Every car wreck is stressful – even when the property damage is minor. When a crash causes injuries, it is easy to panic and nearly impossible to still your nerves and remain calm. It is important to remember though, that your actions in the aftermath of a collision may affect your ability to make a successful personal-injury claim.

The claims process begins well before you contact your insurance provider; it starts at the scene of the accident. You will need to collect evidence to prove negligence, liability, and damages. This evidence is particularly important if the at-fault party denies liability or if the insurance company refuses to cooperate.

Taking photographs is an excellent way to document physical injuries as well as property damage. Without proper documentation, it will be your word against theirs, with plenty of room for interpretation. A picture, however, captured details about the cause, time, date, people involved, property damage, and injuries.

If you are involved in a car accident, keep these 5 tips in mind:

  1. Injuries Heal, Photos Last Forever: Healing is a lengthy process, you might not notice the day-to-day changes. It is important for juries to understand what your injuries looked like at their worst, not after weeks of recovery.
  2. Judges and Jurors are people too: Courtrooms are intended to be impartial and objective; however, emotional connections can make a difference. Photographing injuries will help create an emotional connection with the judge and jury.
  3. Photos Don’t Lie: Photographs are one of the most important and credible pieces of evidence you can have. Photographs leave less room for interpretation.
  4. Photo Evidence Helps Insurance Companies Evaluate Your Claim: Because most personal injury claims are resolved through insurance settlements, photos become extremely important. Insurance companies are more motivated to settle when they fear the possibility of going to trial.
  5. No Photograph Can Result in Claim Denial: Insurance companies can accuse the victim of exaggerating their injuries or fabricating damage. With photographic evidence, insurance companies have a more difficult time making this argument.

If you are seeking compensation for an injury you sustained due to someone else’s negligence, Manchin Injury Law Group attorneys are ready to get to work on your case. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can get you on the road to recovery.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

Contact Us Today

We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.

If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.

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