Warwick, Rhode Island Truck Accident Lawyers Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable

Truck accidents in Rhode Island result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful death far more often than regular car accidents. If you've been injured by a commercial truck, tractor-trailer, or large vehicle in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, or Newport, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum's experienced truck accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Dangerous Are Truck Accidents in Rhode Island?

Truck accidents are 10 times more likely to result in fatalities than passenger car accidents. Key statistics include:

• Average truck weight: 80,000 pounds vs. 4,000 pounds for passenger cars
• Stopping distance: Large trucks need 40% more distance to stop
• Fatal accident rate: 74% of deaths in truck accidents are occupants of other vehicles
• Rhode Island truck traffic: I-95, I-195, and Route 6 see heavy commercial traffic daily

Most truck accidents in Rhode Island occur on:

• Interstate 95 through Providence, Warwick, and Cranston
• Route 95 near T.F. Green Airport
• Interstate 195 toward Newport and Fall River
• Route 6 through Johnston and Scituate

What Should I Do Immediately After a Rhode Island Truck Accident?

Step 1: Call 911 and Get Medical Help

Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Always seek medical attention, even if you feel okay.

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and the accident scene
• Get the truck driver's commercial license information
• Record the trucking company name and DOT number
• Obtain witness contact information

Step 3: Preserve Critical Evidence

• Request a copy of the police report
• Don't sign anything from insurance companies
• Keep all medical records and bills

Step 4: Contact a Rhode Island Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately

Trucking companies dispatch investigators to accident scenes within hours. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for My Rhode Island Truck Accident?

Truck accident settlements are typically much higher than car accident cases due to:

Severe Injury Damages:

• Medical expenses: $100,000-$2 million+
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Permanent disability benefits

Multiple Insurance Policies:

• Truck driver's commercial insurance: $750,000-$1 million
• Trucking company liability: $1-5 million
• Cargo insurance for hazardous materials
• Umbrella policies up to $10 million

Recent Rhode Island Truck Accident Settlements:

• $750,000: Tanker truck collision (Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum case result)
• $2.3 million: Rear-end truck accident causing spinal injuries
• $4.1 million: Wrongful death from truck driver fatigue
• $1.8 million: Jackknife accident on I-95

What Are the Most Common Causes of Rhode Island Truck Accidents?

1. Driver Fatigue (Leading Cause - 30% of accidents)

• Federal law limits driving to 11 hours per day
• Many drivers violate Hours of Service regulations
• Sleep deprivation equals drunk driving impairment

2. Distracted Driving

• GPS and dispatch communications
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Cell phone use (illegal for commercial drivers)

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

• Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Unsafe lane changes

4. Impaired Driving

• Alcohol use (legal limit is 0.04% for commercial drivers)
• Prescription medication effects
• Illegal drug use

5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

• Brake failures
• Tire blowouts
• Defective truck parts

6. Improper Loading

• Overweight cargo
• Unsecured loads
• Hazardous material violations

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rhode Island Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may be responsible:

Truck Driver

• Negligent driving behaviors
• Hours of Service violations
• DUI or drug impairment

Trucking Company

• Inadequate driver training
• Negligent hiring practices
• Forcing drivers to violate safety regulations
• Poor vehicle maintenance

Cargo Loading Company

• Improper loading procedures
• Overweight cargo
• Unsecured freight

Truck Manufacturer

• Defective brakes or tires
• Design defects
• Manufacturing flaws

Government Entities

• Dangerous road conditions
• Poor signage or traffic signals
• Construction zone negligence

What Is Rhode Island's Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims?

You have 3 years from the date of your truck accident to file a lawsuit in Rhode Island. However, federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve evidence for only 6 months, making immediate action critical.

Why Time Is Critical:

• Driver logbooks may be destroyed
• Electronic data recorders are overwritten
• Witnesses' memories fade
• Physical evidence disappears

How Do Federal Regulations Affect My Rhode Island Truck Accident Case?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules that help your case:

Hours of Service Regulations:

• Maximum 11 hours driving per day
• Mandatory 10-hour rest periods
• Weekly driving limits

Vehicle Inspection Requirements:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Regular maintenance schedules
• Brake and tire standards

Driver Qualification Standards:

• Commercial Driver's License requirements
• Medical certification requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing programs

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs):

• Required since 2017
• Track exact driving hours
• Provide crucial evidence of violations

What Types of Truck Accident Injuries Do We Handle?

Catastrophic Injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Burns from hazardous materials

Long-term Complications:

• Permanent disability
• Chronic pain conditions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of earning capacity

Wrongful Death:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering for surviving family

How Long Does a Rhode Island Truck Accident Case Take?

Settlement Timeline:

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases: 1-3 years
• Cases going to trial: 2-4 years

Factors affecting timeline:

• Severity of injuries
• Number of defendants
• Federal regulation violations
• Insurance company cooperation