Auto Accident Injury in Providence, RI

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Providence? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Providence, RI that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Providence, Rhode Island

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In 2019, Rhode Island had 59 traffic fatalities, according to Providence Journal. In 2018, the state had 58 roadway fatalities. Both numbers are down from the 2017 figure of 82 traffic-related fatalities.

Rhode island also saw a reduction in traffic injury numbers, which fell to 322, in 2017. In contrast, 542 people suffered serious injuries from crashes in 2010. One big contributing factor to injuries and fatalities in the state is that Rhode Island has more drunk drivers than the national average. Steps to reduce the number of fatalities include police patrolling for drunk drivers during the holidays and installing smart systems at highway off-ramps to check for motorists driving in the wrong direction.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Car accident victims who need an incident or accident report can request one from the Providence Police Department. Citizens can pick up their report during specific hours by making an appointment after submitting a report request. Those who desire an incident or accident report must give the police time to respond to a request. There is a minor fee for copied pages of written public documents. The police department may also charge a search and retrieval fee. Alternatively, parties can buy a report online with LexisNexis® Police Reports. Opting for securing a report online helps save time.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

In 2018, auto accident deaths in Rhode Island cost the state approximately $43 million. Medical expenses can also be pricey for car crash victims. Rhode Island residents can expect to pay an average of $1,154 for emergency room visits, even with private insurance. If you suffer serious injuries or you develop disabilities, the total medical cost could skyrocket.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Rhode Island

Liability Laws for Providence

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Like most states, Rhode Island uses a fault-based car insurance system that holds at-fault drivers responsible for accidents. It is also a pure comparative fault state, so Rhode Island awards auto accident victims a settlement even if the victim bears 99% fault for the accident and the other party only bears 1%. A local lawyer understands insurance companies for this area.

Statute of Limitations in Providence

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents in Rhode Island is three years from the date of the incident. The statute for property and vehicle damage is 10 years.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Providence, RI

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Rhode Island!