Truck Accident Lawyer in Providence, RI
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Providence, RI can be daunting, especially when faced with mounting medical bills and uncertainties about your legal rights. That’s where our experienced truck accident lawyers in Providence, RI, come in.
At the Fogelman Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping people like you fight for the compensation they deserve. We’ve helped countless residents in and beyond Providence understand their legal options and pursue legal action in personal injury cases and can help you do the same. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in a Providence truck accident, we’re here to help.
What Causes Providence, RI, Truck Accidents?
Multiple causes lead to Providence, RI, truck accidents, including:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Driver fatigue
- Driver error
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence or while intoxicated
- Improper maintenance
- Inadequate training and inexperience
- Inclement weather
- Mechanical failures
- Equipment failure
Common Injuries in Providence Truck Accidents
The sheer size of semi-trucks compared to other vehicles often leads to life-altering injuries in accidents. The most common injuries in these accidents include:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability is a crucial factor in a Providence truck accident lawsuit. In these cases, multiple parties can be held liable, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company responsible for maintaining the truck
- The truck manufacturer
- The company that loaded the truck
- Another driver on the road
Determining which party or parties are to blame for the collision requires careful evaluation of all factors pertinent to the case. The process can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to enlist help from a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Providence.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Rhode Island is one of just over a dozen states that use pure comparative negligence. This means that you can still recover damages, even if you carry more than 50% of the blame, but your damage award will drop in proportion to your percentage of the blame.
It’s important to note that if you’re found to be 100% at fault, you can’t pursue damages from the other party.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Rhode Island, like every other state, sets specific timeframes for filing lawsuits. This timeframe is called the statute of limitations and sets a limit on the amount of time you have after an incident to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
In most Rhode Island personal injury cases, including truck crash cases, victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Once this timeframe closes, you may lose your ability to pursue legal action against the negligent party, so it’s important to act quickly. A knowledgeable Providence truck accident lawyer can help you stay on top of applicable filing deadlines.
What Types of Damages Are Available in a Truck Accident Case?
Individuals injured in Providence truck accidents may pursue multiple types of damages. The first is called economic damages and covers monetary losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
The second, called non-economic damages, applies to non-financial losses surrounding the incident, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. These damages have no specific numerical value and are subjective, so lawyers often base them on the economic damage amount.
In some cases, a third type of damages, called punitive damages, may be available. Rhode Island courts award these damages in cases involving actions that are malicious, intentional, or display a blatant disregard for others’ safety and rights. These damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for their actions, and given the requirements, they’re rare in personal injury cases.
How Much is a Truck Accident Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a truck accident lawsuit fluctuates based on multiple factors, such as the severity of injuries and the percentage of fault. Oftentimes, more severe injuries with a lesser likelihood of full recoveries are eligible for higher payouts, but it can vary. A skilled Providence truck accident lawyer can help evaluate your case to determine a fair and meaningful amount to pursue.
Understanding the Role of a Providence Truck Accident Lawyer
The legal system can be complicated. Between comparative fault, filing deadlines, and determining liability, these cases can be overwhelming for anyone without extensive legal knowledge and experience. That’s where our skilled Providence truck accident lawyers come in.
We’ve helped many residents of Providence and beyond understand their legal options and navigate their cases. We’re here to help you do the same. We will:
- Evaluate your accident to identify your legal rights and options
- Offer legal guidance to help you make informed decisions in your case
- Launch a thorough investigation to gather applicable evidence, such as witness testimonies, photos from the scene, and police reports
- Determine which party or parties are liable based on evidence
- File appropriate claims and documentation within applicable deadlines
- Negotiate settlement offers with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Represent you in court if the at-fault party’s insurer doesn’t offer a fair settlement amount
Contact Our Experienced Team for Personalized Help With Your Case
Between the stress of recovering from a serious injury and the financial burden of accident-related losses, the aftermath of a Providence truck accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. Pursuing legal action might seem like it’ll add to that burden, but it’s an important step in fighting for compensation. Our experienced Providence truck accident lawyers are here to shoulder the burden of pursuing legal action against the at-fault party, leaving you to focus on healing and recovery. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form to get started with a free consultation.
