Wakefield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Riders may be entitled to compensation from negligent motorists, insurance companies, and other liable parties after a crash in Rhode Island. Working with an experienced Wakefield motorcycle accident lawyer can help to maximize your financial award.
Jury verdict for a client whose lifelong disabilities were caused by medical negligence.
Awarded to a client who sustained serious injuries in a rollover crash caused by a distracted driver.
Recovered for the estate of a woman who passed as a result of surgical negligence.
Recovered for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car crash.
- Published date: February 5, 2022
- Updated date: July 23, 2024
Are you struggling with injuries because you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident in Wakefield, Rhode Island? You may be entitled to compensation to cover the costs of your medical treatment and lost wages, and to make up for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The experienced Wakefield motorcycle accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are ready to help you fight to maximize your financial recovery.
Since 1999, our nationally recognized trial Wakefield motorcycle accident attorneys have been dedicated to helping crash victims and families in Wakefield and across the state of Rhode Island. Our client satisfaction is unparalleled, thanks to our commitment to getting the best possible results in every case we handle. Those results speak for themselves, totaling more than $200,000,000 in settlements and verdicts.
Let us represent you against negligent motorists, insurance companies and other liable parties. Contact our law office in Wakefield, Rhode Island, to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.
Why Should I Hire A Wakefield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If I’ve Been In A Motorcycle Crash?
As a motorcyclist, you are susceptible to severe and catastrophic injuries when you’re in an accident. You need to focus as much of your energy on your recovery as you can—and that’s difficult when you’re also trying to pursue compensation.
Hiring an experienced Wakefield personal injury lawyer gives you the opportunity to do that and puts you on level ground with tough insurance companies.
When you choose Marasco & Nesselbush, you’ll also give yourself the edge needed to win your case and recover maximum compensation for your motorcycle crash injuries and suffering.
While you concentrate on getting better, our award-winning litigators will:
- Ensure that filing deadlines and procedural requirements related to your claim are satisfied
- Coordinate an in-depth investigation into your motorcycle wreck
- Gather accident reports, medical records, vehicle maintenance records, physical evidence from the scene, photographs, recordings, and other information relevant to your case
- Interview and depose witnesses and parties who may have insight into the crash
- Consult with leading motorcycle accident experts and injury specialists so that we fully appreciate the cause, scope, and impact of your injuries
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters, defense attorneys, and other parties on your behalf
- Be prepared to bring your case to a jury in Washington County, Rhode Island, if you’re not offered a reasonable settlement offer
After an accident, there’s one legal team you’ll want fighting for you: Marasco & Nesselbush. Benefit from our decades of experience, resources that match those of powerful insurance companies, and demonstrated ability to win tough cases like yours. To get started, call our Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorneys to schedule your free consultation now.
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Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Accident In Wakefield
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
- Move to a Safe Location: If you are able, move yourself and your motorcycle off the road to prevent further accidents.
- Check for Injuries: Assess your condition and check for any injuries. Prioritize calling for medical help if needed.
- Call Emergency Services: Dial 999 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
Gather Information
- Exchange Details: Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information from all parties involved.
- Identify Witnesses: Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles, and any visible injuries.
Report the Accident
- Notify the Police: In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to report any road traffic accident to the police within 24 hours if there are injuries or property damage.
- File an Accident Report: Provide accurate details to the police to ensure the accident is officially recorded.
Seek Medical Evaluation
- Visit a Doctor: Even if the injuries seem minor, get a medical examination, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
- Keep all medical records and follow the prescribed treatment plan.
Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the Incident: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the gathered information and any documentation.
Consult a Legal Professional
- Contact a Wakefield Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an attorney that focuses on motorcycle accidents to understand your rights and the potential for a compensation claim.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, medical visits, and expenses related to the accident.
Protect Your Claim
- Avoid Admission of Fault: Do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you.
- Limit Social Media Activity: Avoid posting details about the accident or your injuries on social media, as these can be used in legal proceedings.
Follow Through
- Adhere to Legal Advice: Follow the guidance of your Wakefield motorcycle accident lawyer throughout the claims process.
- Stay Organized: Keep all documents, receipts, and correspondence related to the accident and your recovery.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you take the necessary actions to support any potential legal claims after a motorcycle accident in Wakefield.
Rhode Island Motorcycle Laws That Might Affect Your Personal Injury Case
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements
In Rhode Island, motorcyclists must have a valid “M” endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle lawfully. To get this endorsement, riders must successfully complete a motorcycle safety course offered by the Community College of Rhode Island and apply for a motorcycle permit. After 30 days, riders can convert the permit to the M endorsement and hit the open road.
