Pedestrian Injured in Providence Hit-and-Run on Charles Street

Early on Sunday, November 8, 2026, a pedestrian crossing Charles Street in Providence was struck by a white van that drove away, according to Providence police. If a driver hits you and flees in Rhode Island, your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries, and you generally have three years to bring an injury claim.

What happened on Charles Street in Providence?

Providence police were called at about 2:11 a.m. on November 8 for a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian. Police said a 27-year-old man was crossing the street from a Wendy's toward Mezzo Lounge when a white van struck him and then left the scene. He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his ribs and ankle. Police say the crash remains under investigation. This article does not assign fault.

Source: NBC 10 News / WJAR

Who pays if a hit-and-run driver injures you in Rhode Island?

If the driver is never found, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is often the main source of payment. Many Rhode Island auto policies include UM coverage, and it can apply to a hit-and-run even when you were walking, not driving.

• Your own auto policy's UM coverage may apply.

• A policy belonging to a relative you live with may also apply.

• If the driver is later identified, a claim can be made against that driver's liability insurance.

• Health insurance may cover treatment while the claim is pending.

What should you do after a hit-and-run as a pedestrian?

Get medical care first, then build a record of what happened.

• Call 911 and get checked, even if your injuries seem minor.

• Report the crash to police and get the report number.

• Write down anything you remember about the vehicle, such as color, type, and direction of travel.

• Ask nearby businesses whether they have security camera footage.

• Notify your own auto insurer promptly.

How long do you have to file an injury claim in Rhode Island?

Most Rhode Island personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury. Insurance policies can also have their own notice requirements, so it helps to act early.

Can you recover if you were partly at fault?

Yes. Rhode Island follows pure comparative negligence, so an injured person can recover even if partly at fault, with the recovery reduced by their share of fault.

Key Takeaways

• A pedestrian was injured in a hit-and-run on Charles Street in Providence on November 8, 2026; police are investigating.

• Uninsured motorist coverage may pay when a hit-and-run driver is never identified.

• Rhode Island generally allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

• Rhode Island's pure comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if you share some fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if I was walking?

Often, yes. Many policies cover the policyholder and household members as pedestrians, but the policy terms control.

What if police never find the driver?

You may still be able to make an uninsured motorist claim through your own or a household member's policy.

Should I talk to the insurance company right away?

Report the claim promptly, but be careful about giving a recorded statement before you understand your rights.

Do I need a lawyer after a hit-and-run?

You are not required to hire one, but hit-and-run claims often involve your own insurer, so many people get advice early.

Learn more about our pedestrian accident practice. Hurt in a crash in Rhode Island or Massachusetts? ACE Injury Attorneys offers a free case review, and there are no fees unless we win. Call 401-4-ACELAW, (401) 422-3529, any time. Our Rhode Island office is at 536 Atwells Avenue, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02909.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.