A bruised woman sits injured outside of her damaged vehicle after a car accident.

If you or a loved one were injured due to no fault of your own in a car accident in the state of Rhode Island, you may be entitled to a monetary settlement to compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. We charge nothing until we get you a fair settlement for your claim. Please call us 24/7 at (401) 200-3849, or complete an online contact form for a case evaluation.

Rhode Island Car Accidents: What You Need to Know

Winning RI Car Accident Cases for Decades

The lawyers here at d’Oliveira & Associates have successfully received millions of dollars for victims injured in car accidents in Rhode Island since 1989. We work as a team in handling our clients’ cases, ensuring we can obtain your medical records and the expert testimony necessary to effectively handle your case. This approach has allowed our attorneys to quickly negotiate fair settlements with insurance companies for our clients’ personal injury claims. 

In February of 2023, d’Oliveira & Associates attorney Cara Gallucci settled a car accident case for $390,000 to help our client cover the costs of his recovery. Our client was the passenger in a vehicle that lost control and caused him to suffer serious injuries requiring surgery.

Some other recent car accident case settlements that d’Oliveira & Associates has obtained: 

  • Manville, RI Woman Receives $500,000 Car Accident Settlement from National Interstate Insurance Company. Read more
  • Pawtucket, RI Woman Receives a $150,000 Slip and Fall Settlement. Read more
  • East Providence, RI Woman Receives a $195,000 Car Accident Settlement from National Continental Insurance Company. Read more

Well over 95% of the cases our firm handles are settled without ever having to go to court. So far, we have recovered an estimated $250 million in settlements for our clients in their personal injury suits. See a full list of our best car accident settlements here.

How Much Can I Recover for My Car Accident Case?

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, d’Oliveira & Associates may be able to secure a settlement for you to help cover medical costs, lost compensation, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies want to compensate you as little as possible for your injuries; our years of experience in representing Rhode Island car accident victims allows us to negotiate with insurance companies and demand the compensation you deserve. Read more.

Can I Be Compensated for Pain & Suffering?

In addition to being compensated for your medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of a car accident that was not your fault. When pain and suffering damages are calculated, two things are considered: (1) the type of injury you sustained, and (2) the length of time you are in pain.

Because every pain and suffering situation is unique, these damages should be calculated by consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer. Unlike medical bills and costs of vehicle repairs, the emotional damage you have suffered cannot be easily valued. Having a caring and knowledgeable attorney on your side is the best way to prove that you are entitled to more compensation for your pain and suffering. We offer a free consultation and we do not charge any legal fees unless we get a settlement or award on your behalf. Allow our RI car accident lawyers to handle your case and get you the best settlement possible so you can focus on your recovery. Call us anytime at (401) 200-3849 or complete a contact form for a free online case evaluation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Personal Injury Claim in Rhode Island?

Under Rhode Island General laws § 9-1-14, the statute of limitations is three years for car accidents. This means that someone injured in a RI car accident has three years from the time of injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. For minors injured in a car accident that was not their fault, they have three years from the time they turn 18 to file suit. But don’t wait to file your claim! The sooner you contact an experienced personal injury attorney, the more time they have to investigate your case and maximize your compensation.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Settlement?

How long a personal injury case takes to settle varies with each case. For example, someone who was rear-ended and experienced whiplash and back pain may have settlement talks begin three months after completing medical treatment. But sometimes, medical treatment can take longer, and a treating physician can be slow to send a narrative report to attorneys, which can make the process take longer. What is certain is that the attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates will factor in this timeline to ensure you receive the best settlement as quickly as possible. 

Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Settle My Rhode Island Car Accident Claim?

To determine whether you should enlist the help of a Rhode Island car accident lawyer to settle your personal injury claim, consider the three “I’s”:

  • Injury. Suffering injuries in a car accident can be devastating. Even small injuries can have huge economic consequences. Medical treatment can entail ambulance transportation, hospital visits, and extensive physical therapy. Families don’t always have the resources to cover these unexpected costs. d’Oliveira & Associates’ car accident lawyers are experts in obtaining compensation for car accident victims to help offset medical expenses, lost compensation, and pain and suffering.
  • Insurance. Insurance companies are businesses and ultimately exist to make a profit. Having to “payout” a settlement costs insurance companies a lot of money, so they tend to undercompensate their clients and are notoriously hard to work with. While it is possible to settle a claim with the insurance company directly, this can take months of negotiating and may still not result in enough compensation to cover your costs. If the party who was at fault in the accident has no insurance or limited insurance, it is advised that you enlist the help of a RI car accident lawyer to guide you through the process and maximize your compensation. d’Oliveira & Associates attorneys have successfully negotiated with insurance companies in securing thousands of settlements for our clients. 
  • Investigation. If an investigation is being opened for your car accident, this is an important indicator that you may want to consult an auto accident attorney. Proving liability or recovering damages may depend on details that seem irrelevant at first. Our lawyers can help guide you through the insurance and police investigations process to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. 

After My Car Accident, Should I Talk to an Insurance Adjuster?

No, it is advised that you do not speak with the other party’s insurance adjuster until you have contacted a lawyer to represent you. Anything you tell the insurance adjuster only helps the other party, and what you say can be used against you later in trying to reduce the compensation you recover. If you do speak with an insurance adjuster, be sure you don’t apologize or admit fault for the accident, and consult your attorney before you consider accepting any settlement offers.

Should I File a Police Accident Report?

Yes. After seeking medical treatment, file a police report as soon as possible after your accident. Also be sure to get a copy of your accident report as this will be an important resource for you and for your attorney in securing your settlement.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Police Accident Report?

