Rhode Island personal injury
DiLibero & Associates reviews Rhode Island personal injury claims from 130 Dorrance Street in Providence. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) generally allows three years after an injury claim accrues to sue. The facts, potential defendants and any earlier notice requirements need individual review. The first consultation is free.
Choose the state and claim category to see the first deadline, insurance and evidence questions to discuss. The cards pair general statutory rules with policy questions and a relevant guide. Connecticut negligence timing under section 52-584 is kept separate from claims whose governing legal theory has not been identified.
Your answers stay in this browser. These tools do not send answers to the firm.
The interactive controls are unavailable. The full rules and sources remain below.
Choose the state and claim category to see the first deadline, insurance and evidence questions to discuss. The cards pair general statutory rules with policy questions and a relevant guide. Connecticut negligence timing under section 52-584 is kept separate from claims whose governing legal theory has not been identified.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This section defines Rhode Island motor-vehicle liability policies and their statutory minimum coverage requirements. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-2
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether Massachusetts personal injury protection applies to the vehicle, occupants or a pedestrian, including a cyclist. Covered expenses, insured status and coordination with other benefits need review. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34A Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34M
Connecticut: For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 These are Connecticut negligence rules to ask about if that theory applies. The earlier discovery rule and the separate act-or-omission outside period both require review; no date is calculated here.
Ask about the responsible driver's liability policy. Section 38a-335 describes applicable liability-policy coverage requirements and refers to the financial-responsibility provisions of section 14-112; policy terms and insured status need review. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-335 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112
Preserve the crash report, scene photographs and vehicle information.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This section defines Rhode Island motor-vehicle liability policies and their statutory minimum coverage requirements. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-2
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether Massachusetts personal injury protection applies to the vehicle, occupants or a pedestrian, including a cyclist. Covered expenses, insured status and coordination with other benefits need review. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34A Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34M
Connecticut: For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 These are Connecticut negligence rules to ask about if that theory applies. The earlier discovery rule and the separate act-or-omission outside period both require review; no date is calculated here.
Ask about the responsible driver's liability policy. Section 38a-335 describes applicable liability-policy coverage requirements and refers to the financial-responsibility provisions of section 14-112; policy terms and insured status need review. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-335 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112
Ask promptly about preserving carrier, driver and vehicle records.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This section defines Rhode Island motor-vehicle liability policies and their statutory minimum coverage requirements. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-2
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about the responsible driver's liability policy and the relevant compulsory and optional coverages. The statute defines the policy; insured status and exclusions need review. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34A
Connecticut: For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 These are Connecticut negligence rules to ask about if that theory applies. The earlier discovery rule and the separate act-or-omission outside period both require review; no date is calculated here.
Ask about the responsible driver's liability policy. Section 38a-335 describes applicable liability-policy coverage requirements and refers to the financial-responsibility provisions of section 14-112; policy terms and insured status need review. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-335 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112
Preserve scene photographs, protective gear and vehicle damage records.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask for the driver's and company's policies and app-status records. Rhode Island requires different primary coverage while logged on and waiting and while providing a prearranged ride; the statute also addresses uninsured and underinsured coverage. R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.2-14
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask for the driver's and company's policies and app-status records. Massachusetts distinguishes waiting for a request from a prearranged ride, addresses PIP and uninsured coverage, and allows specified personal-policy exclusions. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 175, § 228
Connecticut: For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 These are Connecticut negligence rules to ask about if that theory applies. The earlier discovery rule and the separate act-or-omission outside period both require review; no date is calculated here.
Ask for the driver's and company's policies and app-status records. Connecticut distinguishes the time logged on and available for requests from a prearranged ride and states the insurance requirements for those periods. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13b-120
Preserve the trip receipt and app-status records.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about the at-fault driver's liability coverage. This section defines Rhode Island motor-vehicle liability policies and their statutory minimum coverage requirements. R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-47-2
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether Massachusetts personal injury protection applies to the vehicle, occupants or a pedestrian, including a cyclist. Covered expenses, insured status and coordination with other benefits need review. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34A Mass. Gen. Laws c. 90, § 34M
Connecticut: For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 These are Connecticut negligence rules to ask about if that theory applies. The earlier discovery rule and the separate act-or-omission outside period both require review; no date is calculated here.
