Martinsburg, WV Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can occur at a moment’s notice. When they do, you may find yourself overwhelmed by medical expenses, family concerns, and even pain associated with an injury. If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of another party’s failure to drive responsibly, call Miley Legal right away. Our attorneys would be happy to provide a free consultation.
What To Do Right After Your Car Accident Occurs
When a car accident happens, it’s crucial to act immediately. Do not move your vehicle unless you are in an unsafe place where you might cause another accident. Keeping your car in the same spot will help the police determine how the accident happened and who is at fault.
Call 911 or the Local Police Department
While it’s not a legal requirement to call the police for accidents under $1,000 or if there are no apparent injuries, it’s a wise decision. When an accident occurs, it’s common for victims to go into shock, making it hard to think and figure out how much damage and injuries might have occurred. Failing to call the police could lead to legal complications if the other party decides to file a claim later.
Gather Information
Specific information must always be obtained after an accident. Knowing the proper information to exchange following an accident can strengthen your case in legal negotiations. Always exchange driver’s license information, insurance information, photos of the scene and witness information.
Exchanging driver’s license and insurance information with the other parties involved at the scene of an accident is legally required. This is not a personal choice but a necessary step to ensure legal compliance. If a person refuses, call the police immediately and get advice from a Martinsburg, WV accident lawyer.
What Happens if You Have No Car Insurance
Driving in Martinsburg, WV, without car insurance is against the law and can lead to severe penalties. Some exceptions to this rule, such as borrowing someone’s car if they have car insurance, may exist.
You may also be able to get your car repairs or medical bills paid if you are not more than 50% at fault, but you will still be punished and must pay the above fines for not having car insurance. If this is the situation you find yourself in, it is imperative to contact a lawyer to advise you on the appropriate steps to take.
What Happens if You Drive Without a License in Martinsburg, WV?
If you’re involved in a car accident in Martinsburg, WV, and don’t have a driver’s license, you may still be able to recover damages. However, driving without a license could lead to legal consequences. Despite this, your lack of a license does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation for injuries or damages resulting from the accident. Consult with a personal injury attorney who understands West Virginia’s laws to help guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
How Long Will My Car Accident Claim Take?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim can vary depending on the circumstances. If it is an easy case where evidence is readily available, it can be as soon as a few months. The case can take longer depending on several factors, such as the insurance company’s level of cooperation and the conduct of other attorneys involved in the case.
What is the Time Frame for Filing a Claim?
This is known as the statute of limitations. A person has two years from the date of the car accident or two years from the date an injury is discovered to file a claim.
There is an exception to this rule for minors. If a minor is 16 and is involved in an accident, they have two years from their eighteenth birthday to file a claim. It’s important to note that these exceptions may vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances.
What Will Legal Representation Cost?
The cost of your legal case will vary depending on your attorney, but contingency fees are the most common structure in instances of injury.
A contingency fee is a fee that the lawyer receives when they win the case. Once the case is won, the client will pay a percentage of the money won. If the client loses the case, the lawyer receives no compensation. The client pays no hourly or upfront cost except for court fees in certain situations. Always discuss all potential costs with your lawyer.
Our Martinsburg Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Call Miley Legal if you have any questions about your accident-related injury. Our attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.