West Virginia Car Accident Attorneys

What You Should Do After a Car Accident

• First and foremost, call your insurance company and inform them that you have been involved in a car accident. Without admitting any guilt or responsibility, calling your insurance company and giving them your recorded statement will initiate the claim and investigation process.
• If you have sustained serious injuries in an accident, the firm advises you to consult with legal counsel at the firm prior to making a statement. This will help increase the possibility that you will recover the maximum compensation.
• Seek medical care or emergency treatment at once. Injuries that appear to be minor must be evaluated by a physician, as there are several very serious injuries, including closed head injuries that could be fatal if not treated immediately.
• If possible, take photos and thoroughly document the scene of the accident. Exchange contact information, and get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses if you are able.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

• Don't provide a recorded statement to the responsible party's insurance company. Any information you provide may be used to deny or challenge your claim.
• Don't wait days or weeks to seek medical treatment. Full documentation of the injuries is a vital factor in the success of Insurance Disputes and lawsuits.
• Don't send medical bills to the insurance adjuster on your case. Your attorney will need your medical bills and other accident-related receipts to help you provide an accurate total for your claim.
• No matter what the other driver's insurance company may tell you, don't give them access to your medical records. Once you give your authorization they will have access to your records thereafter. They do not need direct access to process your claim, and this aspect of the case must be managed carefully by your attorney.
• Don't ever agree to a settlement offer or accept and deposit payment from your insurance company, or the other driver's insurance company, without first consulting with an attorney.
• Don't hire a lawyer or medical professional who has sought you out after an accident.
• Finally, don't expect that your claim or lawsuit will make you wealthy. Claims from an accident are calculated based upon the injuries, pain and suffering, loss of income, and other damages. A lawyer from the firm will carefully value your case, based upon the degree of the injuries, the long term impact on your life and finances, and the emotional anguish and pain and suffering you have experienced, as well as other estimated losses.

Contact Fitzsimmons Law Firm PLLC online, or call us today at (888) 492-4303 to learn how we can help you!

WHAT ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA?

The leading causes of car accidents are negligent and reckless driving conduct by another vehicle operator. There are a number of manifestations of negligent, dangerous, or reckless driving, including:

• Distracted Driving: driving while distracted is the number one cause of all car accidents. Many lives could have been saved and much pain prevented had drivers simply exercised reasonable care for the safety of others. Texting, talking on a cell phone, reading, putting on makeup, or simply not paying attention to the road ahead leads to thousands of injury accidents every year.
• Speeding: sadly, speeding is still a leading cause of car accidents. The faster a car is moving, the higher the level of impact and the greater the potential for damage and physical injury. Aggressive drivers that take risks endanger all others that are sharing the street, road, or highway.
• Drunk Driving: a driver under the influence is far more likely to speed and operate a vehicle in a dangerous manner, swerving, wrong-way driving, and other dangerous conduct that often leads to severe injuries or fatalities. Drunk driving accidents continue to be a serious problem in West Virginia.
• Failure to Signal: when switching lanes a drive must signal for at least five seconds before crossing over. Unfortunately, some drivers do not and that may be the cause for a collision.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Lights & Signs: There are rules when driving and they are put in place to protect drives. However, there are drivers do not follow the rules, by doing so they are not only putting themselves in danger, but other drivers that may be following the rules as well.

If you were involved in a car accident and sustained bodily injuries or damage to your vehicle, we are here to help get you the compensation you deserve! The team at Fitzsimmons Law Firm, PLLC are experienced in representing individuals involved in car accidents in West Virginia. Give us a call today for a review of your case and to schedule a consultation.