Ask about the responsible driver's liability policy. Section 38a-335 describes applicable liability-policy coverage requirements and refers to the financial-responsibility provisions of section 14-112; policy terms and insured status need review. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-335 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112
Preserve scene photographs, witness information and nearby video.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Connecticut: Ask a lawyer to identify the governing Connecticut theory and period. The negligence rule in section 52-584 does not select the period for strict-liability, intentional, contract or other claims. No deadline is selected for this card. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Preserve photographs and the dog owner or keeper information.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Connecticut: Ask a lawyer to identify the governing Connecticut theory and period. The negligence rule in section 52-584 does not select the period for strict-liability, intentional, contract or other claims. No deadline is selected for this card. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
Ask whether the owner or keeper has homeowner, renter, commercial or other liability coverage and whether the incident falls within its terms.
Preserve photographs of the condition and report it to the property manager.
Rhode Island: Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 These are general Rhode Island injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about applicable uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver or insufficient liability insurance. Coverage selections, insured status and policy terms require review. R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-7-2.1
Massachusetts: Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A These are general Massachusetts injury rules to discuss. The governing claim, accrual date, policy terms and special requirements need individual review.
Ask about applicable uninsured motorist coverage for an uninsured or hit-and-run driver and any elected underinsured coverage. The statute has policy-selection and coverage limitations that differ from Rhode Island. Mass. Gen. Laws c. 175, § 113L
Connecticut: Ask a lawyer to identify the governing Connecticut theory and period. The negligence rule in section 52-584 does not select the period for strict-liability, intentional, contract or other claims. No deadline is selected for this card. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584
Ask about applicable Connecticut uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver or insufficient liability insurance. Coverage selections, insured status and statutory conditions need review. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-336
Obtain the full policies, endorsements and coverage selection records.
General information based on the statute text, not legal advice.
DiLibero & Associates handles car, truck, rideshare, pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, dog bite and premises injury claims from its Providence office. We represent people in Rhode Island courts and also review Massachusetts injury claims. The first consultation is free. Contact us early so we can review the applicable deadlines.
An injury claim starts with a careless act. A driver looks at a phone and rear-ends you at a light on North Main Street. A truck changes lanes on Route 95 without checking its mirror. A rideshare driver runs a red light with you in the back seat. In each case Rhode Island law lets the injured person recover the losses the negligence caused.
DiLibero & Associates handles injury claims arising from car accidents, truck and commercial vehicle crashes, Uber and Lyft trips, pedestrian and bicycle knockdowns, and crashes with uninsured or underinsured drivers. We also pursue the diminished value of a repaired vehicle as a separate claim from the same crash.
The deadline comes first. Rhode Island gives you three years from the date the claim accrues to file a lawsuit for injuries to the person (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)). Massachusetts also allows three years (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A). Claims against a city or town can carry separate notice rules that run sooner, such as the 60-day notice for an injury blamed on a defective highway or bridge (R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-9) and the two-year written presentment required for claims against a Massachusetts public employer (M.G.L. c. 258, § 4). The safest course is to have the deadline checked at the first conversation.
A claim review looks at four things: who owed you a duty of care, whether they failed to meet it, whether that failure caused the injury, and what you lost. An injury alone does not answer those questions. The evidence does.
Compare the general rules with our Rhode Island injury claim deadline checker, then discuss the dates and policy documents with counsel.
This checker explains the general filing and notice periods described in the selected state's statutes, including Rhode Island section 9-1-14, Massachusetts chapter 260 section 2A and Connecticut section 52-584. It distinguishes injury, death and government claims. Entered dates illustrate only the stated rule; discovery, exceptions and the proper claim route still need individual review.
Your answers stay in this browser. These tools do not send answers to the firm.
The interactive controls are unavailable. The full rules and sources remain below.
This checker explains the general filing and notice periods described in the selected state's statutes, including Rhode Island section 9-1-14, Massachusetts chapter 260 section 2A and Connecticut section 52-584. It distinguishes injury, death and government claims. Entered dates illustrate only the stated rule; discovery, exceptions and the proper claim route still need individual review.
