Injured in a Rhode Island Car Accident? Your Quality of Life Doesn't Need to Change. Talk to Our Car Accident Lawyer Today.

If you've been injured in a car accident in Rhode Island, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has successfully represented car accident victims across Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Newport for over 90 years.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Rhode Island?

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call 911

Move to safety if possible and call emergency services. Police reports are crucial evidence for your case.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

• Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
• Get contact information from witnesses
• Document the other driver's insurance information

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms right away.

Step 4: Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don't cover your full damages. Our experienced attorneys ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Rhode Island Car Accident?

Car accident compensation in Rhode Island typically includes:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Average Settlement Amounts:

While every case is unique, Rhode Island car accident settlements range from $15,000 for minor injuries to over $1 million for severe cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rhode Island?

1. Distracted Driving (Leading Cause)

• Texting while driving
• Talking on cellphones
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting GPS or radio

2. Speeding and Reckless Driving

• Exceeding posted speed limits
• Aggressive driving behaviors
• Tailgating
• Unsafe lane changes

3. Impaired Driving

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Drug-impaired driving
• Prescription medication effects

4. Weather-Related Accidents

• Rain and wet road conditions
• Snow and ice
• Reduced visibility

5. Drowsy Driving

• Fatigued drivers
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Shift work sleep disorders

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

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

However, it's crucial to contact an attorney immediately because:

• Evidence can disappear or become harder to obtain
• Witness memories fade over time
• Insurance companies may pressure you into quick settlements
• Some cases require earlier filing deadlines

How Do I Prove Fault in a Rhode Island Car Accident?

To win your case, we must prove four elements:

1. Duty of Care: The other driver had a legal obligation to drive safely
2. Breach of Duty: They violated traffic laws or drove negligently
3. Causation: Their actions directly caused the accident
4. Damages: You suffered actual injuries and losses

Evidence We Use:

• Police reports and accident reconstruction
• Witness testimonies
• Traffic camera footage
• Cell phone records (for distracted driving cases)
• Medical records and expert testimony

What If I Was Partially at Fault for My Rhode Island Car Accident?

Rhode Island follows comparative negligence rules. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault the car accident, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you're found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.

How Long Does a Rhode Island Car Accident Case Take?

Settlement Timeline:

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

Factors affecting timeline:

• Severity of injuries
• Clarity of fault
• Insurance company cooperation
• Need for expert witnesses

Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Rhode Island Car Accident Case?

90+ Years of Experience: Since 1933, we've successfully represented thousands of car accident victims across Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Newport, and surrounding communities.

Proven Track Record: We've secured millions in compensation for our clients, including:

• $850,000 for a rear-end collision causing back injuries
• $1.2 million for a drunk driving accident
• $650,000 for a distracted driving case

No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Local Knowledge: Our deep understanding of Rhode Island traffic laws, courts, and insurance practices gives you a significant advantage.

Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Rhode Island

We proudly represent clients in:

• Providence: Rhode Island's capital and largest city
• Warwick: Known for heavy Route 95 traffic accidents
• Cranston: Our home base with extensive local connections
• Newport: Popular tourist destination with unique traffic challenges
• Pawtucket, Woonsocket, East Providence, and all Rhode Island communities

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Concussions and mild TBI
• Severe brain damage
• Cognitive impairment

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Herniated discs
• Paralysis
• Chronic back and neck pain

Broken Bones and Fractures

• Arm, leg, and rib fractures
• Complex orthopedic injuries
• Permanent disability

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Whiplash and neck strain
• Muscle tears and sprains
• Chronic pain conditions

What to Expect When Working with Our Car Accident Lawyers

Initial Consultation: Free case evaluation to assess your claim's value and discuss your legal options.

Investigation: We thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering evidence and consulting with experts.

Negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance companies and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Litigation: If necessary, we're prepared to take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.