Wakefield Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can be devastating to all parties involved. If you were injured in a car accident in Wakefield, it may be time to seek legal representation. The experienced accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush can provide a free evaluation of your case.
- Updated date:
- July 16, 2024
A car accident injury can have immediate and long-term effects. In the short term, the injury can make it difficult for a person to function. And in the years following a car accident, the injury can result in long-lasting physical and emotional trauma.
The financial ramifications of a car accident injury can be significant. After a car accident, an injured person may be unable to work, leading to lost wages. The injury can result in expensive medical bills and cause pain, suffering, and other trauma that hinders a person’s ability to engage with others.
Following a car accident that causes a personal injury, it can be beneficial to consult with an attorney. At Marasco & Nesselbush, our car accident lawyers can review the facts surrounding your personal injury and help you determine whether to pursue financial compensation for your injury.
Focusing on car accident injury cases, Marasco & Nesselbush understand the complexities and challenges victims often face. Our team of seasoned legal professionals possesses a wealth of expertise in navigating the intricate nuances of personal injury law, ensuring that our clients receive the comprehensive support and representation they deserve.
From conducting thorough investigations to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court, our Wakefield car accident lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Our dedication extends beyond legal proceedings. We prioritize the well-being and recovery of those we represent, offering compassionate guidance and support every step of the way.
What To Do After A Wakefield Car Accident
Following a Wakefield car accident, try to remain calm and collected. At this point, here’s what you need to do.
1. Call 911
Do not wait to call 911. The sooner first responders arrive on the scene, the sooner you or anyone else injured in the accident can receive medical attention.
It is beneficial to go to a hospital even if you suffer minor injuries during a car accident. This ensures a doctor can evaluate the severity of your injuries and provide you with appropriate treatment.
Several hospitals are located in Wakefield and nearby cities and towns. Some of the top-rated hospitals in the area include:
The emergency departments are open around the clock, and the South County Hospital in Wakefield guarantees that all emergency patients are seen by a board-certified emergency medicine physician or a highly trained nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
2. Collect Evidence
Take photos of any injuries or damage to your car or property during the accident. You can use your smartphone to capture photos. Or you can ask a bystander to take photos on your behalf.
Along with photos, get a copy of your car accident police report. If you call 911, a police officer will arrive at the accident scene. The officer will collect your information and the information of anyone else involved in the accident and create a police report.
You can get a copy of the police report after your accident. The police officer who creates the report can provide it to you. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the report from your local police department.
Remember to collect information from the other driver involved in your car accident. You should get the driver’s name, address, and other relevant contact information from their driver’s license. Also, you should get the driver’s insurance information.
Keep track of any medical bills and associated expenses relating to your car accident injury. You may need this documentation to build a personal injury case against an at-fault driver.
3. Contact A Wakefield Car Accident Attorney
Reach out to a Wakefield car accident lawyer. This gives you an opportunity to share details about what happened during your car accident with a personal injury expert.
Speaking with a Wakefield car accident attorney does not necessarily mean that you’ll file a lawsuit. However, you can meet with a lawyer to review your legal options. If you have a strong case, your attorney can help you sue the driver or others responsible for any car accident injuries you suffered.
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Your Legal Rights And Claim Procedures
In the wake of a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights to pursue compensation for damages and injuries. Marasco & Nesselbush empowers clients by providing comprehensive guidance on their rights under the law.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you have the right to seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Understanding these rights is essential for navigating the legal process effectively.
Marasco & Nesselbush works closely with clients to assess the full extent of their damages and build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation. Our Wakefield car accident lawyers provide personalized legal counsel, ensuring that our clients are fully informed and equipped to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Local Legal Procedures
Navigating the legal landscape in Wakefield requires a thorough understanding of local procedures and timelines that impact car accident cases. Our car accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush possess in-depth knowledge of the legal framework in Rhode Island. They are well-versed in the specific procedures relevant to car accident claims in Wakefield.
From filing deadlines to court procedures and evidence requirements, the firm guides clients through every aspect of the legal process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome.
By leveraging our local expertise and resources, we help clients navigate the complexities of the legal system with confidence and clarity. Our car accident attorneys strive to streamline the process, minimize delays, and advocate vigorously for the rights of car accident victims in Wakefield.
Damages Available In A Wakefield, RI, Car Accident Case
In Wakefield, Rhode Island, if you’re involved in a car accident, you have the right to seek various types of compensatory damages to cover losses incurred due to the incident. Additionally, in certain cases, punitive damages may be available to punish the at-fault party for their particularly egregious behavior. Here’s an overview of the damages you can typically seek in Wakefield car accident cases:
Compensatory Damages
- Medical Expenses: You can seek reimbursement for all medical costs related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgery expenses, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: You’re entitled to compensation for income lost due to your inability to work following the accident. This includes wages lost during recovery, as well as any diminished earning capacity resulting from long-term or permanent disability.
