Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyer
At the law firm of Marasco & Nesselbush, we understand that being in a car accident can be a traumatic physical and emotional experience. After an accident, it may be difficult to determine the next steps to take as medical bills and car repairs pile up.
- Updated date:
- July 29, 2024
You might think filing an insurance claim will be easy, but Rhode Island Insurance companies can be hard to deal with and often don’t have your best interest in mind when it comes to compensating you for your injuries or vehicle damage.
Here’s what statistics reveal as stated here by Forbes Advisor –
- Despite being some of the safest states for driving, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York have alarmingly high rates of impaired driving deaths. In each of these states, over 72% of fatal accidents are attributed to either drunk or distracted driving.
- Although there has been a 6% decrease in fatalities in Rhode Island, it remains a fact that negligent drivers caused 84% of the accidents.
That’s where we come in.
Our team of personal injury attorneys, led by Founding Attorney, Joe Marasco, understands how to navigate the nuances of Rhode Island’s complex legal system to help you receive fair compensation.
Whether your car accident was minor or severe, it is important to seek legal representation immediately if you were not at fault. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better your chance of holding negligent parties accountable and being compensated for your injuries.
Why Trust Our Accident Attorneys
Our law firm has represented Rhode Islanders in auto accidents since we first opened in 1999. For over 25 years, we have recovered life-changing settlements for accident victims.
Our unique approach to car accident cases sets us apart in Rhode Island. Here’s what makes us different:
- Tailored Legal Strategies: Every case is unique, and so is our approach. We don’t just follow a one-size-fits-all strategy; we tailor our legal plans to fit the specific needs and circumstances of your case.
- Deep Local Knowledge: Our in-depth understanding of Rhode Island’s roads and legal landscape gives us an edge in navigating your case.
- Compassionate Client Care: We see beyond the legal aspects of your case. Our team will help you deal with the legalities of your accident with empathy and understanding.
- Innovative Legal Techniques: Leveraging the latest legal technologies and methods, we ensure your case is handled efficiently and effectively.
For example, Joe Marasco and attorney Tim Lynch secured a $6.2 Million settlement for the passenger in a roll-over vehicle accident who was ejected from the vehicle causing damage to his spinal cord, ultimately resulting in quadriplegia.
The defense pushed back but chose to settle the case after the team of experts assembled by M&N, including a biomechanical expert and a physician-engineer, persuaded the court to rule in favor of our client.
This win resulted in a settlement value exceeding what would have initially been paid out by the defendant’s insurance policy.
Available at Six Convenient Office Locations
With six office locations in Providence, East Providence, Wakefield, Warwick, Quincy, and Woonsocket, we are able to provide legal representation for car accidents to a wide variety of clients across Providence County, Kent County, Washington County, Newport County, and Bristol County.
The accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush are ready to hear your case. Contact us online or at (401) 208-0509 for a free case evaluation.
Types Of Car Accidents Our Attorneys Handle In Rhode Island
Retaining an attorney equipped to handle all types of car accident cases that can properly represent you is important when looking for legal representation. At Marasco & Nesselbush, our legal team understands how to handle a variety of car accident cases, including:
- Accidents with commercial vehicles
- Uber & Lyft accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Failure to obey traffic controls
- Road rage accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Teen driver accidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe crashes
- T-bone accidents
Common Damages in Car Accident Lawsuits
In Rhode Island, the negligent party’s auto insurance will try to pay the least amount possible to cover damages after an accident. Our attorneys are experts at making insurance companies pay what is rightfully owed to our clients. You may be eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic Damages
- The cost of medical bills and treatment
- Lost wages due to being out of work
- Loss of future earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering
- PTSD
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
Do I Have a Case? - Free Case Evaluations
Wondering if your car accident warrants legal action? We’re here to help you find out.
Personalized Assessment: Because every car accident is unique, our free case evaluation offers a personalized assessment of your situation, ensuring you understand your legal options.
Expert Guidance: Our team, equipped with extensive knowledge and experience, will guide you through the potential outcomes of your case based on similar cases we’ve handled.
No Obligation: This service is entirely free and comes with no obligation. It’s about giving you the clarity and confidence to make an informed decision.
