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.

Damage Category What It Covers Purpose
Economic Damages Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages Restores actual financial losses
Non-Economic Damages Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment Compensates for intangible harm
Punitive Damages Awarded for egregious conduct Punishes wrongdoers and deters similar actions

These award types combine to address both tangible and intangible consequences of an injury.

How Does Negligence Impact Personal Injury Lawsuits?


Negligence is the core concept requiring proof that a defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, directly leading to another’s injury. Establishing negligence involves gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to trace a clear causal path from misconduct to harm.

What Parties Are Involved in Personal Injury Cases?


Key roles include:

  • Plaintiff – The injured individual seeking compensation.
  • Defendant – The person or entity alleged to be at fault.
  • Attorney – Legal advocate who assembles evidence, negotiates with insurers, and represents the plaintiff in court.
  • Insurance Company – May defend or indemnify the defendant and negotiate settlements.
  • Healthcare Providers – Document injuries and treatment, supplying critical medical records.


A cohesive team guided by a skilled attorney promotes the strongest possible claim.


These fundamental concepts—definition, elements, damages, negligence, and parties—form the bedrock for understanding specific types of personal injury cases.

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases?

Personal injury cases span a variety of incidents where negligence or strict liability causes harm. Recognizing each category helps victims pursue the appropriate legal strategy, whether negotiating with insurers or filing suit in Rhode Island courts.

What Are Car Accident Claims and Their Legal Considerations?


Car accident claims arise when collisions lead to property damage, physical injuries, or fatalities, and are governed by negligence principles and state-mandated insurance requirements. Distractions, intoxication, and unsafe road conditions all factor into fault determination and potential comparative negligence defenses.

How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Lead to Injury Claims?


Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability, holding property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions. Failure to repair hazards such as wet floors or cracked sidewalks, or inadequate warning signs, can trigger liability for injuries like fractures and head trauma.

What Constitutes Medical Malpractice Lawsuits?


Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals breach the accepted standard of care—through misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes—causing injury or wrongful death. Proving malpractice involves expert testimony to show the provider’s actions deviated from what a competent practitioner would do.

How Are Wrongful Death Claims Filed and What Damages Are Recoverable?


Wrongful death actions compensate surviving family members for losses when negligence or intentional harm causes death. Eligible damages include funeral expenses, loss of support, medical bills prior to death, and loss of consortium—addressing both economic and emotional impact on heirs.

What Are Product Liability Cases and Consumer Protections?


Product liability claims arise when a defective or unreasonably dangerous consumer product causes injury. Plaintiffs may assert manufacturing defects, design flaws, or failure to warn, relying on strict liability or negligence theories to secure compensation for injuries.

What Falls Under Premises Liability Claims Beyond Slip and Falls?


Beyond simple falls, premises liability extends to dog bites, inadequate security leading to assaults, and swimming pool accidents. Owners and occupiers must address animal control, lighting, surveillance, and barrier requirements to prevent foreseeable harm.

How Are Workplace Injury Claims Different from Workers’ Compensation?


While workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits for on-the-job injuries, third-party personal injury actions allow employees to pursue additional damages against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners whose misconduct contributed to the accident.


Each case type involves distinct laws, standards of proof, and procedural rules, guiding the choice of legal strategy for maximum recovery.

How Do You File a Personal Injury Claim? Step-by-Step Legal Process Explained

Filing a personal injury claim follows a structured process that begins immediately after an injury and can culminate in a settlement or a trial.

What Are the Initial Steps After an Injury Occurs?


Seek prompt medical attention to document injuries, preserve any evidence such as photographs of the scene and damaged property, and record witness contact information. Early documentation strengthens causation and damage claims.

How Is a Personal Injury Claim Filed and Investigated?


Your attorney prepares a detailed demand package for the insurance company, including medical records, expense documentation, and liability evidence. Insurers then investigate through statements, expert reviews, and site inspections.

What Happens During Settlement Negotiations?


Negotiations involve presenting demand figures, exchanging defense responses, and crafting counteroffers. Effective tactics include leveraging liability evidence, emphasizing documented damages, and addressing insurers’ concerns through expert reports.

When Is Litigation Necessary and What Does a Trial Involve?


If negotiations stall, your lawyer files a complaint in civil court and engages in discovery—interrogatories, depositions, and document requests. Trial presents evidence before a judge or jury, culminating in a verdict that may award damages or dismiss claims.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Typically Take?


Most claims resolve within six months to two years, depending on case complexity, medical recovery timelines, and court schedules. Early settlement often reduces legal fees and accelerates compensation.


Clear procedural steps reduce uncertainty and ensure that injured parties progress efficiently from incident to resolution.

