If you are the only one involved in a single car accident, then it may seem obvious that you are the one at fault. Well, this is a typical fallacy that many people believe when they are involved in a single car crash. Sure, there is no second car involved, but that doesn’t mean you should take the blame either. When you are involved in a single-car collision, it is worth talking to a car accident lawyer to evaluate the situation. You may find that you have a claim and deserve compensation, especially if you were injured in this accident.

Single car accident in Rhode Island

No two accidents are the same. The details are what makes it important. For some drivers, they only wrecked their car due to the careless maneuvers of another vehicle. According to Nolo.com, there are six types of common accidents. For instance, let’s assume you are driving down the freeway minding your own business. All of the sudden, the car in front of you has a tire blow out. The car starts driving erratically, and the driver cannot control their vehicle. In an attempt to avoid hitting the other driver, you hit the guard rail. The speed at which you were driving gave you injuries, and your car is totaled. You may be able to go back onto that driver because they caused your wreck. Had you hit them, it could have been a lot worse.

injuries from your accident

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s, there are more than 100,000 accident caused each year by drivers falling asleep. These incidents would not be covered, but let’s consider another scenario. You are driving down the road and the power steering on your car no longer works. You struggle to keep control of your car, but you swerve and hit a tree head-on. If a defective part on the vehicle is to blame, then you can file a product liability claim. It is not simple to prove this type of claim, but many find that it is worth the struggle. If you are suffering injuries from your accident, you need a lawyer that can help. website

East Providence attorney

Regardless of the facts, you need to consult with someone who can help. An experienced East Providence attorney is familiar with personal injury accidents. They also know the local justice system. They will be able to understand the aspects of your accident and identify liability. Proper legal counsel will do everything they can to protect your rights. They will seek a fair settlement to compensate for any injuries you may have sustained if there be a responsible party. When you are in an accident alone, don’t assume that your insurance company will handle everything. There are many factors that must be evaluated. information Slepkowlaw

References:

1. https://www.thebalance.com/single-car-accident-insurance-claim-527136
2. http://drowsydriving.org/about/facts-and-stats/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-vehicle_crash

Extreme cold weather, ice missiles and accumulating precipitation can cause catastrophic consequences resulting in serious Rhode Island accidents each year. This is because massive chunks of ice and snow can easily dislodge from the top of vehicles that dangerously hurls toward innocent drivers sharing the road. These types of car and trucking accidents typically happen in the days following blizzards, snowstorms and ice storms when sheets of freezing snow and ice missiles begin melting from the hood, roof and trunk of vehicles traveling city streets, rural roads and highways.

RI Snow accident

Every driver maintains the right to be free of accident hazards of ice or snow falling onto the highway, roadway or windshield from the roof or trunk of other vehicles and automobiles. Because of that, motorists in Rhode Island and Massachusetts are required by law to remove all snow and ice from their vehicle so that any accumulated melting precipitation does not pose a minor or major threat to others and property when traveling. Failure to do so presents various civil legal issues involving negligence where a motorist at fault for an accident could be held legally liable for the damages, losses and injuries sustained by others.

Decreased Visibility and ice missiles

Any snow or ice accumulating on the windshield or inside windows can dramatically decrease the driver’s visibility or obstruct their view of others on roadways. Not clearing off the windshield after epic snowstorms can create a life and death scenario when other motorists on the road must swerve out of the way to avoid ice missiles and sheets of flying snow. Taking evasive action not to be hit can cause other motorists to run off the road due to slippery surface conditions.

Ice missiles falling from commercial vehicles in Rhode island and Providence Plantations are especially dangerous because large trucks tend to have greater accumulated mass of snow and ice. Ice buildup and heavy snow can crash through the windshield of a passenger vehicle, car or pickup truck even when both car and truck are traveling at slow speeds.

