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October is Pedestrian Safety Month

October 23, 2020 | Tapalian Law

At some point each day, most of us are a pedestrian, especially as we try to increase our time outdoors, and distance from others, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Some stroll or jog for exercise, walk to school, to work, or to pick up lunch. Others are walking the dog or pushing a stroller. Being a pedestrian is a typical part of our day, especially in walkable cities like Providence, where sidewalks and pedestrian bridges are easily accessible to those on foot. Unfortunately, however, the rate of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes is at its highest in almost 20 years. According to the most recent data, 6,283 pedestrian fatalities were recorded in 2018. As a personal injury lawyer in Providence RI, Attorney David Tapalian has helped countless victims of pedestrian accidents seek compensation for their losses after they were injured by a reckless driver. Having seen such devastating injuries as a result of these often-preventable incidents, at Tapalian Law we were pleased to see the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) announce this October as the first National Pedestrian Safety Month.

The goal of Pedestrian Safety Month is to increase awareness of pedestrian safety to both drivers and walkers alike. With daylight savings time on the horizon, daylight hours will decrease and pedestrians will be outside when its darker, increasing the risk for a potential accident. During the months of September to February, over 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:59pm, according to the NHTSA.

Safety is a Shared Responsibility

Hurt During COVID-19? An Injury Attorney Can Still Help You

April 7, 2020 | Tapalian Law

There’s no doubt these are trying times for every single one of us in Rhode Island and across the entire country. The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of our lives. Life as we used to know it has changed significantly and we’re all trying to safely adapt to this ever-changing world. At Tapalian Law, we want you to know our personal injury team is still here and available to help you. Car accidents and other types of accidents are still happening through this time of crisis and personal injuries still need, and deserve, to receive proper medical treatment. The last thing you should need to worry about right now is getting help for your injuries.

Personal Injury Lawyer David Tapalian is dedicated to assisting you with your Rhode personal injury case during this time of need and there are ways our team can help you “virtually” throughout the process. If you are currently injured and treating, it’s essential you do not stop, delay, or postpone, necessary medical treatment without consulting your medical professional. In these changing times, there are some alternative methods to continue treatment from the comfort of their own homes with telemedicine.

Medical Treatment Via Telemedicine in Rhode Island

Preventing Underage Drinking During The Holidays

December 12, 2016 | Tapalian Law

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

Watch Out For Fatigued Driving This Holiday Season!

December 7, 2016 | Tapalian Law

Are you busy decorating your home for the holidays? Does it seem you are always on the road running errands or shopping? Do you feel as if you are simply dragging because you are exhausted? If so, you could be at risk for a fatigued driving accident this holiday season.

If you are involved in a car accident, remember the Martha’s Vineyard car accident attorneys are always here to answer questions and help protect your best interests. Call

401-552-5000

or use our online

contact form

Winter Slip And Fall Safety Tips

December 5, 2016 | Tapalian Law

Snow covered trees, ice glistening from rooftops, and snow falling on a cold winter’s night while you sit by the fireplace may sound very appealing — until you try to walk on ice and snow covered walkways.

Winter weather creates some of the most beautiful landscapes in Rhode Island, but it also creates some of the most treacherous conditions for getting around. Since we cannot hibernate all winter, we need to take precautions to reduce the risk of slips and falls during winter months.

Preventing Winter Slip and Fall Accidents

What Are Considered Catastrophic Injuries In A Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Accident?

November 26, 2016 | Tapalian Law

A catastrophic injury can happen in any motor vehicle accident, but they are especially common in truck accidents. The difference in size and weight between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle leaves the occupants of the passenger vehicle at a very high risk for catastrophic injuries. Sadly, catastrophic injuries have devastating consequences that impact a person’s life forever. As an experienced Massachusetts truck accident attorney, I have seen this in many commercial truck accident cases.

Categorizing Catastrophic Injuries

Not every severe injury is categorized as catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries are usually defined as injuries that impact a person’s quality of life. In most cases, a catastrophic injury has a permanent impact and the conditions associated with this type of injury are irreversible. Catastrophic injuries can also be fatal.

Rhode Island DUI Accidents During The Holidays

November 18, 2016 | Tapalian Law

Although traffic-related fatalities have decreased in Rhode Island over the past five years, impaired driving traffic fatalities still account for one-third of the deaths on Rhode Island roads each year. With the upcoming holiday season, many people are concerned about a potential increase in DUI accidents throughout the country. While we hope the deaths on Rhode Island roads continue to decrease, it is important to know the facts about DUI accidents during the holidays.

We also want anyone injured in a traffic accident during the holidays to know that our Rhode Island car accident attorneys are working hard throughout the holiday season to protect the rights of accident victims and their families.

Don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling

401-552-5000

Driver Negligence: What caused your car accident in Rhode Island?

November 15, 2016 | Tapalian Law

Driver negligence is a main cause of car accidents. A negligent driver brings to mind a driver who is intoxicated or on drugs. Even a driver on prescription drugs with instructions not to use while operating heavy machinery (like a vehicle) can be negligent. If a car accident is caused by a driver under any of these influences, that driver may be deemed negligent. Drinking and drugs are not the only form of driver negligence. Many less obvious behaviors performed on a daily basis can be deemed negligent while driving.

Common examples of driver negligence:

Reading a map or piece of paper

When Should I Hire A Massachusetts Workers’ Comp Attorney?

November 11, 2016 | Tapalian Law

The Massachusetts workers’ compensation system is designed to protect employees who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and many workers wonder if they need a Massachusetts workers’ comp attorney or if they can represent themselves in their claim.

Can I Represent Myself?

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in a workers’ comp claim. However, we do not recommend that you try to tackle a complex or disputed workers’ comp claim on your own.

Multi-car Accidents: Who is at fault?

November 9, 2016 | Tapalian Law

Multi-car Accidents in Rhode Island & Massachusetts: Who is at fault?

Car accidents are not always clear cut. Especially in accidents involving multiple vehicles, its not always easy to tell who is at fault. If two or more vehicles are involved, how much fault is each responsible for? What happens if a truck hits a vehicle three cars behind you causing the cars directly behind you to crash into your car? Who is at fault? The car behind you? The truck who caused the accident? It’s not often easy to determine yet it is very important. Whomever is at fault will be responsible for paying damages. If multiple vehicles are involved, it will also depend on which state you are in. Different states have different laws and you need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you sift through the details. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind if you’ve been involved in a multi car accident in RI or MA.

Multi-car accidents in Rhode Island