Car Accident Attorneys Serving Morgantown & All of West Virginia
Have you been injured in a car accident in Morgantown, West Virginia? If the other driver was at fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Morgantown car accident lawyer at Colombo Law can help. Call 304-599-4229 today.
For more than 25 years, clients have turned to Colombo Law for assistance following serious accidents. Our trial attorneys have decades of experience holding negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable, earning millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.
You need to take action right now to secure your rights and begin seeking the compensation you deserve. A Morgantown car accident lawyer can help you get a fair settlement or trial award. Contact us for a FREE case review at our law office in Morgantown, WV.
How a Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer at Colombo Law Can Help You
Insurance adjusters turn on the sympathy when someone has been involved in a crash. They know that you are hurt, need money for medical treatment, and may be struggling to get by. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer a settlement shortly after an accident. Make no mistake: Accepting the first offer from the insurer is probably not in your best interest.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, you gain an important ally who will actually fight for your interests and take your part against the insurance company. Choosing Colombo Law will give you several advantages.
Do You Have a Case? Let Us Help You!
Attorney Dino Colombo has been practicing law in Morgantown, West Virginia, for over 25 years. Dino and his team have vast knowledge of personal injury matters and the insurance claim process, enabling Colombo Law to represent you effectively in settlement negotiations, litigation, and at trial.
You need to focus on recovering from your car accident injuries. Our team can handle the following on your behalf:
- Taking photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved
- Speaking to witnesses
- Collecting copies of the police report
- Keeping track of medical records
- Inspecting the vehicles to determine if an automobile defect or recalled part may have caused the accident
- Gathering phone call recordings, cell phone data, and CCTV footage (if available)
- Analyzing all available evidence, including the crash report, photographs, witness statements, video footage, electronic data, vehicle records, and more
- Filing a car accident claim with the insurance company
- Communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf
- Negotiating a fair settlement of your claim
- Providing you with guidance and support in making decisions about your case, such as whether to accept a settlement offer
- Filing a lawsuit with the Monongalia County courts; we handle all of the paperwork and ensure the defendants are served the correct documents
- Developing a strong trial strategy for winning your case
- Finding expert witnesses to testify in court
- Handling all aspects of litigation, such as pre-trial motions, hearings, etc.
- Representing you at trial with the goal of obtaining the maximum award
There is only one chance to obtain compensation for your injuries after a car accident in Morgantown, WV. Choosing the right car accident lawyer is crucial for getting the best outcome. Your FREE consultation with Colombo Law gives you the opportunity to get to know our team, what sets us apart, and how we can help with your accident claim.
Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Bottom line, you don’t need to try to make it on your own after a car accident. Really, you shouldn’t have to when someone else was at fault. Entrusting your case to an experienced car accident attorney is highly beneficial.
Important reasons why include:
- People who hire a car accident lawyer are more likely to win their case.
- Having legal counsel typically results in a higher amount of compensation.
- Insurance companies know you mean business when an attorney is representing you; this typically results in better settlement offers.
- You can rely on the firm’s experience, knowledge, and resources throughout the duration of your case.
- Skilled lawyers can assess the true value of your car accident case and fight back if the insurer tries to lowball you.
Hiring a car accident lawyer is key not only for exercising your legal rights, but preserving your peace of mind. Once you have an attorney, you can devote all of your energy to getting the medical attention you need and recuperating from any accident-related injuries.
During your recovery, our lawyers can serve as both your legal representative and your confidante. If you remember some key detail about the accident that may affect your case, we encourage you to share it with us as soon as possible. We can also answer any questions you have or address your concerns.
The advantage of hiring a car accident attorney in Morgantown is that you have a local professional who can assist you with your needs during this difficult and uncertain period of your life. At Colombo Law, we prioritize client calls and emails and will reply to you as soon as possible.
Attorneys at Colombo Law have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients who have been injured in car accidents throughout West Virginia. Let us help ease your burden and pursue the outcome you deserve. Call our Morgantown office for FREE today.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Every car accident claim is different. We believe it is important to respect the unique experience of each client and adjust our approach accordingly. This includes calculating the damages you are due.