Removing Ice, ice missiles and Snow from the Vehicle in RI and MA

If possible, park the vehicle under a covered area or inside the garage in Providence RI to minimize the buildup of accumulated ice and snow. This is because according to car experts, drivers heading out after a snowfall or ice storm must take certain precautions to maximize their safety, the safety of others sharing the road, including removing ice and snow from the vehicle. Planning ahead is essential to maintaining safety:

• Ensure you have extra time to properly remove accumulated snow and ice from the vehicle.
• Rushing through the removal significantly increases the risk of damaging the vehicle surface.
• Use a brush to remove snow and ice scraper to remove ice from the vehicle’s windshield, headlights, side mirrors, tailpipe and wheel wells.
• Never force windshield wipers that are frozen in place because it can easily damage their motors.
• Use a side to side sweeping motion when removing snow and melted ice to ensure it is completely removed from the vehicle.
• Never strike the windshield to chip ice away from the glass because excessive force can cause serious damage, breaks or cracks.
• Never pour hot water on the windshield or any glass to remove ice, because excessive heat causes the glass to shatter.
• Never start the vehicle while inside in enclosed structure like the garage where carbon monoxide can accumulate and cause life-threatening problems.
• Remove as much ice and snow accumulating around the tires using a brush, shovel or your hands.

When Negligence is Involved in Rhode Island

In addition to causing extensive property damage and shattering windshields, snow-packed and accumulated ice slipping off the trunk, roof or hood of your vehicle is outright negligence that can cause serious bodily injuries or death to other motorists and passengers. In addition, it forces other drivers already traveling on a snowy and slippery surface to swerve out of the way to avoid an accident.

If the other car is unaware that snow or ice falling off of their car caused a Rhode Island car crash, and the motorist leaves the scene of the collision then the only recourse an injured victim has is an uninsured motorist claim in RI. If a vehicle leaves the scene of a RI automobile crash, then the injured victims must file an uninsured motorist cause of action against their own insurance company, very similar to a hit and run claim.

If you were injured as a result of an ice missile or falling snow or ice then you should retain a Rhode island personal injury lawyer who also is a a RI car accident lawyer. A Providence auto accident attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve as a result of your RI motor vehicle wreck. Do not try to go it alone with the benefit of a RI personal injury lawyer on your side.

Each year, thousands of people will be injured due to rear end accidents. One of the most common injuries that victims suffer from is whiplash, in addition to other injuries. If this happens to you, it is best to seek legal representation from an experienced Rhode Island auto accident attorney that will put your needs first. The insurance adjusters are often minimizing the seriousness of soft tissue but  the best Rhode Island personal injury lawyers are keenly aware of the real impact of whiplash on innocent victims.

Rhode Island Rear End Accident Lawyer

The most common form of automobile accidents is rear end accidents. Rear end collisions in RI could be accredited to a variety of factors, such as in-car cell phone use, and t the seriousness he various distracting features that are installed into new models of vehicles each year. Even though a large percentage of automobile accidents that occur every year are due to rear end collisions, a majority of the injuries sustained are less severe, in comparison to other types of accidents, such as head-on collisions. However, rear end accidents in Rhode Island could potentially lead to serious injuries, or death, due to the impact of the collision.

Insight to Whiplash

Whiplash is generally a neck and back injury that could be developed after a rear end accident. Whiplash is typically caused by the sudden movement of the body – in a forward motion. At this time, a person’s head will remain static for a moment of time, as the collision takes place. The acceleration is what causes the vehicle to push forward, and leads to whiplash. Surprise injury could lead to damaged ligaments in a person’s back and neck. Expected injuries cause the muscles to tense, which is why they are more likely to be damaged first during the impact of the collision.

Types of Injuries in RI motor vehicle crash

A rear end accident in Rhode Island could potentially lead to a variety of injuries, some more severe than others. These types of injuries include:

• Herniated discs
• Brain injury
• Vertebrae fractures
• Jaw injury
• Back sprains
• Hip fractures
• ACL or muscle tears
• Ankle sprains and fractures

Get the Legal Help Necessary

Rear end accidents occur each day, and these collisions could lead to major injuries. If you are involved in a rear end accident in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, you should consult with an experienced RI auto accident attorney immediately. He will use his legal experience and knowledge to help you deal with the challenges that you may face when fighting insurance companies for your rightful damages and compensation, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional stress

Rear end accidents do not just cause extensive property damage to the vehicles colliding each other, but also often involve catastrophic injuries and death. Rear impact car and truck collisions in Rhode Island are often the result of motor vehicles following too close behind and not providing adequate distance to stop safely under normal or unusual conditions.

Rear end impact vehicle collision

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that more than 2.5 million collisions involving a rear end impact occur every year. As a result, hundreds of thousands of motorists and passengers are injured or killed from their injuries obtained in the accident. In all likelihood, the number of rear impact accidents  in Rhode island and Providence Plantations are likely to rise because of the increased incidences of distracted driving when motorists send text messages, texting while driving, speak on cell phones or read emails while driving.

