Car accidents can happen for numerous reasons, but some are more common than others. Read on to find out what’s most likely to cause a road traffic accident and why you might need a car accident lawyer in Rhode Island:
1. Impaired Driving
When people get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol or using drugs, it increases their risk of being involved in an accident. What’s more – the seriousness of that accident is likely to increase. In Rhode Island, the number of fatalities caused by impaired drivers exceeds the national average, which is why the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is implementing a variety of new strategies in an attempt to prevent people from driving while impaired.
While you can’t always prevent accidents caused by other drivers, you can take action if you’re involved in an incident involving an impaired driver. By reporting the matter to the police and seeking advice from a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that they’re held accountable for their actions and obtain compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
2. Intersections & Road Markings
When a vehicle is changing direction or pulling out on to a road, it increases the likelihood of a collision occurring. If a vehicle is travelling at a different speed, for example, another car can easily collide with it. As part of Rhode Island’s Strategy Highway Safety Plan, officials are enhancing road designs and minimizing potential ‘conflict points’ to reduce the risk of intersection-related collisions.
While the state is taking steps to make intersections safer, drivers and road users need to play their part too. By adhering to traffic laws and local signage, drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians can help to prevent crashes occurring and keep the roads safer.
3. Excessive Speed
Although driving with the legal limit helps to keep you safe on the road, it’s essential to adjust your speed in response to the conditions. If it’s raining heavily, for example, you may need to slow down to accommodate the wet road surface and the reduced visibility. Unfortunately, not all road users take this into account, which is why excessive speed is a leading cause of traffic accidents in Rhode Island and throughout the U.S.
If a driver causes an accident and they were travelling at an excessive speed, it’s highly likely that they’ll be held responsible for the incident. Following this, you’ll be able to make a compensation claim against them with help from a car accident attorney.
When to Make a Claim
Even though some road users may behave recklessly or negligently, very few people set out intending to cause an accident. However, their good intentions don’t detract from the pain and suffering, or the practical consequences associated with a car accident.
If you’ve been hurt on the road and another driver was at least partly responsible, it’s worth getting legal advice. By finding out what your rights are, you can determine whether you’re eligible to make a claim and, if so, how much compensation you could be awarded.
