Car Accident Attorney in Providence

Car accidents in Providence occur due to various reasons. More than half of the time, negligence is usually a factor. 

Distracted driving is a prevalent cause of car accidents in Providence and throughout Rhode Island. This involves various activities that take the driver's attention away from the road, including but not limited to:

• Texting while driving 
• Talking on the phone while driving
• Eating or using in-vehicle technology such as stereo or navigation systems
• Self-grooming while driving.

And so on. 

Driving beyond the speed limit reduces the time drivers have to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or lane changes. As a result, they may lose control of the vehicle, leading to serious accidents. 

The same applies when drivers engage in reckless behaviors on the road, such as tailgating, aggressive lane changes, running red lights, and illegal maneuvers. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination. In the end, such drivers are likely to cause accidents. 

We've also seen car accidents caused by driver fatigue, especially among drivers involved in long commutes or late-night driving. This is quite common in the trucking industry, where truck drivers work beyond state-mandated hours.

We know how confusing and even overwhelming it can be the first few moments after a car accident. That's why we recommend taking these three simple steps to make the process less burdensome and faster. 

The first thing you should do is call 911 and seek medical attention. That's because your health is your immediate priority in such a case. 

If such an opportunity presents itself, gather as much information as possible about the accident as you wait for the authorities to arrive. This information includes but is not limited to:

• The location, date, and time of the accident.
• Photographs of the accident scene showing vehicle damage and any visible injuries. 
• Insurance information of the other parties involved.
• Contact information of any witnesses present.

Finally, you should contact a car accident attorney after seeking medical attention and documenting the accident. Below, we'll discuss why this step is crucial.

A skilled car accident lawyer can play a vital role in your car accident case. Here's an overview of how they may be able to help.  

Evaluating Your Case

The first thing the attorney will want to do is evaluate the details of your case. This step determines whether you have a viable claim against the other party.

Note that Rhode Island is an "at-fault" state (commonly known as a tort state) regarding car accidents. This means that you'll need to file a claim with the other party's insurance provider after an accident to recover damages.

That said, you must prove that your case meets the four elements of negligence. These include proving that:

• The other party owed you a duty of care.
• The other party breached the duty of care (by being negligent).
• You suffered injuries due to the other party's breach of duty of care.
• You incurred damages due to the injuries you sustained.

Gathering Information

The attorney will also gather crucial information and evidence related to the accident that harmed you or a loved one. Examples of such information include:

• A detailed account of the accident, including the date, time, and location. 
• Whether you filed a police report.
• Your insurance policy details.
• Any injuries you sustained in the accident, medical treatments you have undergone, and any ongoing medical care.
• The names and contact information of any witnesses. 
• Any photographs or videos of the accident scene. 
• Copies of any communication you've had with your insurance provider.

Assessing Damages

A car accident can result in various damages, and that's another reason to hire a lawyer. The attorney will calculate the value of your injuries and damages, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability 

As mentioned earlier, you must establish who was at fault for the accident before filing a claim. This is only possible after reviewing the evidence, analyzing the applicable laws in Providence and throughout Rhode Island, and consulting with experts if needed. That's another role an attorney can play. 

Filing a Claim

Once they've determined liability, the attorney will file a claim with the responsible party and negotiate a reasonable settlement on your behalf. This settlement will reflect the injuries you or a loved one has sustained due to the accident. 

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations with insurance companies don't yield the desired results, such as when the liable party denies liability or refuses to cooperate with your legal team, a car accident lawyer can initiate a lawsuit on your behalf, presenting the case before a judge or jury.  

The specific damages you may be entitled to after a car accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. That said, in most car accident cases we've handled, plaintiffs have been able to recover the following damages: 

• Medical expenses, which include current and future medical bills, ambulance fees, the cost of hiring a caregiver, and so on.
• Lost wages, which cover the income you would have earned during your recovery period or if your injuries resulted in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
• Property damage, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing your personal property damages in the accident (this also includes your car and personal items such as laptops). 
• Physical pain and emotional suffering.
• Loss of consortium, if the accident caused the loss of companionship, support, or intimate relations with your spouse or partner injured in the accident.

At Morgan and Morgan, we understand that getting injured or losing a loved one in a car accident can be a painful experience that will live with you probably for the rest of your life. We also know that insurance companies never understand this pain. They only care about making profits, not taking the financial responsibility of compensating you for the injuries or losses you sustained. 

That's where Morgan and Morgan comes in as the injury firm for the people. 

As America's largest injury firm, we have the power and resources to take on big insurance companies in Providence and throughout the state. We know the tactics these companies use to avoid liability, and we can never let them have their way.

That explains why we've recovered over $20 billion for more than  300,000 clients (or their loved ones) injured due to someone else's negligence. You can trust our car accident lawyers in Providence to fight for your best interests and hold the other party accountable no matter their status.

Yes, because some injuries may not manifest immediately after the accident. A car accident doctor near you can evaluate your condition thoroughly to determine whether you suffered any life-threatening injuries. They'll also write you a medical report, which will strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a claim for compensation.

You may be able to hold various parties accountable, including but not limited to negligent drivers, vehicle owners, employers of at-fault drivers, manufacturers of defective vehicle parts, or even government entities. It is only after reviewing your case that we will be able to tell the parties that may have contributed to the accident.

In Rhode Island, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. You could be barred from filing a lawsuit if you don't do so within those three years. 

Yes, Rhode Island has one of the country's most plaintiff-friendly car accident laws. Here, the pure comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation even if you were 90% at fault, but the compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A skilled attorney can help maximize your claim even if you played a small role in the accident. 

Yes, unlike some states, Rhode Island does not have a cap on punitive damages. With that in mind, you should also note that punitive damages are only awarded in cases involving egregious behavior, such as intentional misconduct or a willful disregard for the safety of others. Talk to your attorney to determine if your case qualifies for punitive damages. 

When you have America's largest injury firm in your corner, your chances of obtaining favorable results significantly increase. This is because insurance companies know how seriously we take our client's cases. 

If they refuse to settle, they know that we have the power to take the battle to court. And if they lose, they could end up settling more than they initially would have out of court. 

So contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence. If you have a valid case, our car accident lawyer in Providence might be able to help.