I've felt comfortable and have built trust with them. They work hard and it shows. I am super thankful to have worked with them.
Car Accident Lawyers Rhode Island
The team at Marasco and Nesselbush is here for you. We want to help you get your life back on track. Call Rhode Island’s trusted injury law firm at (401) 443-2999.
Get extraordinary results
For more than 20 years, Marasco & Nesselbush has provided trusted legal care for clients who have suffered life-altering injuries from motor vehicle accidents.
Recoveries include compensation for:
- Present and future accident-related medical costs
- Present and future accident-related lost wages
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Household expenses
Do i have a case?
If you think you may have a car accident case, contact us now for a FREE consultation
$6,200,000
Awarded to a client who sustained serious injuries in a rollover crash caused by a distracted driver.
$4,500,000
Recovered for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash.
$1,400,000
Won for a family whose son passed away due to a brain injury sustained in a high-speed car accident.
$1,250,000
Recovered on behalf of a young woman injured as a passenger in a recklessly operated vehicle.
Case Results
Our award-winning team of injury attorneys has recovered over $100,000,000 for clients who have suffered life-altering injures.
View more case resultsAbout Us
We have an unwavering commitment to our clients
Don't worry
We simplify the accident recovery process for clients with an emphasis on extraordinary results driven by personalized service.
Get justice
You can, with help from a Rhode Island auto accident attorney at Marasco & Nesselbush, hold the responsible party accountable.
Reach us 24/7
A Marasco & Nesselbush car accident lawyer is ready to help you and your family – call us or send us a message to schedule a free and prompt case review.
"For anyone who is really looking for a team of Attorneys that will fight for you every second of the way, this here is the team you want and need in your corner. Attorney Ryan Kelley and his team helped me through such a difficult time after my accident. The stress of thinking what happens next was lifted off my shoulders.
Communication is key for me, and my M&N team was on point with the level of communication they provided. The get-well cards and flowers after surgery were just a special touch that brightened my day. I wasn't treated like another number or another case, they really made me feel like family. They really care for you and your wellbeing. Words will never express but I will forever be grateful for all they have done for me. Thank you !!!!!"
- Heather P.
I love this law firm! My lawyer was compassionate, kind and understanding during a very difficult time.
They have been absolutely wonderful throughout my case-with a mix of professionalism and friendship all in one.
Car accidents are, at best, an inconvenience and, at worst, a life-altering event. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, a minor accident or a serious wreck, you need help sorting through the legal maze of an accident so you can recover and move on with your life.
We obtain extraordinary results for New England crash victims. We’ve handled thousands of accident cases in Rhode Island and understand that victims need a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate who puts their interests first.
An auto accident is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about haggling with insurance adjusters in order to receive just compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and other expenses. While you focus on recovering, the Marasco & Nesselbush personal injury team handles the legal aspects of your case, making sure that the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays what is fair.
A strong legal team can make the difference between a successful car accident recovery and a recovery that leaves you frustrated and angry. Your experienced Marasco & Nesselbush attorney knows how to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Car crash facts
- Common Injuries
- Common Causes
- NHTSA Statistics
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur in many vehicle accidents and are sometimes referred to as the “silent epidemic.” Subtle changes in thinking, speaking, emotions, sensation, and perception are among the symptoms that may initially be unrecognized as the direct result of a head injury.
Traumatic brain injuries often result from a sudden jerking or impact to the head, either front to back or side to side. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 47 percent of all emergency room visits for traumatic brain injuries are associated with motor vehicle accidents. More severe injuries can occur, as well, such as when an object punctures the skull, touching or penetrating the tissue of the brain.
Ligament Damage in the Neck
Some of the most common injuries sustained in auto accidents are back and neck injuries, including whiplash. Whiplash often occurs in rear-end and side collisions that cause the head and neck to move abruptly forward and backward or side to side. This motion stretches the ligaments in the neck and back.
