Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident in Rhode Island, you may be entitled to a cash settlement to compensate you for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. We do not charge you a fee unless we get you an award or settlement. Our fee is 1/3 of your award or settlement. Contact us anytime at 1-(401) 200-3849 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Rhode Island Car Accidents: What You Need to Know

Winning RI Car Accident Cases Since 1989

d’Oliveira & Associates has successfully brought relief to injured victims of car accidents in the Rhode Island community since 1989. We are highly rated Rhode Island car accident lawyers. Our teamwork approach to handling your case, including obtaining your medical records, working with experts, and keeping track of the progress made in your case, has proven to be very effective. It allows our attorneys to negotiate an excellent and fair settlement for your personal injury claim as quickly as possible. 

One of d’Oliveira & Associates’ most recent car accident cases settled on February 20th, 2023. Our client was a passenger in a vehicle in which the driver lost control and crashed. He sustained extensive injuries requiring surgical intervention which resulted in surgical scarring. Fortunately, d’Oliveira & Associates attorney Cara Gallucci secured a $390,000 settlement to help our client pay for his recovery. 

Here are a few other recent car accident settlements that our firm has obtained: 

  • Manville, RI Woman Receives a $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

Over 95% of our cases settle out of court. We find that with proper preparation, we can settle most personal injury cases without ever setting foot in a courtroom. We have recovered approximately $250 million in settlements for our clients so far. For a complete list of our car accident settlements, visit our best settlements page.

How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?

If you were injured because of the fault of another driver, we can potentially get you a settlement for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses. The insurance company will attempt to compensate you as little as possible when it comes to your pain and suffering. The less money they give you, the more the company profits. This is where our years of experience representing RI car accident victims can help you the most. Read more.

How Much Can I Get for Pain & Suffering Damages?

“How much can I get for my pain and suffering?” This is often the first question clients ask after an accident. They don’t want to be left with emotional and physical trauma on top of a mountain of bills. It is a fair question, but the answer is not straightforward. If you were injured in a car accident due to the fault of another person, you may be able to receive compensation for your pain and suffer from the at-fault party’s insurance. Pain and suffering are calculated with consideration for two things: (1) the type of injury you have and (2) how long you are in pain.

No pain and suffering situation is equal, and these cannot be calculated without first consulting an attorney. This is because, unlike hospital bills or car repairs, your emotional damage does not have a price tag. A compassionate and experienced lawyer is needed to definitively prove why you deserve more compensation for your pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you prove pain and suffering by guiding you to the proper resources, such as a therapist who can attest to your pain. 

If you or a loved one has experienced pain and suffering after an accident, you may be entitled to damages. We offer a free (no obligation) consultation and charge no fee unless we get you a settlement or award. Our experienced Rhode Island lawyers can get you the best settlement possible. Call us 24/7 at 1-(401) 200-3849 or fill out a contact form for a free evaluation of your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a RI Car Accident Lawsuit?

Detailed in Rhode Island General laws § 9-1-14, the statute of limitations for auto accidents is three years, which means you only have three years to file a lawsuit against the other party for your injuries. It is longer for minors; they have three years from the time they turn 18 to file a claim. The sooner you file your claim, the better so that your attorney has enough time to investigate your situation and build your strongest case for the best recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement?

The length of time a personal injury case takes to settle differs on a case-by-case basis. For instance, if you were rear-ended and suffered whiplash and back pain, it might take three months after you have finished medical treatment before settlement talks can begin. However, sometimes the treating doctor is slow in getting the final narrative report completed and sent to the attorneys. This can slow the process. The only thing that is certain is an experienced attorney will not send in a demand for settlement until you are fully treated for your car accident injuries. There are many factors that play into the final settlement, but d’Oliveira & Associates will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you get the best outcome as quickly as possible. 

Do I Need a RI Car Accident Lawyer to Settle My Auto Accident Claim?

Auto accidents have an uncanny way of ruining everything from our current mood to our credit score, and the residual damage caused by an auto accident often takes months to recover from. So, when do you pick up the phone and dial a Rhode Island auto accident lawyer? 

Consider the three “I’s” when deciding if you need the help of a RI auto accident lawyer:

  • Injury. Getting injured in an auto accident is devastating. Even minor injuries can have major financial consequences. Treating injuries often requires an ambulance ride, hospital visit, or months of physical therapy, and hard-working families do not always have the resources to cover unexpected medical bills. Auto accident lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates are experienced in helping car accident victims recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Insurance. Insurance companies, like any business, exist primarily to make money. “Paying out” a settlement costs their business lots of money. This is why they are notoriously difficult to work with. Settling a claim directly with the insurance company can take months of back-and-forth negotiations. Even with proper insurance, the full cost of your car repairs or medical bills after an accident may not be covered. If the at-fault party has limited or no insurance, you can better navigate the situation by enlisting the help of a Rhode Island auto accident lawyer. The lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates have successfully negotiated thousands of settlements with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. 
  • Investigation. An important indicator that you should consult an auto accident lawyer is that an investigation is being opened regarding your accident. Information that may seem irrelevant at first may prove to be vital in recovering damages or proving liability. Our attorneys can help guide you through police and insurance investigations to ensure the best possible outcome. 

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

The simple answer is no. You never want to talk to the other party’s insurance adjuster until you have spoken to a lawyer. Conversations with the other party’s insurance adjuster only helps them; whatever you say can be used against you when determining your settlement. Do not apologize or admit fault and be sure to consult with your lawyer before considering any settlement offers.

