Rhode Island Car Accident Report Basics

By Kit Yona, M.A. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 20, 2024

By square mileage, Rhode Island is the smallest of all the states. The close confines haven't translated into higher accident rates—Rhode Island remains one of the safest states to drive in. But that doesn't mean accidents are non-existent. Chances are, you'll be involved in a car crash sooner or later, and it's a good idea to be prepared for the possibility.

Being in a motor vehicle accident means entering the world of auto insurance claims. While seeking recovery for any personal injuries or property damage you may have suffered, you'll become familiar with an important document called an accident report. In fact, in Rhode Island, you'll have to deal with two of them.

Sound confusing? It can be. But the focus of this article is to get you up to speed on Rhode Island car accident reports. We'll also touch on the relevant motor vehicle laws, determining fault and negligence, and what role insurance will play.

Read on to learn about Rhode Island car accident report basics.

Motor Vehicle Accident Laws in Rhode Island

Most automotive laws in Rhode Island are like those of other states, but not all of them. For instance, certain types of aftermarket window tint are prohibited in Rhode Island. Below, find some of the Rhode Island laws you'll encounter after an auto accident.

Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance in Rhode Island

All drivers in Rhode Island are required to carry a certain amount of liability auto insurance coverage. When someone is deemed responsible for causing an accident, either in full or in part, the damages they inflicted will be paid for by this policy. The state-mandated minimums are:

$25,000 for the injury or death of a single person in a single accident
$50,000 for the injury or death of two or more persons in a single accident
$25,000 for the injury or destruction of property in a single accident
A $75,000 combined single-limit policy, which is given as an option to buy

While these are the minimums, you can have higher amounts of coverage in exchange for costlier premiums. Keep in mind that any awards against you that exceed your coverage will have to be covered out of pocket.

To have a better idea of what's involved and how long it'll take to resolve insurance claims, take a look at FindLaw's Rhode Island Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline article.

Determining Fault and Negligence in Rhode Island

It makes sense that the person responsible for causing an accident should be the one who pays for injuries and repairs, right? If that sounds fair to you, you'll be happy to know that the state of Rhode Island agrees.

Rhode Island is an at-fault state, which makes the driver(s) responsible for the accident required to pay damages to the accident victims. These are usually covered through their insurance company. If your medical bills and damages exceed the at-fault driver's coverage limits, you can file a car accident lawsuit to recover the additional amount. Or you can seek payment through your own insurance's underinsured policy coverage.

When it comes to who gets how much, Rhode Island uses the pure comparative negligence model. This system allows everyone involved in the accident to be eligible to recover damages, less the percentage of determined fault. If you're 10% to blame, you'll recover 90% of your damages. Even if you're 99% at fault, you can be awarded 1% of your damages.

It's not always easy to understand what you're entitled to receive from a negligent driver after an accident in Rhode Island. FindLaw's Rhode Island Car Accident Compensation Laws article provides clarity and a detailed look into the laws you need to know.

What To Do After an Accident in Rhode Island

The moments after an auto accident are going to be confusing. Car crashes aren't a common occurrence in your life, so it's normal to be rattled and disoriented. Take a deep breath and try to remember your legal responsibilities.

Don't leave the scene of the accident, even if the accident doesn’t seem like much. The health and well-being of those involved should be the most important concern. So, check on everyone, including yourself. If necessary, offer the level of first aid you feel qualified to give or call 911.

If your vehicle is still drivable, move it to a safer location after taking pictures of the accident scene. You are required to alert law enforcement about the accident if any of the following conditions apply:

Damage to vehicle preventing safe, normal operation
Injury or death
Property damage over $1,000
An unattended vehicle was hit
A domesticated animal was hit

It's a good idea to call the police for any accident, no matter how minor. When you call 911, be sure to let the operator know about any injuries and their severity.

You may need to file an accident report of your own, which means you have to gather certain information. We'll tell you what you'll need in the next section of this article.

Accident Reports and Police Reports in Rhode Island

Police accident reports are important documents that attempt to recreate the accident through statements and objective data from the scene. They will be a large part of how the insurance companies determine fault and negligence for the involved drivers.

Even if a police officer responds to the scene, conducts an investigation, and submits their own required police report, you may still have to file a separate accident report. If the accident involves injury, death, or damage to the property of any one person over $1,000, you must also file a report with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 21 days of the accident.

You'll note many of the same observations that the police officer will, such as:

The name, driver's license number, phone number, address, insurance policy number and carrier, license plate number, and registration number and state of the other involved driver(s)
Descriptions of any injuries
The exact location
The exact time of the collision
The road conditions
The names, contact information, and addresses of all parties who saw the accident, and the information of everyone in the other vehicle
Witness statements
An exact description of the damage

Take down the name of the investigating offer, as well as the accident report number from their report. You have 21 days to file your report with the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles. The motor vehicle accident report form is available at police departments and online.

The police report will be a bit more detailed than your version. It will include diagrams of the accident scene. You'll need a copy of the police accident report for your insurance claim and any personal injury lawsuits you may pursue.

Barring investigative delays, the report should be available within 72 hours of the accident through the Rhode Island State Police website. You can also pick up a copy at any Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles office. The fee for a report is $10 online or $0.15 per page at a police station.

Rhode Island Car Accident Report Laws at a Glance

The chart below provides a recap of the information discussed above. It also includes a summary of state laws related to Rhode Island car accident reports, including links to important code sections.

Relevant Rhode Island Automotive Statutes	Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles: §31-26-1 to 31-26-5 (requirement to stop and remain at scene of accident) §31-26-3.2 (duty to notify police) §31-26-6 to 31-26-16 (duty to file report on qualified accidents)
Law Enforcement Notification Required?	Must notify local law enforcement or Rhode Island State Police immediately if the accident involves: Injury Death Damage to vehicle preventing safe, normal operation Property damage of at least $1,000 An unattended vehicle was hit A domesticated animal was hit
Additional Report Required by Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)?	Must submit written or in-person report to the chief of police if the accident involves injury, death, or total property damage to an apparent extent of at least $1,000.
Report Deadline?	Within 21 days after the accident
Who Must Report?	Every driver involved in the accident If the driver is physically incapable of making a report and is not the owner of the vehicle, the owner must file the report within 21 days of learning about the accident

Note: 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 law(s) you are researching.