Top Reasons Car Accidents Happen

While there are many different reasons auto accidents happen, it’s essential to know how and why the most common ones happen so that you are able to optimize your safety while navigating the road.

• Distractions: It goes without saying, drivers are distracted! Phones are frequently to blame but distracted driving can include anything from fiddling with the GPS, eating, applying makeup, to texting or talking with passengers. No matter what, it’s essential as a motorist to keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings whenever you’re behind the wheel. Many drivers think they are able to multitask while driving but it’s been shown time and again that our brains do not successfully perform multiple functions at the same time at the same level, hence the high number of crashes caused by distracted drivers in Rhode Island and throughout the country.

• Driving while intoxicated: Of the 63 car accident fatalities in the Ocean State in 2021, approximately 1/3 were a result of drunk driving. Tragically, too many fatal accidents are caused by a totally preventable cause- impaired drivers. Alcohol is a big culprit, but drugs, whether illegal or prescription, contribute to impaired driving accidents as well. If you’re going to be drinking alcohol or taking any other substance, including prescription drugs, that may impair your fine motor skills and ability to drive, it’s imperative to plan ahead. Use a ride share service like Uber or a cab for safe transportation, or have a trusted designated driver so that you don’t get behind the wheel and put yourself, your passengers, and others on the road in danger. If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, an experienced Rhode Island car accident attorney can help you file a personal injury claim to seek money for your injuries and damages.

• Speeding: Another top reason for crashes is fairly obvious- speeding. Due to the high impact of a speeding collision, fatalities are more common in these types of accidents. At a high speed, a driver has much less time to react to a hazard and a vehicle cannot stop as quickly as one operating at a slower speed. Even when in a rush, it’s critical for motor vehicle operators to put safety first and maintain a safe driving speed and remain in control of their vehicle.

• Road rage: Another easily preventable cause of car accidents, conflict and confrontation between angry drivers contributes to fender benders. If you are confronted by one of these irate drivers, remain calm and in control and don’t engage with an aggressive driver. A minor road mishap can easily escalate into dangerous actions by an aggressive motorist like cutting off other drivers, tailgating, and speeding.

• Road conditions and weather: If you must commute during adverse weather conditions, like heavy rain, snow, or sleet, plan accordingly by allotting extra time and adjust your driving speed slower to account for poor visibility and slippery road conditions. Construction, road work, potholes, and road defects, are some of the everyday conditions to be aware of while driving as well and its critical for drivers to adjust their speed for everyone’s safety.

Contact A Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, seek medical attention immediately and then contact an experienced attorney in Rhode Island or Massachusetts to determine your legal rights. Attorney David Tapalian has over two decades of personal injury practice in RI, MA, and FL, and has helped hundreds of clients successfully win compensation for their injuries caused in a car accident, motorcycle crash, truck collision, or other type of collision. Contact Attorney David Tapalian today at 401-552-5000 to review the details of your accident and discuss your legal options or book your free consultation online.

While Autopilot can help control certain aspects of driving the car, such as changing lanes, the driver must still maintain awareness of their surroundings despite stories of drivers that fall asleep at the wheel or read a book while relying on the vehicle technology to make decisions for them. These actions are dangerous as the system is not meant to be self-driving and can result in serious injuries, or death, to both the driver and innocent motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Attorney David Tapalian is an experienced personal injury lawyer who helps victims of car accidents in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including those crashes caused by a negligent or distracted driver. If you’ve been the victim of a dangerous auto accident, call 401-552-5000 to see how Tapalian Law can help you hold the negligent driver liable for your injuries.

Recent Tesla Accidents

The NHTSA is investigating a number of instances involving the Tesla autopilot system malfunctioning and resulting in personal injury or death. A crash in 2019 took the life of a 15-year-old boy whose father was driving a pickup truck and turned on his blinker to switch lanes. While changing lanes, the Tesla vehicle traveling behind him at a high speed did not slow down. As a result, the truck was rear-ended in the collision and the child was ejected and killed. Further investigation into the incident found that the Tesla was using the Autopilot system at the time of the crash. The technology, and the Tesla operator, failed to slow down the vehicle with an adequate amount of time to prevent the crash. Other Tesla crashes were due to the Autopilot system not braking for other vehicles and, in one instance, the technology did not notice a nearby concrete barrier. The drivers in both cases were killed.

The founder of Tesla, Elon Musk, says that his company is taking the proper precautions to avoid fatal accidents. Tesla often mentions how many of the accidents caused by their vehicles were the fault of the driver. The National Transportation Board has another view. They say that Tesla is not taking adequate safety measures to ensure drivers are using the technology correctly. For example, General Motors created a Super Cruise system that turns off completely if the driver’s eyes are not on the road. After providing the operator with a few warnings, the entire system will shut down if their eyes are still not on the road. On the other hand, Tesla’s autopiloting system only measures the amount of time the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel and can be misled if the hands touch for only a few seconds before being removed.

Tapalian Law Handles Autopilot Accident Cases

With over 20 years of experience in the field of personal injury law, Attorney David Tapalian works tirelessly to get the results you deserve. He helps victims across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Florida, as well as family members of those who died due to another’s negligent actions. Autopilot car accidents are often fatal, and a personal injury lawyer can explain the nuances of filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of your lost loved one. Attorney Tapalian dedicates his work to helping innocent victims achieve the justice they deserve. Tapalian Law will go through any means necessary, such as arbitration and litigation, if it provides you with a better outcome. For any injury, no matter how large or small, contact our Rhode Island personal injury office at 401-552-5000 or send us an electronic message. We offer a free consultation to determine how we can help you and we only get paid when you win compensation.

