{"id":376114,"date":"2016-11-17T16:09:40","date_gmt":"2016-11-17T21:09:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-03-05T14:29:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T19:29:08","slug":"rhode-island-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/kit-yona-m-a\/\">Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 05, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Learning about the Rhode Island <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-settlement-basics.html\">car accident settlement<\/a> and timeline can ease confusion after a car accident claim. This FindLaw article can help you return to the road, as a driver or passenger, as quickly as possible.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Rhode Island Auto Accident Laws and Police Reports<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Knowing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/after-a-car-accident-first-steps.html\">what to do after a motor vehicle accident<\/a> and what you&#8217;ll need for your insurance claim can ease your mind and speed up the process. Remembering a few simple things can make your life much easier.<\/p>\r\n<p>Knowing what to do to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-claims-dos-and-don-ts.html\">file a successful auto insurance claim<\/a> and how to determine who the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/fault-and-liability-for-motor-vehicle-accidents.html\">at-fault driver<\/a> is makes it easier to get a car accident settlement.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Car Accident Claim Basics<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Auto insurance protects against property damage and personal injuries in motor vehicle accidents.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>What To Do After an Accident in Rhode Island<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Don&#8217;t leave the scene of the accident. You&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-26-3-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">required to alert the police<\/a> if any of the following happens:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>An injury or death<\/li>\r\n<li>Vehicle unable to move under its own power<\/li>\r\n<li>Property damage over $1,000<\/li>\r\n<li>You hit a domesticated animal<\/li>\r\n<li>You hit an unattended vehicle<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Under Rhode Island law, you have 21 days to report an accident, but it&#8217;s always a good idea to call the police and have them show up.<\/p>\r\n<p>Check on the well-being of all involved in the accident, including yourself. If necessary, offer first aid at the level you feel qualified to administer. When calling 911, make the operator aware of any injuries.<\/p>\r\n<p>Ask for medical attention for injuries. Keep copies of all medical expenses to negotiate a fair settlement.<\/p>\r\n<p>Take pictures of the accident scene. Move driveable cars to a safer location. Exchange contact information with other drivers and passengers, like phone numbers and insurance information.<\/p>\r\n<p>Regardless of whether the police file an accident report, <a href=\"https:\/\/dmv.ri.gov\/node\/1406\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">you may have to file an accident report of your own<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Auto Accident Reports in Rhode Island<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/obtaining-and-using-a-police-report.html\">car accident report<\/a> is an important document. It&#8217;s a key part of how insurance companies determine who is at fault and damage amounts.<\/p>\r\n<p>The investigating officer will gather objective data observed at the scene of the accident. They&#8217;ll combine this with statements taken from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Uses of accident reports are:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Insurance claims<\/li>\r\n<li>Resulting car accident claims parties file in court<\/li>\r\n<li>State crash statistics<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You can get a copy of the police report from police departments or <a href=\"https:\/\/risp.ri.gov\/safety-education\/motor-vehicle-safety-information\/if-you-are-involved-accident\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$15 online<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-car-accident-report-basics.html\">Rhode Island Car Accident Report Basics<\/a> article looks at exactly what goes into the report.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Negligence and Fault in Rhode Island<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Rhode Island is an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/accident-fault-faq.html\">at-fault<\/a> state for determining who will pay after an auto accident. This means that the driver determined to be responsible for causing the accident is liable for the injuries and damages that resulted.<\/p>\r\n<p>Rhode Island&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-comparative-negligence\/\">pure comparative negligence<\/a> doctrine determines the amount accident victims can get. Under this system, almost everyone is eligible for damages awards. The amount reduces by the percentage of fault contributed to the accident. If you&#8217;re 20% to blame, you&#8217;d get 80% of your settlement amount. If you&#8217;re 99% to blame, you can still get 1%.<\/p>\r\n<p>It can be difficult to know what you&#8217;re supposed to get and what you receive. To explain what you&#8217;ll encounter, look at FindLaw&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-car-accident-compensation-laws.html\">Rhode Island Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a> article.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Rhode Island Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Rhode Island requires that motorists carry liability auto insurance. Drivers must maintain <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-32-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">an insurance policy with the following minimums<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>At least $25,000 for the injury or death of a single person in a single accident<\/li>\r\n<li>At least $50,000 for the injury or death of multiple people in a single accident<\/li>\r\n<li>At least $25,000 for the injury or destruction of someone else&#8217;s property in a single accident<\/li>\r\n<li>A $75,000 combined single limit<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You may have to pay out of pocket for any damages beyond the policy limits. Having more coverage might be worth the trade-off of higher premiums.<\/p>\r\n<p>Other types of insurance are available. Rhode Island doesn&#8217;t use personal injury protection (PIP) insurance but a similar system called <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-27-insurance\/ri-gen-laws-sect-27-7-2-5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medpay<\/a>. Other forms include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-is-collision-insurance.html\">collision insurance<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/comprehensive-insurance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">comprehensive insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>After an accident, you&#8217;ll <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-thats-not-your-fault.html\">file an insurance claim<\/a> with the at-fault driver&#8217;s insurance company. If you&#8217;re at fault, you&#8217;ll file with your own carrier.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Rhode Island Insurance Settlement Process and Timeline<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Remember to keep copies of medical bills for your personal injuries and all communications with the insurance company.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Relevant Rhode Island Statutes (Laws)<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><b>Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-26-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sections 31-26-1 to 31-26-5<\/a> (requirement to stop and remain at scene of accident)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-26-6.