Auto Accident Injury in Morgantown, WV

There is more to handle after an accident than bent metal and broken glass. There are often medical bills, insurance hassles, and potential legal entanglements.

Imagine the peace of mind you could experience knowing that an expert can take charge. Hiring a qualified car accident attorney in Morgantown could help you secure compensation.

You do not have to let the aftermath of an auto accident consume your life. Read on to understand why hiring a lawyer can be a crucial step in resolving your case successfully.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Morgantown, West Virginia

The Federal Highway Commission shares some critical details about car accidents in West Virginia. For example, there were 926 incidents that resulted in severe injuries in 2022. Additionally, cities like Morgantown have missed their target rates by significant margins.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

You can report accidents within city limits to the Morgantown Police Department. Alternatively, the West Virginia State Police may have jurisdiction over incidents on highways or freeways.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

The National Safety Council shares some additional insights into the economic damage from car accidents. Even incidents without injuries cost an average of $6,700 in Morgantown. Furthermore, a disabling event settles for around $155,000.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in West Virginia

Liability Laws for Morgantown

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Auto accidents in Morgantown get adjudicated under fault-based legal doctrines. As a result, the driver who is at fault is responsible for any damages incurred. This determination significantly impacts how insurance claims work as well. The state may consider you or the other driver legally liable for medical expenses or property damage.

Statute of Limitations in Morgantown

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.

Morgantown locals generally have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit. There may be some exceptions, but this deadline is hard and fast in most situations.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Morgantown, WV

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across West Virginia state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!