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. At that point, our fee is 1/3 of your award or settlement. Contact us anytime at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

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 AND SUFFERING DAMAGES?

“How much can I get for my pain and suffering?” This is often the first question clients ask after an accident. They are scared to be left not only with a mountain of bills but also emotional and physical trauma. It is a fair question, but the answer is not straightforward.  

Pain and suffering claims involves the “big picture” of physical and emotional damages. In the legal field, they fall broadly under the term “general damages” for this exact reason. General damages are granted to plaintiffs (the injured party) for the damage done by the defendant (the at fault party). No “pain and suffering” is equal and 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. 

For example, d’Oliveira attorney D. Robin Gouveia recently negotiated with insurance companies to ensure that her client had all current medical bills covered (which totaled over $60,000) and that she was fairly compensated for all pain and suffering. Without a receipt to direct the insurance companies to, attorney Gouveia wrote a detailed demand letter, explaining every moment of her client’s auto accident and every physical and emotional injury she suffered, including a visible scar. After all bills were paid, the client’s estate received over $119,000.

Every client has a different story, and no guarantee can be made regarding the final outcome of a pain and suffering settlement. However, what can be guaranteed is that the right lawyer will get you the highest settlement possible. So, how much can you get for your pain and suffering? It depends on your lawyer and your injuries. Some examples of pain and suffering include but are not limited to the following: 

• Disfigurement
• Loss of spousal intimacy 
• PTSD 
• Loss of life’s enjoyment 
• Insomnia 
• Traumatic Brain Injuries 
• Permanent scarring 
• Humiliation 
• Loss of companionship 
• Anxiety 

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 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free evaluation of your case.

What Determines the Amount of a Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement? 

The formula is simple: no injuries, no settlement. The more injuries you sustain, the more money you will likely receive in you RI car accident settlement. You cannot bring a claim against another driver for “ruining your day” when they honk their horn at you or cut you off in Providence traffic. If there is no injury, there is no right to a settlement.

How Much Is Our Legal Fee?

Our firm charges a standard 1/3 fee only if we get you a settlement or award. Furthermore, we do not charge any up front fees to get your medical records or to investigate your claim, which may be a crucial element for your case. Our main objective is for our clients to receive the compensation that they deserve for their injuries. We know that this can be a stressful and troubling time, so our attorneys keep your best interest in mind.

How Do You Get the Most For Your Damaged Vehicle?

We recommend that you have an insurance company appraiser evaluate your damaged vehicle at your chosen auto body shop. This allows for a repair specialist to negotiate a fair price to fix your vehicle. Read more.

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

In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations regarding car accident claims, is three (3) years. In other words, you have three years to successfully file a claim before the opportunity expires. In the event of serious injury resulting in death from a car accident, you have three years to file a wrongful death claim at the time of your loved one’s death. Minors, in most instances, have 3 years to file after they reach the age of 18. Although, there is a three-year limit, time is an important aspect of your legal argument. The sooner you file, the better, because it shows the court that you are taking this process seriously and want to get the justice you deserve. If you think you may have a claim resulting from a car accident, reach out to an attorney right away to determine the best options for you going forward.

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

We have all been there: sitting on a curb, shell shocked, wondering “did this really just happen to me?” 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 

• Insurance

• Investigation 

Injury. Getting injured in an auto accident is devastating. Even minor injuries can have major financial consequences. Whether it’s a fender bender or a three-car pile-up, as the “not at-fault” party, you deserve to have your medical expenses covered. Treating injuries often require 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 very experienced at 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. Best case scenario, the at-fault party in your accident is fully insured. However, even with proper insurance, the full cost of your car repairs or medical bills after an accident may not be covered. Worst case scenario, the at-fault party in your accident has no insurance. This is a key moment to enlist 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 counsel an auto accident lawyer is an investigation being opened regarding your accident. Information that may seem irrelevant in the moment may actually prove vital in recovering damages or proving liability. Our attorneys can help guide you through police and insurance investigations to ensure the best possible outcome. 

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF MY POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT?

There are three ways to get a copy of your police report: in person, by mail, or online. Since Covid-19, appointments need to be made with your police department’s Records Division to obtain your records in person. Regardless of which method you prefer or which state you live in, you will at least need the following three things:   

1. Biographical Information. When trying to get a copy of your police report, it is important to have your full legal name, the location and date of the accident, and if possible the police report number. This will ensure the person assisting you with your records can efficiently find your documents. 
2. Valid Identification. You are typically required to provide valid identification in order to obtain a copy of your police report. A police report is a legal document that can contain confidential information. Therefore, it is important for the records department to only provide confidential information to appropriate persons. 
3. Payment. Obtaining a police report will cost you money. It is important to have a valid payment ready whether you are in person or requesting your record via mail. If you are getting your record online, www.buycrash.com will find your report for a $20 fee. 

Getting a copy of your accident report is an important resource not only for you but also for your lawyers. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to get you all that you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

Should I Talk to an Insurance Adjuster after my Car Accident?

The simple answer is no, you never want to talk to the insurance adjuster for the other party until you have spoken to a lawyer. Conversations with the other parties insurance adjuster only helps them; whatever you say can be used against you when determining your settlement.

