The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 267 car accident fatalities in West Virginia in 2020, with alcohol-related fatalities rising more than 35% from the previous year. These tragedies represent a fraction of those who were injured and property that was destroyed in car crashes that year.
Every day, car accidents disrupt countless lives, leaving victims facing physical pain, emotional stress, and financial difficulties. Navigating medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and insurance claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re coping with an injury.
A Huntington car accident lawyer can offer you the guidance, support, and advocacy needed to help you get your life back on track afterward by helping you understand your rights and legal options, including how to best secure the compensation you deserve.
If a motor vehicle collision in Cabell County has seriously hurt you or a close family member, let’s talk. A consultation with a car crash lawyer in our office is free. So, reach out to us at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC now.
Steps To Take After Your West Virginia Wreck
The immediate actions that you take after your Huntington car accident can protect your health, ensure your rights, and simplify any future legal or insurance processes you may need to take care of. Here’s a quick guide on what to do following your motor vehicle collision:
- Check for injuries
- Move to safety
- Call the police
- Document the scene
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Seek medical attention
- Notify your insurance company (but avoid admitting fault)
- Consult With a car accident lawyer in Huntington, WV (if necessary)
By following the above steps, you’ll be protecting your well-being and your legal standing, giving you a strong foundation if you need to file a claim or pursue a lawsuit to seek compensation.
Types of Damages You May Be Entitled to as an Injured Car Crash Victim in Cabell County
By filing a car accident case, the types of damages you can claim will generally fall into two categories:
Economic Damages
These losses compensate for tangible costs like medical expenses, including the costs for emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical needs. If you can’t return to work because of your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost wages and lost future earning capacity, as well as home alterations or adaptive equipment.
Repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged property may also be claimed as economic losses.
Noneconomic Damages
These can cover some of the more intangible effects of your accident, like physical pain and emotional distress, which are both common after a car accident.
If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, this loss can be compensated. Lastly, anxiety and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an accident are not uncommon either, and compensation for emotional distress help can help deal with this.
You can count on your Huntington car accident attorney to calculate the full extent of your damages, taking into account both current and future costs, to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How a Huntington Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Car accidents are traumatic, life-altering events, and even a minor collision can have serious consequences. Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs can pile up quickly, placing a significant financial strain on you and your family in the aftermath of a crash.
An experienced car accident lawyer can make a difference by:
- Helping You Understand Your Legal Rights: Your lawyer can explain your rights, including what compensation you may be due under West Virginia’s personal injury laws.
- Collecting Evidence and Building a Case: An experienced accident lawyer will help gather essential evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Assessing the Value of Your Claim
Your Huntington car accident lawyer will review your medical records, assess future medical needs, calculate lost wages, and consider noneconomic damages to determine the fair value of your claim. This prevents you from settling for less than you deserve. - Communicating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than you might be owed. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. While many cases settle out of court, having a lawyer prepared to go to trial can encourage insurers to offer a more reasonable settlement.
How To Choose the Right Attorney To Handle Your WV Car Crash Case
Selecting the right lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Experience With Car Accident Cases: An experienced Huntington car accident lawyer will have a deep understanding of the related laws, legal processes, and the specific challenges you may face in these types of cases.
- Track Record of Success: Look for an attorney or firm with a strong history of successful settlements and trial outcomes cases like yours.
- Personalized Attention: You want a lawyer who’ll take the time to understand the specifics of your case and then tailor their approach to best meet your needs.
- Local Knowledge: A Huntington-based lawyer will be more familiar with local laws, Cabell County courts, and procedures, as well as having a network of local professionals to draw on. This allows them to represent you more effectively.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Huntington, our experienced attorneys can provide the guidance, support, and advocacy you need to rebuild your life. From negotiating with insurers to representing you in court, our attorneys’ experience at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, can make a significant difference in securing maximum compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn about your rights, explore your options, and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
