Key Factors to Evaluate When Comparing Insurance Settlement Offers for Maximum Compensation

September 30, 2025

Comparing insurance settlement offers can be the difference between full recovery and leaving entitled compensation on the table. Evaluating what you should consider when comparing settlement offers from insurance companies requires a clear understanding of damages, liability, policy coverage, negotiation tactics, legal representation, fairness criteria, and next steps. In this guide, Seasoned Rhode Island Attorneys at itwlaw.com outline the main types of damages, fault principles, policy limits, negotiation strategies, the role of legal counsel, fairness assessments, and post‐offer actions you need to secure maximum compensation.

What Are the Main Types of Damages to Consider in Insurance Settlements?


Main damage categories define the scope of your claim by quantifying losses that insurers must cover to achieve full compensation. Recognizing economic losses, intangible harms, future medical costs, income reduction, and property damage ensures a comprehensive evaluation. For example, combining medical bills with projected therapy costs will yield a more accurate demand for maximum recovery.


Before diving into each category, the following table organizes core damage types by how they’re measured and why they matter:

Damage Type Calculation Method Purpose
Economic Damages Sum of medical invoices, payroll records, and repair estimates Reimburse actual financial losses
Non-Economic Damages Multiplier of economic damages based on severity Compensate for pain, suffering, and distress
Future Medical Expenses Expert-projected treatment costs and therapy estimates Cover ongoing care and long-term needs
Lost Wages & Earning Capacity Employer statements, tax records, vocational evaluations Restore income and career prospects
Property Damage Appraisal or repair shop estimates Rebuild or replace damaged assets

Each category requires precise quantification and documentation to justify a higher settlement, laying the foundation for detailed analysis in the following sections.

How Are Economic Damages Calculated and Documented?


Economic damages are calculated by totaling verifiable monetary losses to ensure accurate reimbursement for past and present expenses. This category covers direct costs from medical treatment and financial setbacks caused by the injury.

Key elements include:

  • Medical expenses documented with itemized provider bills
  • Lost wages proven by pay stubs and employer letters
  • Out-of-pocket costs validated through receipts for transportation and equipment


Thorough documentation of these components strengthens your claim and prepares you to quantify non-economic harms.

Calculating Economic Damages in Personal Injury Cases


Economic damages in personal injury lawsuits represent quantifiable financial losses, encompassing past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. These damages are precisely calculated by totaling verifiable monetary losses, such as itemized medical bills, payroll records, and property repair estimates. Estimates for future losses are typically discounted to their present value to ensure accurate compensation.


This information aligns with the article's detailed explanation of how economic damages are calculated and documented, emphasizing the need for precise quantification of direct financial losses.

What Counts as Non-Economic Damages Like Pain and Suffering?


Non-economic damages account for intangible harms such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment, ensuring compensation beyond direct expenses. Insurers typically apply a multiplier to economic losses, reflecting injury severity, treatment complexity, and impact on daily life.

Common non-economic categories include:

  • Physical pain and suffering from documented injuries
  • Emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression
  • Loss of consortium or enjoyment of hobbies and relationships


Valuing these losses accurately bridges the gap between actual costs and holistic recovery.

How Do Future Medical Expenses Impact Settlement Value?


Future medical expenses project long-term care costs to safeguard ongoing recovery, such as anticipated surgeries or rehabilitation. These projections rely on medical expert opinions and detailed treatment plans.

Type of Care Projected Cost Justification
Physical therapy $15,000 over 2 years Therapist reports and session estimates
Orthopedic surgery $40,000 Surgeon’s treatment forecast
Home health assistance $12,000 annually Chronic care plan by a physician

Accurate forecasting of future care ensures your settlement fully covers anticipated medical needs and prevents out-of-pocket burdens later.

Why are lost Wages and Earning Capacity Important in Settlements?


Lost wages and diminished earning capacity restore your financial stability by compensating for income you cannot earn. Calculating these losses requires employer documentation and, if necessary, vocational evaluations.

