Beckley car accident statistics reveal that significant numbers of collisions occur in the city as well as throughout Raleigh County each year. Beckley is one of the most populated cities in West Virginia, which translates into many motor vehicles sharing the road at any given time. The more vehicles, the higher the likelihood of accidents.
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, our team of Beckley personal injury lawyers can help if you’ve been in a car accident and suffered injuries. Read on to learn why collisions occur and how our team can make a difference.
If you need legal help, contact our Beckley, WV, law office at (304) 252-5990 to request a free case review.
How Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC Can Help You After a Car Accident in Beckley, WV
Auto accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and emotional distress — not to mention financial hardship. If you’ve been in an accident and suffered losses, you need to hire experienced and tenacious lawyers to help you navigate the personal injury claim system. At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, we can offer the legal guidance you need.
Our Beckley car accident lawyers can:
- Assess your claim
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Advocate for you in court
We have 315 years of combined experience helping clients who are facing medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress due to an accident in Beckley, West Virginia. We prepare each case for trial, so you never have to worry about us settling your claim for less than it’s worth. Contact our Beckley personal injury attorneys today to learn more.
Car Accident Statistics for Beckley, WV: The Most Common Causes of Collisions
In 2022, 264 fatalities occurred in West Virginia because of motor vehicle crashes. Raleigh County is one of the counties in the state with the highest number of collisions, experiencing 6.7 fatal crashes per 100,000 people. In comparison, the average throughout the country is 5 fatal accidents per 100,000 people. In 2022, there were 10 motor vehicle deaths in Raleigh County.
One of the biggest factors in West Virginia car accidents is speeding. In a recent year, 22% of all fatal collisions in West Virginia were the result of drivers going faster than the law or weather and road conditions allowed. A driver who’s speeding might not be able to stop the vehicle in time to prevent a collision.
Distracted driving is another serious concern in West Virginia. People who aren’t paying full attention to the road can easily put themselves and others at risk. Cell phone usage without hands-free technology has been illegal in West Virginia since 2012, but distracted driving accidents still occur.
Driving under the influence of alcohol caused 60 deaths throughout West Virginia in 2022. Someone who’s driving while impaired can experience reflex and coordination problems that make the likelihood of causing a serious accident more likely. Consuming alcohol and drugs, even many prescription ones, and getting behind the wheel can lead to serious consequences.
People who are tired behind the wheel can also be dangerous. Fatigued driving affects a driver’s reflexes and coordination, just like intoxicated driving. There’s also the risk of the person falling asleep at the wheel.
Understanding West Virginia Car Accident Laws
West Virginia follows a fault-based system regarding car accidents. That means you must demonstrate that the other person was responsible for the crash to be able to recover compensation.
You can still receive damages if you were partly at fault under the state’s modified comparative negligence law. However, your percentage of fault can’t be greater than 50%. If you are 50% or less responsible, your damages will be reduced proportionately.
Most car accident cases rely on proving that the other driver was negligent. Doing so requires showing that they owed you a duty of care that they breached, causing injuries for which you can be compensated.
It’s also crucial to know that you don’t have an unlimited amount of time to file a claim. The statute of limitations in West Virginia is two years from the date of the accident, though there are some exceptions that can shorten the time you have. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to quickly reach out to a lawyer for representation.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Beckley Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been in a car accident due to someone else’s wrongful or negligent conduct, you don’t have to struggle on your own. At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, PLLC, our Beckley car accident lawyers offer the experienced representation you deserve when facing injuries, emotional trauma, and lost wages.
We’ll provide compassionate support so that you can focus on healing. Contact our team of West Virginia personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation.