Crosswalk Accidents

Injury Attorney Helping Victims in Providence and Beyond

Crosswalks are supposed to be a safe space for pedestrians trying to reach their destinations. Unfortunately, many motorists do not respect the right of way for individuals on foot. Crosswalk accidents may lead to serious injuries for victims affected, especially if a vehicle is speeding without paying attention to others on the road. With such significant injuries also comes financial hardship. Knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney David Tapalian seeks to ensure that victims receive the compensation that they need. As a Providence crosswalk accident lawyer, Mr. Tapalian has been representing victims for over 20 years, and he is dedicated to making sure that their legal rights are protected and their best interests are served, while they focus on the recovery process. We do not get paid unless you get compensated, so you should not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation regarding your claim.

Crosswalk Accidents Cause Serious Harm

In 2015, there were over 5,000 pedestrian fatalities due to traffic accidents in the United States. Additionally, close to 129,000 pedestrians were seriously injured and required emergency care as a result of a collision involving a motor vehicle. Just because a pedestrian uses a crosswalk does not mean that they are safe from harm. Many crosswalks do not have sufficient markings to warn approaching vehicles of a pedestrian’s presence. They are also not always equipped with flashing lights for nighttime use, nor do they always contain stop signs or other such indicators, which puts pedestrians at risk. Some federal regulations have been enacted to require longer crossing times for people on foot, but not all cities have made the necessary adjustments.

Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in automobile accidents than occupants of vehicles. Besides fatalities, pedestrians also face more catastrophic injuries from being hit by a speeding vehicle. Broken bones, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and other spinal cord damage, as well as severe internal injuries, may all result from a crosswalk accident. The most dangerous collisions happen at night, when a driver’s eyesight is compromised, and there are more incidents of drunk or impaired driving on the roads. A knowledgeable crosswalk accident attorney in the Providence area can investigate the cause of an accident while asserting a victim’s rights.

Pedestrians who have been injured due to the negligence of a driver may pursue compensation by filing a negligence claim. Negligence exists when a defendant breaches an owed duty of care to a victim, that breach was a proximate cause of their injury, and damages were incurred. Since all motorists owe pedestrians a duty to act in a reasonable manner, drivers may be held responsible when their actions constitute negligence. For instance, a driver who speeds through a crosswalk or turns at a light without looking for a crossing pedestrian may be found to have breached their duty of reasonable care.

When a crosswalk collision results in a death, the deceased person’s family may file a wrongful death claim on their behalf in order to seek compensation for medical costs, loss of support, and funeral or burial expenses. In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, both wrongful death and personal injury cases must be filed within three years from the date of a victim’s death or injury. Since these claims may be quite complex, requiring significant time to gather evidence and present a case, consulting a seasoned injury attorney as soon as possible following an accident is advisable.

Hire a Providence Lawyer for a Crosswalk Accident Case

David Tapalian offers compassionate legal guidance for victims and families going through the aftermath of a serious accident. Recovering from severe injuries or taking the time to grieve a loved one should be the main focus for people involved in a crosswalk accident. Meanwhile, Mr. Tapalian’s focus remains consistently on making sure that his clients receive the legal support that they need during such a difficult time. Providence crosswalk accident attorney David Tapalian represents people across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and he has an additional office in Seekonk. If you have been injured in a crosswalk accident, or you have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, contact our office online or at (401) 552-5000 to set up a free appointment with a motor vehicle collision lawyer.