Teen Drivers - Tapalian Law

Mass. Goes Hands-Free Effective February 23rd

Tapalian Law — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:40:46 GMT

It’s official. Massachusetts marks the final New England state to join the ban on hands-free driving by making hand-held cell phone use illegal while operating a motor vehicle. Effective February 23, 2020, it will be illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving in Massachusetts. As a personal injury lawyer in Seekonk, MA, Attorney David Tapalian is pleased the state has finally joined the coalition against distracted driving. Texting while driving was already illegal in the Bay State, having been banned in 2010. Yet, distracted driving car crashes in MA rose an alarming 170 percent from 2014-2016. Across the U.S., over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2017 alone. There’s no question whether using a cell phone while driving is safe.

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.

Gender Equality for Drivers in Massachusetts May Mean Higher Premiums for Some

Tapalian Law — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 21:22:54 GMT

When it comes to buying auto insurance, many risk factors contribute when setting rates. Common factors considered are age, gender, location, type of vehicle, and driving record, to name a few. Massachusetts car accident lawyers know auto accident statistics show male drivers get in more accidents than female drivers, and therefore females typically have lower premiums due to being less of a risk factor to the insurance company. But for Massachusetts drivers, this is not the case. Although an individual’s driving record and car accident history carry heavy weight in determining Massachusetts car insurance premiums, gender is no longer a risk factor for Massachusetts drivers buying auto insurance. This may mean higher insurance bills for female drivers, who no longer benefit from what typically equates to a lower rate based on their gender, and perhaps lower premiums for males. Whether or not drivers agree with this modification, the Seekonk, Massachusetts car accident attorneys at Tapalian Law know how extremely important, and valuable, good auto insurance is when you get hurt in a car accident.

Focus Moves to Driving Behavior to Determine Car Insurance Rates

Lawmakers and regulators have long been pushing to put more focus on driving behaviors and safe driving records when setting car insurance rates, rather than criteria like gender, that seem less related to risk. Aside from teenage drivers, a category where statistics show year after year male teenagers consistently get in more car accidents than their female counterparts, on a national level gender does not play that big of a role in the price difference for car insurance after the teen and young adult years. Car accident attorneys in Massachusetts continue to see a large number of auto accidents resulting in personal injury caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. Lately, insurance companies have become stricter about penalizing reckless driving habits. Negligent driving habits like distracted driving, including use of a hand-held cell phone to talk or text while operating a motor vehicle, are increasing car insurance premiums at a higher rate. For example, a ticket for distracted driving bumped up insurance premiums by nearly 20 percent in 2018, compared to a barely 2 percent increase in premium three years earlier. Factors that increase car insurance premiums even greater than distracted driving are speeding tickets and being arrested for driving under the influence, DUI or DWI. Putting gender aside, car insurance rates have increased across the country says Alyssa Connolly, Director of Market Research for Zebra, an online search engine allowing consumers to price-compare car insurance policies, stating “it’s the highest its ever been nationally. Rates are up this year for 83 percent of Americans.” The average car insurance premium in the U.S. is at $1,470, up 23 percent from 2011. A recent post on the Tapalian Law Rhode Island Accident Lawyer Blog, showed that right over the Massachusetts border, Rhode Island drivers pay the fourth highest car insurance premiums in the U.S.

Proper Car Insurance Coverage is a Necessity for All Massachusetts Drivers

As Seekonk, Massachusetts car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, we can’t stress enough the importance of adequate car insurance coverage. At Tapalian Law, we see victims injured in car crashes in Seekonk, Taunton, Attleboro, and all over the state. Our personal injury lawyers witness first-hand the huge toll it takes on the injured person and their family, both physically and financially. Proper auto insurance coverage is a necessity not only for you as a driver if you cause an accident, but also if you are the victim of an accident caused by someone else in Massachusetts and suffer from personal injury or other damages. Hospital costs, medical expenses, and repair bills mount up quickly. If you are hurt and unable to work and earn money, this creates a greater financial burden that can be extremely difficult to come back from. If you are hurt in a car accident in Seekonk, Massachusetts, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover financial compensation for damages caused by your injuries, including hospital and medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact Tapalian Law After a Massachusetts Car Crash

If you have been injured in a car accident in Seekonk, Fall River, Taunton, or elsewhere in MA or RI, seek out the guidance of the Seekonk, Massachusetts car accident attorney’s at Tapalian Law. Dealing with the insurance companies after an accident can be an extremely complex process and difficult to navigate without an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Attorney David Tapalian helps those suffering from personal injury due to car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, or slip and falls, recover compensation for their losses. Our injury law firm works with a number of insurance companies on behalf of our clients on a daily basis and are skilled in the complexities of Massachusetts car insurance. If you or a loved one have been hurt in any type of accident in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, contact Tapalian Law at 401-552-5000, or use our online contact form.