Factors we will need to evaluate when determining how much your car accident case may be worth include:
- The type of accident; certain crashes (such as a collision between a truck and a car) tend to result in greater losses
- What injuries you have suffered
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you are able to work or are expected to return to work
- The impact on your income and earning ability
- Your age, overall health, and life expectancy; this includes any injuries or medical conditions that pre-date the accident
- Issues of comparative negligence
- Medical care you have received and its effect on your condition
- Any out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident
- Physical, emotional, and lifestyle impacts
The more serious the accident, the more damages you are likely entitled to claim. Statistics from the National Safety Council show that an accident with no observable injury costs $17,500 on average, while crashes resulting in disabling injuries cost $1,066,000.
You can discover the potential value of your car accident case by consulting a knowledgeable Morgantown car accident lawyer. Colombo Law is a proven advocate for injury victims and their families, and we can help you and yours hold the careless driver and insurance company accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in West Virginia?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Morgantown, West Virginia, you only have 2 years to take legal action. The same time limit applies if a member of your family was tragically killed in an accident, starting on the date your loved one passes away.
Not filing a claim within the statute of limitations is a big mistake. Once time runs out, you probably won’t get a second chance to bring an action for compensation.
What Damages Can I Get for a Car Accident in Morgantown?
Compensatory damages provide monetary relief to the victims of accidents in Morgantown, West Virginia. The at-fault driver (or, more accurately, his or her insurance company) is liable for the losses you have sustained.
Potential damages in a car accident claim are divided into economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Each category of damages compensates you for particular types of losses following a collision.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the monetary impact of the accident. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- All medical expenses to date
- Lost wages
- The cost of therapy and rehabilitation
- Household assistance and services
- Future medical costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Damage to your vehicle and other property
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
All economic damages need to be supported by strong documentary evidence. Be sure to keep all bills, receipts, invoices, and other paperwork showing what you’ve had to pay. We work with expert witnesses to establish future economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective in nature. They refer to the physical and psychological effects of the accident that you are forced to endure. You may be entitled to compensation for the following non-economic damages in your car accident claim:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability, including inconvenience, shame, etc.
- Loss of consortium
Insurance companies often dispute the non-economic damages sought by plaintiffs in auto accident cases. Testimony from expert witnesses is absolutely essential for supporting your claim and maximizing compensation for these losses.
Colombo Law has built relationships with multiple expert witnesses across a host of different fields and specialties. This gives us the ability to accurately assess the overall impact of the wreck on your life and quantify the damages you are due.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages don’t compensate you for actual losses. Instead, they punish the defendant for egregious actions and make an example of them so others are less likely to engage in the same behavior.
In West Virginia, punitive damages are only available in cases where the defendant acted with “actual malice toward the plaintiff or a conscious, reckless and outrageous indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others.” They may not exceed four times the value of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.
Punitive damages may only be recovered at trial, and only if certain conditions are met. Our seasoned trial attorneys can determine whether you have a claim for punitive damages and effectively navigate the necessary legal procedures on your behalf.
What Are Most Lawyer Fees for a Car Accident?
Unexpected costs are the rule and not the exception after a car accident. Legal representation shouldn’t be just another expense you can barely afford. At Colombo Law, we make each of our clients a No Fee Promise. Your initial consultation is 100% FREE, and you are only responsible for attorney fees if we win your case.
Once we obtain a settlement or trial award, you pay us a portion of the recovery. The fee for a car accident case is usually 30–40% of the settlement or verdict.
You can discuss our No Fee Promise by speaking to a Morgantown car accident lawyer at Colombo Law. Our fee agreements are written in clear, straightforward English so there are no surprises when your case comes to a close.
What If I Was Partly at Fault for a Car Accident in West Virginia?
Can I Still Make a Claim?
Car accident cases can be complex. One of the most common fears clients share with us is whether they can still get compensation if they contributed to the accident. The answer to this question is, “Possibly.”
West Virginia uses a modified comparative negligence standard in car accident claims. The victim can still recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed that of the other defendant(s).
If you are partly at fault, recoverable damages are limited by your percentage of liability. For example, if you are 10% at fault for the accident, you are only entitled to 90% of your total damages.
The comparative negligence rule applies to any individual who is at fault for 50% or less of an accident. However, if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you are not eligible to receive any damages from the other driver or their insurance company.
