Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

What To Do After A Motorcycle Crash In Rhode Island

Knowing the right steps to take after a motorcycle crash can protect your health and strengthen your motorcycle accident claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle crash:

Ensure Safety And Call 911

Prioritize safety and move to a safe location, if possible. If you or anyone else is injured, wait for medical help rather than moving unnecessarily.

Call 911 immediately to file an official accident report with local law enforcement. A copy of the police report will be a critical piece of evidence for any future legal claim.

Gather Evidence

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down details such as the time of the accident, the weather, and the location where the accident occurred.

Collect contact details and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.

File An Accident Report

In Rhode Island, reporting a motorcycle crash is legally required. This record also helps establish what happened and can support your case later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor right away. Some motorcycle accident injuries – like internal bleeding or concussion – aren’t immediately obvious. Also, medical records are key evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

Get Legal Representation

Before speaking to your insurance company to report the accident, reach out to a Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney. At Marasco & Nesselbush, we can help safeguard your interests, handle insurance negotiations, and work to build a strong case that maximizes your compensation.

For more information on what to do after a collision, you can visit the Rhode Island DMV or State Police website.

What Are The Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Rhode Island?

Motorcycle accidents often happen in an instant, but their causes are rarely random. In Rhode Island, certain factors appear again and again in crash reports – many of them preventable. Knowing the most common risks can help riders stay alert and hold negligent parties accountable.

Distracted Drivers

Texting, eating, or adjusting controls can take a biker’s focus off the road, leading to serious motorcycle crashes.

Lane Splitting

Riding between lanes can be dangerous if other vehicles make sudden moves without signaling.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, or loose gravel increase the risk of losing control.

Driver Inattention

Failing to notice motorcycles in blind spots or at intersections is a common cause of collisions.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.

Drunk Driving

Impaired drivers pose a significant threat to motorcycle riders’ safety.

Failure To Yield Right Of Way

Many crashes happen when drivers ignore traffic rules at intersections or while turning.

Inexperienced Riders

Lack of riding skills or road awareness can lead to avoidable mistakes.

Motorcycle Defects Or Mechanical Failures

Faulty brakes, tires, or engines can cause sudden loss of control.

Bad Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility and traction, making riding more dangerous.

Understanding these causes of motorcycle accidents can help bikers and drivers take steps to prevent them and avoid serious injuries.

Common Types Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries — Know The Risks

Motorcycle accidents often leave riders with life-altering injuries due to the lack of physical protection compared to other vehicles. Some of the most common types of motorcycle injuries we see include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can cause lasting cognitive issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes, affecting work, relationships, and daily activities.

Spinal Cord Injuries (Paralysis)

Damage to the spinal cord may lead to partial or complete paralysis, limiting mobility and independence and requiring significant lifestyle adjustments.

Broken Bones And Fractures

Severe fractures can lead to chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and an inability to perform certain physical tasks, impacting both work and leisure.

Road Rash And Skin Abrasions

Although road rash may seem minor, skin abrasions can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, and infection risks, often requiring painful treatments or surgery.

Internal Injuries

Organ damage and internal bleeding can have life-threatening consequences and may result in long-term health complications.

Amputations

Losing a limb drastically affects mobility, self-care, and the ability to engage in previous hobbies or employment.

Wrongful Death

The sudden loss of a loved one leaves families facing emotional devastation and the absence of companionship and support.

Beyond the physical harm, severe motorcycle accident injuries often bring overwhelming financial burdens – medical expenses, lost income, and costly rehabilitation. The emotional toll – depression, anxiety, and the loss of hobbies or independence – can be just as overwhelming, making fair compensation essential for rebuilding your lives.

Motorcycle Accident Resources And Laws For Rhode Island

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand local motorcycle accident laws and resources available in Rhode Island to help you protect your rights and build a strong case:

Local Laws

• Rhode Island law prohibits lane splitting. Riders must maintain their lane of travel.
• Rhode Island law requires all passengers and riders in their first year of licensure to wear a helmet when they ride a motorcycle.
• Riders must complete a motorcycle safety course from the Community College of Rhode Island to obtain an “M” endorsement.

Reporting Requirements

All accidents causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the police within 24 hours. You can visit the Rhode Island DMV for detailed reporting instructions.

Local Resources

• Rhode Island State Police
• State of Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles

Local Statistics

• As of 2023, there are about 28,376 registered motorcycles in Rhode Island.
• The state typically witnesses 13 fatal motorcycle crashes each year.
• Nearly a third of the auto accident deaths have occurred in motorcycle accidents.

Get The Legal Help You Deserve – Contact An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Marasco & Nesselbush, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to review your case for free and guide you through every step of the legal process.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at (401) 417-4904 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Consultation

FAQs

What should I do if I’m involved in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island?

Ensure your safety, call 911, and seek medical attention immediately. Gather evidence, exchange contact and insurance details, and take photos of the scene. Finally, contact an experienced Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurers to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

How long do you have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from seeking compensation, so it’s important to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

How long will my motorcycle accident claim take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether the claim settles or goes to trial. Some claims resolve in months, while others can take a year or more. Your motorcycle injury lawyer can give a clearer estimate based on your case.

After a motorcycle accident, will my bike be repaired or replaced?

If the repair cost is less than the bike’s market value, your insurer may cover repairs. If it’s deemed a total loss, you’ll typically receive a payout equal to the bike’s fair market value before the accident, subject to your policy terms and coverage.

What is the average payout for individuals hurt in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island?

The average payout varies depending on the severity of injuries, need for long-term medical care, other damages, and who the at-fault party is, but it can range from $10,000 to $100,000 – or over $1 million for catastrophic injury cases. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney for a more accurate assessment based on your case.