Table of Contents
- What Is Distracted Driving in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island Distracted Driving Laws 2025
- Penalties for Distracted Driving in Rhode Island
- What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Rhode Island?
- How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted?
- What Compensation Can I Recover?
- Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Distracted Driving Case?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Distracted Driving Accidents
What Is Distracted Driving in Rhode Island?
Distracted driving in Rhode Island refers to any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the primary task of driving safely. The most dangerous and common form is texting while driving, which increases crash risk by 23 times according to the CDC.
Rhode Island has comprehensive distracted driving laws that include:
- Complete ban on texting while driving for all drivers
- Hands-free requirement for phone calls while driving
- Complete phone ban for drivers under 18
- Complete phone ban for bus drivers
Rhode Island Distracted Driving Laws 2025
Texting While Driving Ban
Effective: 2011 (Primary Law)
Applies to: All drivers regardless of age
Prohibited activities: Composing, reading, or sending text messages while operating a vehicle
Includes: Texting via cellphone, tablet, or any wireless communication device
Hands-Free Phone Law
Effective: June 1, 2018 (Primary Law)
Requirement: All phone calls must be made using hands-free technology
Permitted: Bluetooth, voice-activated systems, speakerphone (if not holding device)
Prohibited: Holding phone to ear or using hands to dial
Youth Driver Restrictions
Applies to: All drivers under 18 years old
Restriction: Complete prohibition of all cellphone use while driving
Includes: No hands-free exceptions for minors
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Rhode Island
Texting While Driving Penalties
| Offense | Fine | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| First Offense | Up to $100 | Up to 30 days |
| Second Offense | Up to $150 | Up to 3 months |
| Third+ Offense | Up to $250 | Up to 6 months |
Hands-Free Violation Penalties
- First offense: Up to $100 fine (may be waived if driver purchases hands-free device)
- Subsequent offenses: Up to $100 fine (no waiver available)
Bus Driver Violations
- First offense: $85 fine
- Subsequent offenses: Increased fines
What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Rhode Island?
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Rhode Island, follow these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention - Your health is the top priority
- Call police - Ensure an official accident report is filed
- Document the scene - Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions
- Gather witness information - Get contact details from anyone who saw the accident
- Preserve evidence of distracted driving - Look for dropped phones, ask witnesses if they saw texting
- Contact an experienced attorney immediately - Don't speak to insurance companies without legal representation
- Keep detailed records - Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and documentation
How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted?
Proving distracted driving in Rhode Island requires specific evidence. Our experienced attorneys know how to gather and present this evidence effectively:
Phone Records
- Cell phone tower records showing active usage during accident time
- Text message timestamps
- Call logs and duration records
- App usage data
Witness Testimony
- Other drivers who observed texting behavior
- Passengers in the distracted driver's vehicle
- Pedestrians who witnessed the accident
Physical Evidence
- Photos of phone at accident scene
- Damage patterns consistent with distracted driving
- Lack of skid marks indicating no attempt to brake
Expert Analysis
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Technology experts who can analyze phone data
- Medical experts who can link injuries to accident type
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Victims of distracted driving accidents in Rhode Island may be entitled to recover several types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses - Hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation
- Lost wages - Income lost due to inability to work
- Future medical costs - Ongoing treatment and therapy needs
- Property damage - Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost earning capacity - Reduced ability to earn income in the future
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering - Physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Emotional trauma - Anxiety, depression, PTSD from the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life - Inability to participate in favorite activities
- Disfigurement or disability - Permanent physical changes or limitations
Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Distracted Driving Case?
90+ Years of Combined Legal Experience
Since 1933, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has been fighting for accident victims throughout Rhode Island. We have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases, including complex distracted driving accident claims.
Proven Track Record
- Extensive experience with distracted driving accident cases
- Strong relationships with accident reconstruction experts
- Skilled at obtaining and analyzing cell phone records
- History of securing substantial settlements and verdicts
Comprehensive Legal Support
- Free initial consultation - No cost to discuss your case
- No fees unless we win - Contingency fee arrangement
- Personal attention - Direct access to experienced attorneys
- Thorough investigation - We handle all aspects of building your case
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Distracted Driving Accidents
Can I sue for damages if the distracted driver only got a traffic ticket?
Yes. A traffic violation for distracted driving can actually help prove fault in your civil case, but you don't need a criminal conviction to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
What if the distracted driver claims they weren't texting?
We can subpoena phone records and work with technology experts to prove device usage at the time of the accident, even if the driver denies it.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but it's important to contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Rhode Island follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Will my case go to trial?
Most distracted driving cases settle out of court, but we're fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.
