Let Your Car Accident Lawyer Deal With Your Claim So You Can Focus On Recovery
When you hire a West Virginia car accident lawyer, you can rest assured that your claim is in good hands. We deal with insurance companies on your behalf and prepare for court if need be.
We have experience in dealing with complex cases. Additionally, we draft compelling and comprehensive claims to maximize your compensation. Allowing a lawyer to manage your case means you only need to worry about attending your medical appointments and focusing on recovery. Call us today to set up a free case review.
Car Accidents in West Virginia
If you have been in a car accident in West Virginia, you may not know what to do next. Accidents are unpleasant, stressful, and scary experiences. Although each car accident is unique, all victims who suffered due to another driver’s negligence deserve compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and car repairs. Hiring a car accident lawyer takes the stress off you so you can focus on getting better.
An experienced West Virginia car accident lawyer will review your case and work to ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and material and physical damages. Additionally, your lawyer will ensure those who caused your injuries are held accountable.
Our car accident lawyers have handled hundreds of motor vehicle accident claims, including pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. You can trust in our expertise as we handle your case.
According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, approximately 45,000 car accidents occur in West Virginia every year. Consequently, about 25,000 people sustain injuries, and property worth 3 billion dollars is damaged or destroyed. Unfortunately, most West Virginia accidents are preventable since they are caused by negligent driving.
Furthermore, approximately 40% of West Virginia car accidents occur when the driver fails to maintain vehicle control. In a few instances, accidents occur due to road conditions.
The most common contributing factors to accidents in West Virginia are:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while sleepy
- Ignoring traffic lights
- Exceeding speed limits
- Failure to observe the right of way
- Improper lane changes
While some accidents result in only minor injuries, many result in serious and even permanent injuries. Injuries from car accidents may be enduringly detrimental to your health and general well-being. For this reason, it would be best to hire a car accident lawyer to take charge of your personal injury claim.
Common Types of Car Accidents in West Virginia
The most common types of car accidents in West Virginia are:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollovers
- Rear-end crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
Common Types of Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents often result in severe injuries. The most common injuries from car accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones and fractures
- Limb loss
- Neck injuries
- Scars and disfiguring facial injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Foot injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Crush injuries
Besides physical injuries, you may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When you have PTSD, you may find it challenging to get back behind the wheel of a car. You can claim compensation for your emotional suffering and mental health treatment.
Damages Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Claim on Your Behalf
West Virginia’s personal injury laws dictate that you are entitled to receive compensation for various categories of losses after an accident that occurred due to the negligence or recklessness of another person. The most common types of compensation you are likely to receive after a West Virginia car accident are:
- Medical expenses, including future medical fees
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages
- Property damages
- Loss of earning capacity (in instances when you can no longer work due to the accident)
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
If a car accident caused the death of your loved one, the West Virginia wrongful death statute applies. This statute provides for additional compensation for the family members of the deceased, intending to provide them with compensation that the victim would have received had they survived to file a personal injury lawsuit.
The Statute of Limitations
The West Virginia statute of limitations limits the amount of time within which you can file your personal injury claim; you have a maximum of two years after the date of the incident to file. After the two years elapse, you no longer have a right to demand compensation. For this reason, it would be best to contact a West Virginia auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to start the process of obtaining a settlement or filing a claim.
How to Bolster Your Car Accident Case
The most important thing you should do after a car accident is to seek medical attention—even if you believe your injuries to be minor. Some injuries are insidious or masked by adrenaline, and victims do not realize the extent of their injuries until days or even weeks later. This could put you at risk of serious medical complications or even death in the event that these injuries remain untreated.
Keep all of your medical records and attend all follow-up and therapy appointments scheduled by your provider. Keep your activity within the limits established by your doctor so as to not further injure yourself or potentially damage your case.
Keeping a journal that catalogs your symptoms, pain level, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life will help to demonstrate the seriousness of your pain and suffering.
