After a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to take legal action, even if the crash was a minor one. Even a minor accident can leave you with injuries you do not immediately realize, or that worsen over time. You may also have expenses, such as medical bills piling up. You may deserve compensation for these losses. However, you may wonder, ‘Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?’ Below, our West Virginia car accident lawyer explains further.
Your Injuries May Become Worse Over Time
It is not uncommon for people to walk away from minor car accidents feeling relatively unscathed.
However, not all injuries are as obvious as broken bones, and they can become worse over time, particularly if they are left untreated. For example, a rear-end accident may not result in any obvious injuries. In the weeks and days following the crash, though, symptoms of whiplash may start to appear. Whiplash is a very painful injury that can involve long recovery times and greatly limit an accident victim’s mobility.
Some of the most common types of injuries that do not present symptoms right away are:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Hand and wrist injuries
- Internal bruising, swelling, and bleeding
- Ankle and foot injuries
- Strained muscles
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It is critical to see a doctor after any car accident. A physician can examine you, know what types of injuries are common after a crash, and provide the treatment you need so your injuries do not become worse. After receiving medical treatment, you should contact a car accident attorney who can help you file a claim.
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
If you are involved in a crash, regardless of how minor it is, there are many important steps to take.
These include:
- Seek medical treatment: The most important step to take after any crash is to seek medical treatment. Again, because some injuries do not present symptoms right away, it is critical that a doctor examines you to check for injuries. Additionally, seeking medical treatment will document your injuries, which can help prove any future injury claim you file.
- Report the accident: The law in West Virginia requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even if you think your accident does not fall into these categories, you should still report it. This will create an official report that can also help you prove an injury claim.
- Collect evidence: The best evidence is often at the accident scene, so collect it before leaving. Take pictures and video footage of the entire scene, any injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. Also, locate witnesses and ask for their names and contact information. Also, take note of important details, such as skid marks on the road or traffic signs that were ignored.
- Exchange information: It is critical to exchange information with any other driver involved, as this could be important when filing a claim. Exchange names, driver’s license numbers, contact information, and insurance details.
- Contact a car accident attorney: You may wonder, ‘Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?’ The answer is yes. After any crash, it is important to seek legal advice, particularly if you believe someone else is at fault.
It is important to take the above steps after any crash. Still, there are other things it is just as important not to do after a crash. Never admit fault, agree to a recorded statement, or sign a medical release from the insurance company. All of these things can be used against you and will make it more difficult to file a claim.
Damages Available After a Minor Car Accident
Simply because a car accident is minor does not mean that you will not incur losses. When someone else’s negligence is to blame for a crash, you deserve compensation for those losses. For example, even a seemingly minor injury will incur bills for medical treatment, and you should not have to pay for these out of your pocket. Your injuries may also prevent you from returning to work right away, so you will not have an income to pay for your medical expenses and other costs. You are also entitled to compensation for your lost wages.
Not all of the losses incurred in a crash have an actual dollar value. For example, even a minor crash can result in a great deal of physical pain and mental anguish. You also deserve compensation for these losses. A minor car accident attorney can review the facts of your case and accurately value your claim so you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations After a Minor Car Accident
The statute of limitations after a minor car accident is the same as after a major crash. In West Virginia, you have just two years after a collision to file a claim against a negligent driver. If you do not file your claim within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to claim any damages at all.
Although there are some exceptions to this law, they are very limited.
While two years may sound like a long time, it is not. Before filing your claim, your lawyer will conduct an investigation, collect evidence, and build a strong case that will help you obtain the full damages you deserve. All of this takes time, and so, it is critical to speak to a minor car accident lawyer right away.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyer in West Virginia Today
If you have been hurt in a crash, regardless of how minor, it is important to speak to a West Virginia car accident lawyer. At Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC, our experienced attorneys can accurately value your claim and ensure your rights are upheld so you obtain the maximum damages you are entitled to. Call us now at 304-842-4300 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help.
