Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Providence, RI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Providence, Rhode Island?

  The Providence Police Department can be reached at (401) 272-3121.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Providence, Rhode Island?

  The Providence Police Department - Records Department may be reached at (401) 243-6416. It is advised to wait for 10 business days from the time of the request to ensure that it has been processed. Each page of the document, printed on legal-size paper, costs $0.15

• Can I sue for emotional distress caused by a motorcycle accident in Providence, Rhode Island if I am otherwise physically fine?

  It is possible to sue for emotional distress as this falls under non-economic damages, along with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life. To calculate its worth, your attorney considers factors such as your health, age, and the circumstances at the time of the accident; the nature and severity of the injury; and how much it has affected your life.

• Can I still be compensated if both I and the other party caused a motorcycle accident in Providence?

  Yes. Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence law which states that both parties can still receive compensation even if they are at fault. The restitution each party receives will be reduced according to the degree of their negligence. For example, if the at-fault party caused what the jury deems to be 60% of the liability, then they will be able to receive 40% of their damages.

• Is there a time limit on how long I have to file a case for a motorcycle accident in Providence, Rhode Island?

  You have three years from the date of the accident to take the case to court in order to receive compensation for damages. Missing the deadline means getting barred from filing a lawsuit or getting it dismissed by the judge. It is especially important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible, especially if the injuries suffered are severe or serious enough to cause death.

• I think I am at fault for a motorcycle accident in Providence, Rhode Island. What should I do?

  It may sound honorable to admit fault during situations like these, but doing so may absolve the other party who may be just as liable as you are. It is encouraged to not say anything to the other party first, even apologizing for what happened as this may be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Talk to your insurance provider and lawyer first before the police or the other driver. You may exchange information, but do not sign any documents except a traffic ticket.

• What should I do if my motorcycle was damaged, and I was injured in an accident by an uninsured driver in Providence?

  Consulting with an attorney may help greatly in this matter, as they have the resources to check the actual insurance coverage of the at-fault party. Carrying auto insurance liability coverage is required by state law for all drivers, which should include Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist Coverage.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.