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ChatTragedy struck in our community when a recent Richmond, Rhode Island car accident left a husband and father dead last Sunday evening.
On October 20, 2024, on I-95, a three-car accident caused two people’s minor injuries and one person’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with affected family members.
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, educating our communities is part of our service to others. Our only goal in reviewing devastating, local motor vehicle accidents is highlighting potential injury law implications.
According to various news reports, including ABC’s WJAR, a mother and son were driving along I-95 heading north in Richmond, Rhode Island, towing a broken-down passenger vehicle with only tie-down ropes. Behind the wheel of the disabled car was the father and husband of the family. He remained in the front seat to help steer the vehicle to safety. The family entered and traveled down the highway at a low rate of speed.
Unfortunately, an attenuator truck driver traveling at highway speeds hit the towed vehicle, causing a three-car car accident. According to WPRI reports, the towing vehicle did not have proper safety lights at the time of the accident, rendering the truck driver unable to see the vehicles ahead. Emergency responders transported the father/husband to Rhode Island Hospital, where he unfortuantely passed. Luckily, his wife and son only sustained minor injuries.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case Even if I Potentially Contributed to My Accident?
Since this accident is still under investigation and we do not have all the facts, it is impossible to say whether the family in the Richmond, Rhode Island car accident has a viable wrongful death lawsuit. However, given the issues regarding the vehicle lights and towing mechanism, you may be wondering what’s next.
The answer depends on the specific facts of your case. Rhode Island follows a “pure” comparative negligence standard. This means that the compensation awarded in a wrongful death case will be reduced by the percentage the factfinder finds the deceased at fault. In short, this means that even if the deceased contributed to their death, their family may still be able to recover in a Rhode Island wrongful death lawsuit.
If you are unsure if you have a wrongful death or other personal injury case based on contributory actions, call us for help — confidential and free of charge.
What Should I Do if a Family Member is Killed in a Car Accident?
If your loved one is injured or even killed in a car accident, call a local personal injury attorney to assess your case. Your attorney can review the specifics of your case with you to determine your case’s worth. Your attorney will review relevant documents like police reports, medical examination reports (including autopsy reports), witness statements, accident photographs and/or surveillance footage, financial documents, accident reconstruction reports, and/or other expert witness reports to fight for your case’s value.
Learn more about Rhode Island’s “Death by Wrongful Act” here.
The recent Richmond, Rhode Island car accident described in today’s blog leaves us with many unanswered questions. Currently, it is unclear if the truck driver has been charged with any criminal offenses. Charges could include potential equipment and speed violations to vehicular manslaughter. Criminal charges can significantly help personal injury attorneys establish fault in a civil wrongful death case.
For now, our thoughts are with the affected family. If you have questions about this accident or any other personal injury accident, don’t wait to talk to someone about your potential case. Call us today!
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 with 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!
