A car accident is not an uncommon event. In fact, it is estimated that almost 3,700 Americans die from roadside crashes every day. Car crash victims have the legal privilege to demand compensation from the responsible party. However, this is not always the case.
More often than not, victims suffer from the damages of the car crash without a defendant’s help. In some cases, insurance companies trick victims into accepting low settlement offers. This is not only wrong but also a form of exploiting victims. But, you can avoid this by seeking the help of our West Virginia car accident attorney.
West Virginia car accident lawyers are legal experts who are well-versed with local car accident statutes. Our West Virginia personal injury law firm helped many victims in the past, and we can help you too! Our West Virginia auto accident lawyer at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Statistics in West Virginia
According to the State Highway Safety Report, the state of West Virginia had a total number of 260 fatalities in 2019. This is lower compared to the number reported in 2018. The list below reflects the total number of fatalities reported from 2015 to 2019.
- 2015: 268 deaths
- 2016: 269 deaths
- 2017: 304 deaths
- 2018: 294 deaths
- 2019: 260 deaths
The Federal Highway Administration also provided statistics for the total number of serious injuries caused by a car accident. In 2019, the state of West Virginia documented a total of 906 injured victims. This number is an improvement from the previous year. The list below reflects the total number of serious injuries reported from 2015 to 2019.
- 2015: 1251
- 2016: 1180
- 2017: 1063
- 2018: 1007
- 2019: 906
Should I Hire a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?
Car accident victims usually think that they can handle their cases on their own. There are several reasons you should consider hiring a car accident lawyer. We created a list showing the benefits of employing a lawyer for your car accident.
- Claims negotiation. West Virginia car accident attorneys can help you file your car accident claims. They can also help negotiate your amount with an insurance company. In some cases, they can also take the insurance company to court.
- Case investigation. Auto accident lawyers have experience dealing with car accidents and know how to handle your case effectively. Our experienced car accident lawyer in West Virginia will help you identify the appropriate person and hold them accountable for the accident.
- Astute Legal Advice. Our West Virginia car wreck attorney will advise you on what you can do to your case. They will also help you gather all the necessary evidence to build a solid defense for your case.
- Representation. Our West Virginia car crash lawyer can represent victims before the court. In some cases, litigation might be necessary. In this situation, our car wreck lawyer in West Virginia can present your case effectively.
Working with a West Virginia auto accident attorney is always the best option for car accident victims. You will be sure that you are in good hands. Our West Virginia car accident law firm will do everything to secure the compensation you deserve after the accident.
Furthermore, our West Virginia Auto Accident Lawyers at J. Miles Morgan PLLC will handle every aspect of your case. You can focus all your attention on your recovery without worrying about your case.
How Our West Virginia Car Accident Law Firm Can Help You
Catastrophic motor vehicle accidents take a tremendous toll on the victims. Some suffer from permanent injuries losing their ability to return to their everyday life. Our car wreck lawyers are prepared to help you during the entire legal procedure.
To get started with your case, give us a call today! We will make sure that you recover your fair amount after the accident. Here is why you need to hire our West Virginia Car Accident Attorney at J. Miles Morgan PLLC:
- Free consultations. You can contact us without worrying about cost or obligations. We offer a free consultation to tell you everything about your case and how we can help.
- Local representation. Our West Virginia Auto Accident Lawyers at J. Miles Morgan PLLC understand local statutes and know which attorney to work with within different cases.
- Relentless pursuit. Our car accident lawyer will never stop working toward securing the best possible results.
- Dedicated team. Our car accident law firm will do everything to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the many leading causes of fatalities in West Virginia. A car wreck can cause serious injuries or even death. The number of fatal crashes has been consistent over the past few years.
You should always seek medical attention after such events. However, if you are not getting pain treatment despite having suffered an injury, contact us today! Our car accident lawyer in West Virginia will help you secure the compensation you deserve after such an unfortunate incident.
Our experienced legal team at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can represent and support victims who suffered injuries. We also help family members of wrongful death victims. We will advise you on your case and gather all the necessary evidence to build a solid argument.
We have helped many clients in West Virginia over the years, so feel free to contact us if a careless motorist has victimized you.
Catastrophic motor vehicle accidents take a tremendous toll on the victims. Some suffer from permanent injuries losing their ability to return to their everyday life. Our car wreck lawyers are prepared to help you during the entire legal procedure.
To get started with your case, give us a call today! We will make sure that you recover your fair amount after the accident. Here is why you need to hire our West Virginia Car Accident Attorney at J. Miles Morgan PLLC:
- Free consultations. You can contact us without worrying about cost or obligations. We offer a free consultation to tell you everything about your case and how we can help.
- Local representation. Our West Virginia Auto Accident Lawyers at J. Miles Morgan PLLC understand local statutes and know which attorney to work with within different cases.
