A traffic crash can leave you battling with serious injuries, lost wages, and many other losses. Unfortunately, a quick look at Charleston, WV, car accident statistics will show you that collisions are common in the area.
If someone else caused your West Virginia auto accident, you can file a claim to get compensation. At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer representation to help make this process a bit easier after a traumatic experience.
If you need assistance, contact our Charleston, WV car accident lawyers for a free consultation at (614) 587 8423 to learn more.
How Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Crash in Charleston, WV
To receive fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered after a car accident, you need to hire Charleston personal injury lawyers with decades of experience.
At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, we provide services that include:
- Assessing your claim during a free consultation
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering corroborating evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties
- Advocating for you in court if necessary
We’ve helped clients throughout West Virginia recuperate significant damages to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
If you’ve been injured in a collision, contact our law firm to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia.
Understanding Car Accident Statistics in Charleston, WV
West Virginia has a higher number of car crash fatalities than the average throughout the country. In the United States, the average is 11 fatalities per 100,000 people, while in West Virginia, it’s 14.5 per 100,000 people. In 2021, there were 280 car accident fatalities in the state, with many of these occurring in the city of Charleston.
One of the common causes of these accidents is intoxicated or DUI driving. In 2021,146 drivers lost their lives because of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Often, people assume that because the national blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%, they’re fine if they have a couple of drinks. That’s not the case. Just one drink can make you a more dangerous driver.
Distracted driving is another issue that leads to accidents in West Virginia as well as throughout the country. Nationally, in 2021, 3,522 people died because of distracted driving. Cell phone use is particularly problematic. Texting pulls a driver’s attention from the road. Other distractions such as eating, speaking with passengers, and checking the GPS also pose dangers.
Another common cause of accidents in Charleston and the rest of West Virginia is speeding. When a vehicle is traveling at a high rate of speed, the driver will not have much time to stop if they encounter a hazard on the road. The force of the collision will also be much greater, potentially resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney After a Collision in Charleston, West Virginia
After being involved in a collision in Charleston, WV, one of the most important things you can do is to hire a personal injury lawyer with experience helping people after crashes. A crucial reason for this is that West Virginia follows an at-fault system and a modified comparative negligence doctrine when it comes to traffic accidents.
You can recover compensation if you were no more than 50% at fault for the accident. The damages you win will then be reduced by the percentage of your fault (if any).
This means that all parties involved will want to place the highest amount of fault on the others. To prove that you deserve compensation, you need a lawyer to help you gather the right evidence and present it in a cohesive manner. Car accident lawyers also have access to expert witnesses who can provide testimony that corroborates your claim.
One of the most challenging parts of filing this kind of claim is dealing with insurance companies. They’re always searching for anything that will allow them to avoid paying you what you deserve. It’s common for them to make low offers and bully people into accepting them.
With a Charleston personal injury attorney by your side, you can maximize your compensation because they know how to negotiate. If the negotiations don’t progress, your lawyer can also take your case to court. That’s not something you should ever consider doing without representation.
Contact Our Skilled Charleston, WV Car Crash Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered injuries and other losses, a West Virginia car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers will provide the guidance you need to navigate a personal injury claim. Contact us today to speak with a Charleston auto accident lawyer about your case.