What Injuries Are Common in Personal Injury Lawsuits?


Injuries shape the value of a claim and dictate medical treatment, evidence gathering, and settlement negotiations.

What Are Typical Injuries from Car Accidents?


Car collisions frequently cause whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal organ injuries. These range from soft-tissue trauma to life-altering conditions requiring long-term care.

What Injuries Result from Slip and Fall Accidents?


Falls often produce sprains, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal compression, especially among older adults. The severity depends on fall height, surface hardness, and victim health.

What Are Common Medical Malpractice Injuries?


Medical negligence can lead to birth injuries, surgical complications, misdiagnosed infections, and medication overdoses, often resulting in chronic conditions, disability, or wrongful death.

What Injuries Are Associated with Dog Bites and Animal Attacks?


Bites and attacks cause lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections such as rabies, and psychological trauma requiring therapy. Aggression severity and victim vulnerability drive damage awards.

How Do Workplace Accidents Cause Injuries?


Construction and manufacturing site incidents produce crush injuries, falls from heights, chemical burns, and repetitive strain disorders. Third-party liability claims may address defective equipment or unsafe worksite conditions.


Recognizing injury patterns informs both medical treatment and legal strategy, ensuring claims fully reflect actual harm.

How Are Settlement Amounts Determined in Personal Injury Cases?


Calculating fair compensation requires assessing multiple factors that influence the total award.

What Factors Influence Economic Damages?

  • Medical Bills – Past and future treatment costs.
  • Lost Income – Wages sacrificed during recovery and potential earning capacity reduction.
  • Property Damage – Repair or replacement expenses for vehicles or personal items.

How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?


Non-economic awards compensate pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium by applying a multiplier to economic damages or using per-diem methods that assign a daily rate for subjective harm.

When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?


Punitive damages target defendants whose actions were willful, malicious, or grossly negligent, serving to punish and deter conduct beyond ordinary negligence.

What Are Average Settlement Amounts by Case Type?


In recent years, average outcomes have varied widely across different personal injury categories.

Case Type Typical Settlement Context
Car Accident Claims $30,000 – $60,000 Depends on injury severity and liability share
Medical Malpractice $300,000 – $700,000 Reflects high medical costs and life impact
Product Liability $200,000 – $750,000 Tied to defect type and widespread harm
Slip and Fall Accidents $20,000 – $100,000 Influenced by age and injury complexity

Variations arise from jurisdiction, evidence strength, and negotiation skill.

Why Do Most Personal Injury Cases Settle Before Trial?


About 95 percent of claims resolve through settlements because they save time, reduce legal fees, and provide certainty of outcome without the risks and delays of litigation.

Personal Injury Settlement Amount Examples: 2025 Payouts Guide & Personal Injury Statistics in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview


Data from 2025 indicates that average personal injury settlements vary significantly by case type, with car accident claims averaging around $37,248.62 and medical malpractice cases often reaching about $1 million. Furthermore, approximately 95-96% of personal injury cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial, highlighting a preference for out-of-court resolutions.


Understanding settlement dynamics empowers injured parties to set realistic expectations and pursue optimal negotiation strategies.

Why Choose Expert Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Case?


Securing compensation often hinges on professional guidance to navigate complex laws, deadlines, and insurer tactics.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Maximize Your Compensation?


Experienced attorneys identify all damage categories, assemble compelling evidence, engage medical experts, and leverage negotiation strategies that emphasize liability and document full losses to maximize awards.

What Is the Role of an Attorney in Navigating Complex Claims?


A dedicated lawyer manages deadlines, handles insurance communications, prepares litigation materials, and advocates vigorously at each stage, allowing clients to focus on recovery rather than paperwork.

How Does itwlaw.com Support Injured Clients Through the Legal Process?


As seasoned Rhode Island attorneys, the team at itwlaw.com provides free case evaluations, transparent fee structures, and personalized representation tailored to each client’s needs, guiding families and businesses through every step of a personal injury claim.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?


Seek credentials such as state bar membership, proven trial experience, positive client testimonials, and a track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries—criteria that reflect skill, trust, and commitment to client outcomes.


Professional advocacy transforms uncertainty into clear pathways toward justice and compensation.

Injured parties who understand their rights, follow a structured claim process, and secure expert legal representation significantly increase their chances of recovering full and fair compensation. 


Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals and deter negligent behavior by ensuring accountability. When facing mounting bills or complex liability questions, engaging a dedicated attorney at itwlaw.com provides clarity, advocacy, and results. Protect your future by seeking guidance from seasoned Rhode Island personal injury lawyers who prioritize your recovery and pursue every available remedy on your behalf.

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

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:

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.