Serious Injuries caused by tailgating (driving too close)

Rear end impact collisions  in RI are a leading reason for serious automobile accidents were a vehicle collides into the back of the car ahead. In many incidences, drivers and passengers in the lead car suffer serious injury to their neck, head, and spine. In fact, rear end collisions in Rhode Island cause the majority of whiplash injuries when there is a  sudden jolt.

In nearly every situation in Rhode Island, the driver behind the lead car is entirely at fault for the RI crash / accident / collision. However, there are situations where the lead vehicle might be traveling at a speed too slow for the roadway or the lead driver is intoxicated at the time of the accident. In some very limited situations, the motorist in the lead car could be partially at fault for negligent driving because of an inexplicable sudden stop that provided no warning to others on approach.

“The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has given high priority to research regarding collisions between large trucks (gross vehicle weight > 4,540 kilograms (10,000 pounds)) and other vehicles on the roadway. This research aims to improve knowledge about the high-risk behaviors of truck and passenger vehicle (car) drivers. In 1998, large trucks accounted for 7 percent of the total vehicle miles traveled but were involved in 13 percent of all traffic fatalities (5,374 of 41,471). In these truck crashes, the car’s occupants were much more likely than the truck driver to be killed (78 percent of the fatalities were car occupants) or injured (76 percent of the injuries were sustained by car occupants). Two-thirds of all police-reported truck crashes involved a truck and another vehicle, and 60 percent of all truck crashes involving a fatality were two-vehicle car-truck crashes. ^”  Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations  Publication Number: FHWA-HRT-04-085 Date: July 2004 This research was conducted under the HSIS project by F.M. Council and D.L. Harkey of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Highway Safety Research Center, D.T. Nabors of BMI, A.J. Khattak of the UNC Department of City and Regional Planning, and Y.M. Mohamedshah of LENDIS. The full report, Examination of ‘Fault,’ ‘Unsafe Driving Acts,’ and ‘Total Harm’ in Car-Truck Collisions, can be found in Transportation Research Record 1830 (TRB, 2003). For more information about HSIS, contact Carol Tan, HSIS Program Manager, HRDS, 202–493–3315, carol.tan@fhwa.dot.gov. DOT

Determining Liability for rear end tailgating accident

Many victims suffering serious injuries and property damage in Rhode Island will file a claim for compensation against all parties responsible for the rear end collision. However, tort law involving vehicle accidents is complex and often requires the skills of a seasoned Provicence personal injury attorney. This is because it is the responsibility of the victim to determine liability to hold those legally accountable for their negligence. A skilled  Providence personal injury lawyer can build a solid claim for compensation by showing liability because of various factors including:

• The party at fault violated posted traffic rules
• Eyewitnesses are available to describe how the accident occurred
• Third parties might be involved including additional motorists, bicyclists or jaywalking pedestrians
• Drugs or alcohol were involved
• Adverse weather conditions were occurring at the time, making driving difficult
• Physical evidence exists to prove liability including bumper damage, paint from other vehicles or skid marks

With Rhode Island legal representation, the victim can easily deal with insurance companies and prepare a claim for compensation. In most situations, settlements obtained by RI auto accident attorneys are negotiated at a higher amount than when the victim handles their case on their own.

Legal Consequences for tailgating wreck

When it has been determined what party is at fault whether it is caused by a panic stop or tailgating, all responsible parties are duty bound to pay compensation. As a result, automobile accident victims will often file a claim or lawsuit for damages. The amount of compensation the victim receives is usually based on the severity of their injuries and the extent of property damage. However, rear end collisions caused by tailgating in Rhode Island typically cause significant injury.

A skilled  RI auto collision attorney can ensure that the victim’s rights are protected while building a strong case for compensation. The  East providence law firm will seek compensation to cover economic (tangible) and non-economic (intangible) damages. Most  Providence, Riverside and Rumford, RI personal injury cases are accepted on contingency as a way to provide legal representation without the need of paying any upfront fees. In the event that the RI motor vehicle accident lawyer is unable to obtain compensation, the victim owes nothing for legal services provided in the case.