| General rule | Official statute |
|---|---|
| Personal-injury actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; accrual and exceptions need review. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14 |
| Wrongful-death actions generally must be commenced within three years after death. If the wrongful act, neglect or default was not known at death, the statute measures three years from discovery or when reasonable diligence should have led to discovery. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2 |
| For an injury from a covered highway, causeway or bridge defect, the town obliged to maintain it must receive notice of the time, place and cause within sixty days. A lawyer must confirm whether the defect and notice rules apply. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-9 |
| The covered road-defect action must be commenced within three years after the injury or damage. The notice obligation and presentment process are separate requirements. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-9 |
| Present a particular account of the claim and how it arose to the town or city council. If just and due satisfaction is not made by the treasurer within forty days after presentment, the statute permits an action against the treasurer. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-15-5 |
| Rhode Island and its political subdivisions are subject to tort liability in the manner described in this section, subject to the limitation period in section 9-1-25 and the other limits in the chapter. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-31-1 |
| Tort actions against the state or its political subdivisions generally must be instituted within three years after accrual. Special-act claims and the statutory exceptions require separate review. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-25 |
| For a person under eighteen when a cause of action accrues, the period may run from the eighteenth birthday; ask a lawyer to confirm. This tool does not calculate a date or assume this rule postpones any notice requirement. | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-19 |
| Except as otherwise provided, personal-injury tort actions generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. This illustration uses the injury date; a lawyer must confirm accrual. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 2A |
| The wrongful-death action generally must be commenced within three years from death, or from when the executor or administrator knew or with reasonable diligence should have known the factual basis for the cause of action, subject to the further statutory extensions. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 229, § 2 |
| A claim under this chapter generally must first be presented in writing to the public employer's executive officer within two years after the cause of action arose. The statute specifies additional recipients and exceptions; a lawyer should confirm the proper recipient. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 258, § 4 |
| Suit generally follows written final denial sent by certified or registered mail. Failure to deny in writing within six months after presentment is deemed a final denial. The statute also addresses failure to reach final arbitration, settlement or compromise and specified exceptions. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 258, § 4 |
| The chapter generally requires a civil action within three years after the cause of action accrued, with the statutory exceptions. Presentment and the action period are separate requirements. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 258, § 4 |
| The Massachusetts disability provision addresses a minor when a right to bring an action first accrues. Its interaction with the claim type and government notice requirements needs individual review; no date is calculated here. | Mass. Gen. Laws c. 260, § 7 |
| For negligence, reckless or wanton injury described in this section, the action generally must be brought within two years after the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should with reasonable care have been discovered. This tool does not determine that date and calculates no date for this rule. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| The section also generally sets an outside period of three years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its terms and exceptions. This outside period does not replace the earlier discovery rule. An illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
| A Connecticut wrongful-death action generally must be brought within two years from death. A separate outside period runs from the act or omission, and the statute contains a specified homicide exception. Each requirement needs review. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 |
| The wrongful-death statute generally also sets an outside period of five years from the act or omission complained of, subject to its specified homicide exception. This illustration uses only the separate act or omission date entered, never the death date. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555 |
| A defective-road or bridge claim under this section generally requires written notice within ninety days of injury, describing the injury, its cause, and the time and place. The statute identifies a town selectman or clerk, a city or borough clerk, or a corporation secretary or treasurer as recipients. Responsibility and exceptions need review. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-149 |
| A defective-road or bridge action under this section generally must be brought within two years from injury. Written notice is a separate requirement and has its own shorter period. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-149 |
| For a covered defect in a state-maintained highway, bridge or sidewalk, this section generally requires written notice to the Commissioner of Transportation within ninety days of injury, including the injury and a general description of its cause, time and place. A lawyer should confirm responsibility and the notice. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-144 |
| A state-highway defect action under this section generally must be brought within two years from injury. The separate notice requirement still needs review. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-144 |
| For claims governed by the Claims Commissioner chapter, the statute generally requires presentation within one year after accrual, using its injury-sustained and discovery language. Exceptions and the proper claim route need review. This tool does not determine accrual or calculate a date. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148 |
| The Claims Commissioner provision generally also limits presentation to three years from the act or event complained of, with specified exceptions and a special-act process. No act or event date is inferred here and no date is calculated. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148 |
| This tool calculates no Connecticut dates for an injured person under eighteen. Ask a lawyer to identify the governing claim, the relevant parties and any age-related provision; this tool assumes no postponement of any period. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 |
General information based on the statute text, not legal advice.
Choose the injury page that matches what happened: a vehicle crash, a pedestrian or bicycle collision, a dog bite, a property condition or an insurance problem. Each page explains the evidence and coverage questions for that claim. The links below also distinguish injury claims from a vehicle's separate diminished value claim.
For background on the rules, read whether Rhode Island is a no-fault state and the Rhode Island personal injury filing-deadline guide.
Rhode Island's main injury rules set a general three-year filing period (§ 9-1-14(b)), reduce damages for shared fault (§ 9-20-4), preserve liability after a wrongful death (§ 10-7-1) and govern uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (§ 27-7-2.1). The facts, policy and any notice requirements determine how those rules affect a particular claim.
The three-year deadline. A lawsuit for injuries to the person must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)). The statute allows one narrow extension. If the suit is filed on time but the at-fault driver cannot be found for service, the time to sue that driver's insurer directly is extended by 120 days (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(c)).