Key considerations:

  • Past lost wages confirmed by payroll records
  • Reduced future earning capacity supported by vocational experts
  • Retraining costs if injury alters career trajectory


Quantifying both current and future income losses protects your long-term financial health and underpins a demand for maximum compensation.

How Is Property Damage Assessed in Insurance Claims?

Property damage is assessed by estimating repair or replacement costs using professional appraisals or repair shop quotes. Whether it’s a totaled vehicle or damaged personal belongings, accurate valuation secures proper reimbursement.


Assessment steps include:

  • Obtaining written repair estimates or fair market valuations
  • Documenting pre-loss condition through photographs and receipts
  • Including rental or replacement costs for essential items


Comprehensive proof of property loss ensures insurers cover full restoration or replacement expenses.

How Does Liability and Fault Affect Your Insurance Settlement Offer?


Liability allocation determines insurer responsibility and directly influences compensation. When fault is shared, comparative or contributory negligence rules can reduce or bar recovery, so proving responsibility is crucial to maximize your offer.

What Is Comparative and Contributory Negligence?


Comparative negligence apportions fault by percentage, reducing your award by your share of responsibility, while contributory negligence may bar recovery if you bear any fault. In Rhode Island, pure comparative negligence allows recovery regardless of your percentage of fault, making precise fault analysis essential to preserve claim value.

How Is Liability Proven and Supported by Evidence?


Liability is established through documented proof demonstrating fault, such as:

  • Official accident or police reports
  • Eyewitness statements and video recordings
  • Photographs of the scene and vehicle damage
  • Expert reconstructions of the incident


Strong evidence anchors fault assignments and limits insurers’ ability to lowball your claim.

How Does Liability Influence the Final Settlement Amount?


When liability is shared, insurers reduce compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, a $100,000 claim would drop to $70,000 if you’re deemed 30% at fault. Clear evidence and legal argumentation help minimize your assigned fault and preserve maximum settlement value.

What Role Do Insurance Policy Limits and Coverage Play in Settlement Offers?


Policy limits define the maximum payout an insurer must provide, while coverage types establish which losses are compensable. Understanding these caps and options ensures you demand the full available recovery.

Coverage Type Limit Description Settlement Impact
Bodily Injury Per Person $50,000 Caps individual injury recovery
Bodily Injury Per Accident $100,000 Limits total payout for multiple claimants
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Equal to BI limits Provides protection when the other party lacks coverage
Property Damage Only $25,000 Restricts vehicle and property repair costs

How Do Policy Limits Restrict Your Compensation?


Policy limits cap the insurer’s liability, preventing any award beyond the stated maximum per person or accident. When losses exceed these thresholds, you must seek additional resources or pursue litigation for unpaid balances.

What Is Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage?


UM/UIM coverage compensates for damages when the at-fault party has insufficient or no insurance. These protection steps cover shortfalls, ensuring you can recover losses up to your own policy limits when the other driver’s carrier can’t fully compensate you.

How Can Stacking Policies Affect Your Settlement?


Stacking combines coverage from multiple policies—for example, two household vehicles each carrying UM/UIM—to multiply available limits. This approach can significantly increase recovery potential when a single policy limit is insufficient to cover all damages.

What Are Effective Negotiation Strategies for Maximizing Insurance Settlements?


Strategic negotiation transforms a low initial offer into a comprehensive settlement by leveraging evidence, timing, and formal demands. Well-prepared responses send a strong message that you understand your claim’s true value.

How Should You Respond to Initial Settlement Offers?


Initial offers are often conservative; respond with a documented counteroffer that:

  • References itemized economic and non-economic damages
  • Attaches supporting evidence and expert opinions
  • Sets a realistic but firm settlement figure


This structured reply reframes discussions toward full compensation.

What Is the Purpose of a Demand Letter in Negotiations?


