Car accidents are common enough to be a matter of when, not if, for most drivers. In 2017 alone, over 300 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in West Virginia. This was almost a 13% increase from the number of car accident deaths in 2016 (269). Car accidents can cause serious injuries and deaths. They can also cause significant damage to the vehicles involved. If you were in a car accident in West Virginia, how you handle your property damage claim could determine whether you obtain compensation.

Compensation for Property Damages in a Car Accident

West Virginia is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault party will be liable for the victim’s damages. In West Virginia, all drivers must carry at least $25,000 in property damage liability auto insurance. After a car accident, this type of insurance will cover a victim’s property damage repairs or vehicle replacement. This $25,000 property insurance can cover many categories of damages after an auto accident.

  • Cost of towing your vehicle to an auto shop
  • Price of a rental vehicle while you wait for repairs
  • The amount it will take to repair your vehicle, if repairs are possible
  • Money for vehicle customizations, such as an aftermarket sound system
  • Money to repair any damaged or lost property inside your car
  • Compensation for other property damages in the accident
  • The pre-crash value of your car, if the accident totaled it

Property damages during a car accident lawsuit in West Virginia can refer to any injuries to properties that require repairs. It often refers to vehicle damages but can also encompass damage to other properties, such as personal belongings. These may include sunglasses, laptops, schoolbooks, jewelry, cellphones or children’s car seats. During a personal injury lawsuit, a victim often seeks compensation for property damages on top of losses such as medical bills and lost wages. The at-fault party’s insurance may cover damaged property repairs or replacements on top of additional damages.

Proving Property Damages During a Claim

If you get into a car accident that damages or destroys your property in West Virginia, you could seek financial recovery from the at-fault party through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The driver or another defendant may owe you compensation for the full amount of your damaged property. It will be up to you or your West Virginia car accident attorney, however, to prove the value of your losses and the defendant’s liability using evidence.

  • Letters from an auto repair shop
  • Photographs of the property damages
  • Property appraisals
  • Receipts and repair bills
  • Your totaled vehicle’s Kelley Blue Book value
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Expert opinions

The best way to optimize your chances of receiving fair compensation for property damages after an auto accident in West Virginia is by hiring a personal injury lawyer. An attorney with experience will know how to fight for fair compensation and prove the full extent of your losses using any available evidence. The burden of proof in a personal injury claim in West Virginia is to show your assertions are more likely to be true than not true. Your lawyer can handle evidence gathering to prove a property damage claim on your behalf.

What Other Compensation Is Available?

Your car accident suit might not only involve a claim to property damage compensation if the crash also caused additional losses. If the crash gave you a physical injury or emotional distress, for example, these are compensable damages you could list on an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. Compensable damages in West Virginia include physical injuries, past and future medical bills, physical pain, emotional suffering, mental distress, lost wages, loss of consortium, lost quality of life, and punitive damages. Discuss the full value of your car accident claim with a lawyer for tailored information.

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

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