More information here

Many insurance companies try to take advantage of victims, and deny their benefits. A Providence auto accident attorney will help you fight for your rights!

Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege and not a right. Driver’s licenses are issued to any individual who has reached the minimum age after passing both a written exam and road test conducted by a motor vehicle department specialist. Every motorist driving the highways, roadways and city streets is responsible for providing a safe environment for everyone around them including other drivers, passengers, truckers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Uninsured motorist claims in RI

Sadly, there are hundreds or uninsured or unlicensed motorists operating motor vehicles in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. When an uninsured motorist operating an automobile, truck or other motor vehicle is at fault for a car accident in Rhode Island, an injured victim may receive no compensation or justice for their injuries resulting from the motor vehicle crash. However, if the victim had previously obtained uninsured motorist protection and such uninsured protection was in effect at the time of the collision then they may have legal recourse to be compensated for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and other injuries. The victim would need to pursue an uninsured motorist claim against their own insurance carrier seeking damages and a sense of justice.

By law, every state requires drivers to be licensed while maintaining adequate liability coverage through an insurance policy on every vehicle they operate. Rhode Island is no exception to this. This means that every registered vehicle must be insured with minimum active coverage that has not had its policy lapse.

Driving on a suspended license

The state’s court system is given the authority to suspend the driving privileges of any motorist who commits specific traffic violations. Suspended licenses may last indefinitely until some legal requirements are met or may be for a finite period of time. Some of the reasons a motorists license is suspended in Rhode Island includes:

• A failure to appear in court
• A failure to pay a fine
• A failure to maintain basic insurance coverage on a vehicle
• Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Recklessly driving that endangers the lives of others
• Other factors such as failure to file an accident report, leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death, failure to pay child support etc.

Legal nightmare

Driving on a suspended license is a criminal infraction that could land the motorist in jail if there are too many infractions. Being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode island while driving on a suspended license can be a legal nightmare for the motorist. In addition to receiving a criminal citation or an arrest, the driver might be financially liable for all damages, losses and injuries caused to all victims in the accident.

If you were injured by an uninsured or under insured motorist in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island then you should contact a Rhode Island uninsured motorist accident lawyer.

The Rhode Island law for driving on a suspended license is set forth below:

“§ 31-11-18.1 Driving after denial, revocation, or suspension for certain violations. – (a) Any person who drives a motor vehicle on any highway of this state who never applied for a license or who drives after his or her application for a license has been refused, or after his or her license has expired or who otherwise drives without a license or at a time when his or her license to operate is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, for: (1) operating under the influence of a narcotic drug or intoxicating liquor; (2) refusing to submit to a chemical test; reckless driving; (3) manslaughter from the operation of a motor vehicle or operating so as to endanger resulting in death; or (4) three (3) moving violations within a one-year period; shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first and second offenses and shall be deemed guilty of a felony for the third or subsequent offenses.”

Failing to meet insurance requirements or suspended license 

State law mandates that operating any vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility (insurance coverage) is against the law. Any motorist operating a vehicle without insurance likely faces a driver’s license suspension and financial fines.

“In Rhode Island, you must carry minimum limits of bodily injury liability – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means you have coverage up to $25,000 for damages incurred by any one person and up to $50,000 in any one accident should more than one person be involved. You many elect to purchase higher limits, based on your wish to protect your assets from lawsuits above these minimum amounts. Keep in mind that as you raise your coverage, your premiumsincrease because you are asking the insurance company to assume responsibility for higher amount, should a claim occur.”CONSUMERS GUIDE TO AUTO INSURANCE PRESENTED TO YOU BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS REGULATION INSURANCE DIVISION http://www.dbr.state.ri.us/documents/divisions/insurance/property_casualty/com_guide-auto_insur.PDF

Proof of insurance at scene of motor vehicle wreck

If the uninsured driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident, they will be required by law to produce proof of insurance at the scene. Any certificate of compliance (COC) provided by the insurance carrier is adequate proof as long as it shows coverage is in force on the date of the accident. Any failure to meet insurance requirements (not having insurance) when the accident occurs exposes the motorist to serious financial consequences. In all likelihood, the victims suffering injuries and damages caused by the negligent behavior of the uninsured motorist will file a lawsuit against them.

