What to Do After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian in Rhode Island
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Being struck by a vehicle is one of the most violent and disorienting injury experiences a person can survive. The injuries are frequently severe, and the physical shock of the impact makes it genuinely difficult to think clearly in the immediate aftermath. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in order, to protect your health and your legal claim.
At the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano, we represent Rhode Island pedestrian accident victims and understand the urgency these cases require. Call us at (401) 288-3888 as soon as you are able. The consultation is free and you pay nothing unless we win.
Do not move
If you suspect a spinal injury after being struck, do not attempt to get up — wait for emergency responders to evaluate and stabilize you
60 Days
Notice deadline if you were hit in a government crosswalk or by a government vehicle — missing it permanently bars the municipal claim
UM/UIM
Your own uninsured motorist coverage is the primary recovery source if the driver fled or had no insurance
Immediate Steps After Being Struck by a Vehicle
Step 1: Do Not Move If You Suspect a Spinal Injury
If you were struck with significant force, or feel pain, tingling, or numbness in your neck, back, arms, or legs, do not attempt to get up. Movement after a spinal injury can cause or worsen paralysis. Wait for emergency responders to evaluate and stabilize you.
Step 2: Call 911 or Have Someone Call for You
A police response is essential. A police report documents the driver, vehicle, location, and circumstances of the crash. It is required for any insurance claim.
Step 3: Do Not Let the Driver Leave
Leaving the scene of a pedestrian injury is a felony in Rhode Island. If the driver attempts to leave, note the vehicle make, model, color, partial plate number, and direction of travel. Do not physically attempt to stop them.
Step 4: Get the Driver’s Information
Collect the driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information. If the driver refuses, the police will obtain this from the police report.
Step 5: Document the Scene
Photograph the vehicle, license plate, road conditions, traffic controls, skid marks, debris, and your visible injuries. Video of the scene is also valuable.
Step 6: Get Witness Information
Get names and phone numbers from every witness before they leave. Bystander accounts are particularly valuable in pedestrian cases.
Step 7: Seek Emergency Medical Care
Go to the emergency room immediately even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain. TBI, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding may not be apparent for hours. A same-day medical record documenting your injuries is the foundation of your claim.
Step 8: Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Driver’s Insurer
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement. Call MFC Law before speaking with any insurance company.
$500,000
Settlement recovered by MFC Law for a client seriously injured in a Providence premises liability case.
Special Situations
If the Driver Fled the Scene
Call 911 immediately and give as much information about the vehicle as possible. Your own uninsured motorist coverage is typically your primary recovery source. Notify your insurer promptly but do not give a recorded statement before consulting an attorney.
If You Were Hit in a Government Crosswalk or by a Government Vehicle
Rhode Island’s 60-day municipal notice requirement applies. You must serve formal written notice on the city or town within 60 days or permanently lose the right to sue. Call an attorney immediately. See our page on government property claims and the 60-day notice rule.
If You Were Jaywalking When You Were Hit
Under Rhode Island’s pure comparative negligence rule, jaywalking may reduce your recovery but does not bar the claim. See our page on jaywalking and comparative negligence in Rhode Island.
Common Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident
- Traumatic brain injuries: A leading cause of death and permanent disability in pedestrian accidents
- Spinal cord and back injuries: Impact with a vehicle can cause vertebral fractures and cord damage
- Lower extremity fractures: Femur, tibia, fibula, and ankle fractures common when a vehicle strikes the legs
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent and require imaging to diagnose
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What truly impressed me was the amount of compensation I received. It's significantly more than what I got from other cases where I treated for twice as long, and those took much longer to resolve. The efficiency and effectiveness of this team are truly commendable.
Communication was top-notch throughout the entire process. I felt informed and involved every step of the way, and I was particularly pleased that I could reach out to Mike directly whenever I had questions. His accessibility made a world of difference and reassured me that I was in good hands.
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Their team went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed every step of the way. They handled everything—from paperwork to negotiations—seamlessly, which completely eased my anxiety. What could have been an incredibly stressful and daunting lawsuit turned into a smooth and almost effortless process, thanks to their dedication and professionalism.
I was especially impressed with how they fought for my case. They didn’t settle for the first offer but instead pushed for what I truly deserved. In the end, they secured a settlement that was far beyond anything I ever expected. Their persistence and expertise showed me that I was in the best hands possible.
Lawsuits can be stressful, but Michael F. Campopiano and his team made the entire experience not only bearable but even empowering. If you’re looking for a legal team that genuinely cares, works tirelessly, and delivers outstanding results, look no further. I am so thankful for their help and would recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation. Thank you for everything!
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- Throughout Rhode Island & Massachusetts, helping victims of personal injury get the care they deserve.
“When you choose us, you can be rest assured that you will receive personalized attention and a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Our skilled lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, explaining your rights and options in clear, straightforward language.
We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip and falls, Dog Bite, and more. No matter the complexity of your case, we have the expertise and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.”
Frequently Asked Questions: After a Pedestrian Accident in Rhode Island
1. Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?
Yes. Adrenaline masks pain in the immediate aftermath. TBI symptoms, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding may not be apparent for hours. A same-day evaluation creates the record that connects your injuries to the accident.
2. What if the driver who hit me has no insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage is typically your primary recovery source. Rhode Island requires insurers to offer UM coverage.
3. What if I was struck in a government crosswalk?
The 60-day municipal notice rule applies. You must serve written notice on the city or town within 60 days or permanently lose the right to sue the municipality. Call an attorney immediately.
4. How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in Rhode Island?
Three years from the date of the accident. Government property claims also require the 60-day notice. See our statute of limitations page for the full breakdown.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano
for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael F. Campopiano for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Founded in 2007, MFC Law has spent nearly two decades fighting for injury victims throughout Rhode Island. Michael F. Campopiano built this firm on a simple belief: advocacy with compassion, when clients need it most. That means being accessible, honest, and relentless. Mike answers client calls directly, moves quickly to preserve evidence, and does not back down when insurance companies push back.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so every client feels fully understood and supported through every step of the process.
We represent pedestrian accident victims in:
And all surrounding Rhode Island communities.
For a full overview of Rhode Island pedestrian accident claims, visit our Rhode Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer page.
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