Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Providence

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency concerns, you may reach the Police Department of Providence by calling +1 401-272-3121.

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

  The Records Office of Providence has an online portal where you can obtain a copy of your crash or accident report. File your request through the city’s official website: https://www.providenceri.gov/police/accident-or-incident-report/.

• How will the comparative fault system of Providence, RI affect plaintiffs in truck accident claims?

  Providence, RI follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that victims of truck accidents are able to recover compensation from the at-fault party even though they are found to be partly or primarily responsible for the crash. For instance, if the negligent driver is ruled to be 10% responsible for the accident, the victim or claimant will still receive compensation, but it will be reduced by 90%, which is the percentage of their share of fault.

• Is there a deadline for the filing of truck accident claims in Providence, RI?

  Yes, under a legal regulation called the statute of limitations, victims of personal injury, including truck accidents, in Providence, RI are required to file their case within three years of the date of the accident. This deadline is intended to make sure that every piece of evidence is reliable. If a victim files suit after the statute of limitations has expired, the opposing parties are allowed to file a motion to have the court permanently dismiss the case.

• What does the discovery of harm rule mean for truck accident victims in Providence, RI?

  There is an important exception to the statute of limitations stated on Rhode Island injury laws, which is called the “discovery of harm” rule. If a victim in a truck accident that took place in Providence belatedly discovers an injury from the incident and it is past the three-year time frame, they maintain their right to file a case related to the incident. Under the discovery of harm rule, the statute of limitations does not start until the victim becomes aware of their injury.

• In which areas of Providence, RI do truck accidents commonly occur?

  In 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recorded over 100 injury-causing truck accidents in the state of Rhode Island, alone, and Providence is where many of these accidents occur. In the city, motor vehicle accidents, including truck crashes, can take place on any street, but there are some intersections that are more dangerous than others. Memorial Boulevard near Providence Place Mall and Interstate 95 near exits 24 and 18 see collisions frequently.

• What is the blood alcohol concentration regulation for truck drivers in Providence, RI?

  In Providence, it is illegal for drivers to operate a commercial trucking vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.04%. As a number of truckers involved in big rig crashes are impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is essential to hire a legal team to investigate the likeliness of an intoxicated truck driver being responsible for the accident.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.