§ 31-47-9 Penalties. – (a) Any owner of a motor vehicle registered in this state who shall knowingly operate the motor vehicle or knowingly permit it to be operated in this state without having in full force and effect the financial security required by the provisions of this chapter, and any other person who shall operate in this state any motor vehicle registered in this state with the knowledge that the owner of it does not have in full force and effect financial security, except a person who, at the time of operation of the motor vehicle, had in effect an operator’s policy of liability insurance, as defined in this chapter, with respect to his or her operation of the vehicle, may be subject to a mandatory suspension of license and registration as follows:

Financial recourse from uninsured motorist or driver with suspended license

Any victim who has suffered damages or physical injury as the result of negligence by an uninsured, unlicensed motorist can seek financial recourse through various legal means. However, these types of claims and lawsuits are difficult to litigate in front of a judge in civil court. Because of that, many individuals elect to hire a skilled Rhode Island personal injury attorney who specializes in uninsured motor vehicle accidents.

 Rhode Island car accident attorney

A RI auto accident lawyer working on behalf of their client can seek financial compensation through uninsured motorist coverage on the victim’s policy. The amount of compensation through this coverage is limited by the policy’s benefits. Because of that, the attorneys can file a lawsuit to obtain additional compensation from the unlicensed, uninsured driver directly by holding them financially accountable for their negligence.

Hiring an attorney makes sense. It eliminates most of the “guess work” of attempting to obtain recovery for injuries suffered in an accident caused by another. The lawyer will investigate the causes of the accident, evaluate insurance information and build a case to prove how the other uninsured, unlicensed driver is legally responsible for all damages. An experienced RI personal injury law firm can research every alternative way to obtain financial compensation when the other motorist involved in the accident was driving on a suspended license and without insurance.

Legal Notice per  Rhode Island Rules of Professional Responsibility: The RI Supreme Court  sitting in the capital city of Providence licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice including personal injury, wrongful death and car accident. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.

Nearly one out of every four vehicle related fatalities occurring nationwide involve vehicle rollover accidents, claiming the lives of approximately 10,000 individuals every year. Survivors of a rollover crash in Rhode Island and across the United States often suffer catastrophic injuries and lifelong disabilities including quadriplegia, paraplegia and traumatic brain injuries. Often times, the vehicle occupants are ejected from inside and suffer additional injuries or death.

 

Rhode Island rollover accident lawyer

There are numerous factors contributing to a potential rollover accident in Rhode Island that include:

• The lack of tire traction on slippery or oily surfaces
• Traveling at too great a speed to handle sudden turns or curbs
• Making certain maneuvers that cause a rollover due to a high center of gravity
• Poor road conditions and severe inclement weather

Preventing or Surviving a Rollover Crash in RI

There are specific steps that every driver and occupant inside the motor vehicle can take to prevent or survive the catastrophic consequences of a rollover accident. These include:

• Buckle up – The safest place and occupant can be when involved in a serious rollover accident in Rhode Island is to remain inside the vehicle throughout the event. Nearly 3 out of every four individuals involved in rollover accidents are killed because they were ejected from the vehicle.

• Check the Tires – Properly inflated tires in good shape help maintain traction on the roadway to overcome slippery surfaces, quick turns and road hazards. Inflate the tire pressure as recommended by the car’s manufacturer.

• Drive a New Vehicle – The national Highway traffic safety administration statistics indicate new vehicles involved in accidents produce fewer fatalities than old cars and trucks. Most likely, ESC technology (electronic stability control) on new vehicles helps stabilize steering during difficult maneuvers and bad road conditions. In addition, new vehicles have better design and stricter government testing to increase safety.

• Never Overload the Vehicle – Vehicles with heavier weight than their design suffered decrease stability on the roadway. Pickup trucks and SUVs tend to be more dangerous to operate when loaded then when empty. To increase stability, evenly distribute heavy cargo by positioning it near the center the vehicle and low to the floor.

• Check Your Speed – Operating the vehicle at a faster speed increases its potential of being involved in a rollover. In fact, excessive speed is involved in approximately four out of every 10 fatal vehicle rollover accidents.

• Increase Your Awareness – undivided highways and rural roads without barriers contribute to the potential of a rollover accident, especially when vehicles are traveling 55 miles an hour or greater. When driving in these areas, increase your awareness and lower your speed to minimize the potential of rolling over.

• Avoid Panic Reactions – Quick reactions or panic movements tend to cause a steering overcorrection. When this maneuver happens at high speed, it easily increases the potential of a rollover. If leaving the road unexpectedly is unavoidable, gradually reduce the vehicles speed before slowly easing back up onto the road.

• Avoid Distractions – Before leaving for your destination, it is imperative to turn off all devices inside the vehicle that could distract you from driving. Turn off smart phones and tablets or set the ringer to vibrate until a vehicle arrives at its destination. If using GPS navigation, input the information before leaving to avoid being distracted while moving.

Driving defensively in Rhode Island

Driving your vehicle takes focus and concentration. It is imperative to watch the roadway to drive defensively and safely. Staying active behind the wheel keeps you, passengers in the vehicle out of trouble and minimizes the potential of being involved in a rollover.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a Providence Rhode Island vehicle or car accident involved in a rollover, is essential to contact a reputable Rhode Island personal injury attorney experiencing handling these complex legal cases. Rollover vehicle accident claims and lawsuits in Providence Superior Court are usually accepted on contingency and all legal out of pocket costs are paid through a jury award or out of court settlement. Reputable RI law firms will offer a free initial consultation to provide answers to questions concerning your claim. An aggressive Rhode Island car accident attorney working on your behalf will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

“By far the largest number of motor vehicle crash deaths are occupants of passenger vehicles including cars, minivans, pickups, SUVs and cargo/large passenger vans. The likelihood of crash death varies markedly among these vehicle types according to size. Small/light vehicles have less structure and size to absorb crash energy, so crash forces on occupants will be higher. People in lighter vehicles are at a disadvantage in collisions with heavier vehicles. 1 Pickups and SUVs are proportionally more likely than cars to be in fatal single-vehicle crashes, especially rollovers. However, pickups and SUVs generally are heavier than cars, so occupant deaths in SUVs and pickups are less likely to occur in multiple-vehicle crashes.” Insurance Institute for highway safety , Fatality Stats- General statistics, Crashes took 32,675 lives in the U.S. in 2014. http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/passenger-vehicles

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Research/Vehicle+Dynamic+Rollover+Propensity

If you are suffering from serious injuries from a Rhode Island car accident that was not your fault, you will need to consider filing a claim using a Rhode island car accident attorney against the responsible party and their insurance carrier. But exactly how do you determine the value of your claim that far exceeds your total medical costs and money needed to repair your damaged vehicle?

Rhode Island car accident attorney

Determining the value of special damages involved in a Rhode Island car accident is easy. You need to simply add up the bills from healthcare providers, lost wages and auto body shops. However, general intangible damages are a bit trickier to calculate. This might involve your pain, suffering, depression, mental anguish, and the limitations of your abilities to perform many of the normal activities you enjoyed before the accident.

The court system places no quantifiable financial value on your pain and suffering. However, it is important to find an objective way to place a dollar amount on the discomfort and stress you feel as you heal. Because of that, many people choose to hire a personal injury attorney with years of experience in negotiating an adequate settlement for their clients to include tangible and intangible costs.

The Negotiation Process of a motor vehicle crash

A skilled attorney can ensure that you receive the recompense you deserve for being the victim of a car accident you did not cause. A Providence attorney will ensure that you are properly healed, or that you have been properly diagnosed to determine the extent of your injuries and the length of the healing process. A RI Personal Injury attorney will use a variety of factors to negotiate the best settlement. Some of these factors include:

• The total amount of all previous medical expenses caused by the accident
• A calculated amount of all future medical care, including follow-up surgeries, procedures, treatments, rehabilitation and mental health care when necessary
• The limitations of performing your everyday activities including going to work and caring for yourself
• The costs involved in a permanent or temporary disability directly related to the accident
• The extent of damages to your family caused by changes in your abilities to work or perform everyday tasks
• The amount of funds required to repair any damaged property including your vehicle involved in the accident
• Adequate recompense for your pain, suffering, mental anguish and despair

Obtaining a larger settlement

Having a Rhode Island Personal injury Lawyer on your site is often beneficial when seeking a settlement that includes payment for your pain and suffering.  Jury awards dealing with general damages that can be highly unpredictable.

