It’s normal to feel shock, anger, fear, and an array of other emotions after a car accident. If you’ve been injured in any way, seeking medical attention should always be your number one priority. After the chaos has settled, you’ll need to think about your next steps. A Parkersburg car accident lawyer can help.
Filing a car accident claim can help you accomplish two things. You’ll be able to hold the negligent party accountable for your accident, and you’ll have access to the compensation you need to take care of your accident-related losses. While the process can seem challenging, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Part of filing a claim involves proving what the other party did wrong to cause your accident. To prove negligence, we’ll need to collect evidence, take photographs of the scene and vehicular damage, and speak to witnesses. We have the experience and resources needed to successfully accomplish those tasks and help you restore order in your everyday life.
How Common Are Car Accidents in West Virginia?
West Virginia is home to some of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the country. The crashes are often the result of numerous factors, including distracted driving, speeding, drug and alcohol impairment, inexperience, and neglecting to follow the rules of the road.
Because of the high traffic accident rate, our state also sees a high number of collision-related fatalities. Nationally, the population-based fatality rate per 100,000 was 11.61. In West Virginia, however, the rate was 19.70 per 100,000.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Analysis of Fatal Crash Data in West Virginia, there were 48 fatalities from 2007 to 2011 related to automobile accidents in Wood County, where Parkersburg rests. Across the entire state, the deaths totaled 1,819. While there was a nine percent drop in deaths annually in those five years, the rate is still higher than the national average.
Because of how common car accidents are in our state, we deal with claims regularly. We stay up-to-date on all the laws that could impact your claim, and we never have any qualms about going up against an insurance company that’s trying to offer you less than you deserve.
Car Accident FAQs
It’s normal to have a myriad of questions after a car accident. If you’re searching for answers, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from clients. If your question isn’t answered below, feel free to reach out to us for more guidance.
Should I seek medical attention after a crash?
Not all injuries are visible. Even in a minor car accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. This is important for a number of reasons. For one, it’s crucial to always prioritize your health. If you ignore injuries after a crash, you could prolong or increase your suffering. Additionally, having an official record of your injuries will help you file your claim and seek damages. Without that record, the insurance company could claim your injuries aren’t as bad as you reported.
When should I hire a lawyer?
You may be considering handling your personal injury claim on your own. It’s important to know that this could put your compensation in jeopardy. Conversations with adjusters often become more intense as they progress, so it’s best to have an attorney present so you don’t say anything the adjuster could use against you. A lawyer will also be aware of all the areas of compensation you’re eligible for.
How long do I have to file a claim?
All car accident claims are subject to the state’s statute of limitations, which is typically two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you forfeit your right to legal action. In some cases, however, you may be eligible for an extension. Your attorney will know the ins and outs of the law and be able to tell you when the statute of limitations for your claim started, how long you have, and the date that time runs out.
What damages are recoverable?
It’s normal for bills to pile up after a car accident. You can seek compensation for all of your accident-related expenses. Common ones are related to medical bills, lost wages, cost of future care, future lost wages, property damage costs, and pain and suffering. When you work with us, we’ll make sure all of your losses are properly accounted for.
How long will the case take to resolve?
There are a number of factors that impact the length of a case. While a straightforward insurance claim could resolve in a matter of months, a complicated case involving a fatality could last years. Specific factors that impact the duration include the type of injuries involved, the negligent party’s willingness to accept fault, the number of liable parties involved, and insurance company’s timeline, and the initial settlement offer.
Legal Representation You Can Trust
When you’ve suffered through a car accident, you need someone by your side to help you get your life back in order. With legal guidance and representation from a Parkersburg car accident lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, you’ll have peace of mind that we’re handling your legal affairs and working to get you the compensation you need to recover from your losses.
We understand that filing a claim can seem overwhelming and intimidating, but we’ll handle all the difficult paperwork and conversation for you while keeping you informed every step of the way. To start, we offer clients a free consultation. We’ll sit down and discuss the merits of your case, as well as your expectations and hopes. To learn more or to schedule a meeting, contact our office today.
