- Free Consultation: 401-552-5000 Tap Here To Call Us
What to Do After a Car Accident in Rhode Island: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide
Car accidents can be seriously traumatizing events that leave you feeling lost and unsure what to do. In the wake of a serious car accident, there are certain steps you should take in order to ensure an optimal outcome in the case you are filing a personal injury lawsuit or accident claim to seek compensation for your injuries. Rhode Island’s at-fault insurance system allows accident victims to file a claim to seek compensation, but not following some critical steps can hinder you in actually obtaining the compensation.
Steps To Take After An Auto Accident
Understanding what to do immediately after an auto accident can be an essential part of protecting your right to fair compensation. Here’s what you should do if you get into a car accident in Rhode Island:
- Call the police: Drivers are required under Rhode Island law to report any accident involving substantial property damage, death, or bodily injury
- Immediately seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s key to seek immediate medical attention because certain injuries may not become apparent for hours or even days after the accident. Moreover, a physician’s evaluation of your injuries immediately after the accident will help prove that your injuries were incurred as a result of the accident and not in the time after.
- Gathering evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident, your injuries, and the damage to all parties involved as well as the condition that may have resulted in your accident.
- Talk to eyewitnesses: If there were any bystanders, immediately get their full name and contact information in case you need eyewitness testimony – which can be extremely important when filing a personal injury claim.
What Damages Can I Pursue In A Rhode Island Auto Accident Claim?
Depending on the specific situation, you may be able to pursue damages for your present, past, and future medical bills. Other types of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Lost income from work
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical rehabilitation
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Legal representation is key when calculating damages in order to assess your future needs and the true scope of the impact this accident could have on you. In Rhode Island, damages are not limited in the case of most personal injury plaintiffs. However, if you wait to long to file, your case could be automatically dismissed and you will lose any opportunity to get the compensation you may be legally entitled to as well as the justice you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve sustained significant injuries in a Rhode Island auto accident, acting in a timely manner is essential in order to seek compensation for the damages incurred. Having an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side will help you get the optimal outcome for your case – remember that insurance companies have whole teams of lawyers on retainer specifically to pay out the least amount they can get away with. Call Tapalian Law to consult with a top Rhode Island auto accident attorney today.