A skilled  East providence RI attorney can make a claim for your pain, discomfort and suffering by convincing the claims adjuster that:

• You are ready to file suit to go to trial
• The costs involved in putting on a trial will be high to the insurance company
• The facts of the case indicate that the jury will likely be sympathetic to you for the injuries caused by the responsible party

Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer in RI that specializes in  Rhode Island car accidents can help you gather evidence to make a convincing case to obtain additional funds for your pain and suffering. Most reputable Rhode Island personal injury law firms take cases on contingency. This means you will not be required to pay the attorney out of pocket.

If you were injured in a Rhode island Auto accident it is crucial that you take pictures of the automobiles involved.  Pictures of the car crash scene should be taken immediately after the accident. If possible also get a video or pictures of the accident before the cars are moved or towed by the police.

Take pics of injury bruises

These pictures may be useful if the person who caused the accident is not truthful about how the RI Accident happened. Also if you have visible bruises or physical conditions take pictures when the injury appears the worst. Make sure that you also notify the local police of the motor vehicle accident. Most importantly, if you were injured in the accident contact a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer.

Pics of the scene of the accident are crucial!

Also make sure that you get pictures of the scene of the accident showing any relevant physical conditions such as ice, snow, stop signs, traffic signals or other signs. If you believe that the other person was using his cell phone, smart phone or gps device, please notify the officer that this was a distracted driving accident. This will help the officer ask the important questions to the other driver and do a proper investigation. Most importantly, if you were injured in the car crash, make sure you receive proper medical treatment for the accident, you will not be compensated by the insurance company for periods of time when you were injured but not under the care of a medical provider.

David Slepkow

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Rhode Island or a RI Car accident, it is crucial that you follow these important RI Auto Crash Tips:

1. When you stop at the scene of the automobile crash, your first concern should be for the safety of yourself, your family and others involved in the motor vehicle wreck. If it is safe to do so, leave your vehicle at the spot of the collision so the police can adequately reconstruct the  RI car accident. In many situations it will be necessary to pull over to the side of the road or highway to protect your safety and the safety of others. Use common sense.
2.  If staying in your automobile will imperil your safety in any way, then immediately get out of the automobile and move to a safe location. Many serious injuries and deaths in Rhode Island are caused by the second collision after the initial mishap. If you are still in an unsafe location, you could be injured by someone rear ending your motor vehicle.In some motor vehicle crashes and RI Car accident, victims of the collision exit the motor vehicle but congregate too close to vehicular traffic. This can cause a very serious pedestrian accident or fatal vehicular tragedy.
3. The first thing you should do after an accident causing personal injury is make sure everyone is ok and determine whether an ambulance is required to bring anyone to the hospital for medical treatment.
4. Call the police. Pursuant to Rhode Island law the police must be notified of nearly all motor vehicle accidents.
5. Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the crash as well as the scene of the RI car accident. If there are any skid marks or significant signs or traffic signals, take pictures
6. If the accident, is a hit and run collision make sure you immediately notify the police of the accident and any identifying information of the motorist or motor vehicle who caused the accident
7. Contact a Rhode Island Personal Injury attorney or a Providence car accident lawyer concerning obtaining legal representation. In the event of a hit and run accident or a rear end accident with an uninsured motorist, make sure you retain a Providence Auto accident lawyer with expertise in uninsured motorist claims or underinsured motorist causes of action. Do not attempt to negotiate your claim without retaining a RI personal injury lawyer. If you do not leave the scene of the mishap by ambulance then obtain treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. If you wait too long after the motorcycle, bicycle, truck or car crash then the insurance company will try to discredit your credibility claiming that you fabricated your injury.
8. Do not miss or cancel medical appointments. This will cause you to lose credibility with the insurance adjuster and may decrease the settlement value of your claim.
9. Do not post online concerning your case. RI Personal Injury defense lawyers and insurance adjusters are well known for scouring online posts to seek damaging information about negligence claimants.
10. Carefully, Document all medical treatment, hospital visits, urgent care visits, physical therapy, massage therapy and chiropractor visits as well as prescription medication and medical devices obtained.
11. Take pictures of any bruises, marks or physical conditions related to the accident when the condition looks the worst.

