Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accidents in West Virginia
We can help you pursue every option for compensation
If a negligent driver in Charleston caused an accident that left you injured, you have the right to seek financial compensation. Most of the time, this is covered by that driver’s insurance company, as all drivers are required to carry insurance. But what happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance – or doesn’t have enough?
That’s when you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we understand the impact that injuries from a crash can have on you. Medical expenses can add up quickly. All you want is fair compensation to cover the damages that you suffered in the accident.
But the fact is that there are some drivers in West Virginia who don’t have insurance, or they let their insurance lapse. Or they sped away from the accident scene and remain unidentified. Other drivers choose to only get the minimum requirements for insurance and may not have enough coverage to pay for all of the damages.
Understanding state insurance requirements
But in West Virginia, your insurance policy can help pay for the damages caused by an uninsured driver. Your policy is required to have:
- $25,000 for bodily injury caused by an uninsured driver
- $50,000 for total bodily injury caused by an uninsured driver
- $25,000 for property damage per accident caused by an uninsured driver.
However, keep in mind that damages after a serious car accident can easily exceed these amounts. Your insurance company is required to offer you the opportunity to buy coverage with higher limits.
You must also be given the option of buying underinsured motorist coverage. This is recommended, as the other driver may only carry the minimum amounts of coverage required. That means that without underinsured motorist coverage, you would be responsible for paying any damages above those amounts.
You might that if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your claim will proceed smoothly. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Insurance companies – even your own – are always concerned about their bottom line. They try to keep profits as high as possible by keeping payments as low as possible. So they may try to minimize your injuries or argue that they were pre-existing. They may offer you a settlement that falls far short of covering your total damages.
Your insurance company has adjusters and lawyers looking out for their best interests. You need an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer who will fight for what’s best for you.
We’ll fight for maximum compensation after your accident
Our firm knows how to build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. We investigate your accident to get the facts. Our legal team gathers evidence, including any video from nearby traffic cameras. We read through accident reports. We carefully review medical records to determine the true extent of your injuries.
Our lawyers can deal directly with your insurance company – and the other driver’s insurance company if the driver is underinsured. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and will work to reach a settlement agreement that meets your needs. If necessary, we can pursue your case in court.
We’ve been fighting for the injured in West Virginia since 2007. Our lawyers were born here and we have chosen to live and work here. Our standing in the community is important to us. That’s why we are determined to help our clients get the best results possible after they’ve been hurt.
You may not even be sure if it’s worth getting an attorney, or even if you have case. But we think it’s important for you to know where you stand. One of our attorneys can review the details of your crash, read through your insurance policy, and discuss your options for recovering compensation. We can also answer any questions you have.
But don’t delay. While state law allows two years from the date of your accident to take legal action, we encourage you to get legal advice as soon as possible. It can take months to build a strong case, and it’s best to start work on your case before evidence gets lost and witnesses forget important details.
If you were hurt in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you need to know your rights. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at our Charleston office. Or we can meet you a location that is more convenient for you.
