Princeton Car Accident Lawyers

This rate is far above the national average of 12.38 per 100,000, and it only seems to be worsening as more and more people are injured and killed in car accidents in West Virginia every year. 

Some common causes of car accidents include:

• Speeding
• Failing to yield
• Fender bender
• Distracted driving
• Not understanding the road laws

This is why you need the help of a West Virginia car accident lawyer. We are ready to give you the legal guidance you need to recover from a car crash here in West Virginia.

Most Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

As the rates of dangerous and fatal car wrecks continue to rise across counties in West Virginia, more and more people suffer from a wide range of car accident injuries.

When you are involved in a car accident, you may suffer one or more of these injuries:

• Head and neck injuries: Depending on the force of the collision, these can result in only some mild bruising and a headache, or they may cause long-term brain damage that may take a lifetime to heal from.
• Neck and chest injuries: The most common neck injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head is twisted and bent, straining the muscles in the vertebrae. This injury usually dissipates within a few hours or days, but it can also last for months or years in severe situations.
• Injuries involving extremities: Hands, arms, legs, and feet are all subject to injury as well and are often one of the first places to be hurt. Arms and hands can be broken due to impact injuries with the inside of the car, the collision between the other vehicle and the victim’s arm and hand that was outside the car at the time of the accident, or due to rolling the car.
• PTSD: Many drivers encounter PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) as they recover from an accident. For many, these feelings will diminish with time. For others, it is something they may need to seek therapy for to truly and fully recover from.

How to File Your Car Accident Claim in West Virginia

West Virginia Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents:

The statute of limitations for West Virginia only allows you to file a lawsuit for your accident up to 2 years after the date of the accident. (This does not apply to insurance claims, which are usually required to be filed immediately following the accident.)

After suffering an injury in a motor vehicle accident, this is far less time than you may realize. To meet this timeline you need the help of a West Virginia car accident lawyer who understands the statute of limitations. Your attorney may even be able to find exceptions that may increase the time you have to file a case.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it's important to understand West Virginia laws in relation to submitting a claim and ensuring that your case is handled properly. A West Virginia auto accident lawyer will be versed in all the deadlines you need to know about in order to have a successful claim or lawsuit.

When to Report an Accident in West Virginia

West Virginia law requires motorists to immediately report any accident resulting in injury or death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000. These types of accidents must be reported "by quickest means of communication" to the local police department or the county sheriff's office.

Is West Virginia a No Fault State?

No. West Virginia is a "Fault" car accident state, which means that after an accident it's important to determine who caused the crash. The insurance company of the person at fault for causing the accident is then responsible for covering the cost of damages to the injured party (up to policy limits).

West Virginia Car Insurance Requirements

West Virginia requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage. Unlike many other states, In West Virginia, if you have been injured by no fault of your own you can pursue compensation through one of the following avenues:

• File a claim with your own insurance company, who will in turn pursue a subrogation claim against the other party's insurance company.
• File a third party claim against the at-fault party's insurance company.
• File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Call Our Princeton Car Accident Lawyers Today

After a car accident, many people don’t know their rights and what can and can’t be covered in a personal injury or car accident claim. Insurance companies will contact you, insisting that you need to settle immediately to protect yourself and your compensation.

However, the insurance company almost never has your best interest at heart, and they’ll always want you to settle for less than your injury is actually worth.

At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, our experienced West Virginia car accident attorneys can review your case and help you understand what your next steps are in securing what you’re legally owed after a car crash in West Virginia.

Princeton Car Accident Blog Posts

Looking for additional information regarding your West Virginia car accident? Try visiting our Car Accident Blog for more helpful tips and advice regarding safety, what to do after an accident, and how to deal with insurance companies:

• Questions to Ask Before Returning to Work After a Car Accident
• Factors that Could Have an Impact on Your Car Accident Settlement
• Are Concussions Caused by Car Accidents Minor or Serious Injuries?
• Types of Evidence Necessary in a West Virginia Car Accident Claim
• Speaking with Your Insurer After a Car Accident
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses in a Car Accident