You may find it reassuring to know that these seemingly brighter headlights are not just your imagination. There’s no denying the automotive industry has made tremendous safety improvements over the years, including improvements in lighting technology. Sometimes, however, these enhancements lead to an alternative problem, for instance the blinding glare of LED and high-intensity headlights. There are various reasons for these brighter lights causing a dangerous distraction to drivers, one being the prevalence of SUV’s and tall pickups, as well as small, short cars. The physical placement of headlights on a taller vehicle, such as an SUV, are going to be mounted higher and when the lights shine towards a shorter car, it can be directly into the driver’s eyes. Complaints of blinding glare from these headlights have increased greatly, according to the NHTSA. Being that over half of the nation’s motor vehicle accidents happen in the dark, as a personal injury law firm helping Rhode Island car accident victims, we feel it’s a crucial element for drivers to be aware of. Reasons for the Blinding Glare

Another reason automobile headlights may appear brighter is because of different colors used, even if the actual brightness is the same between the two. In the past, many head lights were halogens, which appeared to possess a more yellow hue. More frequently, we now see LED lights which appear whiter and may contain blue undertones. Even when the intensity of brightness is similar for both of them, our eyes perceive the latter as brighter. Halogens also have a decreased brightness measure of 1300 lumens compared to LEDs which are 1600 lumens. In addition, there are even brighter lights called high-intensity discharge/xenon, that measure 3000 lumens and the potential for laser headlights emitting 6400 lumens.

Headlights not only have different intensity levels, but they possess different measured temperatures. As lights increase in temperature, they begin to glow and get whiter which is perceived by the human eye as brighter. Beyond the physical lights themselves, different conditions can affect the way our eyes perceive them. For example, excessive sun and overuse can cause headlights to develop a haze that increases the chance of glare.

The Future of Headlights

In 2020, Ford issued a recall of their F-150 model due to a problem with headlight brightness. The switch that controlled the lights was unable to turn off the high beams when the low beams were in use. As a result, passing drivers were momentarily blinded as they attempted to pass or when they were directly in front of these vehicles. There are future developments that may affect how bright headlights appear moving forward and can hopefully prevent injury to those on the road at night. With the creation of adaptive driving beams, the hope is that there will be less glare for passing vehicles which will decrease the chance of car accidents. The new technology works by dimming the headlights when a motion sensor detects the movement of another vehicle nearby. Europe already has a similar system in place and allows you to leave the headlights on at all times. Not only will the chance of a Rhode Island auto accident be less likely due to decreased glare, but there will also be less distractions since you will no longer need to focus on turning them off and then on again. Additionally, since the headlights will never be truly off, only dimmer, you will always be able to see what is around you.

Ford has created the Glare-Free Highbeam which not only adjusts automatically to dim the headlight, but also has different settings that can adjust both the intensity and the physical angle of the light. The new system automatically changes the setting based on how fast the car is going, how much light is around, and how far away other vehicles are, among other variables.

One option for drivers who are frequently affected by glaring headlights is to purchase clear glasses which can block out the ultraviolet light that adds to the glare. You can also ensure that your front window is clean and free from dirt so light will not refract when it enters through your windshield.

A RI Personal Injury Lawyer Can Assist After a Headlight Glare Accident

If you were involved in a car accident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts due to defective headlights or the glare from another vehicle, contact Tapalian Law today. Attorney David Tapalian has decades of experience helping victims of all different types of car accidents across RI, MA, and FL. Each of our clients receive individualized attention and will be able to access our lawyers at any time of day, including nights and weekends. Email us to schedule a free consultation or call us at 401-552-5000 to speak with our legal team immediately. Our office works with victims of motorcycle, bike, and pedestrian accidents and offers easily-accessible office locations in Providence, Warwick, Seekonk, and Fort Lauderdale.

It’s Not Just You, It’s the Drivers…

Though not always the case, negligent motor vehicle operators are frequently the cause of a bicyclist getting hurt. Even the most prepared and careful cyclist can fall victim to a negligent driver. Drivers are distracted more than ever by cell phones. The ping of a text or a social media update is just too tempting for some to ignore, even while driving 60mph. In addition to technology, negligence can take the form of drunk driving, speeding, road rage, even plain inexperience. As a Rhode Island personal injury attorney, David sees an abundance of serious bicycle accidents in Providence and all over the state, caused by distracted drivers. These types of crashes are completely preventable. Why should an innocent cyclist die because of a text message?

Steps to Consider Before Your Next Bike Ride

Before we get into specific ways to prepare, as an injury attorney we’d be remiss not to mention the importance of wearing a properly fitting safety helmet! Although helmets are only legally required in Rhode Island for those aged 15 and under (aged 16 and under in Massachusetts), we can’t stress enough the importance of everyone, kids and adults, wearing a helmet every single time you get on a bike. Head injuries are the leading cause of death for bike riders and the majority of cyclists involved in fatal accidents are not wearing a helmet.

Check your Insurance

If you are hit by a driver while riding your bike, there’s a chance the motorist who hit you is uninsured or under-insured. Simply put, this means that the driver does not have insurance, or the amount of insurance coverage they do carry is inadequate to cover your damages, meaning you may be left with huge medical bills. Be prepared and check your own insurance policy to determine what type of coverage you have, if it will cover you as a bike rider, and if so, the amount of coverage provided. A number of auto insurance plans offer uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage that covers the insured, even if on a bicycle and not in the vehicle. As personal injury lawyers, unfortunately we’ve also seen our fair share of hit and run bike accidents in Rhode Island. Hit and runs may be covered if you carry uninsured motorist coverage, however its important to verify your particular coverage with your insurance carrier.

Emergency Contact Info

It’s helpful to have emergency contacts saved in your cell phone that you carry on bicycle trips, but cell phones are frequently damaged during a crash. Therefore, it’s beneficial to carry some other form of identification, such as a written emergency contact list that is enclosed in a zipped pocket on your bike, business cards with your contact information, and/or an ID bracelet that shows critical health information and medications you take. In case of an accident, providing multiple options for rescue personnel to identify you and your emergency contacts quicker and provide proper medical treatment, can be extremely beneficial.

