Pleasant Valley Personal Injury Lawyers
People are injured every day because someone fails to exercise caution. Most accidents can be avoided; however, the life-changing consequences of personal injuries, which can be caused by a moment of carelessness, cannot be underestimated.
Once an accident has occurred, there’s no going back. Instead, victims must focus on taking steps to move forward and recover from their injuries. Many times, the correct course of action involves taking legal action.
At Miley Legal, our West Virginia personal injury lawyers have decades of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We will work aggressively on your behalf to help you get back on your feet following an accident.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After Your Injury
Following a personal injury, accident victims may be entitled to different forms of compensation. Understanding what types of damages you are entitled to and how much your claim is worth can be challenging for the average person. Our skilled attorneys know exactly what damages to pursue to maximize your claim’s value.
Loss of Consortium
This type of compensation can be awarded when the injured person can no longer engage in relations with his spouse because of the accident. Examples of this could be no longer having sexual intercourse, not being able to assist with everyday chores, or even being unable to provide moral support to your loved ones. It is essential to know a married woman may also sue for consortium to the same extent as a married man.
Lost Wages vs Lost Income
After an accident, you may not be able to work. When this occurs, most people are left wondering how they are supposed to pay bills and feed their families. Most people may not realize that, in a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to receive money lost due to the said accident. Below is the difference between the two.
Lost Wages
After an accident, you may be unable to return to work for some time. However, you may be entitled to recoup the wages you would have earned if you could work. This compensation explicitly covers the paychecks you missed while recovering and is typically calculated based on your regular earnings, including salary, hourly pay, and sometimes tips or bonuses.
Lost Income
Lost earning capacity, often called lost income, applies when your injuries permanently impact your ability to work in the future. This compensation accounts for the loss of potential earnings over your lifetime. To determine lost income amounts, courts will consider factors such as age, skills, and the long-term effects of your injury. Lost income may include promotions you might have received or the inability to perform your job or any other work.
How to Deal With Insurance Companies After an Accident
After an accident, especially an auto accident, you must let your insurance company know that you had an accident. However, you should watch what you say to your agent. You should never admit fault or apologize for the accident. Avoid giving a recorded statement because anything you say can be used against you.
After any type of personal injury or accident, it is always best to get advice from an attorney. An attorney can speak to insurance companies on your behalf so you can avoid saying something that could damage your claim.
What to Expect During a Personal Injury Consultation
When you meet with a Pleasant Valley, WV, personal injury attorney, you will discuss the potential merits of the injury case and learn about the attorney’s services.
A good attorney will ask you questions about your injuries to determine how serious and permanent they are. Have all your documentation about the accident with you at the consultation. Types of information to have with you at your first meeting include:
Medical Documentation
This documentation includes proof that you went to an urgent care, emergency room, or primary doctor after your accident and any evidence of follow-up appointments. This includes ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy, pain management, or therapy appointments. Keep receipts for travel expenses to and from the doctor and the medical bills incurred in your accident.
Proof of Your Innocence
You should bring a police report, proof of your car insurance, and photos of the accident scene. If you had a witness, providing their information is helpful. If you are able, take pictures of all your injuries.
You will need to bring other essential items in addition to the above. Before your consultation, ask the attorney’s office what you should have. Being prepared during your initial consultation can help you save time later in the process.
Call An Attorney Serving Pleasant Valley, West Virginia
One of our attorneys in our Pleasant Valley, WV, office will gladly speak with you and schedule a free consultation. We have handled numerous personal injury cases and can assist with your specific needs. You can trust Miley Legal to handle even the most complex personal injury cases. Contact us today to discuss your case and legal options.