If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Rhode Island, one of the most important legal concepts that may impact your case is comparative fault. This principle determines how compensation is awarded when multiple parties share responsibility for a crash — and it can dramatically affect the outcome of your injury claim.
In this blog, we’ll explain how comparative fault works under Rhode Island law and why hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in Rhode Island can make all the difference.
What Is Comparative Fault?
Comparative fault is a legal rule that allocates blame among all parties involved in an accident. Rhode Island follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you’re found mostly at fault — as long as you’re not 100% responsible.
For example, if you’re found 30% at fault in an accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover $70,000.
Why It Matters in Car Accident Claims
If you’ve filed a personal injury claim after a car crash, understanding comparative fault is essential. Insurance companies are quick to reduce their payouts by shifting blame. The more fault they can assign to you, the less compensation you’re entitled to — making it even more important to have skilled legal representation on your side.
Our team at Almagno Law aggressively challenges unfair fault assignments and builds strong cases for full and fair compensation.
Common Scenarios Involving Shared Fault
Comparative fault often comes into play in situations like:
- Merging accidents where both drivers failed to yield
- Rear-end collisions involving sudden stops
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Intersection crashes with unclear right-of-way
In each of these cases, your percentage of fault must be proven with evidence. Without a seasoned Rhode Island car accident lawyer, you risk being unfairly blamed and undercompensated.
How We Prove Fault in Rhode Island
At Almagno Law, we thoroughly investigate car accident claims by:
- Collecting police reports and eyewitness statements
- Reviewing surveillance and dashcam footage
- Consulting accident reconstruction expert
- Examining medical and property damage reports
The goal is to reduce or eliminate your share of fault — which directly increases the compensation you receive.
Related Legal Concerns: Multiple Practice Areas May Apply
Depending on your case, other legal issues may be involved. For example:
- If you were driving for work, a workers’ compensation claim might apply.
- If alcohol was involved, DUI laws could be a factor.
- If your injuries resulted from reckless driving, civil litigation may be necessary.
Our firm handles a wide range of overlapping legal issues, including traffic law, criminal defense, and even trust and estate planning when accidents have long-term implications for your family.
What to Do After a Shared Fault Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident and suspect that fault may be shared:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow up with treatment.
- Avoid admitting fault at the scene or to insurance adjusters.
- Document everything — photos, witness names, road conditions.
- Consult an attorney before providing statements.
Our legal team is here to protect your rights from day one.
Why Choose Almagno Law?
With decades of combined experience, Almagno Law provides dedicated legal counsel in car accident and injury claims. We’ve secured results in cases involving complex liability and have a track record of success reflected in our case results and client testimonials.
If you’re unsure about your rights or your share of fault, we invite you to explore our Frequently Asked Questions or schedule a consultation today.
Start Your Claim With Confidence
Comparative fault laws shouldn’t prevent you from getting the compensation you need to recover. Let us fight for you. Whether you were partially at fault or not at all, contact Almagno Law today to schedule a free consultation and protect your claim.
Want to learn more? Visit our legal blog for ongoing guidance on car accident claims, injury law, and your legal rights in Rhode Island.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog and the information contained on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with Almagno Law or any of its attorneys. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