Have an Action Plan

If you ride with others, discuss how each will respond in the event one of you are injured. Carrying a simple first-aid kit and having a cell phone on hand to take pictures of any injuries that occur, or vehicles involved in a collision, can be helpful and also aid as evidence in a potential personal injury claim after your Rhode Island bike accident.

Technology Options

If you are an avid bicyclist, you might consider front and rear cameras for your bike. Though these won’t prevent a crash, they can make it easier to determine the circumstances surrounding a collision, and help prove liability in a potential injury claim. Ensure your family is aware of the technology and how to access the evidence, in case you are hurt and unable to provide this information.

Contact a Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer if You Are Hurt in a Bike Accident

If you, or a loved one, were injured in a bicycle accident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage to the bike, and pain and suffering. Consult Attorney David Tapalian, a top-rated personal injury lawyer in Rhode Island and Massachusetts with over 20 years of experience, as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and file an injury claim within the three-year statute of limitations as required by law. Tapalian Law helps injured people in RI and MA recover compensation after they’ve been hurt in a car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle crash, or slip and fall. Contact us today in our Providence, Warwick, or Seekonk offices, for a free consultation at 401-552-5000, or use our easy, online contact form.

Be Alert as a Pedestrian

Over 6,000 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2018. This is the highest number in more than 20 years, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). While this recent study may be small and need more in-depth research, the issue of distracted walking and distracted driving is big. While innovations in safety technology have increased the survivability of victims in automobile crashes, pedestrians still remain susceptible to critical, or fatal, injuries when hit by a vehicle.

In a city like Providence, walking is convenient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. It’s also a good form of exercise. Clearly, the solution isn’t to tell pedestrians to stay off the street. Yet, it does make sense for those on foot to simply be more aware of their surroundings, instead of looking down at a smartphone. A pedestrian can’t change the unsafe behavior of negligent motorists like, drunk driving, speeding, and aggressive driving, all of which contribute greatly to pedestrian accidents that we see as personal injury attorneys in Rhode Island. In no way is a pedestrian at fault for a driver’s bad behavior. A pedestrian can be, however, aware and perhaps in some cases, more likely to anticipate an impending crash. But if the person is looking down to send a text, they may not be alert to the speeding car that just ran through a red light and is fast approaching the crosswalk they are entering.

Study Findings

The study, by researchers at the University of Calgary, analyzed the cause behind hundreds of pedestrian incidents. Throughout the study, texting while walking was associated with a higher rate of mishaps, like a failure to look left and right when crossing the road, and near-misses. Those listening to music did not seem to be affected while those talking on a cell phone had a small risk.

What Has Contributed to A Rise in Pedestrian Accidents?

There are a number of factors that affect the rate of pedestrian accidents and deaths each year and the latest research points to smartphones as a significant contributor. Cellphone distractions in these scenarios can be attributed to both the motorist driving the vehicle who hits the pedestrian, as well as the pedestrian who is distracted by looking at their cell phone. An accident could arise as a result of the driver, the pedestrian, or a combination of both. For example, the driver of a car may be using a phone to send a text while driving and collide with a pedestrian who is walking across the street looking down while texting a friend. In this situation, both the motorist and the pedestrian may share fault for the crash. Rhode Island Personal Injury Attorney David Tapalian knows a person on foot against a heavy SUV is a mis-matched fight, and the pedestrian is likely to be the one to suffer the brunt of the impact and suffer serious, possibly life-threatening, injuries.

In addition to technology use, there are other influences that affect pedestrian accidents each year including weather conditions, population growth, and traffic infrastructure. Growth in the popularity of larger sport utility vehicles (SUV) over the years has been linked to pedestrian fatalities, however, while the number of SUV’s associated with pedestrian fatalities has increased due to their prevalence on the road, it is cars, not SUV’s, that are still involved in the largest percentage of these types of crashes.

Ways to Address the Issue

There is no quick solution to this important safety concern, and it must be addressed in a number of ways including education, enforcement, and infrastructure.

Education- Knowledge is power, it’s said. Educate both pedestrians and drivers on the serious dangers of texting and walking and texting and driving. Its everyone’s problem. A particular focus on new teen drivers who lack the experience and maturity of a more skilled driver and who have grown up with smartphones may be beneficial.

Enforcement- Local and state police continue to monitor, and penalize, for negligent driving behaviors like distracted driving, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and road rage. By now, everyone knows it’s illegal to text or use a hand-held device while driving in RI and MA. Still, as a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer, David Tapalian helps car accident victims everyday who are hurt in crashes caused by a distracted driver.

Infrastructure- Improve roads and traffic areas that are lacking, i.e. blind corners with poor visibility, addition of clearly marked crosswalks, and more sidewalks. This is a long-term process across years, decades in some instances, and depends on available funding. Much has been improved and continues to be, in the way of vehicle safety technology such as blind spot and pedestrian sensors.

If You’ve Been Hurt, Contact Tapalian Law in Providence, RI

If you, or someone you love, has been injured in a car accident or hurt by a distracted driver, its important to protect your legal rights. Seek immediate medical attention and then contact Injury Attorney David Tapalian for a free legal consultation. David and his skilled personal injury team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve after you’ve been hurt in an accident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. With a main office in Providence and offices in Warwick RI and Seekonk MA, we are conveniently located to all local cities and towns. If you are too hurt to come to us, we will come to you in the hospital or at your home. We offer a free, no-obligation, consultation and are ready to begin helping you right away. Call Tapalian Law today at 401-552-5000, or reach us online.

