Do I have to stop for a school bus if I’m on the other side of the road?

Yes. In Rhode Island, all drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, regardless of which side of the road they are on, unless the road is divided by a barrier.

What is the speed limit in Rhode Island school zones?

Most Rhode Island school zones have a posted speed limit of 20 mph during active hours. Speed cameras are often in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, between August 15 and June 30.

How much is the fine for speeding in a Rhode Island school zone?

Drivers caught going 11 mph or more over the speed limit in a school zone by a speed camera face a $50 fine. Additional penalties may apply if a police officer issues the ticket directly.

Are speed cameras legal in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island law allows municipalities to use speed cameras, especially in school zones, to reduce speeding and protect children. Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, and Central Falls all currently use them.

What safety rules should parents teach their kids when walking to school?

Children should always use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, avoid distractions like phones or headphones, and make sure drivers see them and are paying attention.

What should I do if my child is injured in a school-zone accident?

Get immediate medical attention, document the scene with photos and witness information, and seek legal advice promptly. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, ensure your family’s rights are protected, and secure compensation and justice for your child’s injuries.

Who Pays My Medical Bills After an Accident in Rhode Island?

Ann Sheeley
2 days ago
4 min read

One of the first questions accident victims ask is, “Who pays my medical bills?” When injuries are caused by another person’s negligence, expenses for emergency care, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment can add up quickly. Understanding your rights, and how medical bills are handled under Rhode Island law, is critical to protecting yourself from being taken advantage of by insurance companies and receiving maximum compensation.

CLICK HERE FOR THE QUICK ANSWER:

Your own health insurance or auto insurance (if you have medical payments coverage) usually pays your medical bills first. The at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for reimbursing these costs but only after a settlement has been reached. To make sure you get the maximum amount possible, you will need to file an accident claim with an experienced personal injury attorney (licensed in Rhode Island). Filing a claim or lawsuit is usually the only way to also recover future medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs. Sheeley Law, an experienced personal injury attorney in Rhode Island can guide you through the process, make sure all medical bills are covered, and maximize your compensation.

Students Gather Near School Bus — Filing a legal claim can help alleviate the high cost of medical bills following a no-fault or partial-fault accident.

The reality is there’s no single answer to who pays for your treatment. Responsibility often depends on insurance coverage, circumstances of your accident, liability, and the timing of your claim.

To help clear up the confusion, Attorney Ann Sheeley has answered some of the most common questions about medical bills after a no-fault or partial-fault accident in Rhode Island. See below for the FAQs:

Need immediate help? Call Sheeley Law 24/7 at (401) 619-5555 for a free consultation.

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Bills After an Accident in Rhode Island

Q: Does my health insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance pay first?

A: In most cases, your own health insurance (or auto insurance if you have “medical payments” coverage) will pay your initial medical expenses. The at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for reimbursing these costs later, as part of a settlement or verdict.

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance?

A: If you don’t have health insurance, hospitals and doctors may still treat you, but they may place a medical lien on your case.

Q: Do I have to pay medical liens out of my settlement?

A: Yes. If your health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or a medical provider paid for your treatment, they may have a legal right to reimbursement once your case is resolved. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can often negotiate reductions to these liens, leaving you with more money after your case is settled.

Q: Can I be reimbursed for future medical costs?

A: Yes. If your injuries require ongoing treatment — such as surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term care — you can seek compensation for future medical expenses. Your personal injury lawyer will work with your medical professionals to estimate the cost of your care over time.

Q: What about lost wages during recovery?

A: In addition to medical bills, you can also claim lost income if your injuries prevent you from working. If your ability to work is permanently reduced, you may also recover damages for loss of future wages (also known as: loss of earning capacity).

Q: Should I hire an attorney after an accident?

A: Yes. Dealing with medical bills after an accident can be overwhelming — especially when you’re also focused on recovery. Insurance companies often delay or dispute payment, leaving you stuck in the middle. You only have one opportunity to prove your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, that decision is final and you lose your rights to ever file another claim again – even if you discover your injuries are far worse than you originally thought and you notice problems down the road.

❗The most important thing you can do to ensure you receive a fair settlement offer from an insurance company that pays your medical bills — and more — is to immediately consult with an attorney that specializes in Personal Injury cases. At Sheeley Law, we handle the insurance companies and fight to make sure you get full compensation for both your current and future expenses.

💵 Next Step to Help Get Your Medical Bills Covered:

If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian or slip in fall and are worried about paying medical bills, contact Sheeley Law today for a free consultation.

Licensed to practice in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the Federal District Court for Rhode Island, Attorney Ann Sheeley is highly regarded as one of the top negotiators in the State and has successfully protected, defended and obtained maximum compensation for hundreds of clients throughout the course of her thirty-year career.

We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way with care and compassion until you get the settlement you are entitled to receive.