Individuals hurt in a car accident should always seek medical care and report the accident to the police. After doing that, it helps to know what steps to take to work through the West Virginia car accident claims process. Navigating the legal process takes time.
Salango Law guides clients through the entire process. We encourage you to contact our Charleston car accident lawyer immediately for help.
Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company
Right after a car accident in West Virginia, you will need to alert the responsible party’s insurance company of the incident. This does not mean filing the claim but making them aware of what occurred. Our West Virginia car accident attorneys will guide you through the process of recovering damages from that point.
Get the Care You Need and Estimate Losses
One of the first steps for your attorney is to estimate the losses you have. You cannot file a claim if you do not have this information, as it will not be accurate. In the months after a car accident, consider these steps:
- Continue to get all of the care your doctor recommends.
- Seek out mental health care support if you are facing emotional distress.
- Keep a log of all missed work or other losses you incur throughout the time frame due to your injuries.
Once we know how much you will recover and what all of your losses are, your attorney will file a claim with the insurance company. This claim process must be thorough, providing evidence of the incident and fault as well as documentation of the losses you have.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Your accident attorney at Salango Law will answer any questions the insurance company has. In addition, your attorney will negotiate a fair settlement when possible.
If that is not possible, your attorney will pursue a lawsuit. This triggers the discovery process, a period of time when both parties can ask the other questions and explore information, evidence, and losses. In most situations, this reveals to the insurance company what your losses are. Since lawsuits are expensive, most will settle at this point.
Going to Trial
Most car accident claims do not end up in court. If they do, your attorney will provide comprehensive legal guidance to you throughout the process. This includes answering questions, preparing you for trial, and guiding your comments.
You Receive a Settlement
When you win your case, the insurance company or the at-fault party will be responsible for paying what you owe. That payment should be made within a few weeks of a verdict in a case. Most of the time, it is much sooner.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney
This is a very shortened version of the steps in a West Virginia car accident claim process. With intricate details and rules to follow, it is essential that you have legal representation throughout the process. Contact our West Virginia car accident attorney at Salango Law to get the guidance you need now. Let us provide you with a free consultation.