

Generally speaking, vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are in crosswalks on the same side of the road.

If a pedestrian is just about to enter a crosswalk and a vehicle is passing on the other side of the road, the vehicle can continue to move through unless the pedestrian is approaching and would be endangered.

Vehicles also do not have to stop if the motorist wouldn’t have enough time to stop before getting to the crosswalk and it would ultimately be safer for them to continue driving.

Things change when a pedestrian isn’t using a marked crosswalk. When attempting to cross the road elsewhere, pedestrians must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

What Should I Do If I Am Hit By A Car In Rhode Island?​​

The steps taken immediately after a pedestrian accident are critical. They can have a huge impact on your health and future and also your financial security.

Even small mistakes or missteps could be costly.

If you are hit by a car in Rhode Island, you should:

  • Take down the license plate and make of the vehicle that hit you in case they flee the scene
  • Report the accident to your local police department or call 911
  • Get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses
  • Resist the urge to apologize or admit fault, as these actions could hurt your chances of a full financial recovery
  • Seek medical treatment at the closest hospital in Rhode Island
  • Notify your insurance company if you intend to seek benefits through your uninsured motorist coverage
  • Direct all communication from insurance adjusters and other parties to your personal injury attorney

You will have just three years to file a pedestrian accident claim, so reach out to Marasco & Nesselbush immediately after you get hurt. We are ready to provide the assistance you need.

a group of people using a crosswalk in rhode island

What Evidence Might Help My Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?​​

Most pedestrian accident lawsuits in Rhode Island are based on negligence.

Negligence means that someone else owed you a duty of care, breached it through some unreasonable actions, and caused you to suffer injuries and damages as a result.

In Rhode Island, you must prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence. In other words, your side of the story has to be more likely true than not.

Evidence that can help you prove negligence might include:

  • Video footage of your accident from red light cameras or nearby surveillance cameras 
  • Photographs of the scene of the accident, property damage, and resulting injuries
  • The clothing you were wearing when you were struck by the vehicle
  • Eyewitness testimony and statements
  • Police reports
  • Physical evidence from the scene, which might include damage to property, skidmarks, or tire tracks
  • Medical records
  • Evidence that a motorist was distracted or impaired at the time of the accident

The more evidence you have that directly proves another party’s negligence, the better the odds of a meaningful financial victory.

Contact Our Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today​

You don’t have to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a claim for damages on your own. Now should be the time for you to focus on resting and recovering from your life-changing pedestrian injuries. The Rhode Island pedestrian accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush will handle every aspect of your case so that you don’t have to.

When you turn to our Rhode Island personal injury law firm for help, you’ll receive the personalized care and attention you deserve during this very difficult time. Our team will advocate for you passionately, working hard to achieve results that make your life easier in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Your first case evaluation with our top-rated legal team is free, so give our Rhode Island pedestrian  accident lawyers a call to learn more.

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They work very hard on your behalf and will always return emails and phone calls. More than that, they will regularly reach out to give you updates on your case or to check in and see how you are doing. On a scale of 1 - 10: if I could give you 10+ I would! They have been wonderful!!
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Not many were willing to take this unique case on, but M&N and my attorney has earned my respect and gratitude for their efforts. Thank you, again!
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Marasco & Nesselbush has the best team in their industry! I was treated professionally from the beginning to end. There was no question or concern that was not meet with a timely and satisfying answer. Even when I had small needs outside of my case. I HIGHLY recommend this team of professionals. Their values and determination can not be beat!
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Everyone at Marasco & Nesselbush has provided me with superb attention and support throughout my case and time with them. I was so grateful for their professionalism and care. Thanks and much appreciation!
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When an accident happens, it's hard enough to get through that, then trying to find a great lawyer to help is even harder, but y'all made the whole process easy, and provided comfort and understanding. You also provided ease and determination with no back down attitudes. I will definately be recommending and will always be appreciative for the care you showed my son and my self! Thank you!
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Ryan and his team were very polite and knowledgeable. Most importantly they were extremely responsive whenever I had questions or concerns through out the entire process. Certainly would recommend to a family member or friend.
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