Morgantown Car Accident Attorney
After an accident, you might not think about hiring an attorney for your case. But you’re going to need legal help.
You may want to handle the case by yourself. However, personal injury claims are complicated and can leave you frustrated. This is the time to focus on your healing, not the legal system. Let an experienced Morgantown car accident lawyer deal with the insurance companies, file your claim, and hold negligent parties responsible for the accident.
Time is essential in these cases, so you don’t want to delay. Contact Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, to see how we can assist in your case.
Your Rights as a Car Accident Victim
You never expect to be involved in an accident when you get in your car. However, these unfortunate events can occur anywhere at any time. If you have been involved in this situation, you need to know your rights. You have the right to hire an attorney and pursue compensation in your case, especially if the accident was caused by a negligent party.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
When handling these cases, you will want to have a qualified Morgantown car accident attorney on your side. They can help protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Causes of Car Accidents in West Virginia
In the United States, car accidents happen due to numerous reasons, such as:
- Speed: Drivers cannot operate the vehicle safely when maneuvering the vehicle at dangerous speeds.
- Distracted driving: Eating, drinking, texting, and talking on the phone can lead to an accident.
- Reckless driving: Changing lanes too quickly, not abiding by road signs or traffic signals, and acting aggressively results in car crashes.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, snow, and ice reduce a driver’s vision and turn the roads into hazards.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Drivers rely on their senses to navigate on the road. If they are impaired by drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medications, they may cause a crash.
- Running stop signs and red lights: Failing to yield or stop at lights can cause serious accidents. Often, other vehicles or pedestrians are involved in these accidents.
- Defective parts: Sometimes, the components of a vehicle, such as brakes or tires, can fail, resulting in an accident.
Negligence Plays a Role
Failing to exercise reasonable care on the road is known as negligence. To determine negligence in a personal injury case, the offending driver must have engaged in careless and reckless behavior that resulted in harm or damage.
When these criteria are met, then the victim could have a case to file a lawsuit. Even the most straightforward claims require the assistance of an experienced and skilled car accident attorney.
Proving neglect is a complicated process. Hiring a car accident attorney can take that burden off your shoulders can help.
How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist
Not knowing what steps to take after a crash is frustrating, especially if you are injured or have property damage. This is where a Morgantown car accident lawyer can help.
From filing claims to negotiating with the insurance company, these trained legal professionals are there to assist every step of the way. In many cases, a claim can be resolved outside of the courtroom. An attorney can negotiate a settlement.
Sometimes, however, complications can arise with the case, requiring you to head to trial. In these situations, your car accident lawyer will represent your interest from the pre-trial hearings to courtroom proceedings.
With any claim, you have a set amount of time to start the legal proceedings. West Virginia does have a statute of limitations of two years after the date of the accident. You must file your claim within this time frame. If you don’t abide by this timeline, you could lose your chance of seeking compensation.
After an accident, you will want to consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible.
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident?
Any accident can be unsettling. These steps can help you move from the initial stages of the accident to filing a claim and possible settlement.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Whether you are injured or not, reach out for medical help. Sometimes, physical injuries may not show symptoms until days after the accident.
- Contact law enforcement: No matter the situation, you will want to contact law enforcement. With their involvement, you can have a detailed police report that can help to become the basis of your personal injury claim.
- Notify the insurance company: After an accident, you will want to contact the insurance company. At this stage, you will need to provide them with the details of the accident, the extent of your vehicle’s damage and your injuries, and other crash-related information. However, never admit fault to anyone.
- Reach out to a personal injury lawyer: While you may want to handle three matters on your own, having an experienced attorney can help expedite the claims process. Plus, they can be an advocate on your behalf. With their assistance, you can focus on recovery from the incident.
These can allow you to take proactive measures to protect your financial and legal interests after a car accident in West Virginia.
Reach Out to a Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a car accident can leave you with significant injuries, mounting medical bills, and devastating damage to your vehicle. You need to act swiftly to protect your rights with the proper legal help.
An experienced and skilled Morgantown car accident attorney may make a difference in your case.
At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we can assist with these cases. You need to focus on your recovery while a team of skilled professionals handle the legal matters.
Schedule a free consultation today!
