Warwick Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can cause excruciating physical injuries and debilitating emotional distress. When someone else is responsible for an accident, they should be held accountable. Our Warwick car accident lawyers have 300+ years of experience helping accident victims stand up to insurance companies and recover life-changing compensation totaling more than $100 million.
- Updated date:
- July 22, 2024
If you’ve recently been injured in a car accident in Warwick, Rhode Island, you may have the right to recover compensation for the costs of medical treatment, disability, and other accident-related damages. However, the insurance company won’t make it easy for you to get the money you deserve. Call Marasco & Nesselbush and discover how our experienced Warwick car accident lawyers can help you maximize your recovery.
Since 1999, Marasco & Nesselbush has been a passionate advocate for accident victims and grieving families in Warwick. Our award-winning Rhode Island trial attorneys help clients stand up to intimidating insurance companies and corporations, fighting to ensure that their stories are heard. Our clients have been awarded over $100 million (and counting) in jury awards and settlements as a result.
Make the most of your car accident injury claim. Contact our Warwick, RI, law office and set up a free consultation today.
The Benefits Of Hiring Marasco & Nesselbush After A Car Accident In Warwick, RI
Why did your car accident happen? What kind of evidence will you need to make a case for damages? What happens if the insurance company tries to shift blame and say that you caused the wreck? How can you be sure that you’ll receive a settlement offer that really represents what your car accident injury claim is worth?
After a car accident, you’ll be faced with these important questions, so it’s crucial to turn to an experienced legal advocate for help. After all, the insurance company will not have your best interests at heart. It’ll fight your demand for compensation at every turn and try to scare you into accepting a lowball offer.
Having our experienced Warwick personal injury lawyers in your corner levels the playing field and gives you the edge you need to maximize your recovery.
For more than 25 years, our law firm has been going head-to-head with powerful insurance companies. We have demonstrated our ability to take them on and win big for clients like you. Choosing our law firm to represent you shows the insurer that you’re serious about getting the compensation you deserve.
Our top-rated car accident attorneys in Warwick will take care of every aspect of your claim:
- Provide support and guidance to you and your family throughout the claims process
- Launch an in-depth investigation into your Warwick car accident
- Gather and analyze evidence that can be used to support a strong claim for damages
- Enlist the help of qualified experts and specialists
- Defend against allegations that you contributed to or caused the collision
- Prepare and file all claims, motions, and documents on your behalf
- Actively seek a top-dollar settlement during negotiations
- Answer your questions and offer advice when it’s time to make important decisions about the future of your claim
- Represent you at trial if you’re not satisfied with the settlement offer(s) you receive
DO I HAVE A CASE?
If you think you may have a case, contact us now for a FREE consultation
We’re here to make life easier after your car accident. Let our experienced litigators handle your fight for compensation so that you can focus on getting better.
There’s no cost to hire our Warwick personal injury law firm unless we win your case, so call today to get started.
What Compensation Can I Recover In A Car Accident Injury Claim?​
Whether you submit a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit, you can generally recover compensatory damages after a car accident in Warwick.
Compensatory damages are intended to compensate you for the financial losses (economic awards) and devastating life changes that have happened because you were in a car accident (non-economic awards).
Under the law, you can potentially receive money for:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Nursing assistance
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Physical disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
In Rhode Island, juries also reserve the right to award punitive damages when there is clear and convincing evidence that a defendant’s conduct is malicious or grossly negligent. In the context of car accident claims, punitive awards are often reserved for cases involving extremely intoxicated drivers, intentional acts of road rage, and fatal accidents.
Our car accident attorneys in Warwick will fight to accurately value your injury claim. We have strong professional relationships with leading car accident experts and specialists in Rhode Island. We can turn to them for help when it’s time to dig into the details of your case, understand how the accident has affected (and will continue to affect) your life, and determine what your car accident case is worth.
We Represent Clients In All Types Of Car Accident Cases In Warwick​
At Marasco & Nesselbush, we’ve been representing clients injured in Rhode Island car accidents for more than 25 years.
