If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s careless or reckless actions, you have rights. Protecting those rights can help ensure you don’t end up paying for damages caused by someone else’s negligence.
Hiring an attorney after a car wreck is often essential, especially if you want to secure the compensation and support you deserve. Here, we’ll walk through some of the top reasons why hiring an attorney after a car wreck in West Virginia can make all the difference in your case.
One of the most critical aspects of any car accident case is timing. In West Virginia, you have a specific window, known as the statute of limitations, to file a lawsuit for car accident-related injuries.
Generally, this window is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this period, you risk losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
An attorney will ensure that all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner. They can manage deadlines, gather the necessary evidence, and file paperwork within the allowed time to protect your rights fully.
After a car accident, many people assume that their insurance company will fully support them in covering their losses.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize their own profits over your best interests. Their goal is often to reduce costs and settle claims for as little as possible.
An attorney serves as your advocate, pushing back against low settlement offers from insurance companies. They understand the tactics insurers might use to minimize or deny your claim and can help you fight for a fair settlement.
This way, you’ll have someone on your side who is fully focused on securing the compensation you deserve.
Most car accident victims are aware of some damages they might be eligible for, like medical bills or lost wages.
However, the full scope of your damages can go beyond these basic expenses. An attorney can help you understand all of the potential damages you may be entitled to, which can include:
A knowledgeable attorney will evaluate your unique situation and help you seek compensation for these various types of damages, so you don’t miss out on financial support you may be entitled to.
Even if a police report indicates that the other driver was at fault, proving liability in a legal sense can be challenging.
In car accident cases, establishing fault often requires showing that the other party breached their duty of care.
This might involve witness testimonies, accident reconstruction, and other complex evidence.
An experienced attorney knows how to collect and present this evidence to build a strong case. They can also tap into legal resources, such as expert witnesses, to support your position.
This process of proving liability can be critical, especially if the other party disputes their role in the accident.
Many car accident cases settle outside of court, with the insurance company offering a sum of money to close the case. However, not every settlement offer is fair or adequate.
Without legal representation, it’s easy to accept a lowball offer that doesn’t cover all your expenses or damages.
An attorney can review any settlement offers and advise whether they are fair based on your losses. If the offer doesn’t meet your needs, they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf or take the case to trial if necessary.
This guidance is invaluable in ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to and are not left with unexpected costs down the road.
Even for seemingly minor injuries, it’s wise to consult with an attorney. Minor injuries can worsen over time, and what initially seemed like a small medical bill can grow significantly.
A lawyer will evaluate your case and provide insight into the compensation you may need for potential future medical costs.
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the attorney only collects a fee if you win your case.
This arrangement allows you to access legal support without worrying about hourly costs.
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate. A lawyer can give you an estimated timeline and keep you informed about any developments in your case.
With years of experience handling car accident cases in West Virginia, the attorneys at Manchin Injury Law Group understand the local laws and how to navigate the challenges accident victims face.
Their local knowledge can be invaluable, as they know the courts, judges, and processes specific to West Virginia.
Manchin Injury Law Group has built a reputation for fighting hard to protect the rights of accident victims and their families.
They are dedicated to securing fair settlements and will take cases to trial if needed to achieve justice for their clients.
Recovering from a car accident is hard enough—don’t take on the legal challenges alone. By working with an experienced attorney, you’ll have the guidance and advocacy you need to handle insurance negotiations, prove liability, and pursue fair compensation for all your damages.
If you’ve been in a car wreck in West Virginia, reach out to Manchin Injury Law Group for a free consultation. Their compassionate and experienced attorneys are ready to listen, support, and fight for you, so you can focus on healing and getting back to your life.
Member at Manchin Injury Law Group
Practice Areas: Personal Injury Law, Medical Negligence, Automobile Accidents, Business Law
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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