Providence Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can disrupt your life and strain your finances. The dedicated Providence car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush work diligently to hold negligent drivers and powerful insurance companies accountable when their actions bring physical and financial harm to others.
- Updated date:
- May 16, 2024
Car accidents can affect a person’s life in many ways. Negligent drivers can cause significant injuries to Providence drivers who abide by local driving laws, leaving them with thousands of dollars in medical expenses and car repairs.
Victims of car accidents deserve to be fairly compensated when a driver causes an accident due to no fault of their own. Whether you were rear-ended on Interstate 95 or, in a more severe case, hit head-on by a negligent driver, our skilled Providence car accident lawyers are here to defend your rights.
WHY CHOOSE THE PROVIDENCE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT MARASCO & NESSELBUSH?
With over 300 years of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys will help you navigate the complex legal process of defending your rights as you and your family recover. We’ll build a case based on evidence and facts to secure the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Throughout the process, our car accident attorneys and staff will work with you, provide updates on your case, and guide and educate you. Our team is ready to help. Don’t wait to hold negligent parties accountable. Contact our legal team in downtown Providence, located at 658 Westminster Street, for a free case evaluation of your car accident case.
If you have suffered from an injury or loss stemming from a car accident, you can trust the compassionate team of attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush to fight for you.
Our lawyers have won prestigious awards, and we are proud to have been selected for the Thomson Reuters 2021 Rhode Island Super Lawyers list and to the U.S. News Best Lawyers in America list for the past four years.
Our team embraces the values of honesty, hard work, and integrity. We truly care about each of our clients, treating each one with dignity and compassion while we relentlessly pursue just compensation for victims of car accidents in Providence and throughout Rhode Island.
When our clients come to us with life-altering injury claims, we understand they are going through devastating trauma. We fight because we care.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After A Car Accident In Providence
After a car accident in Providence, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Right to Compensation: If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire a skilled car accident lawyer to represent your interests and help you navigate the legal process. A lawyer can advocate for you, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected.
- Right to File a Lawsuit: In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to obtain fair compensation. You have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party if negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory settlement.
- Right to Document Evidence: It’s essential to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports. This evidence can strengthen your case and support your claim for compensation.
- Right to Seek Medical Treatment: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Delaying medical treatment can worsen your condition and weaken your claim for compensation.
Common Misconceptions After A Car Accident
- Insurance Companies Have Your Best Interests at Heart: While insurance companies may seem helpful, their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. It’s essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters and to consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.
- You Can Handle the Case on Your Own: Car accident cases can be complex, involving legal intricacies and negotiations with insurance companies. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
- You Have Plenty of Time to File a Claim: In Providence, there are statutes of limitations that impose deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Failing to file within the specified time frame can result in forfeiting your right to compensation.
Understanding your legal rights and dispelling common misconceptions can empower you to take the necessary steps to protect your interests and pursue fair compensation after a car accident in Providence.
What Damages Can A Providence Car Accident Attorney Help Recover?
Damages recoverable in a car accident include compensatory — economic and non-economic — and punitive.
Economic damages are intended to compensate for the quantifiable losses and expenses that result from the collision and the associated injuries. These include current and future medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress, are also available to victims of car accidents.
Punitive damages are less commonly awarded, but if the court decides that the negligent party displayed particularly egregious behavior, you may stand to recover punitive damages.
DO I HAVE A CASE?
If you think you may have a case, contact us now for a FREE consultation
What Types Of Car Accident Cases Do Our Providence Car Accident Attorneys Handle?​
The highly skilled car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are qualified to represent clients in a multitude of car accident cases and against a variety of at-fault actors, including drivers, car owners, car manufacturers, commercial businesses, and government agencies.
Let us fight for you in any of the following types of accidents:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Road rage accidents
- Accidents with uninsured motorists
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
Furthermore, because Rhode Island is a pure comparative negligence state, we can build a case for you even if you were partly to blame for the accident. Our personal injury attorneys have a deep knowledge of the legal system in Providence and will never leave money on the table when we fight for you.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Providence?
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any behavior that takes the driver’s attention away from driving, but texting is the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Distracted driving is a serious concern across the country. In 2021 alone, distracted drivers were responsible for the deaths of 3,522 people, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities.
Rhode Island has responded by passing a hands-free law, making it illegal to hold a mobile device or wear headphones or earbuds in both ears while driving. Teen drivers and bus drivers are not allowed to use mobile devices at all, even hands-free.
The Providence car accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush know the signs of an accident caused by distracted drivers. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and identify when distracted driving is to blame for your injuries, even if the police missed this important detail.
Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of traffic accidents resulting in injury or death in Providence. In fact, Providence is one of the leading cities in Rhode Island for speed-related crashes. When drivers fail to follow the posted speed limits, they endanger themselves and all other drivers.
If you have been injured in a car accident because of speeding, the driver and the insurance company need to be held responsible, and we have the passion and experience to ensure they are.