We have extensive experience handling claims involving all types of car accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-Bone car accidents
- Sideswipes
- Rollovers
- Accidents involving uninsured motorists
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Hit and run car accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Speed-related car accidents
- Accidents involving teen drivers
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Single vehicle accidents
- Chain reaction collisions
- Intersection car accidents
- Fatal car accidents
We understand the unique challenges that each of these types of accidents can pose. Our team understands that each accident will require a different approach, beginning with the initial investigation. We’ll know what to look for, what type of evidence can be most beneficial, and how to structure a legal claim to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Warwick Car Accidents?​
Most car accidents in Warwick can be avoided. After all, everyone on the road assumes a duty to follow state and local traffic laws and drive with caution. Unfortunately, not everyone takes this duty seriously. As a result, most car accidents are a consequence of driver negligence.
Some of the most common contributing factors to Warwick car accidents include:
- Texting and driving
- Other forms of driver distraction
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating
- Merging errors
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running stop signs and red/yellow lights
- Rolling stops
- Illegal turns
- Driving in another motorist’s blind spot
Certain factors might increase the chances of a crash, such as bad weather conditions, traffic, road construction, or limited visibility. In some cases, factors outside of a driver’s control, like vehicle defects or road defects, can also contribute to or cause a wreck.
Helping You Get Compensation For All Of Your Car Accident Injuries​
Whether you’re driving, sitting in the passenger’s seat, or the back, the injuries you sustain in a car accident have the potential to change your life forever.
Some of the most commonly reported car accident injuries in Warwick include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Severe burn injuries
- Nerve damage
- Eye injury
- Vision or hearing loss
- Dental injury
- Soft tissue injury
- Knee injury
- Shoulder injury
- Back injuries
- Pelvis injuries
- Chest injury
- Amputation
- Catastrophic injury
- Wrongful death
Reach out to a member of our award-winning legal team in Warwick to learn about your legal rights and options after a wreck. We’ll listen to your story, help you understand your potential options for financial recovery, and help you fight to get the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?​
The decisions you make right after your car accident and in the days that follow can have a huge impact on your ability to recover compensation. Here are a few things to keep in mind after you’ve been in a car accident in Warwick:
- Stop and remain at or near the scene of the accident.
- Report the accident to the Warwick Police Department or Rhode Island State Police.
- Exchange personal and insurance information with other parties, or provide that information to the police officer who arrives on the scene.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize for the wreck (these statements can be taken out of context and used to hurt your claim for damages).
- Document the scene of the accident by taking pictures and recording video footage if you’re physically able.
- Seek medical attention at the closest hospital in Warwick as soon as possible after the accident.
- Talk to a car accident attorney in Warwick before engaging in any conversations with an insurance company.
At Marasco & Nesselbush, we appreciate that a car accident can happen anytime, anywhere. We want you to have access to the legal help you need, whenever you need it. Our team is always available to answer your call—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us for assistance now.
How Is Fault Determined For A Car Accident?
Rhode Island is a fault-based state, which basically means that whoever is responsible for causing a car accident is liable for the resulting damages.
More specifically, the at-fault party’s insurance company is liable for damages.
Fault is determined by conducting a thorough investigation and considering the specific facts and evidence of an accident.
Evidence that can be used to determine fault might include:
- Property damage
- Tire tracks and skid marks
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Video recordings
- Black box data from accidents involving large trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Toxicology reports
- Driver communication records
- Clothing worn at the time of the accident
- Testimony from accident reconstructionists, forensic specialists, medical professionals, vehicle mechanics, and other experts
Under Rhode Island state law, liability is shared by everyone who contributes to a wreck. This is true even if you get hurt in an accident. Sharing responsibility for a car accident won’t automatically prevent you from recovering compensation for your resulting injuries, but it will affect how much money you can get.
Rhode Island has adopted a pure comparative negligence system of fault. Damages are reduced based on a party’s own negligence.
Say you’re assigned 35 percent of the blame for a car accident because you were speeding in Warwick. Your case is valued at $100,000. With shared fault taken into account, you’ll be able to recover $65,000 in damages.
Car insurance companies in Rhode Island will try to use this statute to their advantage. You’ll find that the adjuster attempts to shift blame and say that you contributed to or are wholly responsible for the car accident. If you don’t stand up and fight back against these (often unsubstantiated) claims, you’ll watch valuable compensation disappear.