Massachusetts Hands-Free Law

As of February 23^rd, under An Act requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving, use of electronic devices by motor vehicle operators and bicyclists, including cell phones and tablets, will be prohibited unless being used in hands-free mode. “Hands-free mode”, defined by Mass General Law, is the “operation of a mobile electronic device by which a user engages in a voice communication or receives audio without touching or holding the device; provided, however, that a mobile electronic device may require a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate or initiate the hands-free mode feature”.

• All electronic device use is prohibited for drivers under the age of 18, even in hands-free mode. Seekonk Personal Injury Lawyer Tapalian has seen countless car accidents in Seekonk caused by teen drivers and it’s a fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-18-year-olds. Due to a lack of experience, skills, and maturity, accidents among new teenage drivers occur at a higher rate than other age groups. For these reasons, he agrees with the complete restriction on all electronic device use in Massachusetts for novice drivers in an effort to prevent distracted driving crashes.
• Electronic devices are permitted in the case of an emergency. For example, a first responder may use a hand-held device.
• Drivers who are stationary and not in an active travel lane may utilize a hand-held device.
• GPS systems may be activated for navigation but must be installed or mounted in an appropriate location in the vehicle.
• Technology like Bluetooth is allowed for phone calls, provided it requires a single tap or swipe to activate and the device is not held in the driver’s hand.

Primary Enforcement of a Traffic Offense

As with the hands-free law in Rhode Island enacted in 2018, violation of the hands-free law in Massachusetts is considered a primary traffic offense. Primary enforcement of a distracted driving traffic law means that a police officer can pull you over if they see you violating a distracted driving law, such as texting or using a hand-held cell phone. The police officer does not need another traffic offense to take place in order to pull you over. As a personal injury attorney in MA and RI, we’ve seen drivers all over both states using cell phones to text or talk while operating a motor vehicle, despite hand-held cell phones and texting being banned in RI and texting previously banned in MA. By enforcing the distracted driving laws in both states, we hope drivers will pay more attention to the road, instead of their phones, to avoid the abundance of meaningless injuries and deaths that we hear of and see on a daily basis.

Fines for Violations of the Mass Hands-Free Law

Until April 1, 2020, police will issue warnings to offenders of the new law. After this period, a violation of the law may result in a $100 fine for first time offenders. A second time offender may be issued a $250 fine and a third or subsequent offense may result in a $500 fine. Drivers committing a second or subsequent offense may be required to complete a distracted driving prevention program. Repeat violations may count as a surcharge on the driver’s insurance.

Contact Tapalian Law After Your Seekonk Car Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a distracted driving accident in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can get you maximum compensation for your injuries. Attorney David Tapalian has over 20 years of experience helping injured clients in MA and RI after they are hurt in a car crash, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, or other type of accident. At Tapalian Law, we will hold the at-fault driver responsible for their negligent actions that resulted in your damages and losses. Our personal injury experts will discuss the details of your case with you for free, with no obligation, and determine the best way to move forward with your personal injury claim. With a main office located in downtown Providence, RI, and nearby Seekonk, Mass, if you are injured and unable to get to us, we will come to you. Contact Tapalian Law today at 401-552-5000. Or complete our easy, online questionnaire and we will contact you to discuss your Rhode Island or Massachusetts auto accident injury case.

How are the Statistics Compiled?

The NHTSA compiles motor vehicle traffic fatality statistics using police crash reports, among other sources. One source, NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), is a census of fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. (the 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico). For a crash to be involved in FARS, it must involve a motor vehicle accident traveling on a traffic way and the resulting death of at least one person (vehicle occupant or nonoccupant) within 30 days of the crash.

Contributing Factors to Fatal Accidents

As with the majority of vehicle crashes that we see as car accident attorneys in Providence, Rhode Island, key contributing factors to fatal car accidents include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and drug-impaired driving. It is too soon to pinpoint the chief causes of fatal crashes for 2019, however, based on past years’ data and our experience with auto accidents at Tapalian Law, influences are likely very similar.

• Speeding– Over 9,000 car accident fatalities were contributed to speeding in 2018.
  • Driving more than 15mph over the speed limit is considered a type of aggressive driving.
  • Aggressive driving, any unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, includes speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, and illegal passing. Involved in over ½ of all fatal crashes, driving aggressively can quickly escalate to road rage, a violent criminal act.
• Distractions- In 2017, over 3,000 fatalities were attributed to distracted driving.
  • Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the road. Talking or texting on a cell phone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers in the car, and using a navigation system while operating a vehicle are all examples of distracted driving. As a car accident lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island, Attorney David Tapalian sees clients on a daily basis who suffer serious injuries caused by collisions with distracted drivers.
  • RI State Law prohibits the use of a hand-held device for talking or texting while operating a motor vehicle.
• Drunk Driving- In 2018, 29% of motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. were caused by an alcohol- impaired driver.
  • Close to 30 people die each day in the U.S. in drunk-driving crashes.
  • Alcohol impairs all functions necessary for operating a vehicle including brain function, thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination.
  • By RI State Law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or above.
• Drug Impaired Driving- Driving under the influence of any potentially impairing substance is illegal.
  • Drug use can impair the ability to drive by slowing coordination, judgement, and reaction time. Even legally prescribed medications and over the counter (OTC) medicines can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects that negatively impact a driver’s capabilities.

Contact Providence RI Car Accident Lawyer David Tapalian

At Tapalian Law, our personal injury law firm helps victims of car accidents all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts, whether the crash is caused by a drunk driver, distracted driver, or a speeding vehicle. We help hurt people with minor and major injuries seek compensation for their medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages, auto repair costs, pain and suffering and other costs related to the car accident. It is imperative to seek professional legal advice as soon as possible after you are hurt to protect your legal rights and file a personal injury claim within Rhode Island’s three-year statute of limitations. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in RI or MA, experienced car accident lawyer David Tapalian can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of eligible family members against the person responsible for your loved ones death. We offer a free, no obligations, consultation to discuss your car accident or other type of personal injury case. With offices in Providence, Warwick, and Seekonk, MA, Attorney Tapalian is available to meet with you at your convenience, including evenings and weekends. Call our Providence car accident law firm at 401-552-5000, or contact us with our secure, online form.

