Being in a car accident can be incredibly scary. Dealing with the aftermath can also be overwhelming. You might not know what your rights are or where to turn for help.
It is sometimes possible to handle a car accident claim on your own, particularly if you did not suffer any injuries (or if your injuries were very minor). However, if you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you should work with an experienced West Virginia car accident attorney who can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses. A lawyer can advocate for you at every step of the process and help you get maximum compensation for your injuries while protecting your legal rights.
At Johnstone & Gabhart, we provide skilled legal representation to auto accident victims throughout West Virginia. We will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve, and we won’t ever charge a fee unless we get money for you. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free initial consultation with a West Virginia personal injury lawyer.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My West Virginia Car Accident Case?
Car accidents are fairly common in West Virginia. Given our winding, mountainous roads and sometimes challenging weather conditions, this fact probably isn’t surprising to most Mountaineers. But if you were in a car crash, the fact that a lot of your fellow West Virginians have also been in wrecks won’t necessarily help you know what to do next.
After an accident, an adjuster working for the at-fault driver’s insurance company will probably approach you. They might tell you that the company takes full responsibility for the accident or ask you to give a statement or sign some papers. The adjuster might even offer you a settlement and tell you that there is no need to get lawyers involved.
This type of offering can be tempting, especially when you’re dealing with a lot of bills and lost wages. The prospect of getting a check shortly after an accident will probably seem great. But is it a good idea to accept a settlement without talking to an attorney first?
The answer to that question depends on your specific situation. Generally, if you weren’t injured or only had very minor injuries (like a few bruises or scrapes), then you might be able to handle the claim on your own. In other words, if your accident claim is just for property damage, then you can probably work out a deal for the repair or replacement of your vehicle on your own.
For almost any other situation, you should talk to a lawyer before giving a statement, signing any paperwork, or agreeing to anything. This is especially true if you have been hurt in an accident. Medical bills, future medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses add a layer of complexity to a car accident claim that does not exist for cases that only involve property damage.
Initial consultations with our West Virginia car accident attorneys are always free of charge. During your appointment, we will listen to your story and give you advice on your legal rights and options.
We will also give you a ballpark estimate of the value of your case and explain how settlements work. Specifically, they will advise you that if you accept a settlement, you will be giving up your right to sue the at-fault driver in the future. That means that if the settlement doesn’t turn out to be enough money to cover your losses, you’ll be out of luck.
At this point, you can decide how you want to proceed. If you decide to hire our law firm, we will get to work right away to build the strongest possible case. Our team will:
- Interview witnesses
- Request accident reports from law enforcement
- Collect medical records
- Analyze photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Research West Virginia law
Our goal is to develop evidentiary and legal support for your claim. We know that on the other side of the equation, the insurance company has its own team of lawyers and adjusters working to figure out how they can pay you the least amount of money possible to resolve your case. We prepare each case as though we will take it to trial so that we can help you get the best possible outcome.
It is always important to keep in mind that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is looking out for its own best interests, not yours. While it is possible to handle a West Virginia accident claim on your own, it is usually a bad idea if your case involves anything more than property damage. If you suffered any injuries in your car crash, our law firm can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to under West Virginia law.
What to Do After a WV Car Accident
If you are hurt in a West Virginia car accident, there are certain things that you can do to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome for any legal claim that may come. Of course, depending on the severity of your injuries, you might not be able to do some of these things. Do what is safe for you to do at the moment.
First, if you have been injured, you should seek medical treatment. Getting medical care immediately after an accident will be important both for your physical and financial recoveries. Seeing a doctor will help you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. It will also create a link between the accident and your injuries, making it much harder for the insurance company to argue that they are pre-existing or unrelated to the crash.
Second, if you are able to do so, try to gather information at the accident scene. This should include getting the contact information for the other driver and any witnesses. You should also get insurance information from the other driver and write down their license plate number.
At the same time, try to take photos and videos of the accident scene. This type of documentation can be invaluable when it comes to proving fault in an accident case. Our team will use these photos and videos to help establish that the other driver was responsible for the crash, working with accident reconstruction experts as needed.
Third, do not say anything to anyone beyond providing necessary information. Do not apologize or give a statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster if they contact you. It may feel awkward, but it is important to limit what you say to the other driver, law enforcement, and others at the scene to avoid damaging your potential car accident claim.
Fourth, when you are able to do so, try to write down as much as you can remember about the accident. Make notes about things like the time of day, weather conditions, and anything else that might be relevant to your case. Over time, your memory may fade, so these notes may become key.
Finally, reach out to Johnstone & Gabhart to schedule a free initial consultation. We will help you understand your rights and how we can advocate for you. We will then fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
Help for West Virginia Car Accident Victims
If you are hurt in a car accident in West Virginia, getting a lawyer is always a good idea. These cases can be complicated and require expertise and skill to get a good result. Unless your case only involves property damage, you should work with our law firm to get the best possible outcome.
Based in Charleston, Johnstone & Gabhart fights for clients throughout West Virginia who have been hurt in all types of accidents. We aren’t afraid to take on the big insurance companies and either negotiate a top-dollar settlement or take your case to trial to get you the money that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a West Virginia car accident lawyer, give us a call at 304-343-7100 or fill out our online contact form.
