WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
Our Rhode Island Car Accident Recovery Manual is a handy checklist of actions you should take if you have been in a crash. We urge you to review it and screenshot it on your phone to have it as a reference.
A serious car accident can turn your world upside down in the blink of an eye. An injury can put you or a loved one who was in the vehicle in the hospital and out of work as medical bills and other losses mount. There are steps you can take to protect your rights. For more information and personal assistance with the aftermath of a car accident in Rhode Island, contact the team of top Rhode Island car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush online or by phone for a free consultation.
RHODE ISLAND CAR ACCIDENT RECOVERY MANUAL
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance Card
- Emergency contact numbers
- Jumper cables
- Spare tire, jack, lug wrench
- Multi-tool or tool kit
- Cell phone charger
- Bottled water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Blankets / sleeping bags (for winter driving)
Do I have a case?
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT CHECKLIST
Can You ID a Hit-and-Run Driver?
If the person who hit you flees the scene before police arrive, try to get the license plate number. Otherwise, try to get:
- The car’s make, model and color.
- A description of the driver.
- The direction the car left in, including street names. Security cameras may pick it up.
Write down information or make an audio recording with your phone. Don’t rely on memory
Immediate steps…
Clear the roadway.
Stay put.
Do not leave the scene – you could be charged with hit and run. Turn on your hazard lights and stay in the car until help arrives.
AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE…
Get emergency care.
If EMTs or police advise you to go to the emergency room, get into the ambulance.
Gather driver and witness information.
Exchange information with the other drivers, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and insurance information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone who saw the accident happen.
Document the scene.
Take photos or video of the positions of the cars and their damage. Photograph everything that helps tell the story of the accident:
-Debris or skid marks.
-Signs, trees or other damaged property.
-Hazardous conditions, like standing water, potholes, obstructed view.
-You and your passengers’ injuries.
Cooperate with police.
Be calm and business-like. Answer police officers’ questions honestly, but answer only what’s asked. Do not speculate about what caused the accident. Do not admit or accept blame for the accident.
Remove your car.
Once police have finished or otherwise instruct you, you may remove your car. You may need to contact a local towing service. If at all possible, do not leave your car at the accident scene.
HOME FROM THE ACCIDENT …
After you have decompressed, write down in your own words what happened. Create a file for all receipts, reports, photos and other records connected to the accident and your injuries. Save everything.
DAYS AFTER AN ACCIDENT …
Don’t discuss or boast about an anticipated lawsuit or settlement. Do not make posts on social media – they could jeopardize your claim.
WEEKS AFTER AN ACCIDENT …
Recovering from your injuries counts most. Continue to follow doctor’s orders for all treatment and medication. If you have a Rhode Island personal injury attorney, let him or her worry about your accident claim.
GET A RHODE ISLAND POLICE REPORT
The police officer handling your accident should give you an accident report number before leaving. You will need this number to obtain the crash report. It requires a small fee, but you need to get a copy.
The fee may be recoverable. Get police reports online 48 hours after the accident at GetCrashReports.com. You may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a $15 check or money order payable to “The State of Rhode Island” to:
Rhode Island State Police
Accident Bureau
311 Danielson Pike
North Scituate, RI 02857
In a mailed request, include the driver’s name, date of the accident and accident report number.
RHODE ISLAND CAR ACCIDENT RESOURCES
Law Enforcement
| Rhode Island State Police | 911 (Emergency)401-444-1000 |
| Providence Police Department | 401-421-7740 |
| Pawtucket Police Department | 401-727-9100 |
| Woonsocket Police Department | 401-766-1212 |
| Warwick Police Department | 401-468-4200 |
| Bristol Police Department | 401-253-6900 |
| Newport Police Department | 401-847-1212 |
| Narragansett Police Department | 401-789-1091 |
| Westerly Police Department | 401-596-2022 |
Rental Cars
| Alamo Rent a Car, Green Airport, Warwick | 888-826-6893 |
| Avis Car Rental, Providence | 401-521-7900 |
| Budget Car Rental, Green Airport, Warwick | 401-739-8986 |
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Providence | 401-861-4408 |
| Hertz, Westerly | 401-315-2921 |
| Thrifty Car Rental, Green Airport, Warwick | 877-283-0898 |