Do I Need to File a Police Accident Report?

Yes. After you have sought the proper medical treatment, file a police report as soon as possible. Getting a copy of your accident report is an important resource not only for you, but also for your lawyers.

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

In Rhode Island, you can get your accident report in person, online, or through the mail. There is a fee for obtaining these documents. 

To have online access to your crash report, you can go to www.BuyCrash.com. Before you leave the scene of your accident, an officer should provide you with an accident report number. This report is usually viewable within 72 hours after it was recorded, with some exceptions.

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

Why Should I Hire a Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney?

If you or a loved one has sustained severe injuries in an auto accident because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold that driver accountable. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer cannot make things how they were before the accident, but we can help get you financial compensation for the irreversible damage the crash caused.

If you are in a car accident, we recommend that you talk with a knowledgeable Rhode Island car accident lawyer before you talk with the insurance company claims adjuster because anything you say can be used against you. We are familiar with the strategies insurance companies use to try to reduce your settlement offer. Also, internal insurance company studies show that people who hire lawyers get up to 40% more for their settlements. “A good lawyer doesn’t cost you more, they get you more.” 

However, if you do choose to handle the case on your own, here are a few tips on what insurance steps should be taken. Read more.

Who Pays for the Damage to My Vehicle? 

The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the damage done to your vehicle. However, if you were at fault, then your own insurance company will pay for your property damage, depending on the type of coverage you have. For example, if you have full coverage insurance, they will compensate you for the repairs needed for your vehicle or provide you with the fair market value of your vehicle in the event of a total loss. However, if you only have liability coverage, your insurance would not be responsible for paying for your property damage. The best way to get top dollar for your vehicle’s property damage is to have your auto body repair shop meet with the insurance adjuster. The repair shop is in the best position to negotiate the full value of your property damage and can give the adjuster the complete picture of how much damage your vehicle incurred. 

Common Causes of RI Automobile Accidents

Speeding –It is estimated that around 29% of all car accident deaths are caused by speeding. 

Drunk Driver – Rhode Island is ranked in the top third of states with the highest percentage of deaths involving impaired drivers, and around 3,000 people are arrested every year for driving impaired in the state. About 30% of all car accident deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. 

Distracted Driving – Anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road, like texting or multitasking at the wheel, increases the probability of a car accident. When another driver is negligent, they risk their own life and the lives of others. 

Auto Defects – Any vehicle may have design or manufacturing defects. This may cause significant dangers to drivers on and around the road because components designed to keep people safe may cause serious injury or death. It is important to keep up with your car’s maintenance and to look for any car component recalls that may prevent these types of accidents.

Driver Error – Drivers may be inexperienced, careless, or make mistakes while driving a vehicle. This negligence can be dangerous to them and others around them. It is vital to stay alert and attentive to the road to prevent these auto accidents from occurring. 

Common Rhode Island Car Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained in a car accident largely depend on where you were seated in the vehicle at the time of impact and where your vehicle was struck. Just as auto accidents range from simple fender benders to devastating roll-overs, injuries also range in severity. The most common injuries resulting from car accidents include whiplash, soft tissue damage, and bone fractures. 

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of an Auto Accident in Rhode Island?

While you can never be 100% safe from a car accident, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of you or your loved ones being harmed.

Buckle up! – Research suggests that the proper use of a seatbelt brings down the risk of catastrophic injury to front-seat passengers by a minimum of 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-severe injury by up to 50 percent.

Uber or Lyft Accidents in RI

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft can make transportation faster and more convenient. They offer a good alternative to using public transportation or driving your own vehicle. However, with the increased use of Uber and Lyft, one study has found that there has been a 2-3% increase in the number of ride-share related fatalities of car passengers and pedestrians from 2011-2016.

Because apps like Uber and Lyft are still fairly new, the legal side of ride-sharing accidents is still developing. Having a detail-oriented car accident lawyer to navigate auto accident laws and ride-sharing elements will help to prove liability and get you a larger settlement amount.

Depending on the details of your accident, you could consult with your attorney to decide whether to file a claim against your Uber or Lyft driver, against a third party involved in the accident, and/or against Uber or Lyft itself.

Dealing with a personal injury claim related to a ride-share service can be tricky. While it is certainly possible to file a personal injury claim on your own, it helps to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to maximize the compensation you receive.

Whether you were injured while you were a passenger in a ride-share vehicle, the driver of the vehicle, or a pedestrian injured in an Uber or Lyft-related accident, you may have a claim to recover for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses. The experienced attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates have been securing satisfactory settlements and awards for their clients for decades, and they are eager to investigate your car accident claim to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today by calling (401) 200-3964 or filling out a free (no obligation) contact form.

Helpful Resources Following a RI Car Accident

How to Get the Most for My Damaged Vehicle

RI Car Accidents at Night

RI Insurance Requirements & Coverage

Common RI & MA Car Accident FAQs

Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident?

Our RI Locations – d’Oliveira Locations

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

We have the experience and resources to handle your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Our staff utilizes a team-work approach to obtain your medical records, investigate your claim, and track your progress. We have been focusing on personal injury and disability cases for over 20 years and know how to deal with the insurance company. We offer a free (no obligation) consultation and charge no fee unless we get you a settlement or award. Our experienced Rhode Island Car Accident lawyers can get you the best settlement possible. Call us 24/7 at 1-(401) 200-3849 or fill out a contact form for a free evaluation of your case.