How the Rhode Island car accident statute of limitations works
The Rhode Island car accident statute of limitations is three years. Call free to confirm your date.
Rhode Island gives you three years to sue for crash injuries, under section 9-1-14. It also has one of the most forgiving fault rules in the country. Even if you were mostly to blame, you can still collect the other driver’s share.
The deadlines in Rhode Island
| What | Time limit | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Injury lawsuit | Three years | R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-14(b) |
| Car or property damage lawsuit | Ten years (general civil limit) | R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-13(a) |
| Shared fault | Pure comparative: award cut by your share, never barred | R.I. Gen. Laws 9-20-4 |
| Minimum liability cover | $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000 | R.I. Gen. Laws 31-47-2 |
| Wrongful death lawsuit | Three years from the death | R.I. Gen. Laws 10-7-2 |
Pure comparative fault in Rhode Island
Most states cut you off once you are half or more to blame. Rhode Island does not. A jury sets your share of fault and your damages drop by that share, under section 9-20-4. Found 70 percent at fault on a $100,000 loss? You can still recover $30,000.
That is why an adjuster may still argue hard about blame here. Every point of fault they pin on you comes straight off the check.
Crashes with a Rhode Island town or state vehicle
Before suing a city or town, you must present a written account of the claim to its council. If it is not paid within 40 days, you may then sue, under section 45-15-5.
Damages against the state, a city or a town are usually capped at $100,000, under section 9-31-2. The cap does not apply when the government was running a business-type service, called a proprietary function.
When the Rhode Island clock waits
A child’s three years start at age 18, under section 9-1-19. Sometimes the driver who hit you cannot be found to be served. You may then get an extra 120 days to sue their insurer directly, under section 9-1-14(c). That only works if your case against the driver was filed on time.
When to call a Rhode Island car accident lawyer
Three years feels long, but evidence and witnesses fade. An attorney can gather the police report, video and medical records while they are fresh. Call before you sign any release. The call is free and the lawyer takes a fee only if you win.
Other states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York or every state on one page.
Rhode Island car accident statute of limitations questions
How long do I have to sue after a car accident in Rhode Island?
Three years from the crash for injuries, under section 9-1-14. A car damage claim falls under the general ten-year limit.
Can I get money if the crash was mostly my fault in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island uses pure comparative fault, so your award shrinks by your share but is not wiped out.
Is Rhode Island a no-fault state?
No. The driver who caused the crash, through their liability insurer, pays for the harm.
How long does a family have to file a wrongful death case in Rhode Island?
Three years from the date of death, under section 10-7-2.
Before the clock runs out
Rhode Island adjusters often lower an offer by blaming you for part of the crash. Call before you sign anything and a lawyer will look at the fault split and your offer free.
Call about my deadline(833) 716-6705
We pick up 24/7, go over your crash free and connect a car accident lawyer with no fee unless you win.