If you were involved in an automobile accident and need assistance dealing with the insurance company, lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates can help you. We offer a free (no obligation) consultation and charge no fee unless you obtain a settlement or award. Our experienced auto accident lawyers can get you the best settlement possible. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free evaluation of your case. 

Winning Rhode Island 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.

One of d’Oliveira & Associates most recent car accident settlements occurred on June 23rd, 2022. Our client was thrown from her chair and suffered a laceration, hematoma and disfigurement. Her recovery required intense therapy. Fortunately, d’Oliveira & Associates attorney, d. Robin Gouveia secured a $195,000 settlement to help our client pay for her recovery. 

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

• South Dartmouth, MA Man Receives a $100,000 Car Accident Settlement from Arbella Insurance & Geico Insurance 
• New Bedford, MA Man Receives $185,000 Car Accident Settlement from Safety Insurance Company
• Woonsocket, RI Woman Receives $175,000 Car Accident Settlement from Nationwide Insurance Company

For a complete list of our car accident settlements, visit our best settlements page.

Can I Sue for Pain and Suffering Compensation?

Yes, if the other party was at fault. If you were injured in a car accident due to the fault of another person, the insurance company should compensate you for pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, and other losses. Pain and suffering is calculated based on two things: (1) the type of injury you have and (2) how long you are in pain. For example, if you have whiplash and a neck injury from a car accident that takes twelve weeks to fully recover from, that will not get you as much compensation for pain and suffering as if you had the same injury but took twenty four weeks to recover. Another example is cases where broken bones are involved. If you broke your femur, you will recover much more pain and suffering compensation than if you sprained your ankle. Typically, broken bone cases are worth a lot more then soft tissue cases or back and neck injury cases because broken bones are more painful and more disabling. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to get you all that you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

Who Pays for the Damage to my Vehicle? 

The at fault drivers insurance company is responsible to cover 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 lose. However, if you only have liability coverage, they would not be responsible to pay for your property damage. The best way to get top dollar for your vehicle’s property damage is to have your auto body repair man meet with the insurance adjuster at his auto body shop. The repair man 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. 

If your vehicle was damaged during an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to get you all that you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

COMMON RHODE ISLAND CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Injuries sustained in a car accident largely depend on where you were seated in the vehicle 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 type of injuries after a car accident include whiplash, soft tissue damage and fractures. 

Whiplash occurs when your body reacts to the sudden impact of the crash, causing the neck to overextend. Although it can be debilitating, recovering from whiplash is not that complicated or painful. Soft tissue damage includes muscular bruising and sprains.” Whether it be a black and blue eye, discolored thigh muscle, or sprained ankle, soft tissue damage is common after an accident. Finally, fractures are some of the most severe injuries sustained after an auto accident. They cause excruciating pain, are costly, and take a long time to heal. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to get you all that you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

Can an Injured Passenger Sue the Negligent Driver?

Yes, a party injured as a passenger can bring a claim against the driver and owner of the vehicle if the driver was at fault and the passenger sustained injuries. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SETTLEMENT?

The length of time a personal injury case may settle differed from case to case. For example, if you were rear-ended and suffered whiplash and back pain, it might take three months after you are done with your medical treatment before settlement talks can begin. However, sometimes the treating doctor is slow in getting the final narrative report completed and to the attorneys. This can slow the process. The only thing that is certain is your attorney will not send in a demand for settlement until you are fully finished treating for your injuries related to the personal injury. 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. 

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings, among other losses. Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers will negotiate with the insurance companies to get you all that you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. 

HOW MUCH TIME IS THERE TO FILE A RI CAR ACCIDENT LAWSUIT? 

The person injured due to the negligence of another driver has three years to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs. If this injured party is a minor, they would have 3 years from the time they turn 18 to file a personal injury claim. 

Should I Handle My Case Without a Lawyer?

If you are in a car accident, we recommend that you first 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 the insurance company will use in an attempt to reduce your settlement offer. Furthermore, internal insurance company studies show 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.

What Insurance Coverage Is Available?

The minimum liability insurance coverage in Rhode Island that a driver must have is $25,000. Also, most people have at least $25,000 in underinsurance coverage for their car. In totality, if the vehicle you were in and the driver of the vehicle who injured you is insured, then you will almost certainly have at least $50,000 in coverage available to you for your injuries. Read more.

Why Should I Hire a Rhode Island Car Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been in an accident or a loved one has sustained a very severe injury in an auto accident because of someone elses negligence, you have the right to hold that driver accountable for his or her wrecklessness. A Rhode Island car accident lawyer can’t reverse time and make things how they were before the accident, but we can help hrt you financial compensation for you for the terrible, irreversible damage the crash caused.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of an Auto Accident In Rhode Island?

“While you can never completely say you are 100% percent safe from a car accident altogether, you can significantly bring down the chance that you or your loved ones are harmed.

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

What are some Examples of Car Accident Cases that d’Oliveira have handled?

Our team of lawyers have succesfully won over $250,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for their clients and are the highest rated Rhode Island car accident lawyers. Check Out Some Real Cases on Our Site case results page here

More FAQ’s – Car Accidents in RI & MA

For answers to more frequently asked questions…Read more.

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Why Hire Us?

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 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free evaluation of your case.