- Property Damage: You can recover the costs for repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle, as well as any personal belongings damaged in the collision.
- Pain and Suffering: You can seek non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident results in the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse, you may seek compensation for the impact on your relationship.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious conduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. However, they are not commonly awarded and typically require proof of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or malicious intent.
At Marasco & Nesselbush, we understand the nuances of pursuing both compensatory and punitive damages in Wakefield car accident cases. We work tirelessly to build compelling cases that accurately reflect the full extent of your damages and advocate vigorously for your rights to fair compensation.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident in Wakefield, RI
In Wakefield, Rhode Island, determining fault in a car accident is a critical aspect of the legal process. Several factors and types of evidence are considered to establish liability and assign responsibility for the accident. Here’s a detailed explanation of how fault is determined in car accident cases in Wakefield:
- Police Report: After an accident, law enforcement officers typically respond to the scene and conduct an investigation. The police reports they generate often contain valuable information, including their assessment of the cause of the accident and any citations issued to the parties involved.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from witnesses who observed the accident can provide valuable insight into what happened. Their accounts of the events leading up to the collision, as well as any relevant details they observed, can help establish fault.
- Physical Evidence: Physical evidence from the accident scene, such as skid marks, debris patterns, and damage to vehicles, can provide important clues about how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
- Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws or regulations can indicate negligence or fault in a car accident. For example, if one driver runs a red light or fails to yield right-of-way, they may be deemed responsible for causing the collision.
- Driver Statements: Statements made by the drivers involved in the accident, either at the scene or later during the claims process, can be used to determine fault. However, it’s essential to corroborate these statements with other evidence to ensure accuracy.
- Expert Analysis: In complex cases or disputes over fault, experts such as accident reconstruction specialists may be called upon to analyze the evidence and provide expert opinions on how the accident occurred and who may be at fault.
- Comparative Fault: Rhode Island follows a comparative fault system, which means that fault can be apportioned among multiple parties involved in an accident. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, although the amount you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
By carefully evaluating these factors and pieces of evidence, Marasco & Nesselbush help clients in Wakefield navigate the process of determining fault in car accident cases. We work diligently to build strong cases that accurately reflect our client’s version of events and advocate vigorously for their rights and interests.
What Can You Do To Prevent A Wakefield Car Crash?
Car accidents can occur anywhere at any time. They cannot always be prevented, but there are many things you can do to guard against them, including:
- Turn off your cell phone and remove any other potential driving distractions.
- Do not drive if you have consumed any alcohol or drugs.
- Avoid speeding.
- Stay at least 3 seconds behind the car in front of you.
The Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center is committed to facilitating roadway collision prevention strategies by providing grants to community partners. Gaby Abbate, chief of the Office of Highway Safety at the RI Department of Transportation, notes that “any non-profit, state agency, or municipal agency is allowed to apply for these funds as long as their proposal is focused on roadway safety, has tangible deliverables, and includes appropriate evaluation, outcome, and performance measures.”
With citizens, families, and state and municipal governments all working toward the same goal, some car crashes can be prevented.
What If I'm Partially Responsible For A Car Accident In Wakefield?
Rhode Island is one of 13 states with a comparative negligence statute. If you are partially responsible for a Rhode Island car crash that results in a personal injury, you can still pursue financial damages from an at-fault party. However, you may not receive the full amount of your initial claim.
For example, you can file a lawsuit against an at-fault party for $10,000 in financial damages following a car accident in Wakefield or any other Rhode Island region. If a judge or jury finds that you are 20% responsible for the collision, you will receive 80% of your original claim. In this instance, you’ll be awarded $8,000.
Is Now The Right Time To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you recently suffered an injury from a car crash that was not your fault, consult with an attorney.
A personal injury lawyer will examine all details surrounding your personal injury. The attorney will ask you questions, evaluate evidence, and gather as much information as possible.
The statute of limitations for a car accident case in Wakefield is three years from the time of the incident, so it is in your best interest to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will work diligently on your behalf to help you win or settle your case and receive the maximum compensation amount.
Wakefield RI Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
What Should I Do If The Other Driver's Insurance Company Tries To Call Me After My Car Accident?
After a car accident, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you in the hopes of getting you to accept a settlement. In this instance, notify a car accident attorney, and this professional can help you pursue financial compensation from the driver.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Car Accident Attorney?
Often, car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, and you won’t have to pay unless you win or settle your case.
How Much Time Will It Take To Resolve My Car Accident Case?
It can take many months or years to resolve your car accident case. A car accident attorney will do their part to help you quickly resolve your case.
Contact Our Rhode Island Car Accident Lawyers Today
Marasco & Nesselbush has an award-winning team of personal injury attorneys. Over the years, we have won many car accident cases. Our Wakefield car accident lawyers ensure that clients achieve the best results regardless of the particulars of their cases.
We offer legal support from our Wakefield office and other office locations across Rhode Island. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us online or call us at (401) 783-0000.