Table of Contents
- What Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents Do We Handle in Rhode Island?
- What Are the Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Rhode Island?
- Who Can Be Held Liable in Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Accidents?
- What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
- What Should I Do Immediately After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Rhode Island?
- Why Are Motor Vehicle Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Accidents
- What's the difference between a motor vehicle accident and a car accident?
- Do I need a special lawyer for motorcycle accidents?
- What if the truck driver wasn't at fault, but the trucking company was negligent?
- Can I sue the government if a public bus caused my accident?
- What if multiple vehicles were involved and fault is unclear?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident?
- Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case?
What Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents Do We Handle in Rhode Island?
Motor vehicle accidents involve any type of motorized vehicle and can result in devastating injuries and property damage. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, we handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases throughout Rhode Island.
Commercial Truck Accidents
Most Dangerous: Fatal crash rate of 6.8 per 100,000 registered vehicles
- Semi-truck and tractor-trailer crashes
- Delivery truck accidents
- Construction vehicle collisions
- Federal regulation violations
- Driver fatigue and hours of service violations
Motorcycle Accidents
Extremely High Risk: Fatal crash rate of 68.71 per 100,000 registered vehicles
- 22 times higher fatality rate than passenger cars
- Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes
- Car vs. motorcycle accidents
- Lane-splitting accidents
- Visibility-related crashes
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Business Vehicles: Delivery vans, service trucks, company cars
- Delivery van accidents
- Service vehicle collisions
- Company fleet accidents
- Employer liability issues
- Commercial insurance complications
Public Transportation Accidents
Mass Transit: Buses, shuttles, and public vehicles
- RIPTA bus accidents
- School bus collisions
- Charter bus crashes
- Municipal vehicle accidents
- Government liability claims
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Complex Cases: Multiple parties and insurance companies
- Chain-reaction accidents
- Highway pile-ups
- Intersection crashes
- Multiple fault scenarios
- Complex liability determinations
Recreational Vehicle Accidents
Specialized Vehicles: ATVs, RVs, and recreational equipment
- ATV and off-road vehicle accidents
- RV and motorhome crashes
- Boat trailer accidents
- Snowmobile collisions
- Equipment transport accidents
- Rhode Island has the lowest death rate per 100 million miles traveled at 0.69 (2022)
- 71% of motor vehicle deaths in Rhode Island are from single-vehicle crashes (highest in nation)
- 7 fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers - among the lowest rates nationally
- However, significant increase in 2023 with 63 fatalities vs. 39 in 2022
- 30% of fatal accidents involve speeding, 49% involve impaired driving
What Are the Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Rhode Island?
Understanding the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents helps victims and their families identify liability and pursue compensation:
Driver-Related Factors
- Impaired driving: 49% of fatal accidents in Rhode Island involve drunk driving
- Speeding: Responsible for 30% of fatal crashes in the state
- Distracted driving: Texting, phone use, eating while driving
- Fatigued driving: Especially common in commercial vehicle accidents
- Aggressive driving: Road rage, tailgating, unsafe lane changes
Vehicle-Specific Factors
- Mechanical failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems
- Improper maintenance: Especially in commercial vehicles
- Overloaded vehicles: Trucks exceeding weight limits
- Defective vehicle parts: Manufacturing defects and recalls
- Poor visibility: Especially affects motorcycles and smaller vehicles
Environmental and Road Conditions
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog affecting visibility and traction
- Poor road maintenance: Potholes, inadequate signage, construction zones
- Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit intersections and highways
- Traffic control failures: Broken traffic lights, missing stop signs
Who Can Be Held Liable in Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Motor vehicle accident liability can extend far beyond just the drivers involved. Experienced attorneys identify all potential sources of compensation:
Individual Drivers and Vehicle Owners
- At-fault drivers for negligent operation
- Vehicle owners who lent their vehicle to unqualified drivers
- Parents of minor drivers (parental liability)
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Commercial Entities
- Trucking companies: For driver training, maintenance, scheduling
- Employers: When employees cause accidents during work hours
- Delivery companies: For driver negligence and vehicle maintenance
- Transportation companies: Bus companies, taxi services, rideshare companies
Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
- Vehicle manufacturers: For defective parts or design flaws
- Parts manufacturers: For brake failures, tire blowouts, etc.
- Maintenance companies: For improper repairs or inspections
- Tire companies: For defective tires causing blowouts
Government Entities
- State and local governments: For dangerous road conditions
- Construction companies: For inadequate work zone safety
- Traffic control authorities: For faulty signals or signage
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Motor Vehicle Accident?
