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ChatAt Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to getting auto and pedestrian accident victims the compensation they deserve when they are injured by another driver, through no fault of their own. Our team recently succeeded in securing a $250,000 settlement for an injured pedestrian in Cranston, Rhode Island. In this case, our client was walking with a family member, and crossing a crosswalk through an intersection when a driver heading southbound on the arterial road failed to provide the right of way to the pedestrians, striking them head on.
Cranston, RI Pedestrian Accident Results in Serious Injuries
This accident occurred on October 14, 2024, on Sunset Terrace in Cranston, Rhode Island. Our client was walking with a family member, crossing the crosswalk at the intersection of Sunset Terrace and Park Ave, when a vehicle heading southbound on Terrace Ave failed to provide the right-of-way, and hit them head on. Our client did not have time to move out of the way of the vehicle to avoid being hit.
The impact of the collision caused severe head, bodily, and facial injuries to our client, including:
HEAD INJURIES
- Intra-cranial injury with loss of consciousness
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bilateral SDH (subdural hematoma)
- Bilateral Scattered SAH (bilateral scattered subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Critical Polytrauma
- Closed fracture of temporal bone
FACIAL INJURIES
- Critical Polytrauma
- Bruising and Scabbing
- Laceration over left eye
BODY INJURIES
- Left shoulder road rash abrasion
- Chest contusions
- Hand abrasions and swelling
Our client continues on his path to recovery, which has included his initial emergency room visit, and extended stay at a hospital in Rhode Island for ongoing critical care, including intubation for multiple days, primary care, and rehabilitation center treatments. To date, our client’s children assist him with ongoing doctor’s appointments, as well as household functioning such as cleaning and cooking.
The Bottaro Injury Lawyers team will be there the entire way to ensure our client is taken care of and compensated adequately for his injuries.
Driver Negligence Suspected in Cranston RI Accident
Through our team’s investigation, we discovered that the at-fault driver had displayed negligence by failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. A driver must always give the right-of-way to crossing pedestrian in a crosswalk, and failing to do so amounts to negligence, and can cause seriously bodily injury or death to pedestrian victims.
In this case in Cranston, just like so many others we have seen, the at-fault driver’s negligence put our client’s life in danger and caused severe bodily injuries, lasting physical trauma, as well as emotional pain and suffering.
Due to the severity of our client’s injuries from this accident, our client incurred high medical expenses, intense, pro-longed stress, and loss of functioning abilities in his daily life.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following this accident, our client and his family turned to Bottaro Injury Lawyers for help. We immediately took the following actions:
- Conducted a home visit to gather information and discuss the case.
- Obtained the police report detailing the crash.
- Collected photographic evidence of injuries and any photographs from the accident scene.
- Reviewed written evidence provided by a witness, which confirmed the at-fault driver’s negligence.
- Coordinated with medical providers to ensure our client received proper care and an effective treatment plan for his injuries.
Prioritizing Safety: Understanding the Risks of Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is a leading cause of preventable accidents on our roads. This umbrella term covers any behavior that shows a disregard for safety or a failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. The consequences of such actions are often severe, leading to life-altering injuries and even fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are a significant public health issue, with human error being a primary contributing factor. Actions like speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right-of-way demonstrate a conscious choice to put others at risk.
Even minor lapses in judgment—like a quick glance at a phone or a failure to check a blind spot—can have catastrophic results. The dynamic nature of traffic requires a driver’s full attention at all times. By making responsible choices, we can all contribute to a safer driving environment. Our firm understands that while traffic laws set a baseline for safe conduct, they cannot account for every potential human error. It is therefore every driver’s responsibility to be proactive in minimizing risk and ensuring their full focus is on the road.
Essential Practices for Preventing Negligence
To help you maintain a safe and focused driving habit, consider these essential practices:
- Minimize Distractions Before You Start: Before you even put the car in gear, set up your GPS, adjust your mirrors and seat, and silence your phone. Having everything in place eliminates the need to fiddle with controls or devices while driving.
- Secure Items in Your Vehicle: Loose items, like groceries or a laptop, can slide and become a distraction. Ensure they are secured in the trunk or on the floor to prevent them from becoming a hazard.
- Plan Your Route and Rest Stops: Knowing your route in advance helps you avoid last-minute lane changes and navigation errors. If you are going on a long trip, plan for regular breaks to prevent fatigue from compromising your judgment and reaction time.
- Avoid Eating or Drinking While Driving: Consuming food or beverages takes your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. It is best to pull over in a safe location if you need to eat or drink.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Road: Practice defensive driving by consistently checking your mirrors and surroundings. Be aware of other drivers’ behavior and anticipate potential hazards. This constant vigilance is key to avoiding accidents.
- Control Your Emotions: Driving can be stressful, but it’s important to remain calm. Avoid engaging in aggressive behavior or emotional conversations that could compromise your ability to make safe decisions.
The Importance of Retaining an Experienced Auto Accident Law Firm
Pedestrian accident cases, especially those involving driver negligence, require trusted legal expertise to navigate the complexities of proving that negligence, and to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure just compensation is received for the injured party. Without legal representation, from the right team, victims often receive far less in compensation, which rarely fully covers their medical costs, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering.
Bottaro Injury Lawyers has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our trusted team knows the ins and outs and all the little techniques that insurance companies use to avoid compensating victims properly! We hold them accountable and fight aggressively to ensure our clients receive maximum compensation.
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help on cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!