According to the State of Rhode island State Police Department of Public Safety “Stop your car – Never leave the scene of an accident in which you or your car was involved. No matter how slight the collision, if your fail to stop, you could be convicted of “hit and run” and be subject to criminal prosecution even if the accident was not your fault. If you are blocking a lane of travel and your car is still operable, move your vehicle to the side of the road.” RISP 

• According to dmv.com “Accidents can range from little fender benders to more serious collisions, so knowing what to do if you have an accident can relieve some of the stress. Try to move the accident off the road, especially if you’re in an area where there’s a chance to cause other accidents. Make sure everyone is okay, and if someone is injured, aid them the best you can and call an ambulance.”

“If everyone is fine, you’ll want to exchange information for your insurance companies: name, telephone number, driver’s license and insurance policy number.”  http://www.dmv.org/ri-rhode-island/accident-guide/

If you are involved in a Rhode Island car accident, there are several  important steps you can take to insure you get the best Personal Injury settlement . You should contact a Rhode Island  automobile accident lawyer immediately after a Rhode Island auto wreck

Steps to take after a Providence car accident

1.   Notify the police of the motor vehicle accident. Pursuant to Rhode Island and Providence Plantation law, the police must be informed of almost all accidents.

2.   If you were injured in an accident in RI, obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. If you did not leave the scene of the car accident by  an ambulance than either go see your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center. Your primary care Physician may refer you to a specialist. Some specialists will not see patients without a referral from a primary care physician.

3.   Do not cancel your scheduled medical appointments! Make sure your medical providers are informed of all areas where you are in pain. Keep your doctor informed of all symptoms. Do not exaggerate  but also don’t minimize the pain and suffering.  An Insurance Adjuster will be reviewing  your medical records seeking to find inconsistencies, or discredit your allegations. The Insurance Adjuster will attempt to minimize your pain and suffering.

4.   As far as the insurance company is concerned, if you are not treating you are not suffering.  Do not expect to receive damages for periods of time when you are not treating but you claim that you are still in pain.

5.   Keep your RI Personal Injury Attorneys  informed of all  chiropractors,  massage therapists, hospitals,physical therapist  and urgent care centers that you have treated with. Keep track of dates of treatment and what occurred during the treatment. Keep records  of all medication. Save receipts for all medication that you take as a result of the Car Accident.

6.   Retain a Rhode Island Personal Injury Lawyer before you give a statement to the insurance company. The Insurance Company is not the enemy but they certainly are not your friend. They are trying to give you the least amount of money as possible or even potentially deny you’re the claim.

7.   Do not sign medical releases for the insurance company. The RI Personal Injury Lawyer will collect your medical records for you and submit them to the insurance company. You do not want to give the Insurance Company unfettered and uncontrolled access to your medical records!

8.   Take pictures immediately after the accident of your vehicle, the other vehicles and the scene of the car / auto crash. Take pictures of any visible injury, scarring or bruising. With a bruise you want to get a picture when it looks the worst. Do not have your automobile repaired until you have taken pictures of the damages.

9.   Do not sign medical releases for the insurance company. The Rhode Island personal Injury Lawyer will collect your medical records for you and submit them to the insurance company. You do not want to give the Insurance Company uncontrolled access to your medical records!.

10.   If you get cited for a motor vehicle violation, hire a RI lawyer to represent you. If you are found guilty or responsible for the Motor Vehicle accident then your case may be severely impaired. The implications of not contesting a citation or pleading guilty could be detrimental to your Personal Injury Claim.

11.   Do not let the insurance adjuster influence you to settle the car accident prior to retaining a Rhode Island Personal injury Lawyer. The Insurance Adjuster wants you to take as little money as possible and they want to keep you away from a Rhode Island Automobile Accident Lawyer who can explain your legal rights to you.

If you were injured in a Rhode Island car accident then contact a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer. An injured victim needs to contact one of the best Rhode Island personal injury lawyers.

Question: How do I determine if the Insurance Company’s Settlement offer for my RI Personal Injury claim is fair?

In order for your RI Car Accident Lawyer to properly estimate the value of  your tort case, the  Rhode Island personal injury Attorney must evaluate many factors, including  amount of medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages or lost business,  permanency of the injury, any disfigurement or scarring, loss of consortium, periods of  partial and or permanent disability, etc.

Determining the real value of an accident claim is  a subjective determination. The amount of the medical, hospital, chiropractor and physical therapy medical bills  incurred will be an  important factor in determining the value of the  Rhode Island Car Crash. The period of time of  disability may play an important  role  in setting the value of the Motor Vehicle Crash Case.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type  such as Rhode Island car accident are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.