Teen Drivers in Rhode Island: Making the Roads Safer for the Newly Licensed

Tapalian Law — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:06:09 GMT

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Rhode Island teenagers aged 15-17 and the leading cause of fatality and injury for adolescents nationwide. Over the year’s vehicle safety has improved tremendously, but teenage drivers have not. In fact, the first year with a license is the most dangerous period in a driver’s life, according to AAA. The Providence personal injury lawyers at Tapalian Law focus on helping the victims of auto accident injuries and often the accidents resulting in fatalities or serious injury involve teenage drivers. We know from experience, and statistics show, that new teen drivers have a high likelihood of experiencing a crash or “close call” as newly licensed motor vehicle operators. Newly licensed teen drivers are also four times more likely to engage in risky road behaviors like sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, and hard turns. Couple the impulsiveness and inexperience of adolescence with a near-constant need for technology, and a recipe for disaster is created for teen drivers in Providence, Rhode Island and beyond.

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.

100 Deadliest Days of Summer

Tapalian Law — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:47:28 GMT

Summer is here and school is out. So are the teenage drivers. From Memorial Day until back to school, thus begins the 100 deadliest days for summer driving involving teen drivers, according to AAA.com. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. Teenage drivers new to the road can be a risk every day of the year, but even more so once school is out. They are on the road more and are all too often the cause of car accidents. As auto accident injury lawyers at Tapalian Law, we know that car crashes are more frequent in general during the summer months than other times of year. Every summer day, an average of 10 people die in car crashes involving teen drivers. Nearly 2/3 of those injured in these crashes are victims other than the teen themselves. These are startling statistics and as injury lawyers, Tapalian Law urges those with teen drivers to share these facts and discuss with them the importance of using extreme caution when on the road.

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.

ATV Related Injuries to Children More Severe than from Automobile Accidents

Tapalian Law — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:20:13 GMT

As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continues to gain in popularity in the United States, so do the amount of injuries and deaths due to ATV-related incidents. ATV’s are heavy, and fast, pieces of machinery, up to 600 lbs and 75 MPH respectively. Although the vehicle is required to be registered, in the State of Rhode Island the only age requirements are that you must be at least 12 years old to operate an ATV and those ages 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Although these vehicles may be similar to driving an automobile or motorcycle for an adult for whom driving is second nature, it is not so for children. Personal injury attorney David Tapalian is familiar with the trauma that can be caused by a crash. His Providence based personal injury law firm handles personal injury cases all over Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Adults are severely injured in ATV crashes of course, but when a young rider is involved, the injuries are often even worse than an auto accident. Since 1982, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 5,000 deaths have been related to ATV injuries in the United States, with an estimated 25 percent of severe injuries and deaths occurring to those under age 16.

Most ATV Injuries Are Preventable

The most common causes of injuries for children riding ATV’s are vehicle rollover, ejection from the vehicle, and colliding with a stationary object, such as a tree. With proper training and precautions, like wearing a safety helmet, most of these pediatric injuries and deaths are preventable. It is crucial that both adults and children are trained properly to ride these vehicles. Sadly, they are often not. Because young riders are inexperienced, they are less likely to understand the seriousness of operating such a heavy vehicle and therefore have more risky driving behavior. The high rate of injury and death for youngsters operating ATV’s is also due to a lack of safety equipment.

ATV’s Not Recommended For Those Under Age 16

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents do not allow children under age 16 to drive, or ride, ATV’s. They state that “children are not developmentally capable of operating these heavy machines”. The Consumer Federation of America reported that 58 children were killed in 2015 alone in ATV accidents. Both the AAP and Consumer Federation of America continue to fight against manufacturers trying to produce a “youth” ATV marketed to those ages 14-16.

Have You Been Injured in an ATV Accident?