- Relentless pursuit. Our car accident lawyer will never stop working toward securing the best possible results.
- Dedicated team. Our car accident law firm will do everything to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the many leading causes of fatalities in West Virginia. A car wreck can cause serious injuries or even death. The number of fatal crashes has been consistent over the past few years.
You should always seek medical attention after such events. However, if you are not getting pain treatment despite having suffered an injury, contact us today! Our car accident lawyer in West Virginia will help you secure the compensation you deserve after such an unfortunate incident.
Our experienced legal team at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can represent and support victims who suffered injuries. We also help family members of wrongful death victims. We will advise you on your case and gather all the necessary evidence to build a solid argument.
We have helped many clients in West Virginia over the years, so feel free to contact us if a careless motorist has victimized you.
Enumerated below are some of the most dangerous roads of West Virginia. It’s important that motorists take extra precautions when they are passing along this road.
- I-64: Interstate 64 extends for up to 184 miles within West Virginia. This road passes through the state’s major cities, such as Huntington, Beckley, and Lewisburg.
- I-68: Interstate 68 is a road established within West Virginia. This road connects Morgantown to Hancock.
- I-70: The West Virginia section of I-70 spans the Ohio River near Wheeling and travels via the Wheeling Tunnel. At the tunnel, I-70 has only one through lane in each direction. A significant interchange was proposed but never built on the eastern portion of the Wheeling Tunnel.
- I-77: The East River Mountain Tunnel is where Interstate 77 enters West Virginia. Interstate 77 begins co-signed with the West Virginia Turnpike for 88 miles at milepost 9. Beckley runs parallel to Interstate 64, which leads to Charleston.
- I-79: Interstate 79 begins in Charleston at a three-way directional Y junction with Interstate 77 on the northwest side of the Elk River. I-79 runs within the Elk River basin for the first 67 miles. It crosses the Elk River twice, in Frametown and Sutton, and never deviates more than 15 to 20 miles.
- I-81: Interstate 81 abruptly enters West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle for roughly 26 miles, servicing the city of Martinsburg. The whole route is located in Berkeley County and serves the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport. Since the completion of the West Virginia portion in 1966, there have been no realignments.
- I-470: Interstate 470 is a 10.63-mile-long auxiliary Interstate Highway of Interstate 70 that runs through Wheeling, West Virginia. I-470 is one of Ohio’s 13 auxiliaries Interstate Highways and West Virginia’s lone auxiliary Interstate Highway. I-470’s western endpoint is an interchange with I-70 in Richland Township, Ohio.
West Virginia Car Accidents Result in Catastrophic Injuries
A car accident can be a lethal and terrifying experience, especially for the injured victim. Before you decide on what to do next, seek medical attention first. But you must remain vigilant and avoid oversharing during the accident scene.
Here are some of the most frequently reported injuries in a West Virginia car accident.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI occurs when an outside force damages the brain causing changes in its normal function. This condition might cause short-term memory loss, among other effects.
- Spinal cord injury. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and chronic pain. In some cases, a victim may even lose a part of their senses from spinal cord damage.
- Broken bones. When bones break, they often pierce the skin, causing lacerations and deep bruises. This might lead to extreme bleeding and long-term disability.
- Wrongful death. If someone dies due to a car accident, the victim’s family members might be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit seeks damages for the losses suffered by the victim’s loved ones.
It’s best to speak only with authorities and your lawyer. Confer the full details of the accident with your lawyer so they can help you create the best defense strategy. Our West Virginia car accident lawyer at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can help you bring justice to your accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in West Virginia
There is a myriad of aspects that contribute to car accidents. A motorist must know these common causative facets to prevent future accidents. We created a list below outlining the most common causes of a car accident in West Virginia.
- Driver negligence. Driver negligence is often the leading cause of car accidents. This includes driving while distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving aggressively.
- Poor road conditions. A defective road condition can also contribute to car accidents. This might include debris on the road, icy roads, or potholes.
- Vehicle malfunction. Vehicle malfunctions can also lead to car accidents. This might include a defective tire, brake failure, or engine failure.
- Overspeeding. A general motorist rule is not to go over the speed limit. Overspeeding can cause severe and deadly injuries that can take away a victim’s life.
- Intoxicated driving. West Virginia Law places a rule to illegalize drunk driving. Violation of this statute could result in serious legal charges that will show up on the at-fault driver’s record.
Contact a car accident lawyer in West Virginia at J. Miles Morgan PLLC today if you have been injured in a car accident. Our law firm provides free consultation on your first visit! We will help you get the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Things to Do Right After Your West Virginia Car Accident
There are many things you must do after a car accident in West Virginia. You must preserve as much evidence as possible after an unfortunate car accident. We listed some of the things you must do after a car collision accident.
