What You Need to Know From Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Motorcycle accidents in Rhode Island result in serious injuries 90% of the time, yet motorcyclists face unfair bias from insurance companies and juries. If you've been injured in a motorcycle crash in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, or Newport, Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum's experienced motorcycle accident attorneys know how to overcome prejudice and secure maximum compensation.

How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents in Rhode Island?

Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than car occupants. Rhode Island motorcycle accident statistics reveal:

• Injury rate: 90% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death
• Fatality rate: 15% of Rhode Island traffic deaths involve motorcycles
• Peak season: 60% of accidents occur between May and September
• Most dangerous time: Weekend afternoons and summer evenings

Rhode Island's Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcyclists:

• Route 1A (Ocean Road) through Newport and Narragansett
• Route 138 toward Newport Bridge
• Interstate 95 through Providence, Warwick, and Cranston
• Route 6 through western Rhode Island
• Scenic routes like Route 1 and coastal roads

What Should I Do After a Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident?

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor motorcycle accidents can cause serious internal injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms.

Step 2: Call Police and File a Report

Rhode Island law requires police reports for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

Step 3: Document Everything

• Take photos of your motorcycle, other vehicles, and the scene
• Get witness contact information (crucial for overcoming bias)
• Record the other driver's insurance information
• Don't discuss fault or apologize

Step 4: Preserve Your Riding Gear

Keep your helmet, jacket, and other gear as evidence - even if damaged, they show you were riding responsibly.

Step 5: Contact a Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies exploit anti-motorcycle bias. You need an attorney who understands these unique challenges.

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

Motorcycle accident settlements vary widely based on injury severity:

Minor Injuries: $15,000-$50,000

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

Moderate Injuries: $50,000-$250,000

• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Knee and shoulder injuries

Severe Injuries: $250,000-$2 million+

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Permanent disability

Wrongful Death: $500,000-$5 million+

• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering for family
• Funeral and burial expenses

Types of Compensation Available:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability benefits
• Property damage to motorcycle and gear

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

1. "I Didn't See the Motorcycle" (Leading Cause - 60%)

• Left-turn accidents at intersections
• Lane change collisions
• Merging accidents on highways
• Following too closely

2. Distracted Driving

• Cell phone use by car drivers
• GPS and infotainment systems
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Passenger distractions

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

• Car drivers exceeding speed limits
• Aggressive driving behaviors
• Racing and road rage incidents

4. Impaired Driving

• Drunk driving accidents
• Drug-impaired driving
• Prescription medication effects

5. Road Hazards (Especially Dangerous for Motorcycles)

• Potholes and uneven pavement
• Gravel and debris in roadway
• Wet or slippery conditions
• Construction zones

6. Defective Motorcycle Parts

• Tire defects and blowouts
• Brake failures
• Steering problems
• Manufacturing defects

How Does Rhode Island's "No Helmet Law" Affect My Case?

Rhode Island does not require motorcyclists over 21 to wear helmets. However, this creates unfair bias:

Insurance Company Tactics:

• Claim you were "asking for trouble" by not wearing a helmet
• Argue your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet
• Reduce settlement offers based on perceived recklessness

Jury Bias Challenges:

• Jurors may blame you for not wearing protective gear
• Anti-motorcycle prejudice affects compensation awards
• "Biker stereotype" influences case outcomes

How We Overcome Helmet Bias:

• Emphasize Rhode Island law doesn't require helmets for adults
• Show you were following all traffic laws
• Present expert testimony on accident causation
• Focus on the other driver's negligence, not your gear choices

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

Negligent Drivers

• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Aggressive driving behaviors

Government Entities

• Poorly maintained roads with potholes
• Inadequate signage or traffic signals
• Dangerous construction zones
• Lack of motorcycle-safe road design

Motorcycle Manufacturers

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering
• Design flaws causing accidents
• Inadequate safety warnings

Property Owners

• Unsafe parking lots or private roads
• Debris allowed to accumulate
• Poor lighting or visibility

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

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

Special Considerations for Motorcycle Cases:

• Evidence of road conditions may change quickly
• Witness memories fade faster due to bias
• Insurance companies act quickly to minimize claims
• Medical complications may develop over time

How Do We Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault?

