car in snowy ditch

This year’s winter has been particularly snowy and icy for Rhode Islanders. Inclement weather conditions inevitably lead to more dangerous road conditions, longer commutes, and more car accidents. It is important to be patient on the road during these times because speeding and tailgating only increase the risk of a collision. On February 27, 2014, the Providence Journal reported that drivers on Interstate 95 between Pawtucket and Cranston were inching along at 25 miles per hour due to the falling snow. In addition, the Rhode Island State Police recorded 14 car crashes during this period of snowfall, including an accident involving eight motor vehicles.

There was also a car fire in Cranston near exit 16 (i). These types of incidents should cause drivers to exercise more caution rather than rushing to their destination. If you have been rear-ended or injured in a collision, you should talk the auto accident attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates. Our law firm has been handling these types of cases for over 30 years and we have experience negotiating with insurance companies.

Remember to Clear Snow from Your Vehicle

cleaning snow off carSafety depends not only on exercising caution while driving but also taking the right precautionary steps. First and foremost, your vehicle should be cleared of all snow and ice. This ensures that your view will not be obstructed and that no snow or ice will fly off your vehicle and hit another. According to Turn to 10, the Rhode Island State Police have already issued 50 citations to drivers who have failed to properly clear their cars.

The state fines drivers $75 for these violations (ii). Failure to clear a car may seem inconsequential but it is an important safety step nonetheless. Drivers who have been involved in a car accident because a car was not properly cleared of snow and ice should talk contact a personal injury firm about their rights to compensation.

frosted windshieldThe failure to properly clear a vehicle is especially dangerous when the vehicle is larger, such as a delivery van or tractor trailer. These vehicles may accumulate substantial amounts of snow and ice which can fall off the back and cause accidents to nearby cars. Trucking is a highly regulated industry that imposes a duty on its drivers to regularly inspect the safety of their rigs and fix any problems. In most cases, the failure to remove snow is negligent and this failure may even violate trucking regulations. Residents of Cranston who have been injured by the failure to clear snow from a vehicle, should stop by the law offices of d’Oliveira & Associates located at 751 Reservoir Ave.

Cranston Car Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Cranston Car Accident Lawyer meeting car accident victimIf you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. Our lawyers can talk to you about the strengths of your case and what steps you need to take in order to protect your legal rights. Our legal team is dedicated to pursuing compensation for all the losses you have suffered including lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering among others.

Over the past 30 years d’Oliveira & Associates has helped thousands of clients and our legal staff is ready to talk to you today. Failure to obtain legal representation quickly could endanger your case or even prevent you from recovery altogether. Call the Hurtline today to setup a free no obligation legal consultation and we do not charge any legal fees until you get the justice you deserve.

Sources:

  1. Providence Journal, February 27, 2014.
    http://www.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/content/20140227-fast-falling-snow-creates-accidents-including-an-8-car-collision-in-providence.ece
  2. Turn to 10, February 24, 2014.
    http://www.turnto10.com/story/24808676/drivers-can-be-fined-for-failing-to-clear-snow
Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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