RHODE ISLAND*

Rhode Island motorcyclists are protected under Rhode Island motorcycle law that makes negligent drivers responsible and liable to Rhode Island motorcyclists. A biker who is involved in a Rhode Island motorcycle accident may obtain compensation for his or her injuries that were caused by the other driver’s negligence. Damages may include payment for pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, economic loss, no fault benefits, and more. What follows are some of the relevant law involving motorcycles in the State of Rhode Island

If you sustained an injury due to a Rhode Island motorcycle accident and you haven’t contacted a lawyer about your Rhode Island motorcycle accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is contact us NOW. We’ll listen to you and help you understand your options. If you have a case, we’ll help you find the best motorcycle accident injury attorney or law firm in your area. As an attorney who litigates these cases, I belong to many trial lawyer and motorcycle lawyer groups and have gone out of my way to find the best motorcycle attorneys in each state. Even the phone call is free, and there is no obligation. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make a simple call and talk to attorney Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer.   1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752).

Gen.Laws 1956, § 31-1-3

§ 31-1-3. Types of vehicles

(j) “Motorcycle” means only those motor vehicles having not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle on which the driver sits astride, except bicycles with helper motors as defined in subsection (l) of this section.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Helmet Law: If you are a novice Rhode Island motorcycle rider, or under the age of 21, the law requires that you wear a helmet when riding on or operating a Rhode Island motorcycle.

Gen.Laws 1956, § 31-10.1-4

§ 31-10.1-4. Required equipment

Operators of motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles shall use eye protection of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles when operating their vehicles on streets and highways. Every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with a rear view mirror. Any operator under the age of twenty-one (21) shall wear a helmet of a type approved by the administrator of motor vehicles. In addition, all new operators, regardless of age, shall be required, for a period of one year from the date of issuance of the first license pursuant to § 31-10.1-1, to wear a helmet of a type approved by said administrator. Any person deemed in violation of this provision shall be fined sixty dollars ($60.00) which shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 41.1 of this title. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to set forth rules and regulations governing the use of other equipment on those vehicles. All fines collected under this section shall be deposited in a general restricted receipt account for the use of the Rhode Island governor's office on highway safety in order to promote educational and informational programs encouraging helmet use.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Eye Protection Law: When riding on or operating a Rhode Island motorcycle, you are required by law to wear eye protection.

Gen.Laws 1956, § 31-10.1-4

§ 31-10.1-4. Required equipment

Operators of motorcycles, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles shall use eye protection of a type approved by the administrator of the division of motor vehicles when operating their vehicles on streets and highways. Every motorcycle, motor scooter, and motor-driven cycle shall be equipped with a rear view mirror. Any operator under the age of twenty-one (21) shall wear a helmet of a type approved by the administrator of motor vehicles. In addition, all new operators, regardless of age, shall be required, for a period of one year from the date of issuance of the first license pursuant to § 31-10.1-1, to wear a helmet of a type approved by said administrator. Any person deemed in violation of this provision shall be fined sixty dollars ($60.00) which shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 41.1 of this title. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to set forth rules and regulations governing the use of other equipment on those vehicles. All fines collected under this section shall be deposited in a general restricted receipt account for the use of the Rhode Island governor's office on highway safety in order to promote educational and informational programs encouraging helmet use.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Minimum Insurance: The minimum insurance required for your Rhode Island motorcycle is compulsory liability insurance.

Bodily Injury Liability (1 person): $25,000

Bodily Injury Liability (All persons, 1 accident): $50,000

Property Damage Liability: $25,000

OR

Single Limit: $75,000

Rhode Island UIM Coverage: Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may protect you if you are injured in a Rhode Island motorcycle accident with an at-fault driver who has insufficient or no insurance to cover your claim.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you are injured in a Rhode Island motorcycle accident by an at-fault driver who has no insurance to cover your injuries and damages, uninsured motorist coverage may protect you in this situation.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you are injured in a Rhode Island motorcycle accident by an at-fault driver who has insurance that is insufficient to cover your injuries or damages, underinsured motorist coverage may protect you in this situation.

Rhode Island Statute of Limitations: If you wish to commence suit to seek damages for your injuries resulting from your Rhode Island motorcycle accident, you must do so within 3 years from the date of your Rhode Island motorcycle accident.

 Gen.Laws 1956, § 9-1-14

§ 9-1-14. Limitation of actions for words spoken or personal injuries

(b) Actions for injuries to the person shall be commenced and sued within three (3) years next after the cause of action shall accrue, and not after.

*There are many exceptions, special definitions and complex issues that cannot be explained in this material. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. Your legal rights greatly depend on the facts of your accident.

*Law changes constantly. Do not rely on this information. Law is vast and can not be covered in this limited space.

***Law portion of site in progress. Rhode Island motorcycle law regarding Rhode Island motorcycle accidents is being drafted and will be updated soon. Please call our firm for a free consultation to see if you have a case.

Find An Attorney In Rhode Island For Your Motorcycle

Accident Injury Case

Who Should Seek A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Anyone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island (RI) should seek the advice of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer.

Why Should You Contact The Motorcycle Lawyer?

The Motorcycle Lawyer helps motorcycle accident victims find a highly qualified lawyer in their state. Motorcyle accident victims need an edge wherever it exists, and the first place to gain that edge is by finding a lawyer who knows the unique laws in their state.

The Motorcycle Lawyer offers victims of motorcycle accidents this service at no charge to the accident victim seeking justice.

When Should A Motorcycle Accident Victim Seek Help?

It's very important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The Motorcycle Lawyer has reviewed many motorcycle accident cases and through our experience we have found that the sooner we can hear the details of your accident, the more likely you are to win your case. It's too easy to forget important details of the circumstances of your motorcycle accident to risk waiting. Witnesses, victims, medical care providers, and police may not have a clear memory of your motorcycle accident and circumstances weeks or months after.

Contact The Motorcycle Lawyer Without Obligation!

Providing The Motorcycle Lawyer with details of your motorcycle accident is free and does not obligate you to retain a lawyer. Please call us at no cost and speak with Jason A. Waechter, the founding lawyer of The Motorcycle Lawyer at:

1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752)

Serving every city and town in the State of Rhode Island (RI):

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