- Seek medical attention. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is vital to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries aren’t visible right after an accident, so it is best to be safe than sorry.
- Avoid overstating your defense. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. For this reason, it would be best to disclose the full details with your car accident lawyer. Let your lawyer handle all communication with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Document everything. Document everything that happened leading up to, during, and after the accident. Take pictures of the scene, injuries you sustained, and any communications with other drivers or insurance companies. You can use this later on to build a solid defense.
- Contact the authority. The police department needs to document the accident. Later on, your party can request a copy of the police report so you can use it to build your case.
- Connect with a car accident lawyer. This is the most critical step after an accident. Calling a lawyer as soon as possible can significantly increase your chance of recovering compensation for your damages.
Contact our West Virginia car accident lawyer to help get justice from your accident! J. Miles Morgan PLLC can help you stand up against the at-fault driver and bring justice to your damages.
Damages Available to Car Crash Victims in West Virginia
Car accidents can be life-shattering events for victims and their families. These injuries can be very costly, which is why it is vital to seek the professional counsel of a car accident lawyer. A car accident victim has the right to receive economic and non-economic compensation.
It would be best to confer with a car accident lawyer to discuss your case details further. You could receive economic damages if you suffered financial losses because of the accident. On the other hand, non-economic damages are compensatory benefits for suffering from non-financially affecting causes.
Here are some more details about these benefits:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses that victims incur due to an accident. This can include medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
- Medical Bills. After suffering injuries in a car crash, you may have to go through extensive medical treatment. You may also have to pay for prescription medications or rehabilitation therapy sessions after the accident.
- Property Damage. Accidents frequently result in significant property damage on both vehicles. You will need to hire a trusted West Virginia tow truck service company to help with your vehicle repairs following a collision.
- Loss of Wages. When victims suffer from time off work, they may lose some income from their job and the future chance of obtaining new work opportunities. These costs represent economic damages that can give victims compensation for their losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are benefits that victims receive to cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent injuries.
- Pain and Suffering. Victims often experience a great deal of physical pain and discomfort after an accident. They may also have to endure long rehabilitation sessions and surgeries. All this represents non-economic damages for which car accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation.
- Emotional Distress. Many accident victims suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, and insomnia after a collision. This emotional trauma can be very costly to victims and their families.
- Permanent Injuries. Some accidents lead to severe and permanent injuries. Victims may never fully recover from their injuries, which results in significant non-economic damages.
West Virginia Car Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file my West Virginia car accident claim?
Different statute of limitations exists for each state. In West Virginia, a car accident victim can sue their defendant within two years from the accident date. If you suffered a great injury from a car crash accident, you must act fast and contact your lawyer urgently.
Once the statute of limitation has lapsed, a victim can no longer file a lawsuit against the other party. Employing the assistance of a car accident attorney can prevent this from happening. Furthermore, most car accident cases resolve in less than a year.
Should I accept a first settlement offer for my car accident?
Short answer: No. Victims shouldn’t accept the first offer. A settlement offer is basically an agreement between two parties. This agreement resolves legal disputes without needing to present them before the court. In order to ensure that you’re getting a fair settlement, it’s best to speak with a car accident lawyer.
Your lawyer can help negotiate a higher settlement on your behalf and protect your legal rights. Most importantly, never sign any documents until you’ve spoken with an attorney. This could waive necessary rights and jeopardize your case.
How much money can I get from my car accident claim in West Virginia?
It’s not easy to set an exact value to your case since every accident and victim is unique. However, you can generally expect to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Speak with an experienced West Virginia car accident lawyer to get an estimate of what your claim may be worth.
Suppose you suffer from great bodily damage from a car accident. Then it would be ideal if you contact our car accident lawyer in West Virginia at J. Miles Morgan PLLC.
How long will my car accident case take?
How long a case takes depends on several factors. On average, cases last at most one year from the day of filing. They generally take longer if they resolve through a trial or go to mediation before going to trial. It’s critical to let an attorney handle your claim throughout the entire process.
Can I still recover damages even if I’m partly liable for my car accident in West Virginia?
A car accident lawyer at J. Miles Morgan PLLC can help victims recover damages. According to West Virginia Law, victims cannot recover compensation if they are more than 50% at fault for the accident.
In this case, it would greatly help if you confer with a car accident lawyer. They can explain your legal options and help you prove that the defendant is fully responsible for the incident.
Finding a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me | Contact a West Virginia Car Accident Attorney From J. Miles Morgan PLLC for a Free Consultation
Suppose a careless motorist caused a devastating accident. Please discuss this with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can assist you in reducing the burden of your medical costs and communicating with insurance companies. You must not put up with a risky motorist!
If you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact our legal firm right once! For your free consultation, please call (304)-543-6357.
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