Parkersburg Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in a car accident is scary, and the aftermath can become incredibly complicated. If you or someone you care about has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you should secure a Parkersburg, WV car accident attorney as soon as possible. At Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, we strive to offer excellent service and work to secure the compensation our clients are entitled to. Contact our office today to get started.
The reality of car accidents in Parkersburg
Car accidents are going to happen, especially in and around Parkersburg, the state’s third-largest city. During the latest reporting year in West Virginia, we know that car accidents were responsible for 268 total fatalities and 1,381 severe injuries. However, those numbers only show us a partial reality. Many thousands more sustain less severe injuries that can still lead to major medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering for the victims.
It is not uncommon for our Parkersburg, WV car accident lawyers to help clients suffering from the following:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
These injuries all require medical attention, with many leading to tremendous medical bills for victims.
West Virginia car insurance requirements
To be able to legally drive in West Virginia, drivers must obtain an insurance policy with the following minimums:
- $25,000 in coverage for per person bodily injuries
- $50,000 in coverage for per accident bodily injuries
- $25,000 in coverage for property damages
In addition to these requirements, West Virginia drivers must also carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This insurance is designed to protect the driver if they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. The UM minimums are:
- $25,000 UM coverage for per person bodily injury
- $50,000 UM coverage for per accident bodily injury
- $25,000 UM coverage for property damage
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is another type of coverage designed to protect drivers when they are in an accident with another driver who does not have enough insurance to cover damages that resulted from the crash. This type of insurance is not required in West Virginia, but it is highly recommended. The minimums, which are what most drivers carry, will not come close to providing enough compensation for incidents of severe and catastrophic injuries.
What type of compensation is available?
West Virginia is an “at fault” car accident state, which means that the driver who caused the crash (or their insurer) is responsible for the damages. This can include:
- Coverage of your medical bills (current and future)
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
How much compensation a car accident victim receives depends on the severity of their injuries and the facts of their particular case.
Comparative negligence laws
West Virginia follows what is known as comparative negligence. This means that a person’s potential compensation in a crash can be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for the incident. For example, if you were struck by a drunk driver who was traveling at 100 mph while you changed lanes without a turn signal, you may be found to be partially at fault. If the jury awards $100,000 in damages but deemed you to be 20% at fault, you would only receive $80,000 in total compensation.
Retain a Parkersburg Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident in West Virginia, reach out to the attorneys at Tiano O’Dell, PLLC. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your losses. You can reach our Parkersburg, WV injury attorneys online or by calling (304) 720-6700. We offer free consultations.
