Pedestrian Accidents In Rhode Island
All drivers are responsible for sharing the road with vulnerable pedestrians. But pedestrian accidents happen. When a driver doesn’t take this responsibility seriously and hits a pedestrian, the results can be devastating. Head, leg, and pelvis injuries are common in pedestrian crashes, which can potentially lead to serious long-term effects.
But if you’re a pedestrian hit by a car in Rhode Island, you may be able to recover funds to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Learn more about your rights below, and discover a Providence car accident lawyer who can defend your rights as a pedestrian victim.
How many pedestrians get hit by cars every year?
In 2021, approximately 7,388 pedestrians were killed in car crashes in the United States. That’s approximately 2.23 deaths per 100,000 people. The number of injured pedestrians is even higher. In 2020 alone, around 104,000 pedestrians relied on emergency services for injuries from a crash.
Rhode Island pedestrian accidents statistics
Rhode Island had the second-lowest pedestrian death rate of all 50 states and Washington DC. In 2021, 7 pedestrians were killed. Although, there isn’t any current data for the number of pedestrians injured annually in Rhode Island.
What factors can contribute to a pedestrian car crash?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following factors commonly play a role in car accidents involving pedestrians.
- In 2021, around half of all car crashes with pedestrian deaths involved alcohol.
- Higher vehicle speeds increase the risk of collisions and the potential injury severity for pedestrians.
- Vehicle type. Large and heavy vehicles, like SUVs, have the potential to cause greater harm to pedestrians.
- Age and ethnicity. Adults aged 65 and older may have a higher risk of pedestrian death. Black, non-Hispanic American Indian, and Alaska Native pedestrians also faced the highest death rates in 2021.
How can pedestrians get compensation if they are hit by a car?
There are a number of ways a pedestrian may be able to recover funds after a car crash. The most common methods include:
- The driver’s insurance company: If the driver is at fault for the accident, the pedestrian may be able to receive a settlement from the driver’s insurance company. Every insurance policy has a set limit, but in Rhode Island, minimum liability car insurance covers up to $25,000 per person per accident.
- The pedestrian’s insurance company: If the driver doesn’t have insurance or left the scene, the pedestrian’s uninsured motorist policy (UIM) may be able to help. Additionally, the pedestrian’s health insurance may cover medical bills.
- Filing a lawsuit. If the pedestrian can’t reach an adequate settlement with an insurance company, filing a lawsuit against the other driver may help recover damages.
What kind of damages could victims of pedestrian accidents recover?
In a personal injury claim, a pedestrian victim could potentially recover damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional damages
- Pain and suffering
But of course, this depends on the individual case.
Is there an average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car in Rhode Island?
Many personal injury settlements with insurance companies are confidential, meaning that it’s tough to determine an “average” payout for pedestrian cases. Additionally, the settlement offer you receive depends on a number of factors, like the severity of your injuries and any time you missed off work. So, it’s best to consult with a RI personal injury lawyer for a more nuanced assessment of your potential case.
What happens if a pedestrian caused an accident?
Sometimes, the pedestrian may be at fault rather than the driver. For instance, a pedestrian crossed when the light was red or was in an area marked off-limits to pedestrians. If the pedestrian is liable for the incident, then the driver’s insurance company won’t pay for medical bills. Instead, the pedestrian’s own car insurance policy be able to offer a settlement through a liability policy.
However, some insurance companies may attempt to misrepresent the situation to avoid a costly payout, making it important to stand your ground and negotiate with a lawyer to defend you.
What if the pedestrian and driver share fault in pedestrian accidents?
If a pedestrian is partly at fault for a car accident, it may still be possible for them to recover some damages in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Rhode Island operates under a system called pure comparative negligence, which distributes blame between different parties involved. For example: Say the court decides that 20% of the blame lies with the pedestrian, while 80% lies with the driver. The driver would still be liable to pay 80% of the pedestrian’s medical bills. However, every case is different. So, it’s important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney for guidance.
How long does it take to settle cases involving pedestrian accidents?
This can depend on a number of factors, such as the length of the negotiation process with your insurance company and whether or not you choose to file a lawsuit. But, according to a 2016 national survey, it takes an average of 11.4 months after the incident to resolve a successful personal injury case.
A Providence personal injury lawyer for pedestrians
If you were injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, let Petrarca law defend your rights and fight for a fair settlement. We know your world was thrown off its axis, so we’ll take care of every step of the process for you: From gathering your medical information and building your case to negotiating a fair settlement with your insurance company. If necessary, we can even file a lawsuit and fight aggressively on your behalf.
Take a deep breath and leave it all to us: Contact our office today for a free consultation.