Evidence We Gather:

• Police reports and accident reconstruction
• Traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Cell phone records (for distracted driving)
• Witness testimonies
• Motorcycle damage analysis
• Skid marks and debris patterns

Expert Witnesses We Use:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Motorcycle safety experts
• Medical professionals
• Biomechanical engineers

Common Fault Scenarios:

• Left-turn accidents (other driver failed to yield)
• Lane change collisions (driver didn't check blind spots)
• Rear-end accidents (following too closely)
• Intersection crashes (running red lights or stop signs)

What Types of Motorcycle Accident Injuries Do We Handle?

Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Concussions and mild TBI
• Severe brain damage
• Cognitive impairment
• Memory and personality changes

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Herniated discs
• Paralysis (paraplegia/quadriplegia)
• Chronic back and neck pain
• Loss of sensation or movement

Orthopedic Injuries

• Multiple bone fractures
• Crushed or mangled limbs
• Joint dislocations
• Amputations

Road Rash and Burns

• Deep abrasions requiring skin grafts
• Infection complications
• Permanent scarring
• Disfigurement

Internal Injuries

• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Rib fractures and punctured lungs
• Abdominal trauma

How Long Does a Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Case Take?

Settlement Timeline:

• Simple cases: 6-18 months
• Complex cases with severe injuries: 2-4 years
• Cases involving government entities: 3-5 years
• Trial cases: 3-5 years

Factors That Extend Timeline:

• Severity of injuries and long-term prognosis
• Multiple defendants (driver, manufacturer, government)
• Disputed liability and bias issues
• Insurance company resistance due to anti-motorcycle prejudice

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

90+ Years Fighting Prejudice:

Since 1933, we've successfully represented motorcyclists facing unfair bias from insurance companies and juries.

Understanding Motorcycle Culture:

We respect the freedom and responsibility of motorcycle riding and don't judge our clients for their choice of transportation.

Proven Track Record:

We've secured substantial settlements for motorcycle accident victims by overcoming anti-biker prejudice.

Expert Witness Network:

We work with motorcycle safety experts who can explain proper riding techniques and accident causation.

No Fee Unless We Win:

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

Common Types of Rhode Island Motorcycle Accidents We Handle

Left-Turn Accidents

• Most common and deadly motorcycle accidents
• Often occur at Providence and Warwick intersections
• "I didn't see the motorcycle" defense

Lane Change Collisions

• Highway accidents on I-95 and Route 6
• Blind spot accidents
• Failure to signal or check mirrors

Rear-End Accidents

• Stop-and-go traffic situations
• Distracted driving by car drivers
• Following too closely

Intersection Crashes

• Red light and stop sign violations
• Right-of-way disputes
• Poor visibility conditions

Single-Vehicle Accidents

• Road hazards and potholes
• Construction zone accidents
• Weather-related crashes

Serving Motorcycle Accident Victims Throughout Rhode Island

Our attorneys represent riders in:

• Providence: Heavy traffic and complex intersections
• Warwick: T.F. Green Airport area and Route 95 accidents
• Cranston: Industrial areas and busy roadways
• Newport: Scenic coastal routes and tourist traffic
• Narragansett, South Kingstown, Westerly, and all Rhode Island communities

How Insurance Companies Exploit Anti-Motorcycle Bias

Common Tactics:

• "Motorcycles are inherently dangerous" arguments
• Questioning your decision to ride instead of drive
• Highlighting any minor traffic violations in your history
• Using "biker stereotype" to reduce settlements

Why You Need Experienced Representation:

• We know how to counter anti-motorcycle arguments
• We present you as a responsible rider, not a stereotype
• We focus on the other driver's negligence
• We use expert witnesses to educate juries about motorcycle safety

Rhode Island Motorcycle Laws That Protect Your Rights

Lane Splitting:

Illegal in Rhode Island (but won't affect your case if you weren't lane splitting)

Helmet Requirements:

Not required for riders over 21 with proper insurance

Eye Protection:

Required unless motorcycle has windscreen

Licensing:

Must have valid motorcycle license or permit

Insurance:

Same minimum requirements as cars ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)

We ride. We understand. We fight for fair treatment of motorcyclists who've been injured through no fault of their own.