The type and amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries, type of vehicles involved, and degree of negligence. Motor vehicle accidents often result in substantial settlements due to the serious nature of injuries.
| Type of Damages | Examples | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy | $10,000 - $500,000+ |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to inability to work | $5,000 - $200,000+ |
| Future Medical Care | Ongoing treatment, medical equipment, home care | $25,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD | $15,000 - $750,000+ |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repair/replacement, personal property | $2,000 - $100,000+ |
| Loss of Earning Capacity | Reduced ability to earn income in future | $50,000 - $2,000,000+ |
Our Success Story: $3,160,983 Verdict
Case Example: We represented a client who was rear-ended while stopped at a construction zone. We didn't stop after receiving insurance policy limits from the at-fault driver. Our investigation revealed that the construction companies were also responsible for the dangerous on-ramp design. After a jury trial and post-trial motions, we secured a total award of $3,160,983 for our client.
This demonstrates our commitment to maximizing compensation through thorough investigation and aggressive representation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Rhode Island?
The steps you take immediately after a motor vehicle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
At the Scene
- Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible, turn on hazard lights
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Document everything: Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, injuries
- Get information: Driver's licenses, insurance cards, vehicle registrations
- Collect witness contacts: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
- Note details: Weather conditions, traffic signals, road hazards
- Don't admit fault: Avoid discussing fault or apologizing
After the Scene
- Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated
- Contact your insurance: Report the accident promptly
- Keep detailed records: Medical treatments, expenses, missed work
- Avoid insurance adjuster statements: Until you speak with an attorney
- Contact an experienced attorney: Before signing any documents
- Follow medical advice: Attend all appointments and treatments
Why Are Motor Vehicle Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
Motor vehicle accidents present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise:
Complex Insurance Issues
- Commercial insurance policies: Higher coverage limits but more complex claims
- Multiple insurance companies: Each vehicle may have different insurers
- Federal regulations: Commercial vehicles subject to DOT and FMCSA rules
- Government immunity issues: Special procedures for claims against public entities
Specialized Investigation Requirements
- Electronic logging devices: Truck driver hours of service records
- Vehicle maintenance records: Commercial vehicle inspection requirements
- Driver qualifications: Commercial driver's license requirements
- Load securement: Cargo loading and weight distribution issues
Higher Stakes and Compensation
- Severe injuries: Motor vehicle accidents often cause catastrophic injuries
- Higher insurance limits: Commercial policies often have $1 million+ coverage
- Multiple liable parties: More sources of compensation
- Federal oversight: Additional regulations and safety standards
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Accidents
What's the difference between a motor vehicle accident and a car accident?
Motor vehicle accidents include all types of motorized vehicles (trucks, motorcycles, buses, commercial vehicles), while car accidents specifically involve passenger cars. Motor vehicle accidents often involve more complex liability issues and higher compensation potential.
Do I need a special lawyer for motorcycle accidents?
Yes. Motorcycle accidents have unique factors like bias against motorcyclists, specialized injury patterns, and different insurance coverage issues. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney understands these challenges.
What if the truck driver wasn't at fault, but the trucking company was negligent?
Trucking companies can be held liable for inadequate driver training, poor vehicle maintenance, unrealistic delivery schedules, or violations of federal regulations, even if the driver followed instructions.
Can I sue the government if a public bus caused my accident?
Yes, but claims against government entities have special procedures and shorter deadlines. You typically have 60 days to file a notice of claim against Rhode Island government entities.
What if multiple vehicles were involved and fault is unclear?
Rhode Island follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Experienced attorneys can help minimize your fault percentage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident?
Rhode Island has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but shorter deadlines apply for government entities. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Why Choose Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum for Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case?
90+ Years of Legal Excellence
Since 1933, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum has been Rhode Island's premier personal injury law firm. We've handled every type of motor vehicle accident case and understand the unique challenges each presents.
Proven Results in Complex Cases
- $3+ million settlements and verdicts - We don't settle for less than full value
- Extensive investigation capabilities - We work with accident reconstruction experts
- Federal regulation expertise - Deep knowledge of commercial vehicle laws
- Multi-party litigation experience - Skilled at handling complex liability cases
Comprehensive Legal Services
- All vehicle types: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, buses
- Multiple liable parties: We identify all sources of compensation
- Insurance negotiation: Experienced with commercial and government claims
- Trial experience: Ready to take cases to court when necessary
No Risk to You
- Free initial consultation - No cost to discuss your case
- No fees unless we win - Contingency fee arrangement
- We advance all costs - No upfront expenses for investigation or experts
- Personal attention - Direct access to experienced attorneys
