N Kingstown, RI – Driver Charged After Serious Injury Crash at Rte 4 & W Allenton Rd

North Kingstown, RI (July 18, 2025) – Authorities have released new details regarding the multi-vehicle crash that occurred Thursday, July 17, at the intersection of Route 4 and West Allenton Road in North Kingstown.

According to Captain John K. MacCoy Jr. of the North Kingstown Police Department, 68-year-old Colen Reck Peters of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, has been charged following the collision. Peters faces a felony count of driving to endanger resulting in personal injury.

Police say Peters was driving a Toyota Tacoma southbound on Rte 4 when he allegedly ran a red light, crashing into a Lincoln Zephyr. The impact caused a chain reaction, with the Tacoma striking a Jeep Cherokee and the Zephyr colliding with a Dodge Caravan.

The crash left an 18-year-old North Kingstown man, who was driving the Zephyr, with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency crews transported him to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. He was the only person injured in the crash.

Peters was arraigned at North Kingstown Police Headquarters and is scheduled for a felony screening on Monday, September 9.

The North Kingstown Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into the incident. We extend our sincere wishes for recovery to the injured young man and hope for his full healing.

Injuries After Multi-Vehicle Crashes in North Kingstown

Crashes involving multiple vehicles often result in serious injuries, especially when high speeds and traffic violations like running red lights are involved. In North Kingstown, Rhode

Island, major routes like Rte 4 are known for heavy traffic, increasing the risk of dangerous collisions.

In this recent crash, an 18-year-old driver was hospitalized with serious injuries. Young drivers are especially vulnerable in high-impact crashes. Injuries from these types of accidents can include broken bones, head injuries, internal bleeding, and emotional trauma. Recovery often requires intensive medical treatment, long hospital stays, and ongoing therapy.

Victims may also struggle with lost wages and mounting medical bills. The physical and financial challenges after such an accident can be overwhelming, particularly for young adults just beginning their independent lives.

If a driver is found to have acted recklessly or negligently—such as by ignoring traffic signals—they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause. In Rhode Island, this means injured victims have a right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. The person who caused the crash, or their insurance company, may be required to pay for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In the incident reviewed on the previous paragraphs, the driver of the Toyota Tacoma faces a felony charge of driving to endanger resulting in personal injury. This charge may help establish liability in a civil lawsuit, making it easier for the injured 18-year-old to pursue damages. While criminal cases focus on punishment, civil claims are about making the victim financially whole. Even if the driver faces penalties in court, a separate personal injury claim can help cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, and other expenses.

A personal injury attorney can help injured victims by gathering evidence, securing witness statements, and building a strong case. Legal guidance is especially important in cases where criminal charges are involved because it can improve the chances of securing full compensation.

At the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll, we understand how overwhelming life can feel after an accident. As a trusted advocate for justice, Attorney Carroll brings years of dedication and local experience to every case. He knows the roads of Rhode Island well and cares deeply about the well-being of the community he grew up serving.

When you work with our firm, you receive personalized support focused on your unique needs. We offer free consultations and are ready to stand by your side every step of the way. Call our team at (617) 816-1072 to get started on your path toward recovery today.

Note: This content is sourced from secondary materials, including news outlets, police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified every detail. If you notice any errors or wish to request a removal, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.

Disclaimer: These posts are created to raise awareness about the risks associated with driving and to encourage safer behavior on our roads. Please note that the content is not intended as medical or legal guidance. Additionally, any images included are for illustrative purposes only and are not from the actual accident scenes.