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sections 31-26-6 to 31-26-16<\/a> (duty to file report on qualified accidents)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-26-3-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 31-26-3.2<\/a> (duty to notify police)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-31-motor-and-other-vehicles\/ri-gen-laws-sect-31-32-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 31-32-2<\/a> (proof of financial responsibility for the future defined)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Rhode Island General Laws Title 9. Courts and Civil Procedure:<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-9-courts-and-civil-procedure-procedure-generally\/ri-gen-laws-sect-9-20-4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 9-20-4<\/a> (pure comparative negligence)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ri\/title-9-courts-and-civil-procedure-procedure-generally\/ri-gen-laws-sect-9-1-14.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 9-1-14<\/a> (limitation of actions for words spoken or personal injuries)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>How the investigation process will proceed<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A claims adjuster is assigned once you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/insurance-claims-after-an-accident-the-basics.html?\">notified the insurance company<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>To confirm your injuries stemmed from the accident and not from a different event, you provide your medical records to review medical treatments.<\/li>\r\n<li>The insurance adjuster may contact witnesses and confirm their witness statements.<\/li>\r\n<li>They can ask you follow-up questions about the accident or investigate your injuries and the losses.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>The initial settlement offer<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>After the adjuster has finished the investigation, the insurance company will either make an initial settlement offer for the amount they believe you&#8217;re owed in compensation for the accident or deny the claim. The insurance company has 60 days to make its decision.<\/li>\r\n<li>Rhode Island uses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-comparative-negligence\/\">pure comparative negligence<\/a>. Any recovery may get reduced by the percentage you are responsible for the accident.&nbsp;<\/li>\r\n<li>The initial offer might be less than you expected or hoped for, not even enough to cover your losses and medical care.<\/li>\r\n<li>Demand to know why your claim was denied.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Negotiations and other options<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>You must choose whether to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-settlement-basics.html\">accept the initial settlement offer or enter the negotiations phase<\/a> instead.<\/li>\r\n<li>Prepare to present evidence to show proof of your injuries and losses if you&#8217;re going to negotiate. You&#8217;ll argue that your case is worth more than the offer presented.<\/li>\r\n<li>The insurance company may still refuse to make what you consider an acceptable offer. If this happens, file a lawsuit in court against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. You can also file an insurance claim with your insurance company.<\/li>\r\n<li>If you choose to go to court, speak with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/rhode-island?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury attorney<\/a> for legal advice.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><i><b>Note:<\/b> State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts that include federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline FAQ<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Some of the matters discussed below might mirror what you&#8217;re experiencing in your car accident case.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>I should have filed my personal injury case against the at-fault driver a while ago. How long do I have?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/time-limits-to-bring-a-case-the-statute-of-limitations.html\">A statute of limitations<\/a> is the amount of time you have to file a personal injury claim. For a personal injury lawsuit in Rhode Island, you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">three years<\/a> from the date of the accident. If you need legal representation to file in civil court, consider speaking with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/rhode-island?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhode Island car accident lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>The at-fault driver&#8217;s insurance company denied my claim. What do I do?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>As discussed in the table above, it&#8217;s possible to get denied. Remember, the other insurance company is working against you on behalf of the at-fault driver. They&#8217;ll make it as difficult and frustrating as possible.<\/p>\r\n<p>Find out why they denied your claim. You <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/how-to-negotiate-a-car-accident-settlement.html\">have certain options<\/a> to try if it doesn&#8217;t sound legitimate. If you feel you&#8217;re in over your head, consider getting legal representation from <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/rhode-island?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a car accident attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>It took forever, but the other insurance company agreed to pay my claim. Do I have to pay a deductible?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You don&#8217;t have a policy with that insurance company, so you&#8217;re not on the hook for covering any deductible. Remember that the agreed-on amount may get reduced via your percentage of fault as determined by pure comparative negligence.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline: Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/the-other-partys-insurance-denied-the-claim-now-what.html\">When the Other Insurance Company Denies Your Claim<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/risp.ri.gov\/safety\/vehiclesafety\/accident.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhode Island State Police Accident Guide<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-car-accident-compensation-laws.html\">Rhode Island Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-negligence-laws.html\">Negligence Laws in Rhode Island<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-kinds-of-damages-may-i-claim-for-car-accident-injuries.html\">Types of Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Get Help With Your Car Accident Settlement From a Rhode Island Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you are in a Rhode Island car accident, you may discover that managing the state&#8217;s legal requirements and negotiations with insurers can be difficult. A lawyer can help ensure that you&#8217;re fully compensated for your damages. Contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/rhode-island?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rhode Island car accident lawyer<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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               >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img 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href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wrongful-death-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wrongful Death Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-defects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Motor Vehicle Defects Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/truck-accident\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Truck Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/auto-dealer-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re in a car accident in Rhode Island, it helps to know the law and what to expect and do. Learn more with FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":376097,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3400],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-376114","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_40_7"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376114"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376114\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376114"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=376114"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=376114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}