Rhode Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Rhode Island bicycle accidents result in serious injuries 85% of the time due to the lack of protection cyclists have against motor vehicles. If you've been injured while cycling in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport, or anywhere in Rhode Island, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum's experienced bicycle accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Dangerous Is Cycling in Rhode Island?

Cyclists are 14 times more likely to be killed per mile traveled than car occupants.

Rhode Island bicycle accident statistics show:

• Injury rate: 85% of bicycle accidents result in injury
• Fatality rate: Bicyclists represent 2% of traffic deaths despite being less than 1% of traffic
• Peak danger times: Afternoon rush hours (3-6 PM) and summer months
• Most dangerous age group: Adults 50+ account for 37% of bicycle fatalities

Rhode Island's Most Dangerous Areas for Cyclists:

• Downtown Providence streets and intersections
• Warwick Avenue and busy commercial areas
• Route 1A through Narragansett and South Kingstown
• Newport's historic downtown and tourist areas
• Cranston's major thoroughfares like Park Avenue
• East Bay Bike Path intersections with roadways

What Should I Do After a Rhode Island Bicycle Accident?

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, bicycle accidents often cause internal injuries, concussions, or delayed-onset symptoms. Always seek medical evaluation.

Step 2: Call Police and Insist on a Report

Rhode Island law requires police reports for accidents involving injury. Don't let drivers convince you to "handle it ourselves."

Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene

• Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle, and accident scene
• Get the driver's insurance and license information
• Collect witness contact information (crucial for cyclist cases)
• Note road conditions, traffic signals, and weather
• Don't discuss fault or apologize

Step 4: Preserve Your Equipment

Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and cycling gear as evidence - they show impact force and your safety-conscious behavior.

Step 5: Contact a Rhode Island Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often blame cyclists for accidents. You need an attorney who understands cycling laws and cyclist rights.

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

Bicycle accident settlements depend on injury severity and circumstances:

Minor Injuries: $10,000-$35,000

• Road rash and abrasions
• Minor fractures
• Soft tissue injuries

Moderate Injuries: $35,000-$150,000

• Broken bones requiring surgery
• Concussions and mild brain injuries
• Shoulder and knee injuries

Severe Injuries: $150,000-$1.5 million+

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Permanent disability

Catastrophic Injuries: $1 million-$5 million+

• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe brain damage
• Wrongful death

Types of Compensation Available:

• Medical expenses (emergency, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability benefits
• Bicycle and equipment replacement
• Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities

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

1. "Dooring" Accidents (25% of Urban Bicycle Accidents)

• Drivers or passengers opening car doors without looking
• Common in downtown Providence and Newport
• Often causes cyclists to swerve into traffic
• Can result in severe head and shoulder injuries

2. Right Hook Accidents

• Drivers turning right across cyclist's path
• Common at intersections throughout Rhode Island
• Driver fails to check mirrors or blind spots
• Often occurs when cyclist is in bike lane

3. Left Cross Accidents

• Drivers turning left in front of oncoming cyclists
• Extremely dangerous and often fatal
• Common on busy roads like Route 1 and Route 2

4. Distracted Driving

• Cell phone use while driving
• GPS and infotainment system distractions
• Eating, drinking, or passenger interactions
• Failure to see cyclists due to inattention

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

• Exceeding speed limits in residential areas
• Aggressive driving behaviors
• Racing and road rage incidents
• Passing too closely to cyclists

6. Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

• Not stopping at stop signs or red lights
• Failing to yield to cyclists at intersections
• Merging without checking for cyclists
• Not respecting cyclists' road rights

7. Poor Road Conditions

• Potholes forcing cyclists into traffic
• Construction zones without proper cyclist accommodations
• Inadequate bike lane maintenance
• Debris in cycling areas

What Are Rhode Island's Bicycle Laws and How Do They Protect Me?

Cyclists' Rights on Rhode Island Roads:

• Equal road rights: Bicycles are considered vehicles with same rights as cars
• Lane positioning: Cyclists can use full lane when bike lane isn't available
• Traffic laws: Must follow same rules as motor vehicles
• Three-foot rule: Cars must give cyclists at least 3 feet when passing

Driver Responsibilities:

• Must treat cyclists as vehicles, not obstacles
• Required to check mirrors and blind spots before turning
• Must yield right-of-way to cyclists when required
• Cannot harass or intimidate cyclists

Common Legal Violations by Drivers:

• Following too closely (tailgating cyclists)
• Passing without adequate clearance
• Aggressive horn use or threats
• Blocking bike lanes

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

Negligent Drivers

• Distracted, impaired, or reckless driving
• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Violating three-foot passing law
• Opening car doors without looking

Government Entities

• Poor road maintenance creating hazards
• Inadequate bicycle infrastructure
• Poorly designed intersections
• Missing or inadequate signage

Property Owners

• Unsafe parking lot conditions
• Debris allowed to accumulate in bike paths
• Poor lighting creating visibility hazards
• Inadequate maintenance of private roads

Bicycle Manufacturers

• Defective brakes, wheels, or frames
• Design flaws causing accidents
• Inadequate safety warnings

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

You have 3 years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Rhode Island.

