Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash in Rhode Island?

When you are involved in a car accident in Rhode Island, it might be difficult to know how to proceed. Dealing with injuries can present a host of difficulties—including limiting your ability to work—as medical bills and other expenses continue to pile up. Having a car accident lawyer on your side, particularly when injuries are serious, is one of the best ways to make sure you are treated fairly and provided the full compensation you will need to make the best possible recovery.

If you or a loved one needs a lawyer in Providence or a nearby area of Rhode Island, call Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell at (401) 273-8330 to schedule a FREE and confidential case review today. We are dedicated to standing by your side, advocating for your rights, and helping you receive the compensation you deserve.

Why You Might Need a Car Accident Lawyer

Do you need a car accident lawyer for a minor fender-bender with insignificant injuries? Probably not. But when you sustain serious injuries, it is best to have an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. There are several reasons for this, including:

Understanding the Full Impact of Your Injuries

The severity of injuries can be much more comprehensive than they first appear. Visible injuries like bruises and lacerations are often just the tip of the iceberg, masking more severe internal damages that can include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to internal organs
• Bone fractures

These injuries can be life-altering, necessitating extensive treatment and rehabilitation, and in some cases, full recovery may not be possible. You need a lawyer with experience in catastrophic injury claims to evaluate physical damage and secure expert testimony for the most accurate representation of your needs. Your priority after a car accident should be recovery, not trying to understand medical terminology or hiring the right experts.

Calculating the Damages in Your Claim

If you are seriously injured in a car crash, you will likely face a wide range of losses related to your injuries. You may have significant medical expenses, be unable to work, and experience chronic pain and suffering—and this may only be the beginning. To recover fair compensation for these and other damages, you need an experienced lawyer who can identify compensable damages and estimate their worth.

It is difficult for victims and their families to account for the totality of their losses and determine the full value of a claim. Some types of damages, such as pain and suffering, require knowledgeable legal guidance to calculate accurately. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can prove invaluable in building the most effective claim.

Handling Complex Liability Issues

Different factors can make questions of liability in a claim more complicated. An effective lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash, collect all relevant evidence, and work to ensure each at-fault party is held to full account.

Several issues can complicate liability, such as when:

• The at-fault driver claims that you caused the accident.
• The insurance company states that you are at fault and denies your claim.
• Multiple parties are involved. This is possible in crashes with common carriers (e.g., rideshare drivers, taxi drivers, truck drivers, etc.) or an intoxicated driver who was overserved alcohol (dram shop liability claims).
• A government entity is at fault (e.g., car accidents caused by a government employee in the course of his/her duties or crashes caused by dangerous or defective roads).
• A vehicle defect, such as bad tires or faulty brakes, causes the accident (defective product claims).

Resolving Your Car Accident Claim

Resolving a car crash claim typically happens through settlement or trial. Some victims of serious injury ask if they really need a lawyer, wondering if they can handle these things on their own. In reality, this places you at a serious disadvantage in both settlement negotiations and at trial.

The majority of claims are settled out of court. Settlement negotiations are informal meetings between your attorney and representatives for the at-fault party or parties. Negotiation is a process of give-and-take, but not of compromising your needs. This is an important distinction.

Before undertaking settlement negotiations, you and your attorney will discuss what constitutes an acceptable settlement offer. During negotiations, your lawyer should keep you apprised of any offers and discuss the benefits of settling versus proceeding to trial.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawsuit may be the best way to recover damages. Your car accident attorney will handle the initial filing as well as all other aspects of trial preparation, including:

• Submitting written questions about the case that the opposing party or parties must answer in writing.
• Officially requesting documents and other evidence from the opposing party or parties.
• Conducting depositions (interviewing witnesses out of court and recording their testimony).
• Filing motions to admit or exclude evidence.

At trial, your lawyer will present the evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments before the jury or judge for why you should be awarded full compensation. If the defendant offers a favorable settlement during this period, you will have the option to end the trial and accept. Otherwise, the jury or judge will review the facts and decide whether or not to award compensation.

Compensation won through trial verdicts is often higher than what you can recover through settlement. However, any courtroom proceeding comes with uncertainty. Choosing an experienced trial lawyer to handle your claim increases the likelihood of success, but does not guarantee a favorable outcome. However, when you work with an attorney who has a proven record in court, you send a message to the insurance company that your lawyer is willing to take your case as far as needed in pursuit of fair compensation. If the insurance company believes your lawyer only settles cases, it may be more likely to offer a lowball settlement.

Why Choose Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell for Your Rhode Island Car Accident Claim?

Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell has been helping car crash victims seek justice for more than 45 years. Specializing in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims, our firm has the background, experience, and tenacity to handle even the most complex cases. We know that car accidents have far-reaching consequences, not all of which are visible on a balance sheet. With compassion, understanding, and an unwavering dedication to justice, we are here to fight for you and your rights, and to seek the full compensation you are due.

We are proud of our:

• In-Depth Investigations. Our attorneys dive deep into each claim, ensuring no stone is left unturned as we build the most compelling case for full compensation.
• Proven Results. Our experienced trial lawyers have a long record of securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of serious injury in Rhode Island. We prepare each case to highlight the entirety of damages and take claims as far as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Personalized Attention. Each case we handle is closely overseen by experienced partners, not delegated to less experienced associates. This helps to ensure consistent quality and the most personal care.
• Selective Case Management. Our firm takes only a limited number of cases to ensure each client receives the personal attention and around-the-clock support they deserve.
• Core Values. Honesty, empathy, respect, and a strong commitment to community and justice are the pillars of our practice. These aren’t buzzwords, they are our promise and commitment to each and every client we take.

Car crashes take a toll on victims, their families, and their communities. The experienced lawyers at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell offer personalized representation that addresses each of these concerns. More than attorneys, we are prepared to stand as your partner and protector, helping you deal with and recover from all of the ways the accident has caused you harm.

Contact Us Today for a Complimentary Case Review

Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell is here when you need a car accident lawyer. Contact us online or call today to schedule your FREE consultation and learn how we can help. We represent clients from Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, and all surrounding areas of Rhode Island.