A demand letter formally presents your case, outlining liability, documented losses, and the compensation you seek. It serves to:

  • Clarify legal justifications and policy obligations
  • Establish a firm timeline for insurer response
  • Signal readiness to escalate unresolved disputes


Demand letters elevate negotiations and reduce insurer tactics that rely on uncertainty.

How Do You Deal with Insurance Adjusters and Their Tactics?


Adjusters commonly use delay, recorded statements, or lowball offers to weaken claims. Counter these tactics by:

  • Declining recorded statements without counsel present
  • Providing comprehensive documentation promptly
  • Maintaining clear communication about deadlines and expectations


Consistent, professional engagement diminishes adjuster leverage.

When Is It Advisable to Reject a Settlement Offer?


Reject offers that:

  • Fail to cover documented economic and non-economic damages
  • Impose unreasonable release clauses or confidentiality requirements
  • Represent an unsubstantiated valuation far below expert opinions


Declining such offers forces insurers to reassess liability and damages more accurately.

How Does Legal Representation Influence Your Insurance Settlement Outcome?


Hiring an attorney improves settlement value through expert negotiation, precise damage calculation, and protection against insurer tactics. Studies consistently show that represented claimants recover significantly more than self-represented individuals.

Research Indicates Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Increases Settlement Amounts


Studies by the Insurance Research Council consistently demonstrate that personal injury victims who are represented by an attorney receive significantly higher settlements—often around 3.5 times more—than those who attempt to represent themselves. This financial advantage holds true even after accounting for attorney fees, highlighting the substantial benefit of legal counsel in personal injury claims.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

  • Enhanced ability to document and quantify complex damages
  • Access to medical and vocational experts for support
  • Strategic management of negotiation and litigation timelines
  • Protection against unfair insurer tactics and bad faith practices


These advantages combine to maximize your recovery and reduce stress during the claims process.

How Do Lawyers Help Accurately Calculate Damages?


Attorneys collaborate with medical specialists, economists, and vocational experts to:

  • Project future medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Assess diminished earning capacity with professional reports
  • Value non-economic harms using recognized multiplier methods


This multi-disciplinary approach ensures every aspect of your loss is monetized.

When Should You Consult a Lawyer During the Settlement Process?


It’s advisable to seek counsel:

  • Immediately after a serious injury or property loss
  • Before responding to recorded statements or early offers
  • When liability or damages become contested
  • If policy limits or coverage questions arise


Early involvement preserves evidence and strengthens your position from the outset.

What Are Typical Attorney Fees and How Do They Affect Your Compensation?


Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, charging a percentage of the final recovery—commonly one-third. This arrangement:

  • Aligns incentives between lawyer and client
  • Eliminates upfront costs for clients
  • Ensures professional motivation to maximize settlement


Even after fees, represented clients typically net substantially more than self-represented claimants.

How Do You Determine If an Insurance Settlement Offer Is Fair and Reasonable?

A fair settlement covers all documented damages within policy limits, reflecting liability and the quality of your evidence. Comparing the offer against your calculated claim value and expert opinions reveals whether it’s reasonable.

What Factors Indicate a Fair Settlement Offer?

  • Coverage of all past and projected medical expenses
  • Adequate compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Restoration of lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Full reimbursement for property damage with no hidden caps


When an offer aligns with these criteria, it warrants serious consideration.

How Can You Identify Red Flags in Settlement Offers?

  • Unexplained discounts on documented losses
  • Inserts of broad release clauses affecting future rights
  • Absence of coverage for anticipated care or ongoing therapy
  • Pressure tactics urging immediate acceptance


Spotting these warning signs protects you from inadequate resolutions.

What Are the Implications of Accepting a Settlement Offer?


Once accepted, settlement agreements typically bar any further claims related to the incident. This finality means:

  • You forfeit rights to pursue future medical or property costs
  • Confidentiality provisions may limit disclosure of details
  • No additional payment is possible regardless of new evidence


Ensure the offer fully satisfies all current and potential future losses before signing.