If you, or your child, have been hurt in an ATV accident in RI or MA, whether it be a roll over, collision, ejection, or other bodily damage, seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. If your ATV injuries are due to the fault of another, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to seek the advice of a skilled personal injury attorney at Tapalian Law who will speak with you about the details of your case and determine if you have a claim against another for wrongful death or negligence in your ATV accident. Attorney David Tapalian is a Providence personal injury lawyer experienced in helping those who have been hurt or injured in all types of accidents, including ATV accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. He will fight to get you the compensation you deserve while you focus on the road to recovery. Contact Tapalian Law for a free case review at 401-552-5000 or online.

A 2017 New Year’s Resolution For Safe Driving

Tapalian Law — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 00:29:07 GMT

People make all kinds of New Year’s resolutions from losing weight to improving their finances. Even though almost half of Americans admit they make New Year’s resolutions, only about eight percent of those individuals will keep their resolutions and reach their goals.

One resolution that every driver should make and keep is to become a safe driver in 2017. There are far too many motor vehicle accidents each year in the United States. Thousands of people are killed and injured each month throughout the country. If every driver would resolve to break bad driving habits, we could reduce the number of tragic car accidents. Below are several New Year’s resolutions that can help you become a safer driver in 2017.

I Resolve to Wear My Seat Belt – Wearing a seat belt reduces your risk of severe injury in a car accident. Always buckle up and ensure children ride in car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
I Resolve to Wear a Helmet – If you ride a bicycle or motorcycle, wearing a helmet reduces your risk of head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a crash. Always put on a helmet and other protective gear before riding.
I Resolve to Slow Down – Speed is a factor in many accidents. Furthermore, your risk of severe injury in a motor vehicle accident increases with your rate of speed. Resolve to obey speed limits and reduce speed in poor driving conditions.
I Resolve to Never Drive Under the Influence – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. Drunk drivers injure and kill thousands of people each year. If you choose to drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation. Read the side effects of all medications you take and avoid driving when taking a medication that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
I Resolve to Get More Sleep – Adults who get six hours or less sleep each night are at a much greater risk of causing a car accident compared to adults who sleep seven to eight hours each night. Getting more sleep will improve your health and keep you safe behind the wheel of a vehicle.
I Resolve to Reduce Distractions –Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. Put down the phone and avoid other distractions such as eating, grooming, reading, and adjusting controls while driving. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds may result in a tragic car accident.

Happy New Year from Your Rhode Island Personal Injury Law Firm

We wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year in 2017. However, if you are injured because of another person’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, we want to help. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Don’t wait too long to contact an attorney. Your time to file an injury claim is limited by Rhode Island laws! Call now to schedule a free consultation with a Rhode Island personal injury attorney.

Contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form. Our law firm represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you!

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Preventing Underage Drinking During The Holidays

Tapalian Law — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT

How serious is underage drinking during the holidays? According to information from the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 11,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years will try alcohol for the first time on any given day during December. With approximately 400 young people under the age of 21 years dying each month from alcohol-related causes, underage drinking is an extremely serious problem during the holidays and throughout the entire year.

As an experienced Massachusetts DUI accident attorney, I see the devastation caused by drinking and driving for victims and their families. This holiday season, take steps to prevent drinking and driving by protecting your teen driver from underage drinking.

Talk to Your Teenager About Underage Drinking

Talking to your teen driver is the first step you can take to protect your teenager from the dangers of drunk driving. Underage drinking is not a subject your teen wants to discuss; however, it is a subject that you must discuss. Tips for talking to your child about underage drinking include:

Before you being, do your research. Collect facts about teen drinking and how drinking alcohol affects You can find information about underage drinking and how alcohol affects a developing brain from SAMHSA.
Choose the right time to discuss underage drinking with your teen. Find a news article about a DUI accident involving a teen driver to jump start a conversation. When you do discuss underage drinking, choose a time when there are no distractions so that you and your teen can focus solely on your conversation.
Listen to your teen. You need to give your teen information; however, you also need to listen to your teenager. Ask your teenager how he or she would handle a situation of peer pressure or if he or she has encountered peer pressure to drink alcohol. Discuss having a safe word your teen can text if he or she feels uncomfortable and needs your help.
Make your expectations absolutely clear — your teen should not consume alcoholic beverages until he or she is of legal age.
Discuss underage drinking laws and the penalties for a conviction, especially about future college plans, job opportunities, playing sports, driving, and other negative consequences of an underage drinking conviction and/or DUI conviction.

If you have questions or concerns about discussing underage drinking with your child, consult with your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, spiritual advisor, or family physician. For more information, visit the Parent Resources page of the SAMHSA. You can also get more information about underage drinking from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Do You Need a Massachusetts DUI Accident Attorney?

We hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season; however, for some, a drunk driver will steal your joy. If a drunk or impaired driver injures you, you do not have to face the situation alone. Our Massachusetts DUI accident attorneys have experience handling these types of accident claims. Allow our team to take care of your injury claim while you focus on your health and your recovery.

Contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a Massachusetts DUI accident attorney. We are available 24/7 for your convenience. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you!

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Distracted Driver: Pokemon Causes Car Accident in Rhode Island

Tapalian Law — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT

According to Coventry Police, a Cranston, Rhode Island woman is facing multiple charges. The woman has been charged with texting while operating a motor vehicle in Rhode Island. She traveled over the posted speed limit and went off the road trying to catch a Pokemon. Providence Journal Article August 31st 2016

Safety Tips for Playing Pokeman

Luckily, she was not injured. Playing Pokeman caused a car accident in Rhode Island. The police have issued basic safety tips for people who play this popular cell phone based game. The first tip? “Do not ‘Pokemon Go’ and drive”. We all know already not to text and drive. Many car accidents occur when drivers text behind the wheel. I have almost been hit by one of these distracted drivers. If you have been in a car accident with a distracted driver in Rhode Island or Massachusetts here are some steps to take. Steps to Take If You Spot a Distracted Driver in Rhode Island If you have been injured in a car accident with a distracted driver in Rhode Island or Massachusetts you need an accident lawyer. David Tapalian is an experienced car accident lawyer serving Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Preventing Underage Drinking and Driving

Tapalian Law — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT

A 17-year-old boy was recently killed on Block Island in a DUI accident when his 20-year-old uncle rolled a vehicle on Lakeside Drive. The driver had been drinking and his license had been suspended on a previous charge. He is now facing jail time, if convicted, and grieving the loss of a family member, which may be his fault.

Two lives and the lives of their family members were impacted by the influence of alcohol; one life forever changed in a way that will haunt him no matter what happens. If you are the parent of a teenager and you have not had a serious conversation about alcohol with your child, this tragic story should urge you to have a serious conversation with your teenager. While underage drinking may be a difficult topic, it is a topic that should not be avoided.

Get Your Teen Involved

Your teenager is no longer a child that you can watch all of the time to monitor his or her every action. When your child is young, you take every precaution to avoid situations where your child could be injured. However, as your children continue to grow older, you have to trust them to make good decisions on their own. One way to help teenagers make good decisions is by encouraging them to think about an issue instead of just following your rules.

Talk “with” your teens about underage drinking instead of talking “to” them. Ask questions to get them thinking about the consequences of underage drinking. Some examples of thought-provoking questions that can also begin a constructive conversation about underage drinking include:

Do you think drinking alcohol is a problem for teens in your school?
Do you know anyone in school who drinks alcohol?
Could you tell if someone has been drinking alcohol?
How do your friends deal with the pressure to drink alcohol?
What advice would you give to someone who has been offered an alcoholic drink?

Questions like these encourage your teenager to take the role of a responsible party who is trying to help another person avoid making a mistake. This can be more effective than simply telling your teen that underage drinking is “bad” — this often puts your teenager on the defensive and he or she can simply shut down. It also helps your teenager understand the seriousness of the situation.

Give Them a Plan

Discuss various situations your teens may face. For example, going to a party where alcohol is served or responding to a friend offering them an alcoholic drink. Ask them what they plan to do rather than telling them the right course of action. Then discuss the pros and cons of that decision with your child.

Let your teenagers know that you will be there for them if they need a ride home. You want your teenagers to know you can be trusted to come pick them up without causing a scene or “losing it.” You want your teenagers to know if they make a mistake, you will not abandon them or hate them. Explain the importance of never getting into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Also explain how dangerous drunk driving and drugged driving can be for everyone.

Use the News

Teens often think it could not happen to them, so prove them wrong by pointing out news stories about other teens who were arrested for drunk driving or were injured in a underage accident. At this age, your teenager responds to facts better than to opinions from their parents. If you can show a teenager what happens when people drink and drive, it is more likely to make a greater impact compared to a lecture.

These teachable moments are the perfect opportunity to hear your teen’s thoughts. Instead of just giving your teenager your point of view, ask how the story impacts him or her. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings, especially if someone was hurt. At the same time, tragedies can hit home and encourage your teen to think twice before making a poor decision.

Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney For Help

If you or your child has been injured in a Car Accident, contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form. We understand your time is important. We offer free consultations 24/7 for your convenience. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you!

Our law firm represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

School Is In Session — Slow Down And Watch For Children

Tapalian Law — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT

AAA is reminding drivers that school is open so drive carefully. Each fall, thousands of children return to school. This results in increased traffic and additional responsibility for drivers. Drivers must take extra precautions when driving in school zones and other areas where children are present (i.e. playgrounds and neighborhoods). According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 444 children under the age of 19 years died in pedestrian accidents involving a vehicle in 2013. During 2012, roughly 19,100 children were injured in pedestrian accidents involving vehicles.

Even though there has been a decline in pedestrian deaths for children over the past decade, even one life lost is one child too many.

Drivers must accept the responsibility of keeping children safe because most children do not have the maturity level to understand the risks and dangers associated with traffic accidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents about allowing their children to be unsupervised pedestrians, especially under the age of 10 years. A child lacks the maturity to understand the risks and dangers associated with crossing the street. Therefore, a child is incapable of making safe decisions as a pedestrian.

This information is equally important for drivers. Now that school is in session and children will be more present as pedestrians, it is important to review important safety tips for school zones.

Safety Tips in School Zones

When approaching a school zone, or any area where children are present, always slow down. Maximum speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. Children can be very unpredictable. They can dart out into traffic without warning. You need additional time to stop or take evasive measures if a child darts into the road in front of your vehicle. Furthermore, a child is less likely to be killed when struck by a vehicle that is travelling at a low speed.

Always come to a complete stop at all crosswalks and stop signs. It may be tempting to perform a “rolling stop” when you are in a rush. However, a rolling stop could result in a tragic accident. Furthermore, eliminate all distractions when driving in a school zone. Children are quick. A child can be in front of your vehicle within a few seconds. If you are distracted because you are eating, texting, or adjusting the radio, you may not see the child until it is too late. Always remain focused and highly alert when approaching and driving through a school zone.

Don’t Forget To Talk To Your Teen Driver

Your teen driver does not have the same experience behind the wheel as you do. Teens need to be aware of the dangers of driving in school zones but they also need to be instructed in safe driving behaviors for all circumstances.

The leading cause of death for teens in the United States is car accidents. Twenty-five percent of those car accidents occur during the hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Do not stop educating your teen driver simply because he or she has a driver’s license. Educating your teen driver on safe driving habits should be an ongoing process. You can find more information about educating teen drivers on the AAA and Teen Driving websites.

Has Your Child Been Injured In A Pedestrian Accident?

Contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form. Our law firm represents clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We understand your time is important. We offer free consultations 24/7 for your convenience. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you!

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What Parents Should Know About the 100 Deadliest Days and Teen Driving Accidents

Tapalian Law — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT

Typically, an alarming number of teenage drivers have been injured during the 100 deadliest days of the year, the period which started recently on Memorial Day weekend. During this time period, numerous research studies and accident reports have indicated that teens are at their highest risk of car crash fatalities. A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is the newest study of this type indicating that nearly 60% of teen crashes in general involve being distracted behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving Is Especially Dangerous

In the last five years, more than 5,000 individuals have been killed in car accidents involving teen drivers during this 100 day period. The number of deaths from crashes associated with teen drivers increased by 16% on a daily basis when compared with other days of the year. The results are part of an eight-year research program using crash videos to analyze the experience of teen drivers. The three leading types of distractions for teens behind the wheel included:

Texting, talking or operating a cellphone
Looking at something inside the vehicle
Talking to other passengers inside the vehicle

There’s An App For That

Parents can play an important role by stressing the value of safety behind the wheel and using applications that help to monitor or prohibit a teen’s usage of technology while driving. If you have already been involved in an accident with a teen driver, it’s important to consult with a Rhode Island personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Although teens may have less experience on the road, summer opens up numerous opportunities for them to drive. This period, however, also should come with a warning about the high numbers of crashes involving teens.

Were You Injured By A Distracted Teen Driver?

Have you already been in an accident with a negligent teen driver? Was the other driver using their phone or otherwise distracted while driving? If you sustained injuries, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Now you need to speak with an experienced Rhode Island personal injury attorney about starting a legal claim. Your future may benefit significantly from compensation received after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Schedule a free consultation about your legal rights to compensation using this simple online form.