Half of all car accidents occur at night, even though we spend less overall driving time during this period. Furthermore, these crashes are three times more likely to be fatal than those that take place during daylight hours. A Rhode Island accident attorney can help you seek rightful compensation if you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash at night. Additionally, if a beloved family member was killed in a night driving accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Attorney David Tapalian has decades of personal injury experience in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and can help you get the compensation you deserve after being hit by a reckless driver. Tapalian Law will handle the logistics of your personal injury claim while you take the time to recover after an accident. Our firm works on a continency basis, which means we charge no fees until you win, and we offer a free, no obligation consultation. Call us at 401-552-5000, or contact us online to find out how Tapalian Law can help you.
Common Causes of Accidents at NightThere are many reasons, and causes, that explain why driving is much more dangerous once the sun goes down.
Certain occupations are especially prone to drowsy driving, such as long-haul truck drivers, medical workers, and shift workers, who may work long or irregular hours that aren’t conducive to typical sleep cycles.
Rhode Island requires newly licensed drivers to train with 10 hours of night driving before they are eligible to receive their driver’s license. According to the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicle’s Driver's Manual, motor vehicle operators need to use their headlights whenever the sun is down, during weather conditions such as snow, rain, and fog, and if one cannot clearly see more than 500 feet ahead. When using high beams at night, a driver must dim them if they are immediately passing or following another car at less than or equal to 200 meters. If a night driving accident occurred due to a driver’s failure to follow these rules, a car accident lawyer can speak to you about the potential of your case.
Pedestrian Accidents at NightEven more difficult than noticing another motor vehicle at night is the ability to see a person present on the road as a pedestrian. When a car strikes a pedestrian there are factors to consider when deciding who is the at-fault party. As a pedestrian walking the dog or jogging at night, you will want to take safety precautions to increase your visibility to drivers, such as wearing bright clothing or using a flashlight. Other factors that come into play include whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and if they were speeding or otherwise breaking the law. Weather conditions and lighting on the roadway are additional considerations.
Consult a Rhode Island Attorney After Your Night Driving AccidentIf you were involved in a Rhode Island night driving accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Tapalian Law. Attorney David Tapalian is qualified to help clients in RI, MA, and FL, and is available for questions and concerns seven days a week, including evenings. With office locations in Providence, Warwick, Seekonk, and Fort Lauderdale, we are easily accessible to our clients and offer flexible availability to account for your busy schedule and work hours. The personal injury experts at Tapalian Law will make sure your needs are put first and will aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at 401-552-5000, or use our easy, online form to schedule your free consultation today.