Why Time Is Critical for Bicycle Cases:

• Physical evidence at accident scene may disappear
• Witness memories fade quickly
• Surveillance footage may be deleted
• Insurance companies act fast to minimize claims
• Medical complications may develop over time

How Do We Prove the Driver Was at Fault?

Evidence We Gather:

• Police reports and traffic citations
• Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses
• Cell phone records showing distracted driving
• Witness testimonies
• Bicycle damage analysis
• Accident scene measurements and photos

Expert Witnesses We Use:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Bicycle safety experts
• Traffic engineering professionals
• Medical experts on cycling injuries

Common Fault Scenarios:

• Driver violated three-foot passing law
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Distracted driving (cell phone records)
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence

What Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries Do We Handle?

Head and Brain Injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries (even with helmets)
• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Skull fractures
• Facial injuries and dental damage

Spinal Injuries

• Herniated discs
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Neck injuries and whiplash
• Chronic back pain

Orthopedic Injuries

• Multiple bone fractures
• Shoulder and collarbone breaks
• Wrist and hand injuries
• Hip and pelvic fractures
• Leg and ankle injuries

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries

• Severe abrasions requiring skin grafts
• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Muscle strains and tears
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Injuries

• Organ damage from impact
• Internal bleeding
• Rib fractures
• Abdominal trauma

How Long Does a Rhode Island Bicycle Accident Case Take?

Settlement Timeline:

• Simple cases: 4-12 months
• Complex cases with severe injuries: 1-3 years
• Cases involving government entities: 2-4 years
• Trial cases: 2-4 years

Factors That Affect Timeline:

• Severity of injuries and recovery time
• Disputed liability issues
• Multiple defendants
• Insurance company cooperation
• Need for expert witnesses

Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Rhode Island Bicycle Accident?

90+ Years of Experience

Since 1933, we've successfully represented vulnerable road users including cyclists facing bias from insurance companies.

Understanding Cycling Culture

We respect cyclists' rights to use Rhode Island roads safely and legally.

Proven Results

We've secured substantial settlements for bicycle accident victims by proving driver negligence and overcoming anti-cyclist bias.

Expert Network

We work with bicycle safety experts, traffic engineers, and medical professionals who understand cycling injuries.

No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.

Common Types of Rhode Island Bicycle Accidents We Handle

Intersection Accidents

• Most common and dangerous bicycle accidents
• Right-hook and left-cross collisions
• Red light and stop sign violations

Bike Lane Accidents

• Cars driving or parking in bike lanes
• Opening car doors into bike lanes
• Merging into bike lanes without looking

Sidewalk and Crosswalk Accidents

• Drivers not yielding to cyclists in crosswalks
• Backing out of driveways without looking
• Parking lot accidents

Rural Road Accidents

• High-speed collisions on country roads
• Poor visibility conditions
• Lack of shoulder space for cycling

School Zone Accidents

• Children cycling to and from school
• Busy pickup and drop-off times
• Distracted parent drivers

Serving Bicycle Accident Victims Throughout Rhode Island

Our attorneys represent cyclists in:

• Providence: Dense urban cycling with heavy traffic
• Warwick: Suburban areas with cyclist-vehicle conflicts
• Cranston: Busy commercial areas and residential streets
• Newport: Tourist areas with mixed traffic patterns
• Narragansett, South Kingstown, East Greenwich, and all Rhode Island communities

Popular Rhode Island Cycling Areas We Protect:

• East Bay Bike Path
• Blackstone River Bikeway
• Newport's coastal routes
• Providence's downtown bike lanes
• Washington Secondary Trail

How Insurance Companies Try to Blame Cyclists

Common Anti-Cyclist Arguments:

• "Cyclists don't belong on roads"
• "The cyclist wasn't wearing a helmet" (not required by law)
• "Cyclists are unpredictable and dangerous"
• "The cyclist was speeding or reckless"

Why You Need Experienced Representation:

• We know how to counter anti-cyclist bias
• We emphasize drivers' legal duties to cyclists
• We use expert witnesses to educate about cycling safety
• We present you as a responsible road user

Rhode Island Bicycle Safety Laws That Protect You

Three-Foot Law: Drivers must give cyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing

Right to Full Lane: Cyclists can use full traffic lane when bike lane isn't available

Intersection Rights: Cyclists have same right-of-way rules as motor vehicles

Equipment Requirements: Bicycles must have lights and reflectors during certain hours

Helmet Laws: Only required for riders under 16

Cyclists have the right to safe roads. When drivers fail to respect that right, we fight for the compensation you deserve.