Aggressive Barboursville Auto Accident Lawyer Aids Crash Victims 

Cabell County injury attorney handles insurance claims and litigation

Getting in an auto accident is a traumatic event, and dealing with the insurance claims process can be nearly as stressful. With offices in Barboursville and Beckley, Herrenkohl Law Office aggressively represents vehicle collision victims to help them secure the payment they need to go through the healing process without excessive financial strain. I have more than 30 years of legal experience in southern West Virginia and draw on my knowledge of local courts to negotiate with insurance carriers and defense lawyers from a position of strength.

Thorough litigator counsels West Virginians hurt in collisions

It might not take very long after a crash for the other driver’s lawyer or insurance company to contact you about a settlement where you surrender your legal rights in exchange for a payment. This is when it is essential to have a tough, experienced lawyer on your side. I don’t let my clients get bullied into unfair settlements and will give you the information you need to make an informed choice about your potential claim, including explanations of legal standards relating to:

• Insurance rules — Unlike some states, West Virginia gives all car-crash victims the legal right to sue the at-fault driver or file a third-party claim with that motorist’s insurance carrier. Depending on the facts and policies, you might wish to seek relief from your own insurer. My firm reviews all of the pertinent issues and counsels clients on the best way to proceed. No matter which path you choose, I fight to collect the full payment that you deserve.
• Available damages — Plaintiffs can recover several types of damages in a vehicle collision claim, including reimbursement for medical bills, replacement of income that was lost and compensation for the pain and suffering linked to the accident. Through tough settlement negotiation and skillful trial advocacy, I work to deliver justice to the people I represent.
• Shared fault — In many cases, the parties in an auto accident will disagree as to who is to blame for the collision. Sometimes, the actions of both drivers are to blame. West Virginia law allows victims to recover damages in court even if they bear partial responsibility for the crash, as long as their share of the fault does not exceed 50 percent. The award would be reduced by the percentage of responsibility assigned to the plaintiff. For example, someone who incurs $100,000 in damages following a collision but is held to be 20 percent at fault because they were slightly distracted would receive an award of $80,000.

An auto accident victim has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. However, medical bills start piling up almost immediately, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to locate critical evidence and witnesses. 

Knowledgeable advocate takes on cases involving all types of injuries 

As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I know how to collect the necessary medical evidence and present a strong argument during settlement discussions and, if necessary, at trial. Victims of negligent drivers are entitled to reimbursement for the medical bills and lost income, along with noneconomic damages to address their mental and physical pain. Frequently, a car accident results in a traumatic brain injury, which could have short- and long-term effects. When warranted, I consult with doctors and other medical experts to assess the long-term consequences of a crash before deciding what demand to make on the defendant. Whether you’ve suffered broken bones, burns, internal injuries, spinal damage or some other type of harm, I will prepare a thorough case on your behalf.

Contact a tenacious West Virginia auto accident attorney for a free consultation

Herrenkohl Law Office in Barboursville and Beckley fights on behalf of West Virginia clients who have been injured in auto accidents. Please call 304-948-5860 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation regarding your legal options.