An insurer says you share responsibility for a Rhode Island collision. Before accepting a percentage, identify the evidence supporting it and which law governs the claim. A short account from an adjuster is not a complete review of the crash.
Rhode Island’s proportional-reduction rule
For the claims it covers, §9-20-4 provides that the injured person’s lack of due care does not itself bar recovery. Damages are reduced in proportion to that person’s attributable negligence. The statute does not set a percentage cutoff. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 (2026)
A proposed percentage still needs a factual basis. Preserve the insurer’s explanation and identify the evidence behind each disputed event. For hypothetical calculations and the Massachusetts threshold, read our Rhode Island and Massachusetts shared-fault comparison.
Find the disputed factual question
Was the disagreement about a turn, a lane change, a signal, speed or visibility? Keep the insurer’s explanation in writing where available. Identify what you personally observed and what another person later supplied.
Preserve scene and vehicle photographs, video, witness contacts, crash papers and complete correspondence. Tell counsel promptly if a recording may be overwritten. Keep evidence that appears unfavorable as well as material supporting your account.
Keep the loss records separate
A fault percentage and the amount of proved damages are separate questions. Keep treatment records, bills, work information and vehicle documents identifiable. Label estimates and identify missing records.
The illustration does not show a client’s net recovery after any applicable fees, expenses, liens, coverage limits or other adjustments. A consultation needs the underlying evidence and actual loss records, not just a proposed percentage.
Bring the complete claim history
Keep offers, releases, requests for records and any documents already signed. Identify every insurer and claim number. If the crash or parties have connections outside Rhode Island, identify those facts so counsel can assess governing law rather than assuming it.
Read the personal injury guide and auto-accident guide, or request a Providence consultation. You can contact the firm while records are still missing.
General Rhode Island information. This article assumes Rhode Island law applies. Individual facts and applicable law control; an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.