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Awards & Affiliations

  • American Association for Justice
    As members of the AAJ, we are committed to promoting a fair, effective justice system that allows for victims of misconduct or negligence to obtain the justice they deserve.
  • Rhode Island Association for Justice
    Members of the Rhode Island Association for Justice follow the organization’s mission: Working together to ensure equality.
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
    The Rhode Island Bar Association has been working to uphold and protect federal and state laws since 1898, with an emphasis on maintaining a democratic government and honoring the justice system.
  • DC Bar
    Membership with the DC Bar provides us with access to legal research materials, professional service providers, and more that can be used for the benefit of our clients.
  • Super Lawyers
    Only 2.5% of attorneys in a given state are selected for inclusion on the Rising Stars® list. Members must be aged 40 or younger, or be in practice for 10 years or less.
  • Distinguished Martindale Hubbell
    Distinguished® attorneys are peer-review rated and selected based on their honorable professional achievements.
  • Brain Injury Association
    Our work with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island is designed to provide information and services to survivors.
  • Brain Association of America
    As members of the Brain Injury Association of America, we are the voice of awareness, and we are here to help survivors.
  • Expertise Best Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
    Southern New England Brain Injury Law Center
  • NABIS
    This is a society of multidisciplinary brain injury professionals who come together to discuss issues concerning brain injury and bring the science behind brain injuries into practice.
  • Melvin M Belli
    Lawyers are initiated into the Melvin M. Belli society by invitation-only and are considered to be distinguished trial lawyers.

Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer

Advocating for Car Crash Victims in Providence & Middletown

vehicle accident in Providence, RI

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the impact may last for weeks, months, or even years. An accident could lead to severe injuries that disrupt or completely alter your daily life, from third-degree burns to brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, disfigurement, and more. And the worst part? Negligent parties often prioritize themselves over those they have injured.

It would help if you were not left to pay the losses, or “damages,” incurred by another person’s negligence. Unfortunately, in the days after a crash, insurance agents will attempt to do just that. At Karns & Kerrison, we won’t allow this.

Since 1974, our dedicated legal team in Providence has stood up for auto accident victims, taking on insurance companies in negotiations and, if need be, in civil court. A lawsuit may be the best way to recover the total amount of your damages, such as pain and suffering, medical costs, lost earnings, emotional distress, and more.

Were you involved in a car accident? Call Karns & Kerrison today at (888) 281-3100 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our car accident attorney in Rhode Island.

When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident

The last thing anyone wants to worry about after an accident is dealing with insurance adjusters, filing paperwork, and collecting evidence. That’s where an attorney comes in. They can handle the brunt of the legal work so that you can focus on getting the medical treatment and rest you need to recover. In addition, a good attorney can greatly increase your chance of recovering your full and fair compensation.

How We Can Help You

When you come to Karns & Kerrison, you can rest easy knowing our team of Rhode Island car accident attorneys is handling all aspects of your claim, including:

  • Helping you get the medical treatment you need

  • Filing all necessary paperwork
  • Collecting any necessary documents or evidence to support your claim
  • Negotiating with the insurance company
  • Preparing your case for trial; if a settlement cannot be reached

Whether you hire an attorney is up to you—and it doesn’t hurt to consult one. Karns & Kerrison provides no-cost, no-obligation consultations to all prospective clients. That way, you can make an informed decision about legal representation.

Who Can File a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In Rhode Island, anyone injured due to the negligence of another has the right to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.

You will need to prove a few elements to have a strong, valid case:

  • The negligent party owed you a duty of care, such as the one all motorists owe to others on the road;
  • The negligent party violated this duty through negligence, such as speeding or other reckless driving;
  • The violation resulted in an accident, meaning their negligence (not yours) directly caused the accident; and
  • The accident led to your injury and its associated damages, such as missed time from work, medical care, vehicular damage, etc.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

While car accident victims can technically sue a negligent party for however much they want, they will need to be able to provethese damages actually to recover them.

Common damages after an auto accident include but are not limited to:

  • Medical bills and prescriptions
  • Doctor visits
  • Hospitalization costs
  • Long-term care
  • Lost wages, past, and future
  • Loss of consortium
  • Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages for extreme cases of negligence

If the other driver's insurance policy cannot cover all the damages you have incurred, then your own insurance policy may cover the balance through uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage and collision coverage.

Car Accident FAQs

Is it Important That I See a Doctor After My Accident?

Make sure you seek immediate medical treatment after an accident, whether you take an ambulance to the hospital, drive yourself to the hospital, visit a walk-in clinic or urgent care, or make an appointment with your primary care physician. Tell whoever examines you about any pains and injuries you have from the accident. In addition to getting immediate care, it is extremely important to get follow-up care.

Should I Speak to the Insurance Company?

You have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company after an accident; however, if the other driver's insurance company asks to speak with you or get a statement, you should direct them to your lawyer. Speaking with the other party's insurance company will do nothing but hurt your case since they have no interest in protecting your rights. They aim to pay you as little as possible to protect their bottom line.

How Much Will it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

At Karns & Kerrison, we do not charge any legal fees unless we can recover compensation on your behalf. You will never get a bill as the case proceeds. We do not take a percentage of the property damage recovery; we only charge a percentage of the rest of the settlement that we get you at the end of your case. This is known as contingency-fee representation, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case.

Is There a Time Limit on Filing Car Accident Claims in Rhode Island?

In any civil case, a statute of limitations imposes a time limit on your claim. Rhode Island residents generally have three years to file a lawsuit after they have been hurt in an accident, whether that involves a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other type of vehicle (Rhode Island General Laws § 9-1-14).

State residents have three years to act for car accident cases involving wrongful death.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorney Today

At Karns & Kerrison, we believe that no one should have to suffer due to the negligent or wrongful acts of another. We will, therefore, advocate aggressively for you.

Some of our notable motor vehicle accident case results include:

  • $2.1 million for a bicyclist who was struck and killed by a motor vehicle
  • $1.55 million for a woman who suffered a head and brain injury in a car crash
  • $1.26 million for a nurse who was injured in a rear-end collision

With a track record of over $250 million in client recoveries and more than 85 years of combined experience, we stand ready to fight for you! Find out what it’s like to work with an award-winning trial team that puts you first.

Suggested Reading:

Contact Karns & Kerrison today to schedule a FREE, no-obligation consultation with our car accident attorney in Providence!

  • Car Accident Traumatic Brain Injury
    I would definitely recommend Karns & Kerrison to anyone who asked - they come through for you.

    - Patricia Feeley

  • Slipped on Greasy Floor
    I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending Karns & Kerrison.

    - Mike Carey

  • Rear End Collision
    Nothing but positive results from consultation, to filing the legal suit, handling of a major operation, to recovery and finalizing a generous settlement.

    - Larry Goldfarb

  • Horrible Car Accident
    They not only got me a fair settlement, they helped to get me well.

    - Nancy

  • Motor Vehicle Accident - Braga Bridge
    It was comforting to know I had someone watching out for me.

    - Jeanie Small

  • Pedestrian hit by Car
    I did not know where to turn when I realized I needed legal help but I am very happy that I found Karns & Kerrison.

    - Martin

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Over

$250 MILLION RECOVERED

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Schedule A Free Consultation

If you or your loved one suffered severe, life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for justice. For answers to your questions or to schedule a free consultation, contact our personal injury team at (888) 281-3100. We offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorneys’ fees after we have recovered compensation on your behalf.

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