Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Providence

Were you injured in a collision as a motorcyclist? Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries due to the limited protection that riders have on the road. If you’re facing the aftermath of this type of crash, you might feel overwhelmed and confused, but there’s no need to handle it alone. 

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Providence from Gemma Law can help you understand your legal rights and the options available to you. With 48 years in business, our attorneys want to guide you through the justice system while you focus on recovering from the incident. 

As your Providence personal injury lawyer, we will do everything in our power to protect your rights and pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we’ve helped thousands of people in situations just like yours. 

Motorcycle Accidents in North and East Providence

Motorcycle-related collisions can occur in a variety of circumstances, including city streets, highways, and residential neighborhoods. The city’s traffic density creates a difficult environment for riders when combined with the presence of the following elements: 

• Commercial vehicles
• Delivery trucks 
• Ride-sharing traffic

Narrow lanes, frequent intersections, and stop-and-go traffic increase the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycle riders are particularly at risk during the morning and evening commutes, when congestion is high, and drivers may be distracted or rushed. 

Additionally, areas near colleges and universities, such as the Rhode Island School of Design and Johnson & Wales University, see a higher concentration of young riders, which can contribute to the overall risk profile.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North and East Providence

Motorcycle accidents rarely result from a single factor. Instead, they often involve multiple contributing elements, such as:

• Distracted driving: Drivers texting, using phones, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice motorcycles in traffic. Motorcycles’ smaller size makes them less visible, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Speeding: Both motorcyclists and other drivers exceeding speed limits can create dangerous conditions. Speeding reduces reaction times and increases the severity of crashes.
• Failure to yield: Many motorcycle accidents occur at intersections when other drivers fail to yield the right of way. Left-turn collisions, in particular, are frequent and often severe.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): Impaired drivers—whether under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications—pose a serious risk to motorcyclists. Rhode Island has strict DUI laws, with penalties for driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• Road hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, debris, and wet conditions can cause motorcycles to lose traction and crash.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage incidents frequently contribute to motorcycle collisions.
• Improperly maintained motorcycles: Mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, worn tires, or chain issues—can lead to accidents.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can take the following forms, each carrying specific risks and injury patterns:

• Rear–end collisions: These occur when another vehicle strikes a motorcycle from behind. Crashes of this nature often result in the rider being thrown from the bike.
• Side–impact collisions: These typically happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light. Side-impact crashes can cause severe injuries due to the limited protection for riders.
• Head–on collisions: Head-on crashes are extremely dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. They frequently occur on high-speed roads or when a vehicle crosses the center line.
• Single–vehicle accidents: Motorcyclists may crash alone due to road hazards, mechanical failure, or loss of control. Single-vehicle crashes can be deceptive, as the injuries may appear minor initially yet become serious over time.
• Lane–splitting accidents: While lane-splitting is illegal in Rhode Island, some riders still attempt it on congested streets, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles changing lanes.

Common Injuries in North and East Providence Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the lack of physical protection, motorcycle riders often sustain severe injuries, namely the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries are all too common, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet. TBIs can range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment.
• Spinal cord injuries: Collisions can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the impact.
• Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common, often requiring surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
• Road rash: Abrasions from skidding on pavement can cause severe skin damage and risk of infection.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs—such as the liver, spleen, or lungs—may not be immediately apparent, but they can still be life-threatening.
• Fatal injuries: Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in fatalities, particularly in high-speed or multi-vehicle collisions.

Rhode Island Laws Relevant to Motorcycle Accidents

Rhode Island has several laws and regulations that apply specifically to motorcycle riders and the drivers they share the road with. Understanding these laws is important when evaluating accident circumstances and liability:

• Helmet laws: Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10.1-4, all motorcycle operators under 21 must wear a helmet, and all new operators, regardless of age, must wear a helmet for the first year after getting their license.
• Insurance requirements: Rhode Island drivers must carry liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage caused by accidents. Motorcyclists are also required to carry insurance, and uninsured or underinsured coverage can play a role in claims.
• DUI laws: Driving under the influence with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal for both car drivers and motorcyclists. DUI incidents are a common cause of serious motorcycle accidents.
• Traffic laws: Motorcyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including obeying speed limits, signaling turns, and stopping at intersections.
• Comparative negligence: Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing damages to be reduced proportionally if the rider shares some fault for the accident. Even if a rider is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation.

Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents

Liability in motorcycle accidents can be confusing, especially when multiple parties are involved. In Providence, these are parties that might bear responsibility for the collision:

• Other drivers: Drivers who are negligent, distracted, impaired, or aggressive are often at fault.
• Motorcycle riders: In some cases, riders’ actions—such as speeding, failing to signal, or using the lane improperly—can contribute to the accident.
• Vehicle owners or manufacturers: If a mechanical failure or defective vehicle part caused the crash, manufacturers or owners may share liability.
• Government entities: Road hazards, poorly maintained streets, or inadequate signage can sometimes implicate city or state authorities, though special notice requirements apply.

Damages in North and East Providence Motorcycle Accident Cases

Victims of motorcycle accidents in Providence may be entitled to recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: This is compensation for income lost due to your newfound inability to work, which includes any long-term effects on your career prospects.
• Property damage: This refers to reimbursement for motorcycle repairs or replacement, as well as personal property damaged in the collision.
• Pain and suffering: This entails non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.
• Loss of consortium: This pertains to compensation for the impact of injuries on family relationships, including loss of companionship or care.
• Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, family members may recover funeral expenses, lost support, and emotional damages.  

When a Motorcycle Accident Leads to Wrongful Death

Motorcycle crashes are a dangerous type of motor vehicle accident due to the rider’s exposure. If your loved one was killed because of another driver’s gross negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.

Here’s what the Providence motorcycle accident lawyers at Gemma Law can do for you:

• Identify all liable parties, including trucking companies, motorists, or public agencies
• Calculate the full scope of losses that your family has had to endure as a result 
• Handle all interactions with insurance companies so you can focus on healing
• Seek compensation for lost income, funeral costs, and emotional anguish 

Our attorneys provide compassionate representation while fighting fiercely for justice.  

Motorcycle Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles and Trucks

Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable when sharing the road with semi trucks, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Accidents involving trucking companies or truck drivers often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.

These are common factors in motorcycle-truck collisions:

• Driver fatigue or sleep-deprived drivers violating federal motor carrier safety laws 
• Improper cargo loading or load shifting, which can cause a semi-tractor-trailer or delivery truck to lose control 
• Mechanical defects, including defective truck parts, tire blowouts, or issues with electronic control modules 
• Driver inattention or distracted driving, which is especially dangerous for smaller motorcycles 

Truck accident lawyers understand these matters and know how to investigate trucking companies’ compliance with federal regulations and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. This level of legal knowledge stemming from years of experience can help you secure compensation for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Pursuing Punitive Damages and Maximum Compensation

In certain cases, gross negligence or reckless behavior may allow you to pursue punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. 

Here are a few examples:

• A trucking company knowingly allowing a driver to exceed hours-of-service limits
• Drivers operating semi trucks under the influence or while distracted by devices
• Negligent maintenance of commercial vehicles leading to mechanical failures 

A motorcycle accident attorney in Providence can evaluate your case to determine if punitive damages are warranted and aggressively pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations, if not a trial.

Why You Need North and East Providence Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle accidents often involve complicated factors, from traffic patterns and road hazards to commercial vehicles and federal regulations. A lawyer with experience in personal injury, truck accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents can do the following as your legal counsel:

• Walk you through the legal system and explain the statute of limitations in the state of Rhode Island 
• Protect your rights against aggressive insurance companies or lawyers representing trucking companies 
• Maximize compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional trauma 
• Guide you through settlements, lawsuits, or trials, if necessary 

Why Choose Gemma Law? 

With decades of proven results along with a history of securing six-figure and seven-figure settlements, Gemma Law is recognized as one of Rhode Island’s most trusted firms for motorcycle accident and personal injury cases. 

We’ve built our reputation by treating clients like family and pursuing every possible avenue for recovery. When you work with our Providence motorcycle accident lawyers, here’s what you can expect: 

• Decades of trial experience
• Access to leading medical professionals and accident specialists
• Strong negotiation skills against powerful insurance companies
• Compassionate guidance through every stage of your case

Call Our Providence Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation 

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle-related collision, don’t wait to get justice or pursue the compensation you need. Let the Providence motorcycle accident lawyers at Gemma Law fight for your rights while you focus on recovering from your injuries. 

Family-owned and operated with deep roots in Rhode Island, our motorcycle accident law firm in Providence has over 48 years of experience in personal injury law. Together, our attorneys have helped thousands of clients, and we always lead with both dedication and care. 

Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as a Tier 1 ranking by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms. We are also proud to have attorneys named Rhode Island Super Lawyers. We’re actively involved in our community, and we’re here to support you.