Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Warwick, RI
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences, potentially resulting in serious injuries that require extensive and costly medical care. While seeking legal guidance after such an accident may be the last thing on your mind, help from a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Warwick, RI, can be pivotal in pursuing compensation to offset accident-related costs.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Warwick motorcycle accident, our experienced team at the Fogelman Law Firm is here to help.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be the result of various actions, including:
- Lane splitting
- Road hazards, such as gravel or uneven road
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Left turns
- Blind spots
- Driving while under the influence or intoxicated
- High speeds
- Weather
- Distracted driving
Common Injuries in Warwick Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, since motorcycles don’t offer nearly as much protection as enclosed vehicles, the accidents resulting from them can be serious, including:
- Road rash
- Lacerations and bruises
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Foot and leg injuries
Understanding Warwick Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Motorcycle accident lawsuits can be complex, as every situation is different, and applicable laws can be hard to understand. An experienced Warwick, RI, motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate your case and understand your legal options.
Statute of Limitations
Like many lawsuits filed in Rhode Island, a statute of limitations places a time constraint on Warwick motorcycle accident lawsuits. Under Rhode Island law, a three-year statute of limitations applies to most motorcycle accident cases.
This means that you have three years to file your claim. Failure to file your claim within this timeframe may forfeit your right to pursue legal action. While exceptions may apply in certain cases, these time constraints apply to most, so it’s important to act quickly.
Recoverable Damages
Multiple types of compensation are available in a Rhode Island motorcycle accident case, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages apply to monetary losses associated with the accident, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, apply to non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant who has acted with the intent to cause harm and with malice or in bad faith. They’re not available in all cases, and since you must prove the defendant’s intent or malice, awards are often rare.
Value of a Motorcycle Accident Case
The value of your Warwick motorcycle accident case hinges on factors specific to the accident, including the severity of the injury and the likelihood of making a full recovery. Unlike many states, Rhode Island doesn’t outline statutory caps on damages available in these cases unless the case is filed against the government.
In Rhode Island, you have the potential to recover compensation even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident, thanks to the state’s pure comparative fault system. A knowledgeable Warwick, RI, motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in assessing the value of your case, taking into account its unique circumstances.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Rhode Island
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, follow these steps:
- Call 911: In Rhode Island, you must report any vehicle accident with a minimum of $1,000 in property damage or involving an injury or fatality. To get emergency services on the scene, call 911.
- Get medical attention:When emergency services arrive, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Sometimes, the adrenaline rush after the accident can mask symptoms and injuries until hours after the accident, so it’s important to get evaluated.
- Gather evidence: If you’re able and it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible, including witness testimonies and contact information, photos of the scene, and the other driver’s insurance and contact information.
- Contact a lawyer: Talk to an experienced Warwick, RI, motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you determine your next steps and offer advice specific to your situation.
How a Warwick, RI, Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
While hiring a lawyer might be the last thing on your mind after a motorcycle accident, it’s an integral step in pursuing compensation for your injuries. Your lawyer will guide you through each phase of the process, shouldering the legal burden so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Your lawyer will:
- Evaluate your case to help you determine your legal options
- Leverage their expertise in motorcycle accident cases to advocate for your rights and interests
- Investigate the incident to gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Provide sound legal guidance to help you make informed decisions surrounding your case
- Represent you in negotiations and litigation to pursue a fair and meaningful settlement or verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
While you’re not required to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, their help can be valuable in navigating the ins and outs of Rhode Island law. The legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially with the added burden of recovering from an injury. Your lawyer will take that burden off your shoulders, handling the legal intricacies while you focus on healing.
When Should I Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Multiple deadlines apply to your case, so it’s important to act quickly. Your lawyer can offer personalized input surrounding your case and help you determine your legal options.
What Should I Do If The Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
While an initial settlement offer may seem high, insurers often offer far less than what you may be entitled to. So, before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, talk to your lawyer. They can help you determine a fair amount to pursue and negotiate the offer with the insurer for a settlement that covers your damages.
Get Personalized Assistance With Your Motorcycle Accident Case
f you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our knowledgeable Warwick, RI, motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. At the Fogelman Law Firm, we’re well-versed in the ins and outs of motorcycle accident cases and can help you navigate the nuances of yours. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to start with a free consultation.
