One person has died following a head on style car accident in Lewis County on July 14, 2014. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department said a Ford F-250 was traveling south on Hakers Creek Road with a driver in a Chevrolet 1500 was traveling north near the Plantation Inn just after 6 o’clock in the morning. At that time, the driver of the Chevrolet 1500 was passing another vehicle when it collided head on with the Ford F-250.
According to reports, the driver of the Ford F-250 was unharmed and the driver of the Chevrolet 1500 was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The passenger in the Chevrolet 1500 was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger who is injured or killed in a car accident usually has an easier case than a driver. This is because the passenger doesn’t have to prove liability as the passenger was not driving the vehicle. A passenger in an injury claim proceeds just like any other accident claim. One major difference, is that, depending on the facts surrounding the accident, the passenger could make a claim against the driver of both vehicles in a two car collision. The exception to this would be if one of the driver’s in the collision was not at fault.
In addition to filing a claim against the at-fault party, a passenger may be able to file a claim against their own insurance company. If the individual had insurance coverage for medical payment provisions then a claim should be made on this coverage to help with the early out-of-pocket up front medical expenses. In addition, many drivers carry underinsured motorist coverage. If the liability limits on the at-fault driver’s policy is less than the amount the claim is worth, the claim is underinsured. If the claim is underinsured, an individual who carries underinsured coverage should then make a claim on that coverage.
Navigating the insurance claims process after a car accident can be a difficult and stressful thing. Experienced personal injury attorneys can alleviate the stress and hassle of dealing with the insurance companies while also making sure your rights are protected and fair compensation is obtained. If you would like to speak with a West Virginia car accident lawyer, contact the Manchin Injury Law Group today at 304-367-1862.
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.
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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