If you get into a car crash in Rhode Island, you must comply with certain obligations, such as exchanging information and rendering aid.
If you’re a Rhode Island driver, chances are you’ll find yourself involved in a car accident at some point in your life. By knowing your responsibilities, you’ll be prepared to navigate the process while protecting yourself from legal issues.
This page provides an overview of what Rhode Island law requires after a collision. You can also read Chapter 26 of the Rhode Island Motor Vehicle Code for more information.
1. Rhode Island Driver Exchange of Information Law
Rhode Island law requires you to stop immediately at the scene of an accident if someone is injured or killed. You must then provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other parties in the collision. If requested, you must also show your driver’s license.
The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle and shall remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3.
A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the striking of, the injury to, or death of any person or damage to any vehicle shall, upon request, give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle and shall exhibit his or her operator’s license to the person struck, or to the driver or occupant.
2. Rhode Island Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid
Under Rhode Island law, you have a duty to render aid by providing “reasonable assistance” if you are involved in a car crash where someone gets hurt. The same rule applies if you hit a pedestrian, regardless of whether they are injured.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident shall render to any person injured or struck in an accident reasonable assistance.
3. Rhode Island Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police
According to Rhode Island law, you must immediately notify the local police of any accident that injures or kills someone or renders a vehicle inoperable.
Likewise, you must report any crash involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in damage to any individual person’s property to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, or any vehicle other than a vehicle moved by human power becoming so disabled as to prevent its normal and safe operation, shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the accident to the nearest office of a duly authorized police authority.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or in which the damage to property of any one person, including himself or herself, in excess of $1000 is sustained, shall, within 21days after the accident, forward a written report of the accident to the division of motor vehicles.
What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, failing to report an accident you are legally obligated to report is a civil violation punishable by a maximum fine of $500. The Division of Motor Vehicles can also suspend your driving privileges until you file the required report.
The administrator of the division of motor vehicles shall suspend the license or permit to drive, and any nonresident operating privileges, of any person failing to report an accident as provided in this chapter until the report has been filed. Any person convicted of failing to make a report as required in this chapter shall be punished as provided in § 31-27-13.
It is a civil violation for any person to violate any of the provisions of chapters 1 — 27 of this title, unless the violation is by these chapters or other law of this state declared to be a felony or a misdemeanor, or unless the offense is punishable by a fine of more than $500 or by imprisonment.
Unless another penalty is provided by chapters 1 — 27 of this title, or by the laws of this state, every person convicted of a civil violation of the chapters shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500
4. Rhode Island Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty
After a car accident that damages property in Rhode Island, you must immediately stop your vehicle, even when there are no injuries. You then must remain at the scene and provide your contact information to the other people involved.
The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop and remain at the scene of the accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of § 31-26-3.
A stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the striking of any person or damage to any vehicle shall, upon request, give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle and shall exhibit his or her operator’s license to the person struck, or to the driver or occupant, or to the person attending any vehicle collided with.
5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Rhode Island?
When you hit a parked car in Rhode Island and cause damage, you must immediately stop at the scene. Then, you must find the car’s owner and provide them with your name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner of the vehicle you were driving if it is not yours.
If you can’t find the owner, you can leave a note providing this information and inform a nearby police department of the incident.
The driver of any vehicle which collides with another vehicle which is unattended and damage results shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the owner of the unattended vehicle of the name and address of the driver and owner or shall leave in a conspicuous place in or upon the unattended vehicle a notice and give notice to a nearby office of local or state police.
Knowing Rhode Island car accident laws can help make sure you comply with the legal duties that come into play after a crash. Failure to abide by these laws can result in civil or criminal penalties, so is essential to understand these guidelines before you get behind the wheel.