Car accidents take the lives of West Virginia drivers every single week. Even when a car accident doesn’t cause fatal or severe injuries, it can be life-changing. Victims are often left struggling under a pile of medical bills, made worse by unpaid time away from work. That’s why having the right legal representation is so important.
The team at Powell & Majestro can help you fight for fair compensation. We have extensive experience successfully representing those who have been injured in car crashes in Huntington and throughout West Virginia. We work closely with our clients, providing the strong personalized representation they need and deserve. Call us at 304-346-2889 to get started.
Car Accident Statistics in West Virginia
West Virginia sees a considerable number of car accidents each year, with Huntington being no exception. Research shows that there are several hundred fatal car crashes in West Virginia each year, with thousands more crashes leading to injury.
Appalachia has unique dangers that other parts of the country don’t—the winding mountain roads and different terrain types put drivers at risk. It’s essential to be aware of the risks and to take necessary precautions while driving. For instance, wet or icy roads can make driving especially dangerous in West Virginia. Even familiar roads can become hazardous under certain conditions.
While some accidents are unavoidable, many are preventable by adhering to traffic laws and staying alert behind the wheel. Even with these measures, accidents still happen—and that’s why it’s important to know your rights and speak to a Huntington car accident lawyer.
Different Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Huntington can take many forms. Each one has its own set of challenges and legal considerations. One common type is the rear-end collision, often caused by distracted driving. These crashes typically occur when one driver is not paying attention and hits the car in front of them.
Then there are side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, which usually happen at intersections and can lead to significant injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles.
Head-on collisions are another type of accident that can be particularly severe. These occur when two vehicles collide directly while heading in opposite directions, often leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. This type of crash is usually caused by one driver crossing into oncoming traffic, whether due to distraction, impaired driving, or losing control of the vehicle.
Single-vehicle accidents are also common and can happen for a wide variety of reasons, such as losing control on slippery roads or swerving to avoid an obstacle. In these cases, the driver may hit a tree, guardrail, or other stationary object. These accidents can still have legal implications, especially if there are passengers involved or if the crash causes property damage.
Multi-vehicle pile-ups, though less common, are also significant. These typically happen on highways and can involve several cars, making the situation more complicated. Determining fault in such scenarios can be challenging, requiring a detailed investigation and multiple pieces of evidence.
| Type of Accident | Description | Common Causes | Potential Consequences |
| Rear-end Collision | One driver hits the car in front of them | Distracted driving | Legal considerations, challenges |
| Side-impact Collision (T-bone) | Occurs at intersections | Lack of protection on vehicle sides | Significant injuries |
| Head-on Collision | Two vehicles collide directly | Crossing into oncoming traffic | Serious injuries, fatalities |
| Single-vehicle Accident | Driver hits a stationary object | Slippery roads, avoiding obstacles | Legal implications, property damage |
| Multi-vehicle Pile-up | Involves several cars | Highways, complex situations | Challenging fault determination |
Are You Eligible for Compensation?
After experiencing a car accident, determining if you are eligible for compensation involves several factors. First, you’ll need to look at the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained. Serious injuries often result in higher medical bills, more time off work, and a greater impact on your daily life.
Additionally, the impact of the accident on your life is considered. This includes not just medical expenses but also lost wages if you are unable to work. Pain and suffering, as well as the long-term impact on your quality of life, can also be factored into your compensation claim.
When filing a compensation claim for a car crash in Huntington, WV, you may be able to seek various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Another key factor that determines the amount of compensation you may receive is fault. In West Virginia, if the other driver is found to be at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Proving fault can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of traffic laws and the ability to gather and present evidence effectively. This is where a lawyer can be invaluable, as they can help establish who is responsible for the accident.
It’s important to note that West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. It is important to note that you can only recover compensation in the Mountain State if you are 50% or less at fault for the crash.
Ways Powell and Majestro Can Assist You
Our law firm offers a variety of services to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident in Huntington. First and foremost, our experienced attorneys will provide you with clear legal advice, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps you need to take after a collision. We will help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This can be vital in proving fault and demonstrating the extent of your injuries and damages.
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from an accident. Our team will handle all communication with insurance adjusters, negotiating on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer an adequate amount, we are more than prepared to take your case to court and represent you through the entire legal process.
Additionally, we will help you calculate the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This in-depth approach ensures that you are seeking the maximum compensation you deserve, rather than putting you in a position where you have to consider lowball offers.
Our goal is to make this challenging time as manageable and stress-free as possible for you. By taking on the legal burdens, we allow you to focus on your recovery. With our support, you can feel confident that you have a dedicated team working tirelessly on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Choose Powell and Majestro for Your Car Accident Claim
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Huntington car accident, let’s talk about your next steps. Call us at 304-346-2889 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
