Almost all vehicle collisions in Rhode Island are caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. There are exceptions, such as a bear darting aimlessly across a road, or a huge boulder suddenly falling down a mountain, but more often than not, human causes can be attributed to a car accident. When an accident is caused by negligence or recklessness, injured victims and their loved ones may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. This compensation is usually negotiated with the at-fault driver’s car insurance provider.
Some of the common causes of car accidents in Rhode Island include:
- A motorist was distracted by a cell phone or passenger;
- A motorist fell asleep at the wheel;
- A motorist was driving too fast for road conditions or in excess of posted road conditions;
- A motorist was under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- A motorist fails to use a signal when changing lanes or turning.
If you are able to determine the other driver was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover damages in a personal injury claim. These damages can be recovered in a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or a verdict awarded following a lawsuit filing. Compensation recovered following a Rhode Island car accident may include medical expenses related to the accident, lost earnings due to being unable to work, future physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering and mental anguish.
The accident police report may establish who was responsible for an accident
The officer will gather information about the collision, including the date, time and location of the collision, current road conditions, and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. The law enforcement report will typically contain the investigating officer’s opinion of what happened and who was responsible.
Police accident reports are usually compelling in establishing causation because the officer was at the scene of the accident
However, police officers and investigators are not perfect and may make mistakes. There have been instances where a police officer provided incorrect information in a police report and the report was later corrected or amended, or the insurance claims adjustor simply disagrees with the accident report. The East Providence car accident attorneys at Dan & Dana are familiar with the process of obtaining police reports, reviewing for accuracy and any potentially omitted information.
To learn more about how to recover compensation in a Rhode Island personal injury claim, contact Dana & Dana Attorneys at Law at (401) 217-3449.
