As Rhode Island residents know, pedestrian strikes carry serious consequences. Many of these catastrophes result in death. Unfortunately, the luckiest of survivors usually come out of pedestrian accidents with critical injuries. Nevertheless, because our roads are full of careless or negligent drivers, these accidents occur all of the time.

In recent news, a Central Falls man faces charges of driving under the influence and eluding police. Sources say that the 21-year-old man struck a local woman as she stepped out of her car. According to reports, the woman was inspecting damage from a minor rear-end collision on the side of the road. The man hit the woman, forcing her into the windshield.

The motorist fled the scene, but was arrested by authorities shortly after. The individual additionally faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident. The woman was treated for harm sustained in the accident.

Inevitably, the experience was terrifying and life-altering for the woman. The injuries associated with such accidents can affect you and your loved ones. Furthermore, many legal and financial questions may arise. How will I pay for medical bills? Will I be able to work? How can I continue to support my family as I recover from the accident? In the context of this story, if authorities determine that the driver was negligent or inattentive, the victim may have a potential personal injury suit against the wrongdoer. Seeing that the motorist was under the influence, this may be the case.

If you have been harmed in a pedestrian strike, you may want talk to a lawyer about your legal options. As you scrap to obtain suitable medical care for your injury, legal recourse should be available to keep you financially secure.

Source: Providence Journal, "Central Falls man charged in accident with pedestrian," Feb. 11, 2012