Some roadways see a larger volume of collisions than others for a variety of reasons. One such stretch of roadway in Rhode Island's most populous city used to be the site where numerous pedestrian accident victims were either seriously or fatally injured. However, after a city councilman's life was spared following an accident on that same stretch of road, improvements were made.

Those improvements included speed bumps, better lighting and signage as well as bump-outs. Of course, it was hoped that these improvements would reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. Indeed, there was a 64 percent reduction from pedestrian accidents during 2012.

With such success, the Providence City councilman is on a crusade to improve the conditions for pedestrians in business districts all over Rhode Island. Pedestrians have the misfortune of being completely vulnerable when confronted by a motor vehicle on our roadways. The injuries suffered by pedestrians involved in accidents with vehicles can easily result in serious injury or death.

Drivers are responsible for exercising caution and care on the road and that includes watching out for pedestrians -- especially in urban settings such as congested business areas. A pedestrian accident victim has the legal right to file a personal injury claim seeking financial restitution for out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. In the unfortunate circumstance where a person dies in such an accident, the surviving family retains the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. If the filing party or parties prevail by proving negligence, the court may award monetary damages recognized by our state laws.

Source: wpri.com, Federal Hill pedestrian accidents down 64%, Angie Angers, March 5, 2014