One way insurance companies try to avoid making payouts after an accident is to blame the victim for the crash. The accuracy of these accusations needs to be closely examined so you don’t accept responsibility or less compensation than you deserve.
Colombo Law knows all the tricks insurance companies use. By choosing us to handle your case, we can ensure that the right parties are held responsible and your claim is not unfairly denied.
Do Car Accident Cases Go to Trial?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, this is not always the case.
Factors that can impact the likelihood of a settlement vs. the need for further litigation include:
- The strength and availability of evidence
- Whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate a fair settlement
- The value of the damages in your case
- What the insurance company believes your case is worth
- Questions of fault and liability; disputes make a matter more likely to go to trial
The possibility that your case may go to trial is one of the biggest reasons to hire Colombo Law. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial. Insurance companies have seen that our approach makes it difficult for them to win in court. As a result, hiring a Morgantown car accident lawyer at our firm actually makes it less likely that litigation and trial proceedings will be necessary.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Morgantown, West Virginia
A car accident can leave your body injured and your mind in a state of shock. While it is difficult, it’s important to take a deep breath and remember that everything will be OK.
Following these tips can help you stay calm after a car accident and help you preserve your claim:
- Call 9-1-1 so emergency personnel can respond. Typically, the Morgantown Police Department or the West Virginia State Police will arrive on the scene.
- Stay on the scene until you receive medical attention and/or talk to the police.
- Make sure anyone who is injured is safe until the ambulance arrives.
- If safe, collect debris and move the damaged vehicles off the road.
- Swap contact and insurance information with any drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved.
- Do NOT admit fault or apologize for the crash—not to the other driver, not to the police.
- Take notes on the details of the car accident.
- Speak to any witnesses who saw the crash.
- Take photos of the vehicles and your injuries.
- Get medical attention after you leave the scene.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
- Contact our car accident lawyers in Morgantown.
You’ll probably experience a wide range of emotions after an accident, such as fear or anger. No matter how upset you may be, it’s important to not place blame or harass the other driver over the accident. This could affect your case and is a conversation that is much better had with the car accident lawyer who will be handling your claim.
He treats you right and will do whatever he can for you. I would recommend him to anyone.
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After we made contact with Dino and he saw what we were going through, he took charge and there was never any question about it.
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The first meeting I had with him, he told me that there would be no money due until the case is settled. That takes a huge burden off your back. He’s the guy that you always want on your side, you don’t ever want to be on the other side of him.
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Dino and the rest of Colombo Law are great, they treat each case with care and skill. You want them on your side!
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Types of Car Accident Claims Handled by Colombo Law
Our car accident attorneys have seen the aftermath of just about every kind of wreck you can imagine. Colombo Law has been representing the victims of all types of car crashes for more than a quarter century. We can help if you were injured or lost someone in any of the following accidents:
Rear-End Collisions
By far the most common type of car accident, rear-end collisions can lead to neck injuries, back injuries, and other types of trauma. A rear-end crash should not be written off as a simple fender bender.
Head-On Collisions
Though they make up only about 4% of all motor vehicle accidents, head-on collisions account for nearly 30% of deaths in crashes nationwide. If a head-on collision does not prove fatal, the occupants of both vehicles are likely to suffer serious injuries.
Intersection Accidents
The deadliest type of car accident overall is the angle collision. One of the most common examples is T-bone accident, which often occurs at intersections when (1) a driver fails to give way when making a turn, or (2) a driver traveling straight collides with a turning driver.
Rollover Accidents
Any vehicle can roll, causing severe or fatal injury to occupants. The risk of a rollover accident is more likely when the vehicle has a high center of gravity (such as SUVs and trucks). Rollover accidents should be investigated to determine whether factors such as driver error and/or a vehicle defect led to the crash.
Accidents with Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Drivers in West Virginia are required to meet certain requirements for auto insurance coverage. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 8.9% of drivers in West Virginia are uninsured. A car accident attorney in Morgantown can help you file a claim with your insurance company if the other driver has no insurance or their coverage won’t cover all of your losses.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Motorists in West Virginia are required to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death, provide information to the parties involved, and (if possible) render aid. A driver who fails to meet these provisions may be held liable for a hit-and-run accident.
Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle. Sideswipe collisions can cause one or both drivers to lose control, potentially resulting in secondary accidents.
