When You Need Justice After a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in significant injuries for victims. Unfortunately, securing compensation after an accident caused by another driver can be complicated. At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, our qualified and experienced team is standing by when you need a Jefferson County car accident lawyer.
We have extensive experience helping clients throughout West Virginia recover compensation after car accidents caused by another party.
Navigate This Page
- How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
- Recoverable Damages in a Jefferson County Car Accident
- How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
- Steps to Take After a Car Collision
- Common Causes of Car Accidents in Jefferson County
- Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
- Dealing with Insurance Companies
- Contact a Jefferson County Car Accident Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help?
In the aftermath of a car accident that causes injuries to you or a loved one, you may not have the resources or legal expertise needed to obtain maximum compensation. However, a Jefferson County car accident lawyer has the resources and knowledge to:
- Obtain and preserve any evidence needed to prove liability in the case.
- Review any insurance policy in the case and conduct negotiations with insurance claims adjusters.
- Ensure their client is fully evaluated by a trusted medical professional who can treat their injuries and help calculate total losses.
- Fully prepare the case for trial if necessary to obtain maximum compensation.
Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.
Recoverable Damages in a Jefferson County Car Accident
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by the actions of another driver, there may be various types of compensation available for your claim. At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, our Jefferson County personal injury lawyers are regularly able to help clients recover the following:
- Coverage of any medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost wages if they cannot work while they recover
- Any household out-of-pocket expenses they incur
- Property damage expenses
- Emotional distress and mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
- Loss of earning capacity if you’re unable to return to your previous occupation
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
The exact amount of compensation will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of negligence involved.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Most car accident injury victims immediately write off seeking an attorney for assistance because they are afraid they will not be able to afford the help. However, the attorneys at Manchin Ferretti Injury Law take Jefferson County car accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means that our clients pay no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for their case. Car accident injury victims that work with our firm will only pay legal fees after we secure the compensation they deserve. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about additional financial stress.
Steps to Take After a Car Collision
In the aftermath of being involved in a car accident, there are various steps you can take to improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation. This includes:
- Seeking immediate medical care to ensure you are properly treated and to establish a link between the accident and your injuries.
- Gathering as much evidence as possible, including photographs from the scene of the crash, statements from eyewitnesses, accident reports, etc.
- Continuing all follow-up medical care until you have reached maximum medical improvement.
- Reporting the incident to your insurer as soon as possible after the incident.
- Seeking assistance from a skilled Jefferson County car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Remember, your health and safety should always be your top priority after an accident. If you’re unable to gather evidence at the scene due to injuries, don’t worry – your attorney can help collect this information later.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Jefferson County
Understanding the cause of your accident is crucial in determining liability and building a strong case. Some common causes of car accidents in Jefferson County include:
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, adjusting the radio)
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failure to obey traffic signs and signals
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Poor weather conditions
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the exact cause and identify all liable parties.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
It’s important to be aware of the time limits for filing a car accident claim in West Virginia. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. This is one of the many reasons why it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a car accident, you’ll likely need to deal with insurance companies – both your own and the other driver’s. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize their payouts.
Here are some tips for dealing with insurance companies:
- Be cautious about what you say to insurance adjusters
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer without consulting an attorney
- Don’t sign any documents without having them reviewed by your lawyer
- Keep detailed records of all communications with insurance companies
Our experienced car accident attorneys can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t inadvertently say anything that could harm your case.
Contact a Jefferson County Car Accident Lawyer
At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, our qualified and experienced team is ready to get to work on your behalf today. When you need a Jefferson County car accident lawyer, you can contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you, fighting for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Jefferson County?
In West Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help navigate this complex area of law.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company after an accident?
It’s best to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to use your statements against you to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you explore all available options for compensation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. An experienced attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing the details of your case.
FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A CASE TODAY