Causes of the Rise in Pedestrian Accidents

One of the main sources of pedestrian injuries and accidents in Rhode Island, and the entire country, is distracted driving. Distracted driving, commonly taking the form of texting and overall smartphone use while operating a vehicle, might also include the distractions of other passengers in the car, loud music, eating or drinking. A rise in population growth, specifically in cities, is another reason for the uptick in pedestrian injuries and accidents. Cities like Providence RI are a hotbed for pedestrian activity. With multiple colleges and universities throughout the city, on any given day thousands of people are walking the streets. What makes pedestrians more likely to be hurt in a car accident in Providence, is that many of the thousands of college students are new to the city and therefore not familiar with the city’s roads and infrastructure. As personal injury lawyers in Providence RI, at Tapalian Law we have seen a number of clients hurt in car accidents caused by out of state drivers. Inexperienced pedestrians and inexperienced drivers are a dangerous mix. Other factors attributed to the rise in pedestrian fatalities include weather conditions, fuel costs, and the upsurge of SUV’s on the roads.

Should Pedestrians Share Some of the Blame?

When a person is hit by a car, typically people point to the driver of the car or SUV as the cause of the auto accident. When it comes to pedestrian accidents, should pedestrians bear some blame? That depends. Time and again while navigating the streets of Providence, people young and old are looking down at their smart phones while walking. Some pedestrians are not only looking at their smart phones while walking, but even have headphones on as well. Everyone today is distracted for any number of reasons but both pedestrians and motor vehicle operators need to take responsibility. The majority of car accidents involving pedestrians take place on local roads and since people feel comfortable with their familiar surroundings, they may be less aware and less likely to pay attention. The combination of distracted driving and distracted walking are a big cause of pedestrian and car collisions throughout the state of Rhode Island.

Reducing Pedestrian Deaths

Many states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, have laws governing cell phone use and/or texting while driving. Despite the laws, as Rhode Island personal injury attorneys we see people hurt every day in auto accidents caused by texting and driving. A recent case in NJ relied on texting while driving in order to establish recklessness when a 50-year old woman was convicted of second-degree vehicular homicide due in part by evidence of texting while driving. This woman could face up to 10 years in prison in her texting while driving fatality conviction. Will harsh sentences and stronger laws alter human behavior? In addition to enforcement approaches, the GHSA recommends various strategies to combat pedestrians getting killed by automobiles, including infrastructure/engineering changes, education, and public outreach.

Were You Injured in a Car Accident in RI?

If you were injured due to a car accident as a pedestrian, or as the driver or occupant of another vehicle, it is essential you have competent legal representation. You may be entitled to significant compensatory damages for your resulting injuries. As a personal injury attorney in Providence, Rhode Island, David Tapalian’s 20 years of experience can be put to work for you. Compensatory damages that a personal injury lawyer can obtain for you may include, but are not limited to:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• lost income
• medical expenses
• pain-and-suffering
• disability
• future lost earning potential
• future impairment

For a free consultation, contact the RI personal injury team at Tapalian Law. Attorney David Tapalian will personally meet with you to discuss the details of your injuries, gather necessary information including police reports and medical records, and recommend the best plan of action to move forward. Call Tapalian Law’s Providence office today at 401-552-5000, or reach us online with our contact form.

The driver of the vehicle that hit our client was found to be 100% at fault for the collision. In determining liability, a passenger is very rarely ever found to have fault. Distracted, the motorist claimed he did not see the victim’s car as he pulled out of Bemus Avenue onto Mendon Road. This costly turn would have a lasting impact on our client’s life. She reported immediate pain at the scene of the crash and was transported by ambulance to Landmark Medical Center for treatment where she reported excruciating pain throughout her body immediately following the accident. As a Cumberland car accident attorney, David Tapalian always tells clients to be proactive with seeking medical treatment. Even if you do not feel immediate pain following an accident, it is always safest to seek medical attention either via ambulance, visiting a local medical walk-in, or your family physician right away. The success of this victim’s settlement was partly due to her diligence in reporting her pain immediately.

Injured Victim Not a Candidate for Surgery

The impact of the Cumberland collision caused our client to sustain spinal, hip, and back injuries. After a long and continuous treatment with University Orthopedic, our client continues to incur pain even today. Chiropractic and orthopedic care, including multiple epidural injections, has been undertaken. However, like many other car accident injury victims, she is not a surgical candidate. Unfortunately, there is no long-term remedy or surgical solution for the type of lumbar spine injuries that our client suffered, though she can offset some of the pain with future treatments. Her initial medical care and ongoing treatments have been extremely costly and will continue to increase in the future.

As a Cumberland car accident lawyer, David Tapalian is highly experienced with personal injury resulting from Rhode Island auto accidents, and was able to obtain a professional medical opinion detailing the client’s future prognosis and long-term residual pain. The purpose of this type of opinion is to have the treating physician opined as to our client’s future pain and suffering. If the medical opinion is properly written by a skilled physician and competently argued by an experienced car accident injury attorney, it can carry tremendous weight in settlement negotiations with the insurance company. The proper medical opinion can motivate an insurance company to settle a case where our client will have long-term residual pain and take into consideration the prospect of this future pain. Therefore, the client’s future pain and suffering is quantified into a present value number when negotiating a monetary settlement. This tool is effectively, and often, argued by Attorney Tapalian to maximize the personal injury settlements for clients who have reached maximum medical improvement, yet still have residual pain and symptoms that require long-term treatment, such as in this recent $135,000 settlement. Because the client is not a surgical candidate, she is left without the hope of further improvement through different modalities of treatment.

