Woonsocket Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

D. Robin Gouveia, the managing attorney in our Woonsocket office, has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars to cover the costs of our clients’ injuries. Call us 24/7 at 401-762-4006 or fill out an online contact form.

Woonsocket Car Accidents: What You Need to Know

How Much Does a Woonsocket Attorney Cost?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge anything until you receive a settlement or award to compensate you for your injuries. Once a lawsuit is filed and decided, or a settlement is reached, the contingency fee is a percentage of the compensation achieved.

What Questions Should I Ask a Woonsocket Car Accident Lawyer?

When determining whether a lawyer is qualified and able to handle your case with the needed diligence and competence, we recommend asking questions to ascertain the attorney’s skill and the likely outcome(s) of your case. We suggest asking:

• What is your experience handling car accident cases?
• Have you handled any cases with similar facts as mine?
• How much will it cost to hire you?
• What is the likely outcome of my case?
• Will you take my case to trial?
• What is your success rate?
• What can I receive compensation for?
• How long will it take to resolve my case?

What Can I Be Compensated for After My Woonsocket Car Accident?

The compensation available depends on the accident and any injuries suffered. Medical expenses, such as surgeries, hospital bills and physical therapy can be included in the compensation. Additionally, you could receive compensation for lost wages due to an inability to work because of the accident, and if the injuries are long-lasting or permanent and interfere with your job, you could receive compensation for the lost earning capacity. You can also receive compensation for emotional damages, such as pain and suffering. Read more

How Do I Get Top Dollar for Damage to My Vehicle?

In addition to receiving compensation for your personal injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for repairing the damage to your car. Simply have the insurance adjuster meet with your auto repair mechanic so that they can provide an accurate estimate for repairing your vehicle. This will help to prevent the insurance company from undercompensating you so that you get adequate compensation to repair the damage. Read more

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in RI?

In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury suit is three years from the time of injury. But don’t wait! The more time your attorney has for investigating your claim and negotiating with insurance, the more likely you are to receive a better settlement.

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Fled the Accident Scene?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, or if the driver flees the scene of the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage on the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident. Insurance companies cannot raise the rates of drivers who were not at fault. You may also be able to collect these benefits from the insurance for other vehicles that you or others in your household own. Read more

Signs a Driver May Cause an Accident

When driving, it is always important to be careful of other drivers on the road. Defensive driving is a crucial skill when trying to avoid accidents. Some common signals that another driver may cause an accident are below.

• Watch for vehicles with a lot of smoke coming from their vehicle. They may need to make an emergency pull off or might even lose control of the vehicle. Be careful of blown tires, as they can cause a vehicle to jerk suddenly.
• Drivers who are speeding tend to be a common cause for car accident. Speeding decreases the reaction time that driver has and increases the changes for an accident to be deadly.
• Tailgating limits a driver’s reaction time and increase the likelihood of an accident. If the car in front of you is tailgating, give them plenty of space in order to prevent an accident.
• Drivers who change lanes often put many in danger of causing a car accident. Be mindful of blind spots and always use SMOG (signal, check all mirrors, look over your shoulder and go).
• Drivers who are swerving within their lane could be a sign of either distracted driving or drunk driving.

Should I Contact My Insurance Company?

Yes, you should contact your insurance company shortly after the accident and file your claim(s), as the insurance adjuster can assist with next steps. Answer all the questions honestly, but don’t make assumptions or guesses. Stick to the facts. Keep copies of all paperwork, such as your insurance policy and any other paperwork associated with your claim, like expense reports and medical bills. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report for your accident, as well as any officer notes. We recommend not speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance, as they are trying to limit their liability and anything you say could be used against you. If you are going to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance, we suggest consulting with an experienced Woonsocket car accident attorney first.

What Insurance Is Required for RI Drivers?

The minimum required liability coverage for RI vehicle owners is $25,000/$50,000. This means each individual injured in the accident is covered for up to $25,000 and there is up to $50,000 total coverage for the accident. If this minimum coverage will not be enough to cover your costs, you may be able to collect underinsured motorist benefits from the insurance on the car you were in at the time of the accident, or from the insurance for any other vehicle you or a member of your household owns. Read more.

Why Hire d’Oliveira & Associates?

Here at d’Oliveira & Associates, we prioritize YOU, the client. Our priorities are keeping you up to date on your case, your satisfaction and achieving a successful result. Our firm has been successfully handling car accident cases in the Woonsocket area for over thirty-five years, and every d’Oliveira & Associates attorney has at least twenty years of experience in resolving auto accident cases. Don’t hesitate to contact us today by calling our Woonsocket office at 401-762-4006 or filling out an online contact form for your FREE (no obligation) case consultation.

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