Rhode Island Accident Lawyer Blog
February has been a fatal month for car accidents and pedestrian accidents in Rhode Island. Nine people have been killed in Rhode Island traffic accidents so far in 2017, six of the deaths have occurred this February. The most recent fatality took place just last week in Coventry when
19 year old Matthew O’Gara was struck in a hit and run by a truck with an attached plow while walking down the street with a friend. The truck driver fled the scene. Fortunately police were able to use surveillance cameras from a local business to track down the driver and 34 year old William Fallon of Coventry has been arrested in the hit and run. Fallon faces charges of driving to endanger with death resulting and failing in his duty to stop in an accident resulting in death.
After a high number of motor vehicle accident related deaths this month, the Rhode Island State Police say they will “crack down on speeding, aggressive driving and other motor vehicle violations”. In addition to the recent hit and run fatality in Coventry, the other motor vehicle fatalities in February occurred in West Warwick, Scituate, and North Smithfield, and Richmond, RI.
Drivers Have A Duty to Stop in Rhode Island After An Accident
Rhode Island State Law says the driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to it as possible, and shall remain at the scene of the accident until help arrives and a police report is filed. When involved in a car or pedestrian accident in Rhode Island, a driver has the duty to “give information and render aid”. This means the driver must not leave the scene until reasonable assistance is given to the injured and notice of the accident is given to the local or state police. The driver must also provide information to the police including his or her name, address, the registration of the vehicle they are driving, and driver’s license. The police will determine the need for further assistance from an ambulance or other emergency help.
Not only must a driver stop at the scene of an accident in RI after another driver or
pedestrian has been harmed or injured, but a driver must also stop even if it seems a person has not been injured. Drivers in Rhode Island must stop if they have hit another vehicle, such as a parked car, even if there is no one inside the other vehicle. RI drivers must stop if they hit a bicyclist, regardless of serious injury or death, or a domesticated animal, such as a dog.
When involved in any type of car accident in Rhode Island, whether or not serious injury or death has resulted, you must stop. Render assistance to the victim(s) if needed as best as you possibly can and contact the police immediately.
Rhode Island State Law Chapter 31-26 : Accidents & Accident Reports
What Happens if a Driver Does Not Stop in a Hit & Run Accident in RI?
If a Rhode Island driver is knowingly involved in a car accident involving property or vehicle damage, injury, or death, Rhode Island Law states they must stop at the scene of the accident. If they do not stop and are involved in a hit and run accident causing injury, they could face up to five years in prison, five years loss of license, and $5,000 in fines. If the hit and run involves serious bodily injury, death, or drunk driving, the penalties increase. If a RI driver is accused of a hit and run violation more than once in a designated time frame, penalties again increase based on the conditions of the hit and run accident.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit and run accident in Rhode Island, you need professional legal help. Hit and run cases are complex. Contact a RI hit and run attorney for free legal advice concerning your hit and run accident in RI. Attorney David Tapalian and his team at Tapalian Law are well versed in RI Accident Laws and will help you get the maximum compensation in your hit and run case. A person who has been injured due to the negligence of another has a right to file a lawsuit seeking damages for their loss. Measures need to be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident, and file a lawsuit prior to the deadlines. Contact RI personal injury attorney David Tapalian today for a free legal consultation at 401-552-5000.