Providence County Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Your Path to Justice & Relief After a Serious Accident

If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Providence County, you are likely dealing with physical pain, financial stress, and an uncertain future. Whether you are facing growing medical bills or struggling to get honest answers from insurance carriers, your next decisions matter. Connecting with a pedestrian accident attorney in Providence County who understands the process can help you move forward and find peace of mind.

We know the questions and worries you may have—who can you trust, and how will you afford the care and compensation you need? At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our attorneys have helped people throughout Rhode Island rebuild after life-altering injuries for nearly 50 years. With more than $1 billion recovered for accident victims, we have the resources and experience to hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable for the harm caused.

Our approach puts your needs first: clear answers, open communication, and no legal bills unless we achieve a recovery for you. Explore the resources below to learn what steps to take, understand your rights, and see how we have made a difference for clients in Providence County.

Call (401) 200-4059 to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you take the next step to recovery and peace of mind.

What is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a motor vehicle collides with a person who is walking, jogging, standing, or otherwise traveling on foot. These accidents can happen in crosswalks, parking lots, on sidewalks, along the shoulder of the road, or even in residential driveways. Unlike vehicle occupants, pedestrians do not have seatbelts, airbags, or protective frames to absorb the impact, which makes them especially vulnerable to serious injuries.

Pedestrian accidents in Providence County may involve:

• Cars or SUVs
• Commercial trucks and delivery vehicles
• Motorcycles
• Rideshare or taxi vehicles
• Public transportation vehicles such as buses

Regardless of the type of vehicle involved, the results of a pedestrian accident can be catastrophic. Common injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and severe cuts or burns. In the worst cases, a pedestrian accident can be fatal.

Rhode Island Pedestrian Laws

Rhode Island law provides important protections for pedestrians. Drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians and must yield the right-of-way in certain situations. For example, under Rhode Island law:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections
• Drivers must stop for pedestrians when traffic control signals indicate it is safe to cross
• Vehicles must use caution and reduce speed in areas where pedestrians are present
• Drivers must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk until the pedestrian has safely crossed

At the same time, pedestrians are also expected to follow the law, such as obeying traffic signals and using crosswalks whenever possible. However, when a driver violates traffic laws or fails to exercise reasonable care, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries they cause.

Our Providence County pedestrian accident lawyer at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can evaluate how these laws apply to your case and determine whether the driver acted negligently.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but in most cases, they are the result of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Providence County include:

• Distracted driving (texting, talking on the phone, using GPS)
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or intersections
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Making unsafe turns without checking for pedestrians
• Poor visibility due to weather or nighttime conditions
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Backing out of parking spaces or driveways without checking behind the vehicle

In some cases, other parties may also be responsible, such as a city or property owner who failed to fix dangerous road conditions or maintain proper lighting. Our legal team thoroughly investigates every pedestrian accident case to identify all liable parties.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Often Occur in Providence County?

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but certain areas in Providence County tend to present higher risks. These include:

• Busy intersections in Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket
• School zones and playground areas
• Shopping centers and mall parking lots
• Public transportation stops
• Downtown areas with heavy foot traffic
• Residential neighborhoods with speeding cut-through traffic
• Poorly lit roads and sidewalks
• Construction zones with altered pedestrian pathways

High-traffic roads, such as those near colleges, hospitals, parks, and entertainment venues, are also common locations for pedestrian accidents. Our team understands the unique risks in these areas and can use local knowledge to strengthen your claim.

Liability for a Pedestrian Accident

Determining liability is one of the most important parts of any pedestrian accident case. In many situations, the driver who struck the pedestrian is at fault. However, liability may extend beyond just the driver. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The driver of the vehicle
• The vehicle owner (if different from the driver)
• An employer (if the driver was working at the time of the crash)
• A government agency responsible for road maintenance
• A construction company that created a hazard
• A property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions

Rhode Island follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, they may still be able to recover compensation, although the amount may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

An experienced Providence County pedestrian accident attorney can work to minimize any claims of shared fault and fight to maximize your recovery.

Compensation Available for Injured Pedestrians

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Surgery and rehabilitation costs
• Physical therapy and ongoing care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one

Every case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the level of negligence involved. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to fully calculate the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Rhode Island?

In general, Rhode Island has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you must file your lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if the driver says the accident was my fault?

Even if a driver blames you, that does not mean they are correct. A Providence County pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the facts, gather evidence, and counter unfair accusations of fault.

What if the driver fled the scene?

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may still be able to recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options. Our firm can explore every avenue of recovery.

Do I need a lawyer for my pedestrian accident case?

While it is not legally required, hiring a lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an attorney can protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C.?

We typically handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Why Trust Our Providence County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?

After a pedestrian accident, having a legal team you can trust is crucial for your recovery. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we combine decades of experience in Rhode Island with a client-first approach that puts your goals at the center of every decision.

What sets our firm apart:

• Decades of experience: Our firm was founded in 1975 and our attorneys have over 200 years of combined legal experience.
• Historic results: We achieved Rhode Island’s largest medical malpractice verdict and the state’s second-largest personal injury judgment.
• Proven financial impact: Our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements that have helped families move forward after devastating losses.
• Professional recognition: Our work is recognized by Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, Lawdragon, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
• Direct access and transparency: Clients communicate directly with our attorneys and receive straightforward updates at every stage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice and recovery.