Rhode Island Auto Injury Attorney Directory
Top Auto Accident Law Firms in Providence
Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd.
- Lead Attorney: Ronald J. Resmini
- Location: Providence, RI
- Address: 365 Eddy St 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02903
- Contact: (401) 751-8855
- Website: https://www.resminilawoffices.com
- Focus: Personal injury law, auto accidents
- Background: Family-run Rhode Island personal injury law firm with 50 years of experience
- Achievement: Millions in compensation awards for thousands of clients
- Special Services: Practice limited exclusively to personal injury law
- Team Size: Six practicing attorneys
- Special Quality: Combines legal academia with courtroom expertise
- Additional Offices: Warwick, Newport, Seekonk (MA), Fall River (MA)
Tapalian Law
- Lead Attorney: David Tapalian
- Location: Providence, RI
- Focus: Car accidents, auto injuries
- Website: https://www.tapinjury.com
- Background: 20+ years expertise in Rhode Island personal injury law
- Special Services: Free consultation, mobile consultations (hospital/home visits), contingency fees
- Special Quality: Local Rhode Island attorney (Brown University graduate) with extensive knowledge of local legal community
- Client Service: Around the clock contact by phone, text, or email
- Unique Feature: Easily accessible downtown Providence location with free parking
Bottaro Law Firm, LLC
- Lead Attorney: Mike Bottaro
- Location: Rhode Island (statewide service)
- Website: https://bottarolaw.com
- Focus: Auto accidents, personal injury
- Background: Secured millions in jury awards, settlements, arbitrations, and mediations
- Special Services: Free consultation, 24/7 availability
- Special Quality: Attorney has personal experience with car accidents and injuries
- Additional Services:
- Handling rental cars and property damage claims
- Navigating medical billing
- Pursuing lost wage payments
- Negotiating settlements
- Preparing court cases when necessary
Rhode Island Auto Accident Legal Information
Insurance Requirements in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island is an “at-fault” insurance state
- Minimum liability insurance requirements:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (multiple people)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- Proof of insurance must be carried while driving and shown at the request of law enforcement
- While the minimum coverage satisfies legal requirements, higher limits are recommended for better protection
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Rhode Island, but refusal typically requires a written waiver
Pure Comparative Negligence Law
- Rhode Island follows a “pure” comparative negligence system (Rhode Island General Laws ยง 9-20-4)
- You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
- Unlike many states, Rhode Island allows recovery even if you are 99% at fault (though reduced accordingly)
- Example: If you are 20% at fault for an accident with $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000
Statute of Limitations
- Personal injury claims: Three years from the date of the accident
- Wrongful death claims: Three years from the date of death
- Property damage claims: Ten years (though unusual to pursue property damage claims without also filing personal injury claims)
- Exceptions:
- Minors: Statute of limitations doesn’t begin until they turn 18 (can file until 21st birthday)
- Discovery Rule: Clock starts when injury is discovered or should have been reasonably discovered
- Government Claims: May require notice of claim within 60 days of injury
At-Fault System and Claims Process
- Rhode Island operates under an “at-fault” system
- Victims can seek compensation in three ways:
- Filing a claim with their insurance company
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit in court
Why Hire a Rhode Island Auto Injury Attorney
- Attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to gather all necessary evidence
- Lawyers handle all communications with insurance companies
- Legal representation helps ensure you receive fair compensation for all damages
- Attorneys understand Rhode Island’s pure comparative negligence law and how it affects your case
- Insurance companies often try to blame you to reduce your settlement
- Most Rhode Island auto injury attorneys offer:
- Free initial consultations
- Contingency fee arrangements (no recovery, no fee)
- Studies show represented clients typically receive significantly higher settlements
- Attorneys help maximize compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
This comprehensive directory of Rhode Island auto injury attorneys provides essential information for accident victims seeking legal representation. The firms listed offer specialized expertise in navigating Rhode Island’s specific auto accident laws and insurance requirements, with most providing free consultations and contingency fee arrangements to help clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.