Conditions requiring reduced speed
Snowstorms often create adverse conditions on roadways in Rhode Island. All too often, drivers do not take the proper care to drive safely in snowstorms and accidents result. Snowstorms in RI often create slick roads and reduce visibility. Drivers who drive too fast (speeding) for the conditions and cause an accident, may be held responsible for the damages they cause. This can be true, even if the driver drove within the speed limit if it is shown that they were still driving unsafely based upon the weather conditions. Anyone who has been in a car accident due to another driver driving too fast (speeding) in a snowstorm, should contact a RI car accident attorney immediately to learn your legal options.
Speeding auto accident
Those who suffer injuries and property damage from another driver who drove negligently, such as speeding, in a snowstorm in Providence, Pawtucket or Woonsocket may be entitled to money damages. Damages may be recovered for medical expenses incurred, future medical treatment expenses, property damages (including vehicle repairs), pain and suffering, mental or emotional distress, and lost wages among other things. Each case is unique, and a Rhode Island personal injury attorney will be able to assess your situation and advise you of what damages may be applicable to your situation.
A claim against irresponsible driver requires proof of certain legal elements
You must be able to show that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This can be complicated, but there are some things you can do to improve your chances of success. This includes:
- Contact the police immediately after the accident
- Seek out immediate medical treatment
- Take photographs and video if possible
- Get the contact information for all witnesses to the accident
- Keep detailed records
- Pursue continuing medical treatment if you suffer additional or continuing pain
Injury attorney RI
Perhaps the most important thing accident victims in Providence, Rhode Island can do is to contact an experienced Rhode Island personal injury attorney, as soon as possible. A Providence auto accident attorney will be able to guide you through the process and represent you in your claim against the other driver. Your RI automobile crash attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to try to resolve the issue. If the insurance company is not reasonable, the RI personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit directly against the other driver. A Warwick automobile collision attorney will know what is needed to be successful in a claim. He can help you gather the necessary information and evidence. Do not delay contacting a personal injury lawyer in Rhode Island, if you have been injured in a snowstorm car accident.
“Of the 2015 weather-related deaths, males, as usual, accounted for more deaths, 329 (66%), than females, 161 (32%). This gender breakdown is typical. In most years, there are almost twice as many male victims of extreme weather as female, a pattern likely reflecting the higher percentage of men who hold outdoor jobs such as construction and who take part in sports and other outside activities such as fishing and boating. In 2015, males were more likely to be victims in all age ranges except children 0-9, which tragically numbered 35 deaths, and the 80+ category, where the percentage of women who reach this age range exceeds that of men. ” Summary of 2015 Weather Events, Fatalities, Injuries, and Damage Costs
Driving defensively is the best preventative measure you can make when you must travel during a treacherous snowstorm in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Your defensive measures will ensure you and your passengers arrive at your destination safely. This is because each year in RI and MA during snowfalls, slick surfaces and slippery highways are full of vehicles spinning out of control, causing serious accidents with severe injuries and fatalities.
The best defensive driving safety tips in RI and MA snowstorm include:
• Slow Down– Icy road surfaces in the Commonwealth or Massachusetts (MA) can be dangerous and driving with a false sense of security can prove to be a deadly choice, even when traveling in four wheel vehicles and SUVs. Traveling at fast speeds over slippery surfaces in Rhode Island can inevitably cause the vehicle to spin off the road and into ditches or into oncoming traffic. It is essential to never travel faster than road and weather conditions allow. While you may not get to your destination on time at least you will reach it safely.
• Clear Accumulated Snow off the Windows – Before heading out, it is essential to clear off the windshield and windows of the vehicle to ensure you have a clear view to the front, backs and sides. Even a minimal amount of accumulated snow can block your peripheral vision. Equipped with your vehicle with ice scrapers and other snow removing tools to make it easier to clear away the accumulated snow.
• Be Cautious When Applying the Brakes – Slamming on your brakes on a slippery road surface in Mass. or Rhode Island can easily cause you to slip off the roadway. Additionally, applying the brakes too quickly can cause the vehicle’s wheels to lock up making you to slide off the road uncontrollably. The easiest way to increase your length of time to come to a complete and safe stop is to provide ample space between you and the vehicle ahead.
(In the event of a crash, please contact a RI personal injury attorney
• Turn on Your Headlights – Turning on the headlights during a snowstorm in Boston, New Bedford, Fall River or Providence even in daylight hours is good advice.
• Stay Far behind Vehicles Ahead – Tailgating behind the car ahead can cause a serious accident In Rhode Island. This is because accumulated ice and snow on the roadway will reduce your tires’ traction even if it is just a light covering or dusting of snow on the road. In fact, tailgating causes accidents even during ideal weather conditions if the vehicle in front stops abruptly and your car is traveling too close behind.
• Utilize Your Anti-Lock Braking System – If your vehicle begins to skid and you lose control, applying anti-lock brakes and steering the vehicle into the spin out can help you regain control of your automobile, truck or car. If your motor vehicle or pickup truck is not equipped with anti-lock brakes, it is essential to pump the brakes in a quick motion to avoid a tire lock up while steering into the skid.
• Avoid Using Your Cruise Control – The cruise control on your automobile, suv or car is used to help minimize leg fatigue. However, during a snowstorm, it may cause you to travel too fast for the road conditions. Maintaining a constant speed by using cruise control can cause the car to skid or hydroplane across the slippery surface causing you to lose control, spin out or land in the ditch at high speed.
• Pull Over When Necessary – If you feel unsafe while traveling in a snowstorm it is better to pull over and discontinue driving until conditions change. However, it is essential to locate a safe spot to wait out the weather to ensure your safety and the safety of all of your passengers.
Using common sense and making logical decisions are the easiest ways to stay safe during a snowstorm. Driving defensively might take longer to reach your destination. However, the additional time and added safety can mean the difference between life and death.
In the event of a vehicular crash in Rhode Island or MA please contact a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer or a Rhode Island personal injury attorney. MA car accident lawyers and auto accident attorneys in RI can help you get the compensation you deserve as a result of the car or trucking vehicular wreck. If you are seeking a mesothelioma law firm, contact us.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility:
The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.