Beckley Truck Accident Lawyer

Beckley Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents have the potential to be particularly devastating to all those caught in the truck’s path. The sheer size and power of larger vehicles make them significant threats to smaller vehicles, like passenger cars or motorcycles. If you find yourself involved in a truck accident, you should consider reaching out to a Beckley truck accident lawyer who can help you start a claim.

At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, we’ve helped many clients receive compensation after truck accidents, and we’re ready to do the same for you.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Depending on the size of the truck in question and how fast it may have been going, the damage you sustain to your vehicle and the injuries you suffer could be substantial. A truck accident could completely alter your life by causing you permanent injuries. You may rely on your truck accident settlement to cover ongoing medical costs. That’s why it is so important to protect your claim by following certain steps in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident:

• Don’t Panic: A truck accident is a terrifying ordeal. Once it’s over, you may feel an overwhelming need to panic. That’s understandable, but you should try your hardest not to do so. Panicking won’t help your situation and could actually make things worse. Calm yourself, take a few deep breaths, and assess your situation.
• Don’t Flee: Whatever you do, do not attempt to flee the scene of an accident. Fleeing the scene is illegal and could result in harsh penalties under West Virginia state law. Anyone who is involved in a vehicular accident of any kind must remain at the scene until they are dismissed by law enforcement.
• Check for Injuries: You should start checking yourself for any injuries you may have sustained. Do the same for any passengers you may have in the car. Look out for any bloody spots, protrusions, broken bones, and bruising. If you feel pain but are not able to find any injuries, your injuries may be internal, and you should mention this to EMTs when they arrive.
• Call 911: As soon as you can, call 911 and get police and EMTs to the scene. The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, so the sooner the police can block off the area, the safer it can be for all involved and for oncoming vehicles. EMTs can look over the survivors and treat any immediate injuries. You should still see a doctor when this is all over, just to be safe.
• Document the Scene: Once the EMTs have cleared you and the police have given you the all-clear, you can start documenting the scene of the accident for your own records. Take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage done to all involved vehicles, the conditions of the road, and any posted signs. Get the contact info of any witnesses as well.
• Exchange Information: You and the truck driver will need to exchange contact and insurance information. Be sure to get the name of the trucking company that owns the truck and their contact details. Throughout this exchange, do not admit any fault for the accident. That could hurt your future claim.
• See a Lawyer: When the time comes to file your claim, you should go talk to a truck accident lawyer who can help you build the claim and file everything properly.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

When you decide to file a personal injury claim against the truck driver or trucking company that caused your accident, it is important to adhere to the West Virginia statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is two years. That means you will have two years to establish your case, gather evidence supporting it, speak with a lawyer, and file a claim for compensation. If you are unable to file before two years are up, you may lose out on your opportunity to file.

FAQs

Q: Is West Virginia a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

A: West Virginia is not a no-fault state for auto accidents. West Virginia is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who is found to be responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying damages to the other driver. This includes reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and emotional distress, among other damages.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in West Virginia?

A: While there is no strict deadline for reporting an auto accident to your insurance company in West Virginia, it is recommended that you report any accident you were involved in as soon as possible. To avoid harsh penalties, you should also report the accident to the police within 24 hours of the accident. If your accident resulted in serious injury, significant property damage, or death, you need to report it immediately.

Q: What Happens if Someone Else Is Driving My Car and Gets in an Accident in West Virginia?

A: If someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident in West Virginia, your insurance company will likely cover the damages since the policy is tied to your car. It does not matter who is driving your car when it gets into an accident, provided you gave the driver express permission to drive your car. If the car is stolen, it’s another matter entirely.

Q: Is It Illegal to Flee the Scene of an Accident in West Virginia?

A: Yes, it is illegal to flee the scene of an auto accident in West Virginia. Depending on how serious the accident is and your involvement in it, fleeing the scene could result in either a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Either one sees you facing potential prison time and hefty fines. You are required by state law to remain at the scene until the police allow you to leave.

Contact Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, Today

The Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, legal team can help you develop your truck accident claim and ensure you are compensated appropriately. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member today.