These injuries often do not manifest any symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks have passed. This is due to the nature of the soft tissue around the vertebrae. Performing an MRI to determine if there is any injury to the vertebrae and soft tissue surrounding it may be extremely important for those who have been in a car crash. Always seek a full medical assessment after a vehicle accident, even if you initially believe you are uninjured.
Rhode Island Car Crash Causes
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 5 and 34. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that nearly 33,000 people – including 65 Rhode Islanders – lose their lives in traffic crashes annually. Another 2.3 million people are injured in crashes.
The roadways of Rhode Island and neighboring states are among the most hectic in the nation to drive on. We know, because we drive them every day, too.
Routine drives to and from work, school, appointments, and errands reveal people are driving distracted and dangerously. They talk and text on their phones, tailgate, speed, and change lanes without signaling. Some drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Many seem completely unconcerned about the welfare of others.
Unsafe Rhode Island driving is more than anecdotal, however. Statistics also bear out roadway dangers. For example, in a typical year, around 37 percent of all fatal Rhode Island traffic accidents involve an alcohol-impaired driver, while more than 26 percent of fatal crashes are speeding-related.
In Rhode Island and across the country, accidents have similar causes. Describing car crashes as “accidents,” though, is a bit misleading. The majority of crashes are preventable and are the result of driver error. Some of the leading actions that cause car accidents include the following:
Though Rhode Island does not have the highest accident rate in the nation, the fatalities seen each year in accidents are certainly a cause for concern. We have illustrated the most current statistics published by the NHTSA (2016). As noted in a Providence Journal article, more recent preliminary statistics indicate even higher numbers since the 2016 statistics were published. In addition to serious injuries and fatal accidents, non-fatal accidents happen on a daily basis. Marasco & Nesselbush has a constant flow of calls from Rhode Islanders who need help after an accident. If you find yourself in that situation, get help immediately. We offer a no-cost consultation where you can get advice and a clear picture of the path forward. Protect your legal rights by contacting us today.
FAQ
What types of compensation could I recover after my wreck?
Who could be held liable for my injuries?
How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?
The driver who hit me was texting while driving. What should I do?
I think I was partly to blame for the crash. Can I still recover compensation?
How can I afford representation?
My loved one was killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver. What can I do?
How do you get results?
Do you deal with insurance companies?
What do we do when we take your case?
What types of compensation could I recover after my wreck?
The types of compensation you may be eligible to recover depends on the damages and injuries you suffered. Some of the main factors that affect the amount of compensation include the severity of your injuries, how your ability to work was affected, how your future ability to work was affected, how your quality of life has been diminished, the amount of your medical bills, whether the accident has left you severely impaired or disfigured and how your personal relationships – such as those with your spouse – have been negatively impacted by your accident.
Some examples of types of compensation available to victims of Rhode Island car accidents include:
- Medical expenses – These include bills for hospital stays, emergency room visits, ambulance fees and other medical costs related to the injuries suffered in the accident.
- Future medical expenses – If the injuries suffered in the crash will require ongoing treatment, the estimated cost should be included in a settlement or court award.
- Lost wages – If you are not able to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Compensation may be recovered even if you were able to take sick leave or other paid absences.
- Lost earning capacity – lf disabilities related to your injuries in the accident make you unable to perform the work you did before the accident, you may be entitled to compensation if you are required to take a lower-paying job or are unable to work at all.
Additional types of compensation may include hiring individuals to help with housework, loss of consortium, loss of society and companionship, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and other types of damages.
Who could be held liable for my injuries?
In Rhode Island, the party or parties who were at fault are required to compensate accident victims for their losses. The negligence of non-drivers may have also played a role. For example, the manufacturer of a defective automotive part or the government agency that failed to repair a dangerous road condition may also be liable. Companies that employ negligent drivers – trucking companies, for example – may also be held responsible for accidents their employees cause.
