car crash near Newport Rhode Island

For a highly visited location, Newport car accidents are not unheard of. When Newport car accidents occur, the driver who caused the accident might be issued a ticket and could be held responsible for any damages or injuries they caused. In the end, it wouldn’t be surprising if the driver had to pay a fine or for medical and repair expenses that they caused. However, in some cases, a driver could also be charged criminally for injuring another person in a car accident. Recently, a driver was charged criminally and sentenced for causing a car accident. One way this happens is when a driver is “driving to endanger” and seriously injures or causes death to another person.

What is Driving to Endanger?

RI law states that a charge of driving to endanger involves a “reckless disregard for the safety of others.” This could be a situation where someone does not necessarily want to injure someone else, but knows that they can, and unreasonably takes the risk. For example, a driver could know that they have a medical condition that would impair their ability to drive and be instructed not to drive by their doctor. If that person drives and injures another person, they could be charged with driving to endanger. Someone that knows that they have a medical condition that could affect their ability to operate a vehicle, and then drives, has a reckless disregard for the safety when they cause severe injury to others.

What Can Newport Car Accident Victims Do?

injured Newport car accident victim on crutchesA criminal charge primarily affects the driver who was at fault. Meanwhile, victims may be left severely injured, or worse. Typically, these types of accidents involve injuries that may require extensive hospitalization and treatment. For others, surviving family members might be left with large expenses to pay. Car accident victims should know that they could speak with an experienced Newport car accident lawyer to discuss their rights and options. In addition to knowing how to obtain compensation for injuries and losses, a Newport car accident lawyer may also be knowledgeable about how criminal charges, if any, could affect the case.

Speak With a Newport Car Accident Lawyer

Newport car accident lawyerIf you or someone you know has been injured a Newport car accident, contact one of our experienced Newport car accident lawyers located at 1521 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 401-846-5499 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.

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.

Rate this Post

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...