What Are the Next Steps After Receiving an Insurance Settlement Offer?


After an insurer presents an offer, analyze its completeness against your documented damages, liability position, and policy limits. Deciding whether to negotiate further or accept requires methodical evaluation and, often, legal input.

When Should You Accept or Reject a Settlement Offer?


Accept when the offer fully compensates verified economic and non-economic losses within policy limits. Reject if it leaves significant uncovered expenses, imposes unfair terms, or undervalues long-term care needs.

How Can Expert Legal Advice Improve Your Settlement Outcome?


Seasoned Rhode Island Attorneys provide objective case evaluation, gauge the offer’s fairness, recommend negotiation adjustments, and prepare litigation risk assessments to strengthen your negotiating leverage.

What Documentation Should You Keep for Future Claims or Litigation?


Maintain organized records of:

  • All medical and therapy invoices
  • Pay stubs and tax records related to employment impact
  • Photographs, appraisals, and repair estimates for property damage
  • Correspondence with insurers, adjusters, and legal counsel


Comprehensive files support any subsequent legal action or additional claims.

Securing maximum compensation hinges on understanding each damage category, liability principles, policy constraints, effective negotiation tactics, and the impact of professional representation. By applying these insights and partnering with experienced counsel at itwlaw.com, you ensure that every aspect of your loss is evaluated and valued correctly. Take the next step by discussing your case with our Seasoned Rhode Island Attorneys to protect your rights and optimize your settlement.

What to Expect: Costs for Personal Injury Consultations Explained Clearly and Transparently

October 1, 2025
Understanding how much you should expect to pay for a personal injury consultation can eliminate uncertainty and empower you to make informed decisions. At itwlaw.com, our seasoned Rhode Island attorneys offer a transparent approach to fees and expenses, ensuring that families and businesses know exactly what to expect from a free initial meeting through final settlement disbursement. This guide will cover: Are personal injury consultations really free? How personal injury lawyers charge, including contingency fees. Other case expenses beyond attorney fees. Alternative fee structures, like hourly or flat rates. Ensuring transparency through a clear fee agreement. How fees and expenses affect your final recovery. Next steps after your free consultation. Are Personal Injury Consultations Really Free? Understanding the Initial Meeting Costs A free personal injury consultation provides a risk-free opportunity to discuss your case with an attorney, learn your rights, and explore potential outcomes without paying upfront fees. This no-cost meeting lays the groundwork for future representation and establishes a transparent fee structure before any commitment. What Is a Free Personal Injury Consultation? A free personal injury consultation is a complimentary meeting offered by attorneys to evaluate your case, explain legal options, and outline next steps without any obligation or upfront cost. This service allows you to gauge attorney expertise and decide if you wish to proceed, giving you a clear starting point before entering a fee arrangement. What Happens During Your Free Personal Injury Consultation? Below is a typical agenda for an initial meeting with a personal injury lawyer: Case Overview – You describe incident details, injury timeline, and potential defendants. Evidence Review – The attorney examines any medical records, photos, or police reports you bring. Legal Assessment – Discussion of liability, potential claims, and likely compensation ranges. Fee Explanation – Clear outline of the contingency fee model and any expected case expenses. Next Steps – Recommendations on gathering additional evidence and signing a fee agreement if you decide to hire. How Should You Prepare for Your Free Consultation? Effective preparation helps you maximize the value of a free consultation: Collect medical records, bills, and proof of expenses. Bring photos of injuries, accident scenes, or property damage. Prepare a timeline of events and witness contact details. List questions about fees, case length, and likely outcomes. Note any insurance correspondence or settlement offers. Arriving organized allows the attorney to focus on legal analysis rather than administrative details, streamlining your first meeting and setting a clear path for representation. What Are the Benefits of a No-Cost Initial Consultation? Free consultations offer several advantages: Zero financial risk before hiring an attorney. Insight into case viability and compensation estimates. Direct access to professional legal advice. Opportunity to compare multiple attorneys. This revenue-free entry point promotes equal access to justice and ensures you only incur costs when confident in your representation.  How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge? Explaining Contingency Fees and Payment Models

