Beckley, WV Car Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. You may be navigating medical bills, questions about fault, property damage, gathering witness information and more – don’t deal with this alone. We’ve helped many West Virginians, and our attorneys would be happy to provide a complimentary consultation.

No two vehicle accidents are the same. From truck accidents to parking lot collisions and rear-end car accidents, every case presents unique challenges. If you were injured, give us a call. We’d be happy to review your case at no cost to you.

Common Causes for Car Accidents in Beckley

Unfortunately, car accidents are widespread. While some are minor, others are deadly. Drivers are responsible for being in control of their vehicles at all times and for obeying the speed limits and all traffic laws. One would be surprised by how many factors can cause a car accident. Some common ones include:

Speeding 

30% of fatal crashes in West Virginia involve excessive speed, and when you factor in the mountainous terrain and windy roads in our state, you can see why speeding is a concern. High speeds increase both the likelihood and severity of accidents. If you’ve been injured by another driver who was speeding, our firm can help you pursue compensation for your losses. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and recovery.

Tailgating

Driving too close behind someone is considered tailgating. If a driver tails the car in front of them too closely, an accident may occur when the leading driver unexpectedly hits the brakes. Drivers are responsible  for leaving enough space between vehicles while driving to reduce the likelihood of tailgating accidents. If you are rear-ended as the result of a tailgating driver, give us a call.

Running a Stop Sign

Every day, avoidable accidents happen because someone runs a stop sign. According to WV Code § 17C-9-3, this includes instances where a driver properly stopped but failed to acknowledge right-of-way laws. Even after stopping, failure to yield the right-of-way can result in liability for the at-fault driver, leaving them responsible for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other damages. 

Running Red Lights

Running a red light endangers everyone on the road, including pedestrians and other drivers, and raises the risk of severe and potentially life-threatening accidents. It is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, often leading to avoidable tragedies.

Drunk Driving

Drinking alcohol can cause a person to lose the ability to think clearly and react quickly. Although laws regarding impaired driving have tightened, this is still a significant problem. Always plan to have a designated driver if you plan to drink alcohol and discourage others around you from driving under the influence.

The above are just a few of the most common and preventable causes of accidents. Drivers should understand the risks involved in these dangerous driving habits and obey all relevant traffic rules. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence of any kind, call our Beckley, WV car accident lawyers.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Dealing with your insurance company after an accident can be difficult and stressful. Drivers must be cautious about what they say to avoid costly mistakes. Do not provide a recorded statement until you speak with an attorney.  If you say something wrong, the insurance company may use it against you to devalue your claim. The following steps can avoid costly mistakes when dealing with insurance companies.

Contact an Attorney for Advice

The first thing you should do, after attending to your health and safety, is to contact an attorney. A car accident lawyer can walk you through what to say to the insurance company and the adjuster. An experienced attorney has dealt with many insurance companies and knows what deceitful tactics to look out for.

Give Basic Information

During the initial call with the insurance company, advise where the accident happened and who was involved. Saying too much can hurt your case. If the other person’s car insurance company calls you, be polite and only provide your name, address, and phone number. Never call the other party’s insurance company.

Watch What You Say

When calling the insurance company, use your words wisely. Anything you say can be held against you and can prevent your claim from being paid out. Knowing what to say could improve your financial outcome, even if you are at fault.  

West Virginia Insurance Laws

West Virginia is an at-fault state. The person at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the other person’s damages. However, WV also has a comparative negligence law. This law means that fault can be shared between both people involved. To receive compensation under this law, you must be able to prove that you were not greater than 50% percent responsible for the said accident.

Get The Help You Need. Call Our Beckley, WV Accident Lawyers

We help accident victims in Beckley, Mabscott, Wickham, and the surrounding area. Whether you were injured in a vehicle accident on Highway 64, rt. 19, or on a local road, we can help prove fault, recoup your medical bills, and seek the justice you deserve. Give our personal injury lawyers in Morgantown a call for a complimentary consultation today.