Pure comparative negligence. Rhode Island does not bar a claim because the injured person was partly at fault. Damages are reduced in proportion to the share of negligence attributed to the injured person (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4). The same section applies to property damage, and it says an open and obvious danger does not bar recovery either. Our article on disputed fault after a Rhode Island car accident lists the evidence that decides those arguments.
Wrongful death. When a wrongful act or neglect causes a death, the claim does not die with the victim. The person or company that would have been liable to the injured person remains liable to an action for damages (R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-1). That is true even where the conduct amounted to a felony. Other provisions govern who brings the claim and how damages are measured, so these claims need early review.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Every Rhode Island auto policy must include uninsured motorist coverage, and the insurer must provide it in an amount equal to your bodily injury liability limits (R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-7-2.1(a)). You may select a lower limit in writing, but not below the statutory minimum. You may drop it to zero only if you bought the minimum policy and signed an advisory notice about the hazard of uninsured drivers. The coverage includes underinsured drivers, whose insurance is less than your damages (§ 27-7-2.1(g)). You do not have to sue the at-fault driver first (§ 27-7-2.1(h)). If you paid two or more separate UM premiums with the same insurer, you may collect up to the combined coverage for all the vehicles (§ 27-7-2.1(i)). Before you release the other driver, read our guide to Rhode Island underinsured motorist settlements and releases.
| Question | Rhode Island rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| How long do I have? | Three years from accrual | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) |
| What if I was partly at fault? | Damages reduced by your share; claim not barred | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4 |
| What if someone died? | The liable party remains liable despite the death | R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-1 |
| What if the driver had no insurance? | Your own UM/UIM coverage, provided at your bodily injury limits | R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-7-2.1 |
| Where is a small claim filed? | District Court for $5,000 or less; Superior Court for larger claims | R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-3 |
Cases that go to court are filed in the Rhode Island District Court when the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less. The District Court shares jurisdiction with the Superior Court for claims up to $10,000, and larger claims are filed in the Superior Court (R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-3). For Providence County that means the Garrahy Judicial Complex or the Licht Judicial Complex, both a short walk from our office.
Compare the general rules with our Rhode Island accident insurance coverage finder, then discuss the dates and policy documents with counsel.
Massachusetts generally allows three years for tort claims under M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A, applies modified comparative negligence under c. 231, § 85, and requires auto personal injury protection under c. 90, § 34M. Lisa DiLibero, Esq., admitted in Massachusetts, handles the firm's Massachusetts matters; the circumstances and policy need individual review.
For a crash in Fall River, New Bedford or Taunton, our Rhode Island and Massachusetts rideshare accident page lists the Bristol County courts. Our comparison of shared fault rules in Rhode Island and Massachusetts shows how the two rules play out.
A Rhode Island injury claim may involve medical expenses, lost income, future care, reduced earning ability and pain and suffering. A crash may also involve repair costs and diminished vehicle value. Which losses belong in a particular claim depends on the facts and supporting records; the six categories below organize that review.
Injuries and vehicle-value loss require different evidence. Tell us which losses you need reviewed so we can explain the right process for each. The diminished value guide explains the ownership, repair and valuation records that claim needs.
Contacting DiLibero & Associates starts with a conflicts check, then a review of what happened, the records you have and any deadlines. We discuss available options, identify evidence to preserve and explain the next steps. You do not need a complete file to call. The first consultation is free.
For missed work, bring the dates you could not work and any pay or business-income records. For vehicle damage, bring the repair estimate, the final invoice and any valuation. Keep original records for the consultation rather than attaching private documents to the first message. Every matter is different, so the steps and how long each one takes vary. Our checklist of records to bring for a Rhode Island or Massachusetts injury claim lists each item.
Give accurate basic information, ask for questions and offers in writing, and have a lawyer review a recorded-statement request, medical authorization or release before you respond. The table below concerns the other driver's insurer. Your own policy may impose reporting and cooperation duties, so check it before declining your own carrier's request.
| The adjuster asks | A simple answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Can we record your statement? | No, thank you. Please send any questions to my attorney. | You are not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. |
| How are you feeling? | I'm getting treatment. | Describe your condition accurately and avoid guessing about a diagnosis. Discuss medical questions with your treating provider. |
| What happened? Whose fault was it? | Please put your questions in writing so I can review them. | Fault depends on the evidence and the applicable law, not on a phone call. |
| Can you sign this medical authorization? | I'll have my attorney review it first. | A broad authorization can open your whole medical history, not just this injury. |
| We can pay you today if you sign a release. | I'm not ready to settle. Please put any offer in writing. | A release usually ends the claim for good, even if your injury turns out to be worse. |
| Do you have a lawyer? | Yes. Here is their name and number. | If you have not hired one yet, say so accurately. Once you have counsel, the adjuster should deal with your attorney. |
This is about the other driver's insurer. Your own policy may require you to report the incident and cooperate with your own insurance company, including on an uninsured motorist claim. Check the policy, or ask us, before declining a request from your own carrier.
