Why Rhode Island is One of the Worst States for Car Accident Claims
If you own a car and carry auto insurance, you probably know by now that if you are at fault in a car accident, there is a good chance that your premiums will go up.
How much your insurance rates will increase after an at-fault crash depends on the state where you live. As it turns out, Rhode Island is one of the worst states for at-fault car drivers because they are expected to shell out a substantial amount of money on soaring premium raises.
That was the conclusion made in a new study by Insurance.com, which ranked the worst states for car accident claims, based on the average insurance rate increases that drivers pay after an at-fault crash.
According to the study, drivers in Rhode Island can expect their premiums to jump to an average of $2,591 after a car crash in which they were at fault. Only five other states surpassed Rhode Island, with Michigan being ranked the worst state for car crash claims.
If you call a Rhode Island car accident lawyer from the office of Robert E. Craven & Associates after a vehicle collision, you may still be able to prove your innocence or demonstrate proof that the other party’s negligence contributed to the crash to minimize your fault.
Rhode Island is a ‘Fault’ Car Accident State
Rhode Island is a “fault” car accident state, which makes the at-fault motorist responsible for any resulting harm such as injuries, damages, and losses incurred by the other party involved. Typically, the at-fault motorist’s insurance company will cover these losses up to policy limits.
However, this also means that the at-fault driver will have to see his or her insurance rates go up after an at-fault crash.
In Rhode Island, an injured motorist, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian who suffered economic or non-economic losses and damages after a motor vehicle accident can get compensated in one of three ways:
- Filing a claim with their own insurance carrier (if the damages and losses are covered under their policy; in that case, the injured party’s insurer will most likely pursue a claim against the at-fault motorist’s insurance company to get reimbursed);
- Filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer (unless the other party is an uninsured motorist); or
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault motorist with the help of a Rhode Island car accident attorney.
What Are Auto Insurance Requirements in Rhode Island?
The purchase of auto insurance coverage is mandatory for all motorists in Rhode Island. This legal obligation exists to ensure that every driver and vehicle owner is held responsible for any resulting damages and losses in the event of a crash.
In Rhode Island, motorists are required to carry the following types of liability car insurance coverage:
- $25,000 to pay for bodily injury or death of one person in the crash caused by the driver of the insured car;
- $50,000 to pay for total bodily injury or death of multiple persons caused by the driver of the insured car; and
- Another $25,000 for property damage caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.
What Happens if a Driver is Partially at Fault?
Like many other states, Rhode Island follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. In our state, if a motorist is partially at fault for causing a car crash, he or she can collect compensation from the other party.
The amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of the partially at-fault motorist’s negligence in the crash. Determining fault in a car collision is a complicated matter, which is why it is advised to consult with a Rhode Island car accident lawyer. Contact Robert E. Craven & Associates to receive a free case evaluation.
Resource:
insurance.com/how-much-car-insurance-goes-up-for-accident-by-state