“A Good Client Makes a Good Lawyer”

At Tapalian Law, our RI car accident attorneys say “a good client makes a good lawyer”. Our Cumberland car accident client sought immediate medical attention and was diligent about seeking medical help throughout the entire treatment phase. David Tapalian worked diligently and personally with the injured client for almost two years. She treated conservatively for the duration of her claim, which was imperative to her case and made all the difference in determining her settlement. Although this victim did not have surgical treatment, the ongoing suffering that she will have to endure was enough to recover considerable monetary compensation for her injuries. Not every case requires significant surgical procedures to produce a large settlement. Though every situation is unique, Attorney Tapalian thoroughly invests himself in every case, even in situations when full compensation recovery is not definite. However, without the perseverance of this client, such a sizable settlement would not have been possible.

Contact Tapalian Law for a Free Consultation

Should you ever find yourself in a situation similar to this victim, seek out the expertise of a skilled Cumberland car accident attorney. David Tapalian has over 20 years of experience dealing with car accidents in Cumberland, Rhode Island and the surrounding areas of RI and MA. The dedicated team of legal professionals at our personal injury firm will create a customized plan to strengthen your claim and guide you through the steps to receive the compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation at our Providence office, just minutes from Cumberland. If you are unable to travel to the office due to injuries sustained in the accident, we can visit you in your home or at the hospital. Tapalian Law works on a contingency basis and there is no fee unless we win your case. There is a 3-year statute of limitations in RI for filing an auto accident injury claim, and the longer you wait, the harder it will become to receive compensation for your losses. Call Tapalian Law today at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

Independence Day Crashes Can Be Deadly

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 565 people will be killed and 64,500 will be seriously injured in car accidents on the Fourth of July. This is almost 5 times the number of fatalities, and 6 times the number of injuries that occur on an average day. The Independence Day holiday is technically considered a four day period, which starts late on Wednesday, July 3^rd and ends on Sunday, July 7^th. Thus, any of the days during this period are known to be especially dangerous for drivers. Below is more information to keep you informed as we head into the holiday weekend.

Alcohol & Driving on the 4th of July

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration and often, alcohol is involved at these festivities. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of all deadly traffic crashes on the 4^th of July are related to alcohol. In almost all of these situations, the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit. At Tapalian Law, our Rhode Island car accident lawyers see hundreds of tragic accidents caused by drunk drivers, who put the safety of everyone on the road at risk. Before you get behind the wheel this 4^th of July, think of the consequences of driving under the influence.

Distracted Drivers on the Road

During the 4^th of July, there are thousands of more people on the road than on a typical day. Further, people are traveling far distances to celebrate, and many are preoccupied using their phones to navigate or call friends. Additionally, many families and friends carpool during the 4^th to parties and cookouts. However, these additional passengers can be just as distracting as a cell phone for drivers. The difference between a fun Fourth of July celebration and a fatal car crash could be one distracted driver. It is imperative to the safety of you and your family that the driver of your car is alert, aware, and distraction-free.

Tips for Staying Safe

As a car accident attorney, David Tapalian knows most auto accidents are avoidable. The following are simple, yet effective ways to avoid a serious car accident this holiday weekend:

• Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft
  • If you’ve been drinking or even just feel tired, this is a safer option than getting behind the wheel.
• Drive defensively
  • Never assume that others around you are going to abide by the laws.
• Wear your seat belt
  • Seat belts are 45% effective in preventing fatalities according to the NHTSA.
• Reduce distractions by keeping your phone away
  • If possible, have a passenger speak on the phone on your behalf and also do the same for navigation.
  • If you are driving alone, be sure to use hands-free technology when navigating or speaking on the telephone.

Consult a RI Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash

The injury experts at Tapalian Law want everyone to have a fun and safe Fourth of July. However, if you find yourself in a dangerous accident this holiday, contact Attorney David Tapalian. An accident can have a serious, lasting impact on your life. As the National Safety Council says, “Sober and attentive driving could be the difference between watching fireworks and watching ambulance lights.” At Tapalian Law, our personal injury professionals will go above and beyond to help you get compensation for your accident. With a trusted team of Rhode Island personal injury experts, we will guide you through the correct procedures to move forward smoothly and can create a plan to strengthen your case to make sure you have the greatest chance of reimbursement. With offices in Providence, RI, Warwick, RI, and Seekonk, MA, we are easily accessible, or we can come to you. Call us at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

Lack of Judgement Common Culprit in Teen Crashes

Crash investigations commonly show the cause of teenage car crashes is not a lack of skill, but a lack of judgement. Responsible driving requires good judgement, a solid attention span, the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple functions, and shrewd decision-making skills. Biologically speaking, these are not yet a concrete part of the skillsets of most still-maturing teenagers. However, with gained experience teenage drivers can learn to be safer. As a RI accident injury lawyer, Attorney David Tapalian witnesses the huge impact distracted driving has on car accidents. Rhode Island law prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving. The cell phone law is even more specific pertaining to new drivers under the age of 18. In the Ocean State, vehicle operators under age 18 are banned from using any kind of wireless communication device while driving, including all handheld and hands-free cell phones and text messaging devices. Despite the illegality, motor vehicle lawyers know from first-hand knowledge, adults and teenagers alike still text and chat on a cell phone while driving, as mentioned in our Rhode Island Accident Lawyer Blog. According to a survey by AAA, almost 70% of teenage drivers admit to talking on a cell phone and over half admit to reading a text message while operating a vehicle in the past 30 days. Almost all adolescent drivers admit to keeping their cell phone turned on while driving a car.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Rhode Island

Cell phones and technology are a huge distraction for adults and youth in everyday life and can be deadly when driving. Teenagers however, are less likely to avoid the impulse to pick up the phone when behind the wheel. Distracted driving accidents account for approximately 60% of teen car crashes. Distracted driving includes cell phone use, disruptions like eating, applying makeup, listening to loud music, and fellow passengers in the car. Adolescents, boys especially, are more likely to take risks and are more vulnerable to distractions with other teens in the car. Operating a vehicle with friends in the car multiplies the risk of a teen car crash tremendously. The likelihood of a teen causing a collision increases 44% when a fellow adolescent (non-family member) accompanies them. The risk doubles with two friends and quadruples with three or more friends. This is definitely not a gamble we would be willing to take as RI car accident injury lawyers or parents.

