Fairmont, WV Car Accident Lawyer
It’s likely that a person experiences a car accident at some point during their lives, be it a minor fender bender or a severe accident. Regardless of the severity, thorough documentation is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring a smooth insurance claim process. It will also help your attorney build the strongest case possible if the insurance company refuses to provide a just settlement.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call the experienced attorneys at Miley Legal. We’ll review your case for free, give you our honest assessment, and fight on your behalf if you have a case.
The Proper Steps and Documentation Needed After an Accident
Information regarding how an accident occurred is always necessary when filing a claim with your insurance company or seeking help from a personal injury attorney. Documentation is the best protection, even if you are at fault or partially at fault. People involved in a car accident should always take the following steps.
Stop the Car
If safe, keep the car in the same spot following an accident. Turn on your hazard lights (four ways) to alert other drivers of the accident. Leaving the scene without stopping, known as a hit-and-run, can result in serious legal complications. Your commitment to staying put and waiting for the authorities is crucial. Once you know you are not hurt, getting out of the car and checking on other people involved in the accident would be appropriate.
Call an Ambulance or 911
If someone seems hurt or unsure about their physical health, it is always best to call an ambulance. Medical professionals will assess any injuries. Even if an injury is not evident, you should always get checked out immediately in case you experienced whiplash, a concussion, or any other common car accident injury. Furthermore, if you have medical documentation, it will be easier to prove later that the injuries you sustained came from the accident.
Call the Police
It’s always best to call the police, whether you’ve been in a serious or minor accident. The police play a major role in determining fault. The police report is often the deciding factor for insurance companies when paying a claim, and their professional witness status guarantees a reliable account of the accident. If a police officer doesn’t show up, you can go to the police station and file a report.
Even if the damage appears to be under the amount required by law to report in the state of WV, it is still wise to call the police. Even a scratch or a fender bender can cost well over $1,000. Also, stories about how the accident happened can change once the drivers leave the scene. Don’t leave anything up to chance, and file your police report while the events are fresh in your memory.
Notify your Insurance Company
It is your responsibility to notify your insurance company. Although there is no exact time limit, contacting them as soon as possible is best. Never speak to another driver’s insurance company. Let your insurance company communicate with them to help get the best outcome.
Even if your claim gets paid, an insurance company will only sometimes pay what your accident claim is worth. They are in business to make money, not paying out maximum benefits to accident victims. If your insurance company isn’t willing to pay what your claim is worth, you should contact a personal injury attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations in West Virginia
Statute of Limitations simply means the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In West Virginia, you have two years from the date of your car accident or two years from the date your injuries are found to be the result of the car accident.
A judge may dismiss your case if you don’t meet these rules, and ignorance is not an acceptable excuse in court.
Call an attorney within the 2 year limit. This will give your attorney adequate time to establish your case, gather evidence, notify the others involved, and file your legal claims with the court.
Possible Recoverable Damages
You may receive many reimbursements for your car accident. These can include lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage, among other things. The amount you receive will depend on the available evidence, your attorney’s experience, and other factors. Having an attorney by your side with a proven track record of receiving large settlements for accident victims is a plus.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Fairmont, WV
Car accidents can take devastating tolls on a victim’s life, and the aftermath is hard to work through. That’s where our experienced attorneys come in. Miley Legal’s dedicated team of car accident attorneys has a proven track record of achieving excellent client outcomes. We’ll work with you at every step of the process and keep you informed along the way. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and how we can help.