Understanding Different Personal Injury Cases Uncovered

September 30, 2025
Every time someone is hurt because of another person’s carelessness, they face medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress with little direction on seeking justice. Understanding different personal injury cases equips families and businesses with the knowledge to protect their rights, pursue compensation, and navigate complex legal procedures. In this guide, we define personal injury law and its protective role, explore the most common case types, outline the step-by-step claim process, detail typical injuries, explain how settlements are calculated, and highlight why seasoned Rhode Island attorneys at itwlaw.com offer unparalleled advocacy. What Is Personal Injury Law and How Does It Protect You? Personal injury law is the body of legal rules that allows individuals hurt by another’s negligence or misconduct to recover compensation for their losses, ensuring responsible parties are held accountable and future harm is deterred. For example, when a distracted driver causes a crash, personal injury statutes empower the victim to seek reimbursement for medical care and lost wages. What Defines a Personal Injury Case? A personal injury case arises when one party’s unreasonable failure to exercise care causes another person’s physical or emotional harm. This framework covers accidents, intentional wrongdoing, strict-liability incidents, and workplace hazards, each requiring proof of fault to secure damages. What Are the Four Elements of a Personal Injury Claim? Every successful claim must establish these four elements in sequence: Duty of Care – A legal obligation to act reasonably (e.g., drivers must obey traffic laws). Breach of Duty – Violation of that obligation (e.g., texting while driving). Causation – Direct link between the breach and the injury (e.g., the crash caused a broken arm). Damages – Measurable losses suffered (e.g., medical bills, lost income). Personal Injury Law 101: Understanding the 4 Elements of Negligence This guide outlines the four essential elements required to prove negligence in a personal injury claim: duty of care, breach of that duty, direct causation of injury by the breach, and quantifiable damages and financial losses suffered by the plaintiff. These elements are fundamental for a personal injury claim to be considered valid. This research directly supports the article's detailed explanation of the four foundational elements that define a personal injury case and are crucial for a successful claim. Proving each element secures the foundation for compensation and paves the way for settlement or trial. What Types of Damages Can You Claim in Personal Injury Cases? Victims may recover three distinct categories of damages, each addressing different aspects of loss.