Possible Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
Depending on the car accident, injuries can be minor or severe. No matter the severity of the injury, it is important to always seek medical attention immediately. Our accident attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to help, whether collecting medical records or helping you get the treatment you need to recover. We have represented accident victims who have sustained a wide variety of injuries from car accidents, including:
- Broken Bones
- Back Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Leg Injuries
- Facial Injuries
- Head Injuries
- TBIs
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Whiplash
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
The time immediately following a car crash can be stressful and scary. However, there are a number of steps you should take if you are able to.
Find Out if Anyone Was Injured
The first thing to do after a car accident is to check yourself, any passengers, and other individuals involved in the wreck for injuries. If anyone was seriously hurt, call an ambulance for medical assistance. While waiting, administer first aid if possible.
Call the Police to the Scene of the Accident
Next, call the police to let them know an accident has occurred. They will send an officer to the scene to investigate the cause of the crash, issue any tickets, and create a report. You’ll need a copy of the police report if you choose to seek legal counsel.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers Involved in the Accident
Make sure to exchange personal information, including names and phone numbers, of individuals involved in the collision. Request insurance information from them. But do not discuss the cause of the accident or admit fault. Doing so can cause you legal issues in the future, and you may not be in the state of mind to fully understand the reason the accident occurred.
Document Everything You Can
Take pictures of the cars involved in the accident and any damage that occurred as a result. If you or a passenger was injured in the collision, take pictures of your injuries. Such documentation will be valuable if you decide to make a legal claim later.
Contact a Rhode Island Car Accident Injury Lawyer
If your accident resulted in a serious injury, you will need legal assistance to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and any emotional distress you incur as a result of the accident. A car accident lawyer at can assist you with your legal claim.
Determining Liability After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car accident, establishing who is at fault or liability is critical. This process, especially in Rhode Island, involves several key steps:
- Negligence in Car Accidents: Liability often hinges on negligence. For example, a driver texting while driving clearly fails to exercise reasonable care.
- Evidence for Liability: Key evidence includes police reports, witness statements, and traffic law violations. These elements help in reconstructing the accident and understanding the involved parties’ actions.
- Rhode Island’s Comparative Fault Rule: Under this rule, if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, being 20% at fault means the same percentage could reduce your compensation.
- The Role of Expert Witnesses: In complex cases, accident reconstruction and medical experts provide crucial insights into how the accident happened and the extent of injuries.
- Insurance Company Investigations: Insurance companies conduct their own investigations to assess liability, often aiming to minimize payouts.
- Legal Assistance: Given Rhode Island’s complex laws and the comparative fault system, having a seasoned car accident lawyer is vital. A lawyer can help navigate these complexities, ensuring your rights are protected and aiming for maximum compensation.
FAQs:
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim?
Every case is unique. We offer free consultations to assess your situation and advise on the viability of your claim.
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Can I Claim Compensation for Emotional Distress?
Absolutely. Trauma is a significant aftermath of car accidents. We work to ensure you’re compensated for both physical and emotional damages.
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What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Rhode Island follows the pure comparative fault rule. This means that you can still receive compensation for your injuries, even if you were partially at fault. If you were partially negligent for the accident, you’ll be able to recover damages up to the percentage that you are found to have contributed to the accident.
For example, if you were 25% at fault, you’ll be able to recover 75% of the monetary damages you suffered as a result of the collision. Contact a RI car accident lawyer at Marasco & Nesselbush for further assistance.
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How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?
The statute of limitations in Rhode Island limits the amount of time you have to file a claim after an accident has occurred. Currently, the law requires claims to be filed within three years of the date of the accident.
However, while you may have some time, it’s best to file as quickly as possible. The memories you have of the accident will tend to dissipate as the months go by. In addition, a Rhode Island car accident injury lawyer is likely to need time to review your case, discuss it with any experts, and reconstruct it for a legal audience.
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What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
Uninsured motorist claims can be complex. We navigate these challenges to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
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Will I need to pay for legal representation?
The Rhode Island car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush do not charge fees for your initial consultation and claim review. If we agree to take on your case, there are no upfront fees. Instead, a contingency fee will be charged. This is a percentage of the compensation you receive.
Contact Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Marasco & Nesselbush injury attorneys take pride in navigating the entire legal process with you. While you may be focused on physical injuries and regaining your health, we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.
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