Hire A Trusted Charleston, West Virginia, Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents have many causes: distracted drivers, vehicle malfunctions, weather conditions and other factors. Regardless of how the accident occurred, the victims of the crash are the ones left to deal with recovery and moving forward. If you, your family or a loved one has been injured, the attorneys at Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, will represent your interests in your motor vehicle accident claim.
We can provide a car accident lawyer for personalized legal counsel and aggressive representation. You can count on us at any time. We recognize the hardships you are facing because of your injuries and will help you get the financial compensation you need to help pay for lost wages and medical bills.
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Standing Up For Car Accident Victims
Our attorneys help people who have been injured in accidents involving:
- Distracted driving, including texting and cellphone use
- Defective car parts
- Drunk drivers
- Commercial vehicles
- Multiple vehicles
- Hit-and-run accidents
We use our knowledge of the law and litigation experience to look at the facts of your case comprehensively. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience in personal injury, and over the years, we have become highly familiar with the medical aspects of different injuries. Understanding serious injuries helps us best present evidence about the immediate and long-term care you will need.
Some Of The Most Common Car Crash Questions
The days, weeks and months following a serious motor vehicle accident are difficult to navigate alone. When you or a loved one is injured, you are likely to have many questions. We are here to guide you every step of the way. Below are answers to common car accident questions you may have.
When and how should a person hire an attorney after a car wreck?
Your priority should be to seek medical attention. After you have taken care of yourself, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case. The sooner an attorney can act, the more evidence and witness statements they will be able to collect to help your case.
It would help if you looked for an attorney with significant experience with both car accidents and trying cases in the courtroom, and then contact them through a call or email. You should indicate that this is a recent car accident. The attorney will want to hear details about the crash. After that, the attorney can decide to establish you as their client.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
If the injuries are severe, your attorney may be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation from the at-fault party that caused the accident. They will be responsible for paying for your medical bills and property damage out of their own pocket. An attorney can take the case in front of a judge to ensure the uninsured driver pays what you are owed.
Can I afford to hire a lawyer after a car wreck?
Yes, if the attorney is reputable. They should first review your case for free and offer suggestions about how to progress or deny taking your case if they are not the right fit for you. From there, it should be on a contingent-fee basis, which means an attorney is only paid if the case recovers compensation. This way, you owe nothing unless you win the case. A good attorney will advise you of the strength of your case and provide a written fee and expense agreement.
When should a person contact the insurance company?
As soon as possible. If you fail to promptly contact your insurance company and report that you are involved in a car crash, you risk losing coverage from them.
How much is my auto accident claim worth?
This depends on the nuances of your case, but most successful cases cover the damage to the car and property and all your past and future medical bills. These numbers are easy to know once you see your bills. Compensation should also cover any lost income from missing work while you recover – another amount that is reasonably easy to calculate. Lastly, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, which is very difficult to estimate. Common cases range from the low thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Catastrophic injuries or serious crashes can enter above the $100,000 range.
What should I do after getting in a car accident?
Do you know what to do after a car crash? Try to:
- Seek medical attention. If you or a passenger is injured, get treated as soon as you can. Call 911 to report the accident, and stay in place until emergency personnel arrive.
- Move to a safe location. If the accident occurred in the middle of the road, you should move to the shoulder when you are able to.
- Exchange your information with the other driver and any witnesses. Write down the name of the other driver, their insurance provider and vehicle model. Ask any witnesses for their contact information as well.
- Document the scene of the accident. Make sure you get photos from multiple angles so you can capture the scene in its entirety.
- Contact an attorney. The sooner you obtain legal advice, the stronger your case will be.
An experienced attorney will handle all the details so you can focus on getting back on your feet.
Who pays for medical bills after an accident?
At first, you will be responsible for your own medical expenses. Your auto insurance and health insurance policies should both help cover the costs of your treatment. Some doctors and medical providers may also agree to take their payment out of your injury settlement or verdict. Once your case is resolved, you will receive compensation to reimburse you for the care you received.
What happens if I caused a car accident? Do I have a claim?
If you believe you are partially at fault, you may still be able to file a claim. West Virginia law allows victims to recover compensation as long as they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. When you sustain serious injuries in a car accident, it is always worth consulting an accident attorney to discuss your case further.
How long do I have to file my car accident claim?
West Virginia has a statute of limitations of two years for most car accident cases, meaning you must file your claim no more than two years after the date of your accident.
This is different in some situations. For example, if you lost a loved one in an accident, you have two years from the date of their death to file your wrongful death claim (as opposed to the date of the accident itself). Always reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to be sure you file your claim in time.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company calls me?
After your accident, you should notify your own insurance company of the incident. But if the other driver’s insurance company wishes to speak with you, you should decline until you have an attorney present. The other driver’s insurance adjuster may try to get you to admit guilt, claim you were not injured, or accept an offer that is well below one you truly deserve.
Contact Us To Learn More About Your Compensation
If you have been injured in a serious car accident case, you need competent legal representation. Hire an experienced car accident lawyer from Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, in Charleston, West Virginia, at 304-205-1810 to schedule a free initial consultation. Meetings can be scheduled at a time and place convenient for you.