Car accidents can turn your day and your life completely upside down. One moment, you’re driving to work or heading home, and the next, you’re dealing with injuries, shock, and wondering what to do next.

Whether your accident happened on I-95 or during a quick run to the store on Broad Street, what you do next really matters. It can have a major impact on your recovery and your ability to get the financial support you need.

At MFC Law, we’ve helped many car accident victims throughout Providence and Rhode Island. This guide will walk you through the steps so you can stay focused on healing while we take care of the legal side.

1. Make Sure You’re Safe and Call 911

Your safety comes first. If you can, move your car to a safe area, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911. Rhode Island law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

Even if it feels like a minor accident, having a police report can be incredibly helpful when proving who was at fault.

Quick Tip: When speaking with the police, stick to what you know for sure. Avoid guessing or assuming anything.

2. Check for Injuries and Get Medical Help

It’s very common for people not to feel pain right away after a crash because of adrenaline. That doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal trauma can take time to show up.

Let the emergency responders check you at the scene, and be sure to follow up with your doctor or visit urgent care. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get everything documented.

Important: Waiting too long to get medical care could hurt both your health and your ability to file a strong legal claim.

3. Take Photos and Gather Info (If You’re Able)

If you’re in a safe place and able to do so, try to document the accident scene. The more information you have, the stronger your case can be.

Here are a few things to collect:

• Photos of the vehicles, any damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries
  
• Contact and insurance information from the other driver
  
• Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
  
• Name and badge number of the responding officer
  
• Police report number (you can ask the officer for this)
  

Even a few quick smartphone photos can make a big difference later.

4. Watch What You Say at the Scene

It’s human nature to want to say something like “I’m sorry,” especially in a stressful moment. But even a polite comment can be twisted and used against you by an insurance adjuster.

Stick to the facts when speaking with others involved in the crash or the police. Don’t speculate, admit fault, or say things like “I didn’t see you” or “I was distracted”. Keep it simple and factual.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Rhode Island law says you need to report the accident to your insurer quickly. Share the basics of what happened, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting blame until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Insurance companies may try to close the case fast with a low offer. Having a lawyer means you have someone in your corner making sure your rights are protected.

6. Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer in Providence

You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer, but doing so can seriously improve your chances of getting full compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney can take a lot of the stress off your plate.

At MFC Law, we can help you:

• Understand who is responsible for the crash
  
• Calculate the real value of your case
  
• Collect and preserve important evidence
  
• Handle negotiations with the insurance company
  
• Go to court on your behalf, if necessary
  

And don’t worry about upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case.

7. Know What Compensation You Might Be Owed

If someone else was responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (including future treatments)
  
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
  
• Damage to your car and other property
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Permanent injuries or scarring
  

No two cases are exactly the same. Our team will look at the details of your accident and help you understand what your claim might be worth.

8. Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

In Rhode Island, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but it’s not a good idea to wait.

Important evidence can disappear. Witnesses can forget key details. And insurance companies may delay things to weaken your claim. The sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better your chances of success.

Common Questions After a Car Accident in Providence

Do I have to go to court to get compensation?
Not always. Most car accident cases are settled through negotiations. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, we’re ready to go to court for you.

What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
You might still have coverage through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. We can take a look at your policy and let you know what your options are.

Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Rhode Island uses a pure comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover damages, even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation would just be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

Why Choose MFC Law?

We’re a local firm with deep roots in Providence, and we’ve spent years helping Rhode Islanders who’ve been hurt in car accidents. We know how the courts here operate, how insurance companies think, and what it takes to get you the justice you deserve.

We treat every client with respect, compassion, and urgency. You’re not just a case number to us—you’re a person who deserves real support.

Let’s Talk. The Consultation Is Free

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Providence, we’re here and ready to help. Your first consultation is completely free, and there’s no pressure or obligation.

📞 Call us at (401) 288 3888
📍 Visit us at mfclaw.com/#contact
📧 Or fill out our contact form, and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible