1. Tapalian Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, slip and fall accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: David Tapalian has over 20 years of experience practicing personal injury law. He graduated from Brown University and Roger Williams University School of Law. Admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, Massachusetts Bar, and Florida Bar. Notable settlements include $1.25 million for a motor vehicle accident, $625,000 for a bicycle accident, and $570,000 for a slip and fall case.
Location: 350 S Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Contact: (401) 552-5000 | https://www.tapalianlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
2. Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, punitive damage claims, wrongful death representation
Background: Ronald J. Resmini has over 50 years of experience in personal injury law. He graduated from Providence College and Suffolk University Law School. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Selected to Super Lawyers multiple times. Author of Rhode Island legal treatises. The firm has recovered over $500 million for clients. Notable results include $5 million motor vehicle settlement, $5 million medical malpractice verdict, and $4.25 million pedestrian truck accident settlement.
Location: 365 Eddy Street, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02903
Contact: (401) 751-8855 | https://www.resminilawoffices.com
Consultation: Free consultation, available 24/7, contingency fee basis
3. Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, mass torts
Case Types Handled: Multi-vehicle pileups, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims, appellate practice
Background: Mark Mandell graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1974. Triple Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Medical Negligence, and Civil Pretrial Practice. Former President of the American Association for Justice (formerly ATLA) and the Rhode Island Bar Association. Served as settlement chair for the Station Fire litigation, securing over $176 million for victims. The firm has earned more $1 million and $10 million verdicts than any other law firm in Rhode Island. Named Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year 2025 for Product Liability in Providence.
Location: 1 Park Row, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02903
Contact: (401) 273-8330 | https://www.mbmjustice.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement
4. Rob Levine Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, social security disability, veterans disability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, rideshare accidents, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, disability claims representation
Background: Rob Levine graduated from Roger Williams University School of Law. He is a former Central Falls police officer and paramedic. With over 25 years of experience, the firm has helped more than 50,000 clients and recovered over $2 billion in total compensation. The firm operates 16 offices across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Handles personal injury cases regionally and disability claims nationwide.
Location: 544 Douglas Avenue, Providence, RI 02908
Contact: (800) 742-3920 | https://roblevine.com
Consultation: Free consultation, available 24/7, no fee unless successful recovery
5. Kiselica Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, scarring and disfigurement cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost income claims, pain and suffering damages
Background: Michael Kiselica has over 40 years of experience in personal injury law. California Bar #90118 (admitted 1979), Rhode Island Bar #2419 (admitted 1980). Has tried 75 to 100 jury trials in State and Federal Courts. Takes a selective approach to caseload to ensure personalized attention for each client. Former insurance defense experience provides insight into defense strategies.
Location: Downtown Providence (conveniently located near Interstate 95)
Contact: (401) 421-0300 | https://www.klflaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation, home or hospital visits available if needed
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has specific laws governing car accident claims that every driver and accident victim should understand.
Statute of Limitations: Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-1-14 provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents. Property damage claims also have a three-year filing deadline. Failure to file within this time frame results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation.
Comparative Negligence: Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence system under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 9-20-4. This means an injured party can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the compensation award is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. For example, if a victim is found 30% at fault and damages total $100,000, they would recover $70,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Rhode Island requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This means $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Rhode Island law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, though drivers may reject this coverage in writing.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Drivers must report accidents to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Government Claims: Claims against Rhode Island state or municipal governments are subject to a $100,000 cap on damages. Special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines apply to claims against government entities.
No-Fault Status: Rhode Island is a traditional tort (at-fault) state, not a no-fault state. This means accident victims can pursue claims directly against at-fault drivers for all damages, including pain and suffering, without meeting an injury threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Rhode Island?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Rhode Island General Laws Section 9-1-14. This deadline applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. Missing this deadline typically results in the court dismissing your case, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
Yes. Rhode Island follows pure comparative negligence, which allows you to recover damages even if you were mostly at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you were 40% at fault for an accident that caused $50,000 in damages, you could still recover $30,000 from the other party.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Providence?
First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Move vehicles out of traffic if safe to do so. Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to your insurance company and consider consulting a personal injury attorney before giving recorded statements.
What compensation can I recover in a Rhode Island car accident case?
Recoverable damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. If a family member died in the accident, surviving relatives may pursue wrongful death damages.
Do I need to report a minor car accident in Rhode Island?
Yes, if the accident results in any injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must file a report with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days. Even for minor accidents, filing a police report at the scene can help document the incident for insurance purposes and potential legal claims.