One of the most common worries injured people have is whether their own partial fault will bar them from recovering. In Rhode Island, the answer is reassuring.
What Pure Comparative Negligence Means
Rhode Island follows pure comparative negligence (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4). Under this rule, you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault — and even if you were more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
A Simple Example
Suppose your damages total $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault for the accident. Under pure comparative negligence, you would still recover $70,000 — your total damages reduced by your 30% share. Even at 80% fault, you could recover 20% of your damages.
Why Insurers Exaggerate Your Fault
Because every percentage point of fault reduces what they must pay, insurance companies work hard to shift blame onto you. They may twist your words from a recorded statement or misread the accident scene. An experienced attorney pushes back against inflated fault arguments.
Get a Fair Assessment of Your Claim
Don't let an insurer convince you that you have no case. Call 973-566-5599 for a free review and find out what your claim may really be worth.
Injured in Rhode Island? Injury Claim Team connects you with experienced local attorneys at no cost. Call 973-566-5599 or request a free review — a specialist will reach out within the hour.