Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Providence, RI
Thousands of vehicles traverse Providence, RI, roadways each day, and, in the warmer months, some of those are motorcycles. Unfortunately, unlike larger cars and trucks, motorcycles lack the enclosed protection of a standard vehicle. This can translate to serious injuries in an accident between the two, some of which can be life-altering and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s negligence in a Providence motorcycle accident, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm are here to help you determine your legal options and take action.
Most Common Causes of Providence Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents on Providence roadways stem from many of the same causes as those in other parts of the state and country. The most common causes include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Lane splitting
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Left turns
- Blind spots
- Driving while under the influence
- Inclement weather
- Road hazards
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the lack of protection a motorcycle offers, accidents between them and the much larger vehicles often translate to severe injuries, including:
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Bruising
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Amputation or crush injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lower extremity injuries, often affecting the feet and legs
- Chest injuries
Time Limits to Filing a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Providence
Rhode Island outlines specific time constraints regarding legal action after a motorcycle accident, which, in this case, is three years. This timeframe called the statute of limitations, is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party after an accident.
If you don’t file your claim within this timeframe, you may forfeit your ability to pursue legal action altogether. Some exceptions may apply, but given that they’re not very common, it’s important to act quickly and contact a skilled Providence motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Damages Available in a Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Case
Like many personal injury cases, victims injured in motorcycle accidents may pursue two primary types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
The first type, called economic damages, covers the financial losses stemming from your accident. This can include damage to your motorcycle, medical expenses related to your injuries, and lost wages due to your inability to work while recovering.
The second type, called non-economic damages, covers the non-financial aspects of your accident. These damages are harder to quantify, as they’re based on subjective losses associated with the accident, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
A third type of damages, called punitive damages, may be available in select cases. Courts only award these damages to punish a defendant who has acted intentionally to cause harm, with malice, or in bad faith. These damages aren’t always available, given that you must prove the defendant acted with intent or malice, and the courts rarely award them.
How Much is My Case Worth?
The value of your Providence motorcycle accident case depends on factors specific to your situation, such as the severity of your injury. Since the state doesn’t have specific statutory caps on the amount of damages you may recover, except in cases filed against the government, there’s no limit to the amount you can pursue.
Additionally, the state uses a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can still pursue compensation even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. In some states, you can’t pursue compensation if you are partially at fault, but Rhode Island isn’t one of them.
The Role of a Providence, RI, Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaotic and stressful. While finding skilled legal representation might be the last thing on your mind, it’s an important step in pursuing legal action against the at-fault party.
At the Fogelman Law Firm, we’re well-versed in Providence motorcycle accidents. We recognize how life-altering they can be and strive to help victims get their lives back on track by helping them pursue compensation. While compensation can’t undo the trauma you’ve experienced, it can help minimize the financial burden associated with your accident.
Our skilled team will help you through every stage of the process, handling the bulk of the legal ins and outs to ensure you can focus on recovery. We will:
- Analyze your case to determine your legal rights, obligations, and options
- Conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence, such as medical records, witness testimonies, and dashcam footage
- Help you understand your options to ensure you can make informed legal decisions
- Negotiate settlement offers with the at-fault party’s insurer
- Represent you in each stage of the process, including litigation, to pursue a fair and meaningful outcome
We’re here to advocate for rights and interests through every step of the process. You’re not alone in this—our experienced Providence motorcycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through the complexities of the legal system.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
You’re not required to hire a lawyer after an accident. However, between the complexities of the legal system and the unfortunate tactic of insurance companies attempting to settle with victims for unfairly low amounts, having skilled legal representation is a must.
Our skilled lawyers at the Fogelman Law Firm can help you navigate each of those difficulties, ensuring you can focus on healing instead of stressing about the legal system. We’ll take care of each step, from helping you understand your legal options to fielding offers from the at-fault party’s insurer.
Consult With Our Skilled Team at the Fogelman Law Firm
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, we can help. Our experienced Providence motorcycle accident attorneys at the Fogelman Law Firm have helped many Rhode Island residents navigate their cases and can help you do the same. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.