Impaired Driving
Drinking and driving is still a large problem in Providence. Each year, Rhode Island law enforcement agencies detain around 3,000 drivers for driving under the influence. In 2022, nearly 70 percent of those arrested declined to undergo chemical testing. Among those who did comply, their blood alcohol concentration averaged approximately 0.17, which is more than double the legal limit.
Being hit by a drunk driver can cause serious injury and death. While the justice system works to hold drunk drivers responsible, the dedicated attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush understand this is not enough.
You need compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, including wrongful death. We will work hard to ensure you receive every penny you are due.
Where Do Car Accidents Occur Most In Providence?​
Providence is a high-traffic metropolitan area, and no matter where you are in Providence, most accidents can be prevented by following posted speed limits and other traffic laws.
Unfortunately, even with the best of care, you do not have control over road conditions and other drivers.
Some of the busiest areas are also some of the most dangerous areas to drive. In 2022, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation began renumbering exits along I-95. Here are the top three most dangerous spots in Providence and their updated exit numbers:
I-95, Exit 36A
This exit services the downtown area and Route 6. It is dangerous due to the volume and speed of the traffic in this area in the midst of several merging lanes and crisscrossing traffic.
The volume and speed of traffic combined with a sharp curve make this intersection treacherous.
This area experiences heavy traffic as well as heavy pedestrian traffic. Drivers and pedestrians sometimes fail to yield, and drivers often drive the wrong way on one-way streets in this area. Drivers and pedestrians are sometimes confused by the unconventional layout of this area.
The Providence viaduct area is the busiest stretch of I-95 in Rhode Island, carrying over 220,000 vehicles daily. Driving on I-95 requires the greatest degree of alertness and care.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Providence?​
Immediately following a car accident in Rhode Island, check everyone involved for injuries and call 911 if emergency medical care is needed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Providence:
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- Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of the traffic flow to prevent further accidents.
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- Contact Law Enforcement: Call the Providence Police Department or Rhode Island State Police to report the accident. Cooperate with responding officers and provide accurate information about the accident.
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- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Follow the advice of medical professionals and keep records of all medical treatment received.
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- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and get their statements if possible. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records.
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- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Provide your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.
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- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the accident but avoid admitting fault.
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- Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Consider consulting with a reputable car accident lawyer in Providence. A lawyer can review your case, advise you on your legal rights, and help you navigate the claims process. Contact your car accident attorney at Marasco & Nesselbush prior to speaking with the insurance company, and follow the advice of your legal team to ensure that you have everything you need to file your car accident claim.
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- Keep Records: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages. Save all communication with insurance companies and any other parties involved in the accident.
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- Follow Up on Medical Treatment: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your treatment plan. Keep documentation of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and recommendations from healthcare providers.
Be Cautious with Settlement Offers: If you receive a settlement offer from an insurance company, consult with your lawyer before accepting or signing anything. Ensure that any settlement adequately covers your damages and future expenses.
What Happens If I’m Hit By An Uninsured Driver?​
Most drivers are responsible and carry at least the minimum required insurance, but Providence drivers are still at risk of being hit by an uninsured driver. As of July 2021, approximately 14% of Rhode Island drivers were uninsured despite compulsory coverage laws and the insurance verification program.
If you are injured in an accident by an uninsured driver, you still have options to recover your losses, but you may have to work a little harder. Your options may include the following:
- A lawsuit against the driver or vehicle owner
- A lawsuit against anyone else who contributed to the accident
- Your uninsured motorist policy
- Your health insurance
Being hit by an uninsured driver in Providence is an unfortunate occurrence, but the lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are experienced at identifying those who are liable and holding them accountable.
Insurance Requirements For Providence Drivers
All Rhode Island drivers are required to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance covers the injuries and property damage to others when you are at fault in an accident. Rhode Island requires the following minimum liability insurance coverage:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 total per accident
- Property damage: $25,000 per accident
Providence drivers must have insurance before they can register their vehicles. The state of Rhode Island uses an insurance verification program to verify that drivers have insurance.
Under the program, vehicle identification numbers (VIN) are matched to the corresponding insurance policies. If the state is unable to match these up, drivers must verify their insurance to avoid having their registrations suspended. Before negotiating or settling with your insurance company, contact a Providence car accident lawyer.
How Long Do I Have To File A Providence Car Accident Lawsuit?​
The statute of limitations for Providence car accident claims is three years. This means you have three years after the accident to file an action to recover damages. Investigating injuries can take a considerable amount of time, so it is important that you do not procrastinate contacting an attorney.
Marasco & Nesselbush was established in 1999 by Joseph Marasco, Esq., and Donna Nesselbush, Esq. We grew quickly due to our dedication and success. We are proud to have added a team of sixteen attorneys.
Our Providence office is proud to support local organizations, such as the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, The Providence Center, Sojourner House, and the Rhode Island Blood Center.
We are located at 685 Westminster Street in the heart of downtown Providence. If you have suffered from an injury or loss stemming from a car accident, you can trust the compassionate team of attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush to fight for you.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Providence, call us right away, so we can put our passion and experience to work for you.
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