Getting hurt in a car accident can leave you with substantial medical expenses and debilitating pain.
If you have been injured in this sort of accident in Huntington, West Virginia, a lawyer with Underwood Law Office can guide you through the legal process and help you collect compensation for your damages.
Forms of Compensation You Can Claim Following a Car Accident
The severity of the accident, the nature of your injuries and expected recovery, and how you have been affected physically, emotionally, and financially will all play a part in how much compensation you can pursue.
In terms of what you can specifically recover, you might be able to request damages for:
- Past and expected medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage or destruction
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If the accident claimed your loved one’s life, you can be reimbursed for their funeral and burial, medical bills, as well as your loss of inheritance and consortium.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Huntington, call (972) 535-6377
Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Obtain the Strong Evidence You Need for Your Claim
Underwood Law Office works on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning there are no upfront, retainer, or hourly charges involved. Instead, we don’t get paid unless you secure a financial award at the end of your case.
While working on this payment plan, you can rely on us to:
- Obtain the police report
- Collect and organize evidence
- Explain your legal options
- Communicate with everyone involved
- Negotiate for a settlement on your behalf
- File a lawsuit and argue your case in court, if need be
Huntington Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
We Can Help You Show who Might Be Liable for Your Injuries
It is not uncommon for the other motorist to be at fault for a car accident. They could have been speeding, distracted, or intoxicated. Other times, a mechanic, government corporation, or a third party could have been negligent.
To determine their negligence, you must prove that they owed you a duty of care, violated it, and caused the accident that led to your injuries. These elements and the evidence we gather can help point to who the liable party might be.
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How You Can Help Us Build Your Case
We will take over all the legalities of your case, but there are some things you can do to help us, including:
Getting Medical Help as Soon as Possible
If you have had an accident, you may not feel that you were injured right away. Some critical injuries do not show symptoms until a day or more later, especially those to the neck and spine. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Stiffness or pain in the neck that is worse with movement
- Headaches starting at the base of your head, with dizziness or fatigue
- Numbness in the shoulders and arms
If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your doctor right away. It’s important to have a full evaluation as soon as possible. A doctor’s visit will not only ensure that you’re okay, but documentation of it can link the accident to your injuries.
Doing All You Can to File Your Case Right Away
The State of West Virginia has enforced deadlines for those who want to file a lawsuit against the entity whose negligence caused their injuries. It is crucial for us to abide by these deadlines, as failure to do so could result in the courts keeping you from collecting any compensation.
- WV Code §55-2-12: Two years from the day of the accident
- WV Code §55-7-6: Two years from the day of death
If we find that a government corporation or municipality was responsible for the accident, the timeline could be much shorter.
Refraining From Posting on Social Media
It’s natural to want to share the car accident you experienced with friends and family or even post something unrelated to it.
We advise you not to put anything on social media, as it can be detrimental to your case. The insurance company might find a way to access these posts and use them against you during negotiations. They could ultimately say that you were not as hurt as you make yourself out to be and/or deny your claim.
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West Virginia is an At-Fault State
Like many states, West Virginia law (WV Code §55-7-13A) requires that the insurance carried by the driver who is at fault cover all the costs. It may result in litigation, especially in the case of an injury. After your own recovery, this is the second big reason why a proper evaluation is needed right away after an accident.
The insurance company will want to interview you as soon as possible to determine who is at fault, regardless of whether the other party was ticketed. They have their tricks, so it’s best to know exactly where you stand before you talk to them.
Reporting Requirements for Car Accidents in West Virginia
Under WV Code §58-11-6, you have five days to report an accident with damages over $500 to the county or city police. They will have their own procedures for the report, so it’s best to contact the right authorities in the location where the accident took place.
If you have a minor fender-bender, you may have felt at the time that it was not worth reporting. This inaction is a common mistake because that $500 limit is reached easily with the cost of repairing cars. If you have been injured, it will almost certainly be reached. If you don’t report an accident, it may be impossible to make a claim with your insurance, no matter what.
Contact Our Attorneys at Underwood Law Office Now for a Free Case Review
The injury lawyers at Underwood Law Office are ready to help you in your pursuit of compensation after getting hurt in a car accident in Huntington.
Connect with our firm today and receive a free consultation. We will only collect our attorney’s fees if and when you get a settlement or verdict. Call us today.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