We assist people from East Providence and the East Bay from our office at 130 Dorrance Street in Providence. Tell us where the injury happened and bring any court notice. The location and type of claim matter when identifying the proper court. Our Garrahy Judicial Complex guide explains the Sixth Division District Court in Providence.
From the first call to the work itself.
When you contact us, you are not entering a queue.
What we do. Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation online. We take your details and check for conflicts of interest before we discuss your matter.
What to prepare. Your contact details, and the names of anyone else involved, such as the other driver, business, or insurer.
We will give you honest answers about where you stand and what your options are.
What we do. An attorney reviews what happened, the documents you have, and any deadlines that may apply, then talks you through your options.
What to prepare. The accident or incident report, your insurance information, and a list of the doctors or providers treating you.
We prepare every case as though it’s going to trial.
What we do. If you decide to hire the firm, we confirm the engagement and get to work, and you know who is handling your matter.
What to prepare. Keep any new notices, letters, or court papers and send them to us as they arrive.
Every matter is different, so the steps and how long each one takes vary.
Attorney
Car, truck and rideshare injury claims · Pedestrian and bicycle crashes
View profileAdmitted in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut state courts; U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Personal Injury and Diminished Value Paralegal
View profileDylan C. DiLibero, Esq. handles personal injury as part of his legal practice. Luke DiLibero, J.D. supports personal injury and diminished value matters as a paralegal. At your consultation, ask who will handle attorney decisions, help organize records and provide case updates.
I couldn’t be more impressed with Delibero and Associates. From my very first consultation, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my case. Dylan took the time to explain every step of the process and kept me informed the entire way. Their expertise and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that I was in excellent hands. What stood out most was their compassion, they treated me like a person, not just a client. The entire team worked efficiently, communicated clearly, and delivered results that exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for a law office that combines deep legal knowledge with true dedication to their clients, I highly recommend Delibero and Associates. They turned a stressful situation into a positive outcome.
Michael MarzilliOur go to! We have utilized DiLibero & Assoc for a few years now and highly recommend. They are easy to reach, operate in a timely manner, and in each instance- they guided us and handled our situations surpassing our expectations. So grateful to always know exactly where to turn! And to actually get resolution. On top of that being treated with dignity and respect- definitely minimizes the stress when going through difficult predicaments.
Aimee ZwolinskiTrustworthy, professional, and knowledgeable. DiLibero & Associates took the time to explain everything clearly and always made me feel informed throughout the process. Their honesty, responsiveness, and attention to detail gave me confidence every step of the way. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for legal representation they can trust.
Tony LevadaTestimonials reflect individual experiences. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Reviews describe individual clients’ experiences. Every matter is different.
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A claim needs evidence that someone owed you a duty of care, failed to meet it, and caused a real loss. An injury alone does not establish each piece. We review the facts, the records and the applicable state law at a free first consultation, and there is no obligation to hire the firm afterward.
Three years from the date the claim accrues (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)). Massachusetts also allows three years for a tort claim (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A). Some claims carry separate notice requirements, so have the deadline reviewed early.
You can still recover. Rhode Island reduces your damages by your share of the negligence and does not bar the claim (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4). Massachusetts bars recovery only when your negligence is greater than the combined negligence of the people you sue (M.G.L. c. 231, § 85).
Not to the other driver's insurer, and not before you get advice. A recorded statement can be used later in disputes about fault and injury. Your own insurer is different, because your policy may require notice and cooperation. Ask us before you respond.
It depends on how serious the injuries are, whether fault is disputed and how the insurer responds. Claims with clear liability and complete records tend to resolve sooner. Sometimes the right course is to wait until treatment has reached a stable point so the full loss is known. We give you a realistic timeline at the first consultation.
The first consultation is free. Before you decide to hire us, we put the fee arrangement and how case expenses are handled in writing so there are no surprises.
DiLibero & Associates handles Rhode Island injury and motor-vehicle accident claims from 130 Dorrance Street in Providence. R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b) generally sets a three-year period after an injury claim accrues, with exceptions requiring individual review.
Next step
The first consultation is free. Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation online and tell us the date and place of the injury and who has contacted you.
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