If you, a friend, or a loved one has been victimized by a catastrophic motor vehicle accident (MVA) in the state of Rhode Island, recovering from such a deadly incident can be difficult and traumatic. As the victim of a violent accident, you or someone close to you may have suffered severe or life-threatening injuries and may have sustained extensive physical pain and emotional strain as a result. Furthermore, you may be burdened with excessive medical bills and vehicle insurance and, as a final resort, require the intervention of a professional accident lawyer. You or your loved one may have been victimized by criminal activity, DUI, or negligence. Despite the complexity of these unfortunate issues, you can discover a vast array of resources that can guide you through each stage of recovery.
If You Cannot Work as the Result of a Catastrophic Accident
In the event that your ability to work has been impaired by an accident, you can turn to multiple resources that will help you receive financial aid and support:
- Social Security Disability – Resources for Rhode Island residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries.
- Supplemental Security Income – Resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in the State of Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island Bar Association – For residents of Rhode Island seeking the representation and assistance of a professional lawyer specializing in car accidents, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, and more.
Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?
For those who sustained injuries in a Rhode Island car accident and need a copy of the police report, requests can be sent in via U.S. Mail with a $15 money order or certified check payable to The State of Rhode Island. Or, you can contact one of our local personal injury attorneys who will gladly obtain a free copy of your police incident report.
If you or someone you love is having trouble receiving a copy of the police report following an accident, contact our office so we can help you get a complimentary copy as soon as possible.
If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy
Accidents not only inflict terrible injuries on the body but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim’s mind. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:
- Rhode Island Psychological Association – Search statewide for psychologists who can help you recover from your traumatic experience with a motor vehicle accident.
- Rhode Island Therapists and Counselors – A directory that allows you to cross-references therapists and counselors based on specialty, availability, a field of study, and experience.
- Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island – An association in Rhode Island that provides emotional support and educational resources for victims of traumatic brain injuries and their friends/family.
If You Require Financial Aid for Incidents Resulting from Criminal Activity
You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and/or medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:
- Rhode Island Crime Victim Compensation Program – Sponsored by the Office of the Rhode Island General Treasurer, this program provides resources for victims of accidents caused by criminal activity. You can visit links to fill out an official application and view rules and regulations.
If You Require Aid for Car Insurance and Vehicle Damage
The Rhode Island DMV requires that minimum motor vehicle policies must include the following amounts:
- $25,000 per single injured victim
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for damage to property
Vehicular accidents are an unfortunate and tragic part of our lives and can impact victims and their families in terrible, tragic ways. However, you do not have to face these problems alone. Be sure to visit Local Accident Reports for statements related to your accident.
If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI
Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damages to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by state law, the Rhode Island DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% for adults (ages 21 and older). Meanwhile, young adults and juveniles (younger than 21 years) with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08% can be charged with DUI.
Currently, Rhode Island ranks 45th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If you, a loved one, or a friend have been victimized by a DUI incident and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:
- Rhode Island MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Rhode Island. To speak with a representative at the national headquarters, call (877) ASK. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact Rhode Island MADD call the Providence office at (401)421.0800 or use the directory to find your local department.
Accident Prevention Services in Rhode Island
In recent years, the State of Rhode Island has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.
- Rhode Island Office of Highway Safety – Sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, this group is responsible for improving highway safety and protecting the lives of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Resources include videos about the Ripple Effect (drunk driving), occupant protection, and Drive Now/Text Later (texting).
- Highway and Roadway Safety – Also sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, this page provides resources for motorists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists safety along state roads. You can visit links to interstate roundabouts in Rhode Island, a wrong-way crash avoidance plan, special signals (e.g. pedestrian signs, yellow arrows), and HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) signals.
Accident in Rhode Island by the Number
In this section, you can investigate the statistics regarding traffic congestion and the percentage of fatal accidents. As of the year 2016, Rhode Island has a total population of 1,056,426 residents and a particularly low percentage of fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents. For more information, check out the data sheets provided by the HLDI (Highway Loss Data Institute). While these numbers have updated since this time, this sheet will provide you with a basic layout of Rhode Island’s traffic statistics and help you develop a safer travel plan while visiting New England.
Vehicle Miles Traveled in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island has a total of 7,766 million vehicle miles traveled.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in Rhode Island
- 48 fatal crashes causing 51 deaths overall
- 4.8 deaths per 100 million of the total population of Rhode Island
- 0.66 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
Deaths Related to Motor Vehicle Accidents in Rhode Island
- Car occupants = 18 (35%)
- Pickup/SUV occupants = 12 (24%)
- Large truck occupants = 1 (2%)
- Motorcyclists = 4(8%)
- Bicyclists = 2 (4%)
- Pedestrians = 14 (27%)
- Total traffic accident fatalities = 51
Single Vehicle vs. Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Rhode Island
- Single-vehicle accidents = 35 (69%)
- Multi-vehicle accidents = 16 (31%)
- Total = 51
Fatalities from DUI Accidents: Rhode Island
- Total deaths = 22
- Drivers with registered BAC results = 21 (95%)
- Drivers with BAC results equal to or greater than 0.08 = 10 (48%)
Use of Restraint: Rhode Island
- Observation of safety belt usage in the State of Rhode Island = 88
- Fatally injured victims-unrestrained = 15 (50%)
- Fatally injured victims-restrained = 14 (47%)
- Fatally injured victims-undisclosed use of restraint = 1 (3%)
- Total of fatal injuries = 30
Rural Accidents vs. Urban Accidents: Rhode Island
- Urban accidents = 41 (80%)
- Rural accidents = 10 (20%)
- Unspecified area = 0 (0%)
- Total = 51