In many cases, it is critical to conduct an independent investigation to determine which parties may be held responsible. Marasco & Nesselbush frequently work with investigators, accident reconstructionists and other experts to uncover what really happened in a crash and who should be held responsible for it.
How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. This is known as a “statute of limitations.” The amount of time you have to file suit depends on the type of case you are involved in. For a car accident that causes personal injury, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under most circumstances. For fatal car accidents, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of death under most circumstances. Although three years may seem like a long time, it is important to get started on a claim as soon as possible. Important evidence and witnesses may become unavailable as time passes. Your attorneys need time to develop a strong legal claim for your right to recover compensation. The sooner you talk to us, the better.
However, even if a significant amount of time has passed, you should not be deterred from discussing your case with a legal professional. In some situations the statute of limitations may be extended, particularly in cases involving minors and disabled adults.
The driver who hit me was texting while driving. What should I do?v
Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Rhode Island. If the driver who hit you broke this law by texting behind the wheel, leading to the crash, that driver may be held responsible.
Even if the driver was not charged with violating the texting ban – or was charged but the charges were dismissed – you may still be able to hold him or her liable for your injuries. Civil liability for an accident is a separate matter from traffic violations.
It may be possible to obtain cell phone records that indicate the other driver was sending or receiving a text message at the time of your crash. Witness statements may also support that the other driver was texting. It is critical to work with an experienced attorney who can gather these and other types of evidence to build your claim for full and fair compensation.
I think I was partly to blame for the crash. Can I still recover compensation?
In Rhode Island, you do not lose your eligibility for compensation even if you are partly at fault. Rhode Island follows what is called the “pure comparative fault rule.” This means that you may be able to recover compensation from another driver or other negligent party, so long as their negligence contributed to the accident – even if you were also negligent. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.For example, assume you are found to be 25 percent responsible for the crash, and the other driver was 75 percent at fault. If you suffered $10,000 in damages, your award would be reduced by 25 percent, or $2,500, meaning you could recover $7,500 in this example.
It is important to discuss your case with the team at Marasco & Nesselbush even if you think you may be partly at fault. All of the facts related to the cause of a crash are usually not apparent in the immediate chaos that follows. A full investigation may show that you were not actually to blame. Even if you had some degree of responsibility, you may still be entitled to recover compensation from the other at-fault parties.
How can I afford representation?
You can afford help from Marasco & Nesselbush. That’s because we charge nothing for initial consultations and claim reviews, and we handle injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we agree to take on your case, we charge no upfront fees. We get paid only if we recover compensation for you. An agreed-upon percentage would be deducted from your final settlement or court award. If no compensation is recovered, you owe us nothing for our legal services.
My loved one was killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver. What can I do?
You may be entitled to recover compensation for your loss through a wrongful death claim. Rhode Island law allows certain family members to recover damages when they lose a relative in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, such as that of a drunk driver. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult, particularly when the death was caused by someone else’s recklessness. Getting help from a qualified Rhode Island wrongful death attorney at Marasco & Nesselbush can allow you to focus on putting your life back together while we deal with the legal issues related to securing the compensation you deserve for your tragic loss.
How do you get results?
Our team put their negotiation, arbitration, mediation and litigation skills to work on your behalf. We use these tactics to obtain full and fair settlements, verdicts and awards every day.
Do you deal with insurance companies?
Insurance companies understand that unless they offer our clients a fair settlement, our Rhode Island personal injury lawyers will sue them and obtain justice in court. Because of our sterling reputation as personal injury lawyers who are willing to fight for justice, we are generally successful in obtaining excellent settlements for clients without using the court system.
What do we do when we take your case?
Call us as soon as possible or fill out a form anywhere on our site. After we meet with you and agree to take your case, we will work hard to establish fault to ensure prompt and full compensation. Marasco & Nesselbush’s professional, experienced team maintain continuous communication with insurance companies and adjusters to stay on top of your case.