Avoid These Common Mistakes in Injury Claims

September 30, 2025
Every year, thousands of claimants lose significant compensation by making avoidable errors in their personal injury claims. Understanding these pitfalls protects your right to fair recovery and guides you toward stronger case outcomes. This article, drawn from the expertise of seasoned Rhode Island attorneys at ITW Law, maps out the most common mistakes—missing deadlines, poor evidence collection, unguarded insurer negotiations, premature settlements, treatment delays, social media missteps—and shows how statute knowledge, thorough documentation, skilled negotiation, timely legal help, and proactive medical care work together to secure maximum compensation. What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Injury Claims? The most common mistakes in personal injury claims involve missing the statute of limitations, failing to document evidence, speaking to insurance adjusters without counsel, accepting the first settlement offer too quickly, delaying medical treatment, and misusing social media. Recognizing these errors early lays the groundwork for a successful claim. Why Is Missing the Statute of Limitations a Critical Error? Missing the statute of limitations bars your right to file a lawsuit, eliminating potential compensation, no matter how valid your injuries are. A statute of limitations error occurs when a claimant waits past the legally mandated deadline, allowing the defendant to request dismissal. Claimants should avoid this mistake by tracking critical dates and filing timely paperwork, which preserves the right to pursue medical bills, lost wages, and pain-and-suffering damages. Properly managing deadlines sets the stage for collecting persuasive evidence in support of your claim. How Does Failing to Document Evidence Hurt Your Injury Claim? Failing to document evidence undermines proof of negligence and damages, reducing settlement value and trial leverage. Evidence collection encompasses photos of the scene, medical records, witness statements, and repair estimates. Without detailed documentation, insurers question the severity of injuries and may dispute liability, resulting in lower offers or outright denials. Maintaining clear records transitions naturally into understanding negotiation tactics with insurance companies. What Risks Come from Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer? Speaking to insurance adjusters without legal counsel risks self-incrimination and undervaluation of your claim. Adjusters often use recorded statements to identify inconsistencies and minimize payouts. Having a personal injury lawyer present ensures that communications focus on facts and that nothing inadvertently harms your compensation prospects. Why Is Accepting the First Settlement Offer Too Quickly a Mistake? Accepting the first settlement offer too quickly often means settling for far less than full compensation. Insurers typically make low initial offers to close claims swiftly. Without a lawyer to analyze future medical costs, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages, claimants may forfeit thousands in rightful compensation. Understanding long-term costs paves the way to timely medical treatment, which strengthens your case. How Can Delaying Medical Treatment Impact Your Claim? Delaying medical treatment weakens credibility and invites insurer challenges to causation and injury severity. Prompt treatment not only supports health outcomes but also generates contemporaneous medical records that document injuries and prescribed care. Later gaps in treatment create questions about injury authenticity, limiting compensation for ongoing care. What Are the Dangers of Social Media Use During Your Injury Case? Social media posts can jeopardize your claim by contradicting injury reports or suggesting activities you claimed to avoid. Insurers monitor profiles for evidence of inconsistency—such as photos of you playing sports after reporting debilitating pain—which they use to depreciate settlements. Observant online conduct and strict privacy settings protect your credibility and compensation prospects. How Does Understanding the Statute of Limitations Protect Your Injury Claim? Understanding the statute of limitations ensures you file within legal deadlines, preserving your right to pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing exact deadlines by state guards against dismissal and forces timely case preparation. What Is the Statute of Limitations and Why Does It Matter? The statute of limitations is the legally defined timeframe during which you must file a lawsuit, typically three years for personal injury claims in Rhode Island. Missing this deadline results in courts refusing to hear your case, regardless of fault or damages. Adhering to this deadline compels early evidence gathering and strengthens your negotiation position with insurers. Ensuring timely filing naturally leads to exploring how these deadlines vary across states. How Do Statute of Limitations Deadlines Vary by State? Different jurisdictions impose varying filing deadlines and exceptions that claimants must navigate diligently. Below is a sample of state deadlines:

Welcome to Our Blog!

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
Our team of Rhode Island attorneys would like to welcome you to our blog! Here, we will share ample information regarding news, laws, and other helpful sources related to the various practice areas we handle, including: Real Estate Personal Injury Probate Divorce & Family Law Criminal Defense Bankruptcy We hope that you will enjoy the materials we provide, and we hope to speak with you soon!

Meet Our Legal Team!

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
At Inman & Tourgee, our legal team is dedicated to serving our clients with top-tier legal representation in every type of case. No matter what your situation may be, we will work diligently to examine every detail in order to build a strong case for you. Backed by more than 125 years of collective experience, you can rest easier knowing we can put our skills, knowledge, and top-tier results on your side. To learn more about the team that is ready to fight for your future, see this page .