Our Warwick car accident attorneys will be ready to anticipate these allegations of shared fault and work to prevent them from affecting your recovery. If your negligence was a contributing factor, we’ll fight to limit the liability you’re assigned. The less fault you share, the more money you can ultimately get for your injuries and accident-related costs.
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Steps To Take When Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer
When hiring a car accident lawyer, it’s crucial to choose someone experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to choose and what to expect from a car accident lawyer, including initial consultations, case preparations, and typical timelines:
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Research and Shortlist Potential Lawyers
Start by researching lawyers in your area who focus on car accident cases. You can use online directories, referrals from friends or family, or legal associations to find potential candidates.
Look for lawyers with extensive experience in handling car accident cases and a track record of success.
Check Credentials and Reviews
Once you have a shortlist of potential lawyers, check their credentials, including their education, licensure, and any specialized certifications. Look for client reviews and testimonials online to gauge their reputation and the experiences of past clients.
Schedule Initial Consultations
Most car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. Schedule meetings with a few different lawyers to discuss your case. During the consultation, assess the lawyer’s communication style, responsiveness, and how well they understand your case.
Discuss Fees and Payment Arrangements
Be transparent about your budget and discuss the lawyer’s fee structure during the initial consultation.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Ensure you understand the percentage they will take from any settlement or award. During the consultation, the lawyer should provide an overview of how they plan to handle your case. This may include gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing for trial if necessary.
Discuss potential outcomes and any risks associated with your case.
Engage in Case Preparation
Once you’ve chosen a lawyer, they will begin preparing your case. This may involve gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and documentation of damages.
Your lawyer may also consult with experts such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals to strengthen your case.
Negotiation and Settlement
In many car accident cases, a settlement is reached through negotiations with the insurance company. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare to take your case to trial.
Trial Preparation and Litigation
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will prepare you for courtroom proceedings, including witness testimony and cross-examination.
Your lawyer will present your case in court and argue for the compensation you deserve.
Typical Timelines
The timeline for a car accident case can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and the court’s schedule. In general, car accident cases can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, particularly if they go to trial.
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What is the Legal Procedure in Car Accident Cases in Warwick, RI?
In Warwick, RI, the legal procedure for car accident cases typically follows a series of steps. Here’s an elaboration on the legal processes involved in car accident claims to prepare you for what to expect:
- Seek Medical Attention: The first and most important step after a car accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained. Your health and safety should always be the top priority.
- File a Police Report: In Warwick, RI, it’s crucial to file a police report after a car accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. The police report will document the details of the accident and may serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with accurate information about the incident and cooperate with any investigation they conduct.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the vehicles involved, eyewitness statements, and any other relevant documentation. This evidence will help support your claim.
- Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer: Consider consulting with a car accident lawyer who is familiar with the laws and procedures in Warwick, RI. A lawyer can provide you with valuable legal advice and representation throughout the claims process.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies involved to seek a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. This may involve exchanging evidence, conducting negotiations, and possibly participating in mediation to reach an agreement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In Warwick, RI, car accident lawsuits are typically filed in the Rhode Island Superior Court.
- Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence in court. A judge or jury will then determine liability and damages based on the evidence presented.
Throughout the legal process, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation to advocate for your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Working with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system in Warwick, RI, and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
How Long Do I Have To File A Rhode Island Car Accident Lawsuit?​
Following a car accident in Warwick, Rhode Island, you’ll typically have three years to file a personal injury claim for damages.
There might be limited exceptions to this rule, such as in cases involving injuries to minor children. However, don’t assume that you’ll have additional time to file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to demand compensation for your accident-related injuries.
You don’t have to try to figure out the timeline on your own. Reach out to our personal injury attorneys in Warwick after your car accident so that we can provide the assistance you need.
What If A Loved One Was Killed In A Warwick 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.
If you’ve been injured or lost a close family member in a Warwick car accident because someone else was careless, they should be held accountable for the harm and suffering they’ve caused. Call Marasco & Nesselbush and let our Warwick car accident attorneys help you fight for maximum compensation.
Collectively, our experienced Rhode Island litigators have 300+ years of experience and have won over $200 million on behalf of deserving clients.
Show the insurance company that you’re serious about winning your case and recovering every cent you deserve. Call our law office in Warwick, Rhode Island, today to get started. Your initial case evaluation is free.
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