An auto accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences may last for months or even years. The accident can leave you with serious or life-changing physical and emotional injuries. Additionally, you may also have to deal with financial or legal consequences, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, missed work, and insurance claims.
If another driver’s negligence caused your Rhode Island car accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Understanding what to do after an accident, and when to involve a Rhode Island car accident lawyer, can help protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Rhode Island
Most motor vehicle accidents in Warwick and across Rhode Island are preventable. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving, including excessive speeding, running red lights or stop signs, failing to yield the right of way, and unsafe lane changes
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Poor weather or roadway conditions
Determining why a collision occurred can be critical when establishing liability. Evidence such as police reports, photographs, witness statements, traffic-camera footage, vehicle damage, and medical records may help establish what happened.
Types of Auto Accidents in Warwick, RI
Auto accidents can take many forms, and each type can produce different injuries and legal issues. Common collisions include:
- Rear-end accidents – These often occur when a driver follows too closely or fails to stop in time.
- Intersection collisions – T-bone crashes and other intersection accidents may result from running a traffic signal, failing to yield, or distracted driving.
- Head-on collisions – These crashes can cause catastrophic injuries because of the forces involved.
- Sideswipe accidents – Improper lane changes or failure to check blind spots can cause vehicles traveling alongside one another to collide.
Accidents involving motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, trucks, and other commercial vehicles may need additional investigation because of the circumstances and insurance issues involved.
Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Common accident-related injuries include whiplash, neck and back injuries, broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
Some symptoms may not appear immediately. For example, a person may initially feel relatively well but develop pain, dizziness, headaches, or limited mobility later. It is therefore crucial to seek prompt medical attention to protect your health and create documentation for a potential personal injury claim.
What to Do After an Auto Accident in Warwick
Taking the right steps after a crash can help protect both your health and your potential claim.
- Get to a safe location. If possible, move out of the path of traffic without creating additional danger.
- Call the police. Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Unless it’s for medical reasons, don’t leave the scene without a copy of the police report.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Get checked or treated for your injuries immediately. Do not ignore pain or other symptoms simply because your injuries initially seem minor.
- Exchange information. Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information, vehicle information, and insurance details when possible. Get the contact information of witnesses as well.
- Document the scene. Take photographs or videos of the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, debris, and surrounding area.
- Preserve your records. Keep medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, wage-loss documentation, insurance correspondence, and other accident-related records.
- Don’t negotiate with insurers. While you should cooperate with legitimate insurance requirements, avoid making statements that could be used against you. Before accepting a settlement, consult a Rhode Island car accident attorney.
Who May Be Liable for an Auto Accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances of the collision. In many cases, the negligent driver may be responsible. However, other parties may also be liable for the accident. For instance, in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the driver’s employer may be liable. Also, if a crash was due to a defective vehicle component, the manufacturer or another entity may be liable.
In cases involving dangerous roadway conditions, government entities may be liable. While cases involving multiple defendants are often legally complex, thorough investigations can help identify all potentially responsible parties and determine what evidence supports your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Warwick Car Accident?
You may be able to seek compensation for damages such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and property damage. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The potential value of an auto accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, treatment requirements, financial losses, liability, insurance coverage, and the available evidence.
Comparative Negligence and Car Accident Claims
Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence rule that allow an injured person to recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the collision. However, the court reduces the compensation by the injured person’s percentage of fault.
With degree of fault affecting amount of compensation, it is important to have evidence supporting your version of events. A personal injury attorney can review the accident circumstances, investigate available evidence, and respond to allegations that you contributed to the crash.
When Should You Contact a Warwick Auto Accident Attorney?
Speaking with a Warwick auto accident attorney may be particularly important if:
- You suffered significant or continuing injuries
- The other driver disputes responsibility
- The insurance company blames you for the accident
- You missed work because of your injuries
- You are facing substantial medical expenses
- Several vehicles were involved
- A commercial truck or company vehicle was involved
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- An insurer denied your claim or offered an inadequate settlement
- Your injuries may affect your future ability to work
Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer
An auto accident can disrupt your everyday life, including your health, finances, and employment. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. While damage recovery can be legally complex, you don’t have to navigate the claims process on your own.
If you were injured in an auto accident in Warwick, RI, speak to our skilled and experienced auto accident attorney at Daley Orton. We will review the circumstances of your collision, explain your potential claim, and help you understand the next steps. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