4 Things You Should Do as a Drunk-Driving Accident Victim

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
If you sustain injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue monetary compensation to cover the costs of injury and recovery treatment. Sadly, drunk driving accidents occur frequently in the United States, especially during the holiday season. As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you should not face damages or injuries without help. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a drunk driver, it is important to take necessary steps in order to keep you, your passengers, and your rights safe. To help, our Rhode Island DUI accident lawyers have listed 4 steps you should take in the event that you are involved in a collision caused by a drunk driver: 1. CALL 911 Regardless of how severe or minor the accident may be, it is crucial to call 911 right away. Law enforcement officers can gather details from your accident, which can become useful should you chose to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver. 2. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION TO EXAMINE THE WELFARE OF YOU AND YOUR PASSENGERS After the accident, regardless of the severity, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure you and your passengers get the assistance and treatment you need as soon as possible. In addition, paramedics and other health care professionals can document your damages, which can become useful should you choose to file a lawsuit. 3. OBTAIN ANY AND ALL INFORMATION FROM THE DRUNK DRIVER AND WITNESSES It is important to gather the driver's personal information, including: Phone number Address Driver's license number License plate number All insurance information In addition, it may be helpful to collect the personal information of any witnesses as well. This can ensure you are able to collect any necessary details to help build your case. 4. CONTACT EXPERIENCED LEGAL COUNSEL After an accident occurs, there will be ample documents, filing tasks, medical expenses, and insurance rate adjustments you will have to handle. For this reason, it is wise to contact a seasoned car accident lawyer right away. A skilled lawyer can help you gather all necessary information and streamline your case should you file a lawsuit against the reckless, careless, and negligent driver. There is a greater chance of recovering maximum financial compensation with the help of a highly experienced DUI accident attorney. HARMED IN AN ACCIDENT? CALL INMAN & TOURGEE If you were involved in an accident, suffered injuries, and believe the driver should be held liable, we urge you to contact our Rhode Island DUI accident attorneys right away. We can examine your case and determine which legal strategies can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Backed by more than 125 years of legal experience, we have what it takes to safeguard your future. Discuss your case today by calling our team at Inman & Tourgee!

Inman & Tourgee Recovers More Than $1.3 Million on Behalf of Motorcycle Accident Victim

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
In June 2015 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, a motorcyclist was riding straight through an intersection, with the right-of-way, when he was struck by a motorist making a left-hand turn. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries, including a brain injury and numerous broken bones. As a result, he spent several months in the hospital. Attorneys Mark Tourgee and Joanna Achille of Inman & Tourgee fought for the rights of the motorcyclist and were able to recover the full $1,300,000.00 policy limits from the at-fault motorist and $25,000.00 from the at-fault driver's uninsured motorist limits. When asked about the case, Attorney Tourgee explained, “We were able to secure a settlement for our client expeditiously which allowed him to focus on recovery rather than litigation.” HAVE YOU SUFFERED INJURIES IN AN ACCIDENT? CALL INMAN & TOURGEE. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, or any other type of accident, and believe another person should be held liable for your injuries, we urge you to get in touch with our Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyers at Inman & Tourgee right away. We can examine the details of your case and determine which legal strategies can best protect your future in the shortest amount of time possible. When you choose to work with our team, you can rest easier knowing we will make you our first and most important priority. Don't wait to put experience and skill on your side. Let our Rhode Island personal injury attorneys fight for your rights and future. Call us today!

Personal Injury Law 101: Understanding the 4 Elements of Negligence

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
Before a personal injury claim can be considered valid, there must be proof of negligence. For this reason, a person cannot negotiate a claim unless he or she and his or her legal counsel (should they choose to retain a lawyer) prove the four elements that combine to create the proof of negligence. The Cornell University Law School defines negligence as “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. The behavior usually consists of actions, but can also consist of omissions when there is some duty to act (e.g., a duty to help victims of one's previous conduct).” To prove such, the following four elements must be established: 1. DUTY OF CARE A person must prove that the defendant owed him or her a duty. Because each individual holds the duty to behave in a reasonable manner towards other people, a personal injury claim must begin with the identification of such a duty. 2. BREACH OF THAT DUTY A person must prove that the defendant breached his or her duty of care by failing to act in a reasonable manner toward the plaintiff. 3. BREACH DIRECTLY CAUSED INJURY A person must prove that the defendant's breach of duty is the direct result of his or her injury. The injuries and damages must relate to the defendant's failure to act reasonably. 4. DAMAGES AND INJURIES CAUSED FINANCIAL LOSSES A person must prove that because the defendant failed to act reasonably, the plaintiff suffered injuries, and as a result, faces monetary loss. Evidence of the plaintiff's injuries and resulting costs will be required for court judgment against the defendant in order for the plaintiff to recover a settlement. BELIEVE YOU HAVE A CASE? CALL INMAN & TOURGEE. If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a negligent person, it is crucial that you seek experienced legal advocacy right away. When you choose to work with our team, we will examine the details of your case and determine which strategies can best protect your future in the shortest amount of time possible. No matter what your situation may be, we have the skills and experience to pursue maximum compensation for you! Call Inman & Tourgee today! We are backed by more than 125 years of collective legal experience.

