Warwick Car Accident Lawyer
The historical city of Warwick offers many activities for tourists and locals. Unfortunately, drivers in the city by the bay experienced 3,497 car accidents in 2019 alone, with 926 resulting in injuries. If you have sustained injuries in a car accident, Marasco & Nesselbush LLP can help you receive just compensation.
$6,200,000 Awarded
$5,100,000 Awarded
$4,500,000 Recovered
DO I HAVE A CASE?
If you think you may have a car accident case, contact us now for a FREE consultation
Steps to Take After a
Car Accident
The following steps will protect your safety and support your case:
1
Call 911. Even if you do not feel injured, try not to move until help arrives. Adrenaline may prevent you from feeling your injuries, and excess movement could worsen them.
2
Clear the roadway. If your vehicle is creating a hazard, move it if possible.
3
Take photos of the scene. If safe, take photos before moving your vehicle. You will need detailed photos of both vehicles, the damage, and the scene as a whole.
4
Exchange information with the other driver. Obtain the name, insurance information, and contact information. Do not discuss the accident or admit fault.
5
Gather information from witnesses. Obtain names and contact information.
6
Make a police report. In the absence of an emergency, contact the Warwick Police Department at (401) 468-4200.
7
Send a written report to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles within 21 days. This is required by law if the accident involves injury, death, or damage of $1,000 or more.
8
Obtain photos of your injuries as soon as possible after the accident.
9
Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Kent Hospital, located at 455 Toll Gate Road, Warwick, Rhode Island, 02886, has the second-largest emergency department in Rhode Island and is equipped to treat injuries you may have sustained in a car crash.
What is my case worth and what can I expect in a settlement from a car accident
This is impossible to estimate because every accident is unique. The factors listed below play a role in determining how much compensation you can receive.
Damages
Damages are losses that are consequential to the accident. Generally, the more serious your injuries, the more compensation you can recover. Damages are classified as economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are verifiable monetary losses. They include property damage, present and future medical expenses, and loss of income.
Non-Economic Damages
These are damages that cannot be measured. They include pain and suffering, loss of society, mental anguish, and similar losses. Rhode Island does not limit non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant whose willful behavior or blatant disregard for safety caused the accident, such as in the case of drunk driving.
Fault
Rhode Island is a comparative negligence state. This means you can receive compensation even if you were at fault in the accident. The amount you receive will be diminished by your proportion of fault.
Insurance Coverage
The opposing driver’s insurance coverage limits can impact your compensation. In this case, you can collect the remaining compensation from the defendant’s assets.
What if my loved one was
killed in a car accident?
While monetary compensation cannot replace your loved one, it can reduce the resulting financial stress.
If your family member has passed away in a car accident, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit and obtain damages for:
Medical expenses
Loss of companionship
Funeral costs
Grief
Pecuniary losses (including the gross amount of the decedent’s lifetime expected income, with loss of homemaker services also considered)
Loss of enjoyment of life caused by the death
Loss of society
Damages on behalf of the deceased (damages that would have been recoverable by the deceased had they survived, such as pain and suffering)
A wrongful death action can be filed by the surviving spouse, parent, child, or executor of the estate. Compensation is distributed to the spouse and children or next of kin.
Dangerous Intersections
and Roadways in Warwick
One study found that 13 of the most dangerous intersections and roadways in Rhode Island run through Warwick. These are high-traffic areas with a history of accidents.
- Route 37 East/Post Road (Route 1)
- West Shore Road/Warwick Avenue (Route 117/Hoxsie Four Corners)
- Warwick Avenue (Route 117A)/Church Avenue
- Ginsu Way/Quaker Lane (Route 2)
- East Avenue (Route 113)/Bald Hill Road (Route 2)
- Bald Hill Road (Route 2)/Toll Gate Road (Route 115)
- Interstate 95 South/Centerville Road (Route 117)
- Long Street/West Shore Road (Route 117)
- Elmwood Avenue/Post Road (Route 1)
- Quaker Lane (Route 2)/Division Street (Route 401, East Greenwich town line)
- Main Avenue (Route 113)/Post Road (Route 1)
- Interstate 95 North/Route 37
- Post Road (Route 1)/Airport Road
The Most Common Causes of
Accidents in Warwick
Car accidents can almost always be attributed to carelessness. The most common causes of accidents in Warwick include the following:
Distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018, with texting being the most serious distraction.
Over 40% of Rhode Island car accident fatalities in 2017 were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that 418,005 people were injured in weather-related crashes between 2007 and 2016, and 5,376 were killed. Dangerous road conditions included wet pavement, rain, snow, and fog.
Conditions such as potholes, missing guardrails or signs, and faint pavement markings can cause drivers to lose control or become confused.
Safety Tips for Warwick Drivers
While you cannot control other drivers, preventive measures decrease your chance of experiencing a car accident.
1
Follow Rhode Island’s hands-free law. If you must place a phone call or look at a text, pull over first.
2
Don’t drink and drive. Use a designated driver, taxi service, or RIPTA bus lines. You can obtain RIPTA’s schedule by calling (401) 781-9400. Below are three Warwick taxi services:
- Apponaug Cab
- Bay & Apponaug Taxi
- Best Taxi
3
Obey posted speed limits. Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination.
4
Avoid driving drowsy. Get plenty of rest, and if you must go somewhere tired, find another way to get there. Take frequent breaks during long trips.
5
Focus only on driving. Even seemingly harmless activities like adjusting your radio or eating can take your eyes off the road.
Do I need a lawyer to file a car accident lawsuit?
Personal injury laws in Rhode Island are complex. Having a lawyer on your side is crucial to receiving the compensation you need and deserve.
The dedicated attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush have proven experience in car accident personal injury law. Below are just a few of our results:
- $6,200,000 on behalf of a rollover crash victim who was hit by a distracted driver
- $4,500,000 on behalf of a car accident victim who sustained a traumatic brain injury
- $800,000 on behalf of a woman who sustained serious orthopedic injuries in a rollover crash
In addition to being passionate about helping our individual clients, we care about the communities in which we live and work. Marasco & Nesselbush supports multiple charities in the Warwick area, including Habitat for Humanity and the Rhode Island Coalition against Domestic Violence.
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, contact us for a case review using our easy contact form or call (401) 738-7700.
“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.
Amanda C.
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.
FAQ
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in this unfortunate event. You may also be able to collect damages through the assets of the defendant.
What are the insurance requirements in Warwick?
Rhode Island requires drivers to carry the following automobile liability insurance:
- Property damage of at least $25,000
- Bodily injury of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
What if the opposing party’s insurance company contacts me?
Always refer anyone working on behalf of the opposing party to your attorney. They may try to persuade you to admit fault or accept a settlement without your attorney’s advice.
Is it okay to talk about my accident on social media?
The opposing party’s insurance company and counsel will most certainly scrutinize your social media. Anything you say about the accident could hurt your case.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?
We work on a contingency agreement. This means you pay nothing unless we win you compensation.
How long will it take to get my compensation?
It could take several months, depending on multiple factors. Most cases settle without going to trial, which is usually the fastest way to receive compensation.
