No two accidents are alike. One car is just scraped while the other can’t be driven without repairs. Damage-only accidents are usually paid by insurance companies without problems. But there are times when you will need help following an accident. Here are four scenarios where you’ll need to work with a West Virginia car accident lawyer.
You Suffered Injuries
You must get immediate medical attention after an accident. Some injuries aren’t obvious, such as broken bones or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) like a concussion. They can worsen if not treated quickly. That’s why it’s so important to see a doctor right away.
But the insurance company doesn’t want to pay. You’re out of work, and bills are increasing while you recuperate. The accident wasn’t your fault, but you need medical care before you can go back to work. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may need to re-train for another occupation.
Injuries can be costly, and you may need long-term medical care to fully recover. If you’ve been injured, speak to a West Virginia car accident lawyer. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses including physical rehabilitation, loss of income, property damage, and even occupational retraining.
The Vehicle Was Totaled Or Extensively Damaged
If your car wasn’t badly damaged, you’ll be back on the road with some repair work. But if your “reliable transportation” is no longer drivable, it’s going to be expensive. Can it be repaired, or do you have to buy another vehicle?
Insurance companies also don’t want to pay for the damages, especially if they bypass policy limits. If your insurance company is avoiding paying for the damages that should be handled under your policy, get help. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies that use “bad faith” to avoid paying your car repair claim.
Insurance Company Stalling And Delaying
Even if an insurance company accepts your claim and agrees to pay it, they may wait a long time hoping you’ll give up.
If it’s the party’s insurance company, they will likely offer you a quick lowball settlement. But that probably won’t be enough to cover your losses. At this point, you won’t know what kind of medical care you’ll need long-term. But once you accept, there is no more money.
A better way is to let your car accident lawyer handle all the negotiations to make sure you get fair compensation for your expenses and injuries.
A Fatality
A deceased person may have a spouse and children who relied on them as the family breadwinner. That loss is both a financial and emotional hardship.
A wrongful death lawsuit can help the deceased’s spouse and/or children recover compensation to cover:
• Medical expenses from the accident
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Vehicle repair/replacement and other property damages
• Lost income/lost future income
• Loss of consortium/companionship
Discuss your case with a car accident lawyer to learn more about a wrongful death lawsuit for your loved one.
Charleston, WV Car Accident Lawyer Chad Love
We’ve been helping West Virginians for over 25 years with car accidents. Speak with Chad Love before you speak with anyone else about your accident, including any insurance company. If you’ve been involved in a Charleston, WV, car accident, contact us at The Love Law Firm, or call us at (304) 344 5683. Your consultation is free, and we only collect if we win your case.