Determining Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in RI

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
While car accidents involving two vehicles are relatively straight-forward, collisions involving three or more vehicles are often complicated. Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents – known as pile-ups and chain-reaction crashes – can be quite difficult since it is possible that more than one driver is at fault. HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHO IS TO BLAME? If you are involved in a chain-reaction collision, you could make a claim against one or all of the other drivers who caused the crash and could obtain compensation from any of the motorists whose actions caused the crash. According to Rhode Island law, multiple parties who cause a collision and injuries can be held “jointly and severally” liable. In other words, they can be held equally responsible for injuries they cause. In many cases, several different drivers can cause a multi-vehicle accident. For example, if one motorist cuts off another who is speeding without signaling, then suddenly the speeding motorist swerves into your car in the next lane, both drivers could be partially at fault. HOW OUR RHODE ISLAND CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS CAN HELP The rules on shared responsibility for auto collisions are complex and confusing, especially if you suffer any serious injury. It is imperative to retain legal services from an experienced personal injury attorney. At Inman & Tourgee, we can thoroughly review your case and determine all of your available legal options in order to obtain the most favorable outcome possible. With more than 125 years of combined experience, our Rhode Island car accident attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of state driving laws to help you navigate through the intricacies of the legal system. Contact us and request a free consultation today.

Why You Should Not Post About Your Injury to Social Media

By April Picozzi • April 27, 2025
We live in an era where many of us share nearly every facet of our lives on social media, taking artistic photos of well-plated lunches, checking in at various locations throughout the day, and posting our most flattering selfies. Given how accustomed to sharing we have become, it is only natural to want to also share details about a personal injury, but doing so can negatively impact your case. Here are some reasons why you should refrain from posting about your injury to social media: Privacy settlings will not necessarily keep things private : These settings can certainly provide a sense of security, but it is a false one. Privacy settings might be able to make it difficult for someone to access your content, but not impossible. There are also terms of service agreements, which you agreed to, which allows social media websites to release information to the authorities for specific investigations. Photos can be used as evidence : If you suffered an injury, such as a broken arm, and are later seen attending a friend's party where you are smiling and enjoying yourself, this can be used against you. An insurance adjuster might claim that because you are smiling and appear to be fine, it means that you are fine. As ridiculous as it might sound, this can happen and it might cost you. Avoid making certain types of posts in the aftermath of an accident : Avoiding social media altogether is the best idea, but if you absolutely cannot do that, it is important to not make the following posts: Status updates about traveling Fitness updates Location check-ins Comments that admit to fault Negative comments about the at-fault party Social media is meant to be fun, but unfortunately it can also damage your case. Before posting anything, ask yourself if you would mind a judge seeing it. If you would not want it shown in a court of law, then you should not post it. PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN RHODE ISLAND If you have been injured in an accident, you will need the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney to guide you through the legal system. At Inman & Tourgee, we have over 125 years of collective experience and have served Coventry and Rhode Island for over 25 years. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better your chances at obtaining compensation in your personal injury claim. Do not leave the outcome of your case up to chance. Our Coventry-based lawyers serve clients throughout the state. Call our office at (401) 229-5521 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Rhode Island personal injury attorneys.