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A car accident in Clarksburg, WV, can turn your life upside-down in an instant, especially if it causes severe injuries. In addition to excruciating pain and emotional trauma, the aftermath of a car crash can lead to overwhelming financial difficulties. While you have the right to seek compensation for a collision someone else caused, getting the full amount you’re owed is easier said than done.

That’s why you should work with our experienced Clarksburg car accident attorneys. The trusted team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, understands how insurance companies work – and how to beat them at their own game. We know how to gather and present evidence, calculate the total value of your losses, and fight for the maximum car accident compensation you deserve.

Contact our Clarksburg personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you get your life back on track after a crash in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

You can optimize your chances of recovering maximum compensation by taking the following steps in the days and weeks following the crash:

  • Request a copy of the police report. When a law enforcement officer comes to an accident scene, they will usually fill out a report with crucial crash details. The report often contains critical information for your claim. Our lawyers can help you obtain a copy of the report.
  • Save all medical records. Keeping bills, test results, scans, and doctor’s notes can help prove the nature and extent of your car accident injuries and how much they cost you to treat.
  • Compile proof of lost income. Save pay stubs and correspondence with your company’s HR department, and gather past tax returns to show how much income you have lost due to disability or medical appointments.
  • Avoid posting about the accident online. While many people use social media to keep others informed of significant events, the public nature of these apps makes them potentially dangerous to an insurance claim or lawsuit. Anything you share publicly can be used against you. Try to stay off social media until your case has ended.
  • Contact our experienced attorneys. A seasoned West Virginia car accident lawyer from Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and work to hold them accountable for their wrongdoing.

West Virginia Car Crash Statistics

In a recent year, 341 people died in car crashes throughout West Virginia, accounting for one-sixth of all injury-related deaths. A further 292 people suffered injuries so severe that they required hospitalization. These statistics underscore the dangers of traffic accidents in Clarksburg and throughout West Virginia – and the need for justice for injury victims.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following examples:

  • Driver error – Studies show that driver error contributes to over 90 percent of car crashes. Examples include behaviors like speeding, distraction, failure to yield, tailgating, reckless driving, running red lights, and drunk driving.
  • Weather conditions – Rain, snow, ice, fog, and other types of inclement weather can reduce both visibility and traction on the roads. That makes it harder for drivers to control their vehicles and stop safely if they fail to adjust their speed to account for the conditions.
  • Vehicle defects – Problems with car parts like faulty brakes, worn-out tires, and broken headlights or taillights can cause drivers to lose control and collide with other cars or objects. Manufacturing mistakes can also lead to accidents.
  • Road hazards – Potholes, debris, damaged guardrails, absent lane markings, and other road defects are preventable dangers that contribute to collisions. Construction zones also create additional risks.
  • Wildlife – Animals like deer, raccoons, and squirrels crossing onto roadways can cause oncoming drivers to swerve in an attempt to avoid a collision, only to drive off the roadway or into other vehicles. The dangers are especially acute at night.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Clarksburg

Some of the most common personal injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Whiplash – A neck injury that occurs when the head jerks suddenly back and forth, whiplash can cause immense pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted mobility.
  • Broken bones – Fractures are common in crashes due to the intense forces involved. These fractures commonly occur in the arm, leg, hand, foot, or vertebrae.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis below the site of the trauma.
  • Traumatic brain injuries – Crash forces can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, bruising or puncturing the brain or shearing brain tissue. That can lead to disabilities, personality changes, loss of coordination, and speech impairments.
  • Internal organ damage – The violent impact of a crash can rupture, puncture, or lacerate organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Internal bleeding is also a significant risk.

Damages Awarded in West Virginia Car Accident Claims

The money you could recover in a car accident claim depends on many factors, such as the nature of your injuries, how much time you miss at work, and the less tangible effects on your life. You may be eligible to recover compensation for losses such as:

  • Medical bills and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages due to missed time at work
  • Reduced earning capacity if your injuries force you to take a lower-paying job
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Our knowledgeable Clarksburg car accident attorneys are ready to review your situation and analyze the full extent of your losses to help you pursue maximum compensation in a personal injury claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in West Virginia?

Each state sets its laws about how much time an injured person has to file a lawsuit for their car accident injuries. The statute of limitations in West Virginia gives car accident victims a maximum of two years from the accident date to file personal injury claims. Failure to begin your lawsuit before the deadline will likely result in you losing your right to seek compensation.

The sooner you contact a car accident attorney at our law firm, the better able we will be to ensure you do not miss the deadline for filing a claim.

Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Clarksburg Today

The experienced Clarksburg car accident attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, have the knowledge and skills necessary to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us today or contact us online for a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal options.