Ways Parents Can Help RI Teens Be Safer Drivers

Traditional driver’s education courses for new Rhode Island teenage drivers are important. Parental involvement can also have a huge impact on the safety of teen drivers, specifically when parents assist in helping the teen gain everyday road experience. Experts agree, when it comes to teenage drivers this is one time where it is beneficial to be a helicopter parent! Parents can not be too vigilant when it comes to preventing a teenage car crash.

• Be a role model. Don’t use a cell phone to text or talk when operating a vehicle or when supervising your teenage driver on the road. Obey traffic laws. It goes without saying, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Gain experience. Help your teen become a more seasoned driver by being a passenger in the car with them at the wheel as often as possible. Drive with, and monitor, them under diverse conditions like rain and darkness. Snow and ice on the New England roads and highways offer a big learning curve to new drivers, so as much experience teens can gain with your supervision, the better.
• Eliminate, or reduce, distractions. Turn off phone notifications on your teen’s phone and/or shut off the phone and put technology in a spot where it is not tempting to reach.
• Adopt a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement that lays out strict rules related to distraction.
• Prohibit your teen from riding with teen drivers or transporting other teens during the learning-to-drive process. One of the most dangerous sources of distraction for teen drivers is other teen passengers in the car. Rhode Island’s driver licensing rules allow no more than one non-family teen passenger under 21 for the first year of driving, unless supervised by an adult age 21 or older, sitting in the front seat, who has been licensed for at least five years.
• If planning to purchase a vehicle for your newly licensed teenager, consider the recommendations provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the safest vehicles for new drivers.
• Insist on strictly adhering to the Rhode Island Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) rules and consider following the GDL policies beyond age 18.

Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) Policy for New Rhode Island Drivers

Rhode Island is one of a number of states with a graduated drivers licensing policy (GDL). Graduated drivers licensing allows a new teen driver to gain experience by phasing in driving privileges prior to reaching a full privileged driver’s license. During the process, they become more acclimated to operating a vehicle, varying road conditions, and safety rules. Phasing in driving privileges introduces new vehicle operators to the regular automobile population in a low-risk way that helps to protect others on the road, as well as themselves. A Rhode Island driver’s permit may be issued to a Rhode Island resident who is at least 16 years old, but less than 18 years old and has completed a certified driver education course and passed the DMV written test. The permit must be held for at least a period of six months during which time the driver may operate a vehicle only when accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older in the front seat with a valid driver’s license for at least five years. Permit holders must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours completed at night. After passing a road test, a limited provisional license is issued with restrictions that the teen can drive unsupervised, except for between 1am and 5am. The driver may not drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 for the first 12 months. A full operators license may be issued at age 17 and 6 months assuming the provisional license has been held for at least 12 months and no moving or seat belt violations have been issued in the past six months.

Experienced Car Accident Injury Lawyer for Teen Driver Crashes

If your teenager has been injured in a car accident in East Providence, a car crash in Cranston, or a vehicle collision in Pawtucket, the personal injury attorney’s at Tapalian Law are here to help. With offices conveniently located in Providence, RI and Seekonk, MA, our injury lawyers are easily accessible to clients hurt in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and truck collisions, all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our experienced accident lawyers have helped countless injured clients recover compensation from a RI car accident or MA car accident. Call our experienced injury law firm today at 401-552-5000, or reach Tapalian Law by email.

Cell Phones & Passengers Main Cause of Teenage Car Accidents

Teenagers are easily distracted by the cell phones that are such an integral part of their everyday lives. Most teens spend a good deal of time each day texting or on social media. It is hard for them to imagine not having access to their phones. But it’s a well-known fact to us as Rhode Island personal injury attorneys that cell phones and driving do not mix together well. They create a recipe for distracted driving that can result in severe crashes and vehicle related fatalities. Findings by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that texting creates a crash risk 23 times greater than driving while not distracted. Driver distractions, including cell phone use and texting, caused close to 60% of teen driving crashes according to dashboard camera surveys performed by Lytx DriveCam. These crashes resulted in moderate to severe accidents. About 15% of the teenagers were distracted by talking to passengers in the same vehicle, 12% were using a cell phone, and 11% were distracted by something else in the car, whether it be a radio, GPS system, eating, or drinking. The presence of other teenagers in the vehicle along with a teenage driver increases the risk of a crash resulting in personal injury. The risk increases exponentially along with the number of passengers in the car.

Teen Driving Facts, According to AAA.com

We all know that texting while driving and using a hand-held cell phone to talk while driving are both illegal in the state of Rhode Island. However, studies by AAA.com found the following:

• Almost 70% of teens admit to talking on a cell phone while driving in the past 30 days.
• Over 50% of teens admit to reading a text message or email while driving in the past 30 days.
• 94% of young drivers between the ages of 17-24 keep their phones on while driving.
• Young drivers send an average of 80 texts per day and talk on their cell phone for one hour.
• A 16-17 year old’s risk of being killed in a car accident quadruples when 3 or more teenage passengers are in the car with them.
• 80% feel they drive “safer than average” and don’t think their distracted driving puts them at risk.