Riding a motorcycle without a valid license is illegal and can adversely affect your right to recover compensation if you are involved in an accident. Your actions may be considered negligent and reduce or bar a financial recovery.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting involves riding a motorcycle between two marked lanes of traffic. Often, riders split lanes to pass by cars stuck in traffic or to bypass backups at intersections. In the state of Rhode Island, lane splitting is illegal. Experts have varying opinions on lane splitting, but some research does suggest that the practice increases the risk of accidents. A recent French study found that lane splitting, or lane filtering, resulted in a 12 percent increase in crashes.
Violating a safety law can be considered negligence, which can result in liability for a motorcycle crash (and keep you from getting compensation in the process).
Helmet Requirements
Riders under the age of 21 must wear a motorcycle helmet while operating a motorcycle in Rhode Island. Additionally, new riders must wear a helmet for at least one year from the date they get their “M” endorsement, regardless of age.
Even though it may not be required by law for most adults, not wearing a helmet can still be considered negligent and a failure to mitigate your injuries. In turn, it can hurt your chances of a full financial recovery after a wreck.
Comparative Fault
As mentioned above, your own actions, such as not having a valid motorcycle license, failing to wear a helmet, or lane splitting, can hurt your personal injury claim for damages. Why is that? It’s because Rhode Island has adopted a pure comparative fault system. Everyone who contributes to a motorcycle accident is liable for resulting harm. This includes victims.
When you share the blame, your right to recover compensation is affected. Your financial award will be reduced in direct proportion to your degree of fault. If you’re assigned 50 percent of the blame for a motorcycle accident in Wakefield, your damages will be reduced by half to reflect that.
Negligent motorists and other parties will try to blame you for your motorcycle accident. You can prepare for this by enlisting the help of our qualified Wakefield personal injury attorneys immediately after your wreck. We’ll be ready to defend you and disprove or minimize the impact of claims that you share fault.
Statute Of Limitations
Rhode Island has a three-year statute of limitations that applies to motorcycle accident lawsuits. Claims must be filed within three years of a crash or a victim’s wrongful death, whichever is later.
While there may be limited exceptions, it is important to take prompt action after a crash. You will lose the right to file a claim and recover damages if you miss the deadline that applies to your personal injury case.
What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents In Wakefield, Rhode Island?
Motorcycle accidents tend to be a consequence of human error and negligence.
Leading causes of motorcycle wrecks in Wakefield include:
- Speeding
- Lane splitting
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Riding in a vehicle’s blind spot
- Poor weather conditions
Sometimes, factors outside of a motorist’s control can contribute to accidents. Road defects (e.g., uneven or broken pavement, unmarked turning lanes, obscured signage), vehicle defects, and limited visibility can play a role in motorcycle wrecks in Rhode Island.
Damages Available To Injured Motorcyclists
As an injured motorcyclist, you may have the right to recover compensatory damages in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Compensatory damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are awarded to make up for the financial losses associated with your wreck:
- Present and future medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages, income, and benefits
- Disability
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Nursing care
- Funeral and burial expenses if a motorcycle accident is fatal
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the way your life changes because of your motorcycle accident.
Often known as pain and suffering, examples of non-economic awards include:
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Embarrassment
- Physical pain
- Loss of consortium
Riders Are Vulnerable To Severe Injuries In A Motorcycle Wreck
While riding a motorcycle offers a great way to explore Rhode Island, it can also be quite dangerous. Data suggests that riders are 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident than occupants of passenger vehicles.
Riders who survive their injuries can still suffer a wide range of catastrophic injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Burns
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Paralysis
- Vision or hearing loss
- Dental injury
- Crush injury
- Internal organ damage
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injury
Always seek the care of a medical professional as soon as you can after your motorcycle is involved in a car accident. Prompt treatment will reduce the risk of complications and provide support for your future claim for damages.
Wakefield Motorcycle Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
You’ll have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident in Wakefield, so don’t hesitate to call Marasco & Nesselbush for help today. Our Wakefield motorcycle accident lawyers appreciate that this is your one shot at financial recovery, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
We’ve led clients to more than $200 million in life-changing awards. Now it’s your turn to benefit from our top-rated legal guidance. We offer a free consultation and work on contingency. There’s no risk in hiring our law firm. You only pay if we win your case-end of story. Call to speak with a member of our compassionate legal team today.
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