Injured man on the phone after a car accident.

Have you been injured during a car accident in Charleston, WV?

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Your Car Accident Lawyer in Charleston, WV

Car accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims with significant injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of car accident claims and secure the compensation you deserve. Our West Virginia car accident lawyers have been protecting the rights of car accident victims in the Charleston area for over 30 years. With our experienced team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal intricacies.

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We’ll Take Care of Everything

Getting help is easy. All you have to do is call us. We want you to focus on your recovery while we take care of everything else!

We’ll Fight for What You Deserve

With our law firm on your side, you can trust your case is in good hands. Our attorneys have years of experience battling insurance companies and will fight for every penny you deserve for your injuries!

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Don’t think you can afford a lawyer? Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay us anything unless we win for you!

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Compensation You Can Recover for Your Car Accident Injuries in Charleston

Victims of car accidents in Charleston may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These can help cover the costs associated with injuries, property damage, and more.

Types of Damages

Compensation in car accident cases can include various types of damages, which typically fall into 3 categories:

  • Economic Damages: These include tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium (companionship and support from a spouse).
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The type(s) of damages you may be eligible to receive depends on the details of your accident. Speak to an attorney to learn what your case may be worth.

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Understanding West Virginia’s Car Accident Laws

Knowing the specifics of West Virginia’s car accident laws is crucial for navigating your claim effectively.

West Virginia follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the driver who is determined to be responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. This impacts how claims are filed and processed.

In cases where both drivers share fault, West Virginia’s modified comparative negligence rule comes into play. This rule affects the amount of compensation you can receive based on your degree of fault.

West Virginia operates under a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

To recover damages, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. This involves demonstrating that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.

Under West Virginia law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It is crucial to act within this timeframe to preserve your right to compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help in building a strong case. Frequent causes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Weather conditions
  • Mechanical failures

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations

What To Do After a Car Accident in Charleston

Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

  1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
  2. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical attention.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
  4. Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident.
  5. Consult a Lawyer: Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case.

If you are unsure whether you have a case, speak to an attorney at Stewart Bell, PLLC for free to discuss your legal options.

Charleston Car Accident FAQs

It is advisable to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, especially if you have sustained injuries or significant property damage.

The value of your car accident case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. While it’s impossible to guarantee the amount of compensation, a skilled car accident lawyer can estimate the value of your case based on what they have won for similar cases, and the specifics of your accident.

No two cases are the same so there is no one answer to this question. However, our attorneys work hard to settle our clients’ cases as quickly and efficiently as possible, all while maintaining an open line of communication so you’re always kept up to date on the status of your case.

Many car accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.

Benefits of Working With a Car Accident Attorney

Working with a skilled car accident attorney offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Knowledgeable legal advice
  • Thorough investigation of your case
  • Negotiation with insurance companies
  • Representation in court if necessary
  • Potentially maximizing your compensation

Having an experienced lawyer in your corner gives you the peace of mind you need while you focus on your recovery.

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Speak to an Experienced Charleston Car Accident Lawyer for Free

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and the best path forward. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

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For more than 30 years, the lawyers of Stewart Bell, PLLC have helped the people and businesses of West Virginia protect their interests and rights. We understand the issues that injured people and their families face after an accident and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount of compensation for every case we handle.

We have recovered MILLIONS of dollars for clients injured because of nursing home abuse, motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

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