In Rhode Island, for a fee, you can obtain a copy of your police accident report by retrieving it in person, online, or by mail. 

For online access to your accident report, go to www.BuyCrash.com. You will need your accident report number to get your report. Before leaving the scene of the accident, a police officer should provide you with this report number, and your report should be viewable within 72 hours of it being recorded.

You can also request your report by mail. Mail a stamped, self-addressed envelope, with a $15 check or money order payable to “The State of Rhode Island” to RI State Police: Accident Bureau, 311 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI 02857. For more information, click here.  

Why Should I Hire a RI Auto Accident Lawyer?

If you or a loved one were severely injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold the responsible driver accountable for their actions. While RI car accident lawyers cannot turn back time or make your situation the way it was before your accident, the attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates can help to secure compensation for the irreversible effects the accident caused you.

Before talking with any insurance company claims adjusters, it is recommended that you contact a knowledgeable RI auto accident lawyer. d’Oliveira & Associates attorneys know the strategies insurance companies use in trying to reduce the settlement they offer you, and we are not afraid to negotiate on your behalf to maximize your settlement. Insurance company studies show that auto accident victims who hire lawyers get up to 40% more compensation than those who do not hire attorneys. “A good lawyer doesn’t cost you more, they get you more.” 

If you do choose to handle your case without an attorney, check out these tips on insurance steps to take. Read more.

Who Pays for the Damage to My Vehicle?Who Will Pay for the Damage to My Vehicle?  

Two severely damaged vehicles after a car accident. They will need to call a Rhode Island car accident lawyer.

If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating you for that damage. If you were found to be at fault in the accident, then your own insurance will compensate for your property damage, depending on the kind of coverage you have. For instance, if you have full coverage, your insurance will compensate you for your vehicle repairs or provide the fair market value of your car if it was totaled. If you have only liability coverage, however, your insurance likely would not be responsible for paying for your vehicle’s property damage. The best way to get the most money for your car’s property damage is to have the mechanic doing your auto body repair meet with your insurance adjuster. The repair mechanic is in the best position to assess the full value of your property damage so that you are effectively compensated.

Common Causes of Rhode Island Car Accidents

Speeding –An estimated 29% of all car accident deaths involve speeding. 

Distracted Driving – Texting and multitasking while behind the wheel are just some things that can divert a driver’s attention away from the road. These also increase the likelihood of involvement in a car accident. When a driver acts negligently on the road, they put their own life at risk, as well as the lives of others.

Drunk Driver – RI falls within the top third of states with the highest percentage of deaths that involve impaired drivers. Approximately 3,000 people are arrested every year for impaired driving in RI. Around 30% of all U.S. car accident deaths involve a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher.  

Auto Defects – If a vehicle has manufacturing or design defects, these could pose serious dangers to you and other drivers on the road. Vehicle parts intended to keep its passengers safe may instead cause serious injury or death. Keeping up with your vehicle’s safety and maintenance requirements and keeping an eye out for any recalls to your vehicle’s parts may help prevent these kinds of accidents.

Driver Error – Drivers who act carelessly or who lack experience behind the wheel may pose dangers to themselves and to other drivers. It is crucial to be aware and vigilant while on the road to avoid these types of accidents. 

Common Rhode Island Car Accident Injuries

What injuries a car accident victim suffers depends on where the person was seated in the car at the time of the accident, and where the vehicle suffered impact. Because the severity of a car accident can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic roll-overs, the resulting injuries can also range in severity. The injuries most frequently suffered in car accidents are whiplash, broken bones, and soft tissue damage. 

How Can I Reduce My Risk of a Car Accident in RI?

Fasten your seatbelt! Research studies show that when a seatbelt is properly worn, this reduces the risk of front-seat passengers suffering catastrophic injury by 45%, and reduces the risk of moderate to severe injuries by up to 50%.

Rhode Island Uber or Lyft Accident

Ride-share apps like Lyft and Uber can make transportation fast and convenient. They serve as a safe alternative to public transit or operating your own car. With the increase in use of Uber and Lyft, however, one study provided that there has also been a 2-3% increase in the number of pedestrian and passenger fatalities involving ride-share vehicles between 2011 and 2016.

Services like Uber and Lyft are still fairly new, and the legal process for handling ride-share accidents is still evolving. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can help with navigating your situation and proving liability to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.

When you consult with your attorney, based on your specific case details, you can determine whether you should file a claim against your ride-share driver, against a third party who was at fault in the accident, or even against Lyft or Uber itself.

Handling a ride-share service personal injury claim can be difficult. It is possible to file a personal injury claim on your own, but having an experienced personal injury lawyer guiding you through the process can help you to secure maximum compensation. You may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses if you were injured as a passenger in a ride-share vehicle, or as a pedestrian struck by an Uber or Lyft, or if you were the driver of the vehicle that was not at fault. The knowledgeable lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates have been obtaining favorable awards and settlements for their personal injury clients for years, and they are prepared to investigate your car accident case to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (401) 200-3964 or complete a free online contact form.

Check Out these Resources After a RI Car Accident

Getting the Most for My Damaged Vehicle

Rhode Island Car Accidents at Night

Insurance Requirements & Coverage in RI

RI & MA Car Accident FAQs

Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident?

Our Rhode Island Car Accident Service Areas – d’Oliveira Locations

Why Hire Us d’Oliveira & Associates Car Accident Lawyers?

d’Oliveira & Associates attorneys have the experience and connections necessary to navigate your case, deal with insurance companies, and secure the compensation you deserve. We charge nothing until we get you a settlement or award for your case. Call us 24/7 at (401) 200-3849 or fill out a free contact form for an evaluation of your case.