Fatal Accidents
Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies due to another driver’s negligence. A car accident lawyer in Morgantown, West Virginia, can help you and your family through this difficult time and obtain maximum compensation for your loss.
Read More About West Virginia Car Accident Statistics »
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Liability for a car accident may be imposed on any individual or entity who contributed to the crash. Potential defendants in a car accident claim may include:
- The driver of a car, truck, SUV, van, or other vehicle
- Commercial truck drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Rideshare drivers
- Bus drivers
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle
- Government entities
- Trucking and freight companies
Timely investigation may reveal that multiple parties were at fault—not just the driver of the other vehicle. Identifying all of the liable parties is critical for achieving maximum compensation in your car accident claim.
A West Virginia car accident attorney will investigate the crash promptly. This enables us to determine the cause, who is responsible, and what legal options are available to you.
Common Morgantown Car Accident Injuries
Multiple factors can affect the severity of injuries in a car accident, including the type of collision, the difference in size between the vehicles, the speed involved, your position within the vehicle, and more.
Colombo Law is well-versed in common car accident injuries. Our staff includes a Registered Nurse Consultant, and we work with leading medical experts to gain an in-depth understanding of the severity of our clients’ injuries and their prognosis.
The most common injuries we see stemming from car accidents in Morgantown include:
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Abrasions, cuts, and lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Injury to the eyes
- Amputation injuries
- Burn injuries
Tell us about your injuries and learn how a Morgantown car accident lawyer can aid you with your case. Your initial consultation is 100% FREE.
Common Causes of Morgantown Car Accidents
Many different factors can lead to a car accident. The most common causes of car accidents that we see in Morgantown, West Virginia, include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Tailgating/following too closely
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper turns
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Driver inexperience
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Vehicle defects
- Poorly designed and maintained roads
Negligence, or the failure to take adequate care behind the wheel, is at the heart of most of these issues. If you were injured or someone you love was hurt or killed due to negligence, you may be able to hold the driver and/or other parties responsible for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morgantown Car Accidents
What if the car accident was minor and no one was injured?
What if the insurance company has already offered me a settlement?
What if the insurance company has denied my claim?
What if I wasn’t at fault for the accident?
What if I was at fault for the accident?
What if the car crash was a long time ago?
What if I can’t afford a car accident lawyer?
Car Accident Statistics in West Virginia
Motorists travel more than 15 millions miles through the Mountain State every year. Tragically, not all of these trips end with the driver safely reaching their destination. Crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities are frightfully common.
In 2022 alone, 264 people were killed in car accidents in West Virginia. A further 815 people suffered serious injuries.
The majority of accidents in West Virginia occur in rural areas. However, urban areas like Morgantown still see a significant number of crashes.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Morgantown, WV?
West Virginia has some of the roughest roads in the country. Many of the roads in Morgantown are among the worst, creating significant dangers for drivers. While potholes and other hazards can cause vehicle damage, it is also important to note that badly maintained roads can increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
I-79, which cuts through Monongalia County and is located just west of Morgantown, is considered one of the deadliest roads in West Virginia. Other roads in and around Morgantown that are deemed especially dangerous include:
- U.S. Route 19 and 119
- Beechhurst Avenue
- College Avenue
- Evansdale Drive
- North Willey Street
- University Avenue
- West Run Road
- Willey Street
- Willowdale Road
Car accidents can happen anywhere, from city streets to rural roads. It is vital to contact a West Virginia car accident if you were injured in a crash anywhere in the state.
Contact a Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer Today
A car accident can happen without warning. In the span of a few seconds, your car may be totaled and you could be seriously injured. Colombo Law can help you seek justice and obtain the compensation you and your family need to move forward.
The car accident lawyers at Colombo Law have years of experience helping the victims of Morgantown car accidents. With our No Fee Promise, we don’t charge you a dime unless we win your case. We also offer FREE, confidential consultations with no obligation to use our firm.
By personalizing our legal services and preparing every case as though it will end up going to trial, we are able to obtain life-changing results for our clients. We can draw on our experience and success to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
If you aren’t sure if you need a Morgantown car accident lawyer, there’s no harm in scheduling a consultation to find out if you have a case. All you have to do to get started is give us a call at 304-599-4229 to learn more.