Tips for Parents to Encourage Safe Teen Drivers

• Commit to being active in the learning to drive process and set a good example when you are driving behind the wheel. Teenage car crash risk decreases when an adult over the age of 35 is a passenger in the vehicle.
• Enroll your teen in a quality driver education program
• Enforce Rhode Island’s Graduated Driver Licensing at home
• Sign a parent-teen driving agreement including specific rules for cell phones and passengers allowed in the car.
• Enforce safety rules such as always wearing a seatbelt, not riding with another teen driver without your permission, and obeying traffic laws.

Contact a Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer if You Are Hurt in a Teen Driver Accident

Teen drivers are some of the most accident-prone drivers on the road, and Rhode Island teenagers are no different. Teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers over the age of 20. If you have been hurt in a Rhode Island car accident or Massachusetts auto accident caused by a teen driver, contact Tapalian Law. Attorney David Tapalian has helped RI car accident victims and MA car accident victims seek compensation for their injuries. Whether you have been hit by a teen driver or received an injury of another sort that has compromised your ability to work, resulted in medical bills, doctors’ visits, pain and suffering, and otherwise function in the same capacity as prior to your accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Seek a free legal consultation from Tapalian Law today to determine whether or not you are eligible to seek compensation for your damages. Tapalian Law has offices conveniently located in Providence, RI and Seekonk, MA. Call us today at 401-552-5000 or reach us online.

Warm Weather Holidays Deadlier for Auto Accidents

Car travel has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation. The summer holidays, including Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, correspond with a higher number of roadway vehicle accidents and roadway fatalities than the cold weather holidays. In Rhode Island and the New England area, we associate the winter time with more car accidents due to snow and ice. However, the summer holidays have a higher per day fatality rate than do Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s when considering the entire country. Winter holidays may also be associated with more air and train travel while car travel is more likely in the summer months increasing the number of drivers on the roads and highways. As it is throughout the year, drunk driving is a huge contributing factor in Memorial Day weekend car crashes.

Car Accident Injury Estimates High for Memorial Day Weekend

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates over 45,800 people will be injured in car accidents this weekend. Common causes of car accident related injuries are drunk driving, texting, or using a cellphone while driving, and other forms of distracted driving. Vehicle accident injuries can be minor or extremely severe. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver or distracted driver, it is imperative you seek immediate medical treatment and contact an accident injury attorney like Tapalian Law to determine your legal rights.

Tips for Making Memorial Day Driving Safer

At Tapalian Law, we want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend safely. To help keep it that way, we are sharing some tips from the National Safety Council for safe Memorial Day driving in Rhode Island and wherever you may be spending this long weekend.

• Avoid impaired driving. If you plan to be drinking alcohol, designate a sober driver or use a ride service such as Uber or Lyft to reach your destination safely.
• Put down the phone. Texting and driving is against the law in Rhode Island and many other states. As of June 1^st, using a hand-held cell phone while driving will be against the law in Rhode Island.
• Become familiar with your vehicle’s safety features and use them. Always ensure the driver and all passengers are using a seatbelt.
• Avoid fatigued driving. A tired driver can be just as dangerous as a drunk driver!
• Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and necessary services, repairs, and recalls are up to date.

Contact a Providence Injury Lawyer if You Have Been Hurt

Memorial Day should be a weekend of celebration and remembrance. Please remember to drive attentively to avoid injury to yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. If you are injured in an accident whether it be Providence, Newport, Bristol, or elsewhere in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, you should seek out the assistance of an experienced injury law firm like Tapalian Law. We have helped innumerable accident victims seek the compensation they deserve for their damages. Contact injury attorney David Tapalian today for a free consultation for your Rhode Island accident case or Massachusetts accident case, at 401-552-5000 or reach us online.

“Just Drive New England”

In an effort to promote National Distracted Driving Awareness month this April, Rhode Island joined forces with nine other Northeastern states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the “Just Drive New England” initiative. This campaign will utilize enforcement and education to inform the public of the extreme dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving can take place in many forms. It may be using a cell phone to talk, text, or send an email, applying makeup, adjusting a music station, chatting with passengers, amongst other distractions while operating a motor vehicle. Driving distracted can be as deadly as drunk driving, speeding, or aggressive driving, according to the Rhode Island State Police. The goal of the “Just Drive New England” campaign is to inform and educate drivers of these dangers and change their driving habits. The National Safety Council shares further information on their website about distracted driving and the “Just Drive” initiative.

Rhode Island Traffic Fatalities Up 63%

Rhode Island automotive fatalities are at their highest since 2008. In a recent Tapalian Law blog, we explored the top causes of fatal car accidents across the country which are speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. In addition, pedestrian fatalities in Rhode Island have also increased. In 2017, 21 pedestrians were killed by vehicles in RI. In 2016, there were 14 pedestrian deaths in RI. As of June 1^st, Rhode Island law will prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving to curb the number of vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. Texting while driving is already banned in Rhode Island. It is important for drivers to realize that hands-free phones can also be distracting, and distracted driving can come in many forms including drinking, eating, and chatting with other passengers in the vehicle. Teenagers and new drivers are especially vulnerable to interference. As car accident lawyers, Tapalian Law urges all Rhode Islanders to be aware of the obvious driving distractions while operating an automobile, but also the not so obvious.

Have You Been Hurt by a Distracted Driver?

Seek out the experience of a skilled car accident injury lawyer if a distracted driver has hurt you. If you have been hurt in an auto accident caused by another driver texting, talking on a cell phone, using a GPS, or another type of disruption, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your personal injuries and related expenses. Whether the injuries caused to you were major or minor, you should not suffer alone. Contact distracted driving accident attorney David Tapalian today for a free consultation to determine your rights. Tapalian Law has years of experience helping Providence, East Providence, North Providence, and other Rhode Island and Massachusetts victims get the compensation they deserve. The sooner you contact Tapalian Law for advice, the better we can help you. Call us today at 401-552-5000 or contact us online.

Here are some steps to take if you spot a distracted driver on the road.