Rush Hour Car Accidents

For countless Rhode Islanders, driving during rush hour is a frustrating, but necessary, part of the daily commute. As motorists crowd congested freeways like I-95 and I-295 during the peak hours of 7am to 9am, the risk of car accidents increases significantly. The severity of these collisions is also frequently magnified during rush hour. A crash in which one vehicle collides with another can have a domino effect on the nearby cars packed together creating an even worse traffic accident and greater risk for injuries. As a top-rated car accident lawyer in Rhode Island, Attorney David Tapalian has over 20 years of experience helping victims of personal injury in RI and MA and offers knowledgeable legal support to those injured as a result of a car accident during rush hour.

The Ocean State was ranked the 3^rd worst state in terms of traffic and infrastructure, and 3^rd worst overall, in a 2020 study on the best and worst states in which to drive. The study reveals the dangers of driving in the state and the risks drivers face as they make their way through its crowded roads and highways each day. Often in a hurry to get work or school on time, drivers in Rhode Island need to be particularly cognizant of the risk of rush hour car accidents.

As with all motor vehicle operation, there are risks to driving during rush hour traffic. According to a 2015 study, up to 15% of all commuters in Providence County, Rhode Island can be found on the freeway between the hours of 7am and 9am or the hours of 4pm and 6pm on any given work day. That’s about 42,000 cars on the road in a short span of time. Naturally, traffic jams and collisions occur frequently and if you are injured in one of these crashes, it’s important to have the expert guidance of a Rhode Island car accident attorney. Some common causes of rush hour accidents include:

Changing Lanes: In particular, changing lanes becomes more difficult when cars are lined up in all lanes on the highway. For example, when a vehicle is trying to switch lanes to reach an approaching exit, it can be difficult to navigate through the multitude of cars and trucks and can easily result in a side-swipe collision.

Driver Negligence: Negligence on the part of the driver, like looking at a cell phone or applying makeup while sitting in traffic, contributes to many rear-end collisions during rush hour. When a negligent driver is responsible for causing your injuries, a qualified accident lawyer can help you to recoup your damages.

Reckless Operation: A vehicle trying to avoid traffic congestion by speeding in the breakdown lane, a driver “tailgating” another car, speeding, even constant lane-changing or not using a signal when switching lanes, all are examples of what may be considered reckless driving. These forms of recklessness, and more, frequently contribute to rush hour traffic crashes. For instance, in June 2020, a fatal multi-vehicle collision occurred on Rte. 95 in West Greenwich around 8:30am when a car traveling in the breakdown lane hit a tow truck that was stopped and attempting to load a disabled vehicle.

Emergency Situations: When a police car, fire truck, or ambulance is approaching with its lights and sirens on, the law in Rhode Island requires drivers to pull over to the side or yield the right of way. Especially vital during rush hour, to promote the safety of those who operate emergency vehicles, the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety created the “move over” law. The law requires drives to “slow down and move over when approaching a designated vehicle that is stopped in a lane or on the edge/shoulder of the roadway”. Some motorists do not heed these warnings which can result in a collision.

Commuters on highly traveled routes throughout the state like I-95, I-295, and Route 10 rely on their vehicles to get to their jobs, so a severe crash can have lasting effects, especially if the person is seriously injured. Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney David Tapalian understands that all consequences of a car accident are significant in the lives of the people involved. Despite the difficulty of navigating the cramped roads during rush hour, drivers must still adhere to the traffic laws and when a driver fails to do so and consequently causes an accident, they can be held liable for any injuries and damages sustained. Attorney Tapalian puts his qualifications and experience to work to help victims of auto accidents in RI and MA obtain the monetary compensation that they deserve. If you are hurt in a collision, Tapalian Law can help hold the at-fault driver responsible and obtain compensation on your behalf. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages including medical expenses, hospital costs, surgery, rehabilitative expenses, repairs to your vehicle, and pain-and-suffering.

Rush hour, unfortunately, can magnify the existing dangers of driving in the state of Rhode Island and puts the thousands of commuting drivers at risk of a collision every day. Although a work commute during peak traffic hours is necessary for many drivers, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident alone is not. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, seek the expertise of trusted Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer David Tapalian. At Tapalian Law, our compassionate personal injury team understands the stress that ensues following a serious injury and we will guide you throughout each step on your way to recovery. With offices in Providence RI, Warwick RI, and Seekonk MA, we are available at all hours for a free consultation. Call us at 401-552-5000 or contact us online to learn how our lawyers can best support you.