INJURED IN
AN ACCIDENT?
AN ACCIDENT?
Pedestrian Injuries
Car Accident Attorney Assisting Residents of Providence
Being injured as a pedestrian may often be more devastating than being struck in a car crash involving only vehicles. A pedestrian who is struck by a car or truck may sustain serious injuries, some of which may be permanent or fatal. Providence pedestrian injury lawyer David Tapalian helps pedestrians take proper legal action against drivers who were responsible for their harm. Tapalian Law represents Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents who need a car accident attorney to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and the pain and suffering associated with their injuries. With over 20 years of experience, David Tapalian understands the difficulties associated with the aftermath of an accident, and he compassionately advocates on behalf of victims and their families in settlement negotiations and at trial.
Assert Your Rights Through a Pedestrian Injury Case
When a car, motorcycle, or truck collides with a pedestrian, the results are often catastrophic or even deadly. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 75,000 pedestrians were injured and almost 4,800 were killed as a result of a collision involving a motor vehicle. Many of the most severe injuries occur in the nighttime hours, when visibility is diminished, and drivers may be tired or more likely to be under the influence of alcohol.
Pedestrian accidents do not always occur at an intersection or crosswalk but instead sometimes occur when a person decides to cross in the middle of a road. In many instances, it is hard to determine who had the right-of-way in an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. At other times, however, a driver has a clear responsibility to yield to a pedestrian crossing. When that driver ignores this responsibility, serious injuries may result. Pedestrians who have been hurt by a careless driver may pursue a personal injury claim under the theory of negligence.
To show that a driver was negligent, an injured pedestrian must establish that they were owed a duty of care and that the duty was breached by the driver’s actions. All drivers owe those around them a duty to act as a reasonable driver would act in similar circumstances. For instance, a driver who speeds through a red light, striking a crossing pedestrian, probably would be found to be unreasonable. A victim must also show that their injuries were caused by the driver’s actions and resulted in actual damages. Victims have three years from the date of their accident in which to file a personal injury claim against any responsible parties. Consulting an experienced pedestrian injury attorney may help make sure that the appropriate evidence is preserved and gathered, such as photos of the scene, police reports, accident reconstruction evidence, and expert testimony.
Seek Representation From a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer in Providence
Family members who have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident also may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover the costs of medical care, as well as burial and funeral expenses. Providence pedestrian injury attorney David Tapalian knows that a family’s unexpected loss may affect many aspects of their lives, and he can help ease the burden by taking the necessary steps to preserve their rights. Tapalian Law represents individuals in many Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities through our Providence and Seekonk offices. You can contact us online or call (401) 552-5000 for a free appointment to discuss your case with a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer.