Morgantown Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a free consultation with one of the most trusted Morgantown car accident lawyers. Desai Law specializes in a wide range of automobile-related incidents and you can trust them to provide urgent assistance.

Chirag Desai and his boutique law firm has a client-centric approach that offers personalized representation. They value intimate and personal connections to their client’s cause over profit margins and glory. Feel free to check out the testimonials of their Morgantown-based clients or read about their five-star reputation on Google. The firm handles a variety of car accidents, including rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle pile-ups, side swipe incidents, hit and run, intersection accidents, distracted driving, drunk driving, among others.  Armed with a strong empathy and care towards their clients welfare, Chirag and his team have secured millions worth of settlements and jury verdicts. Most notably are a $200,000 sum on a collision at Interstate 79, and a drunk driving accident on Interstate 68 that amounted to over $500,000.  While we cannot guarantee a certain outcome for your lawsuit, we pride themselves in achieving success in numerous cases that were turned down by other attorneys in Morgantown and across West Virginia.  Desai Law is results-oriented and focused on building the best case against those who have caused your injuries. We fiercely pursue justice for the ‘little guys,’ and we’re not afraid to take on disputed claims or damages.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Desai Law?
• Car Accident Lawyer Serving Morgantown, WV
• We Take on the Insurance Companies
• Cases We Handle
• Get Help from a Lawyer
• Car Accident Compensation
• Meet Car Accident Lawyer Chirag Desai
• Why Choose Desai Law as Your Car Accident Lawyer
• West Virginia Car Accident Statistics
• Morgantown, WV Car Accident Statistics
• Car Accident Claim FAQs
• Taking New Cases
• Call A Morgantown-Based Car Accident Lawyer Now

Why Choose Desai Law?

Chirag Desai is a nationally acclaimed attorney, earning the Client’s Choice Award in 2018 and 2019 from AVVO. His latest achievement is being acknowledged in the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list from 2020 until 2023. Aside from Chirag’s experties and awards, Desai Law’s strength and success come from the positive testimonials of its Morgantown-based clients. We don’t choose which case to handle as we strive to maintain excellent service, compassion, and dedication to all of the cases we represent. 

• How Much Do We Charge: We operate on a “no fee, unless you win” policy. This contingency structure highlights our commitment to the community to provide accessible legal representation to those in need. There are no upfront costs, and your payment will only be collected if we were able to secure a successful result. 
• Get In Touch: Accidents can happen at any time, and we’re passionate about helping you in times of crisis. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your call. 

If you or someone you know has suffered a personal injury, contact us through our secure and confidential form or contact (304) 974-1974 for a free consultation.

Car Accident Lawyer Serving Morgantown, WV

When you’re the victim of a car accident, you need answers:

• What happened and who is to blame?
• What do I deserve in compensation?
• How do I get the compensation I deserve?
• Can I have a lawyer represent me?

Getting fair treatment for a car accident isn’t always easy. In fact, insurance companies make their profits when they collect premiums but pay less in claims. However, you can have a licensed car accident lawyer handling your claim to make sure that you receive justice. We handle claims in Morgantown, WV, the surrounding areas and throughout West Virginia. We can pursue your claim in Monongalia County Circuit Court or in any court where you may have a claim. Contact us now to talk about your situation and have a lawyer on your case as early as today.

How do you get compensation after a car accident?

Many car accident compensation claims are paid through insurance. To get compensation, you may negotiate a settlement that reflects the appropriate amount based on the law and the insurance policies in place. However, you may also bring a legal claim based on negligence and your right to compensation.

We Take on the Insurance Companies

Insurance companies have all kinds of ways to minimize payments. You may hear:

• We’re not liable!
• That’s all you deserve!
• You need to submit more documents!

Sometimes, the insurance company simply doesn’t communicate about your claim. With an auto accident lawyer representing you, you can fight back. At Desai Law, we take on the insurance companies. Let a professional represent you, valuing your claim and fighting for justice. To see how we help people, contact us for a personalized consultation with a car accident lawyer.

Cases We Handle

Here are some types of car accident claims we handle:

Traffic violations

Most car accidents are the result of a traffic violation. Examples are improper turn, following too closely, speeding, improper lane changes and violating right of way laws.

Head-on, side-impact and rear-end collisions

We handle all types of car accidents. For each case, we investigate the path of travel of each vehicle, the forces of impact and contributing factors.

Multi-vehicle accidents

Whether your car accident involves two, three or more vehicles, we can investigate fault. You may even have a right to compensation in a single-vehicle accident.

Drunk driving, driving under the influence

When you are the victim of a drunk driver, or someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you deserve justice.

Vehicle malfunctions and design defects

Even a skilled driver may be the victim of a vehicle design or manufacturing flaw that makes a vehicle uncontrollable. Let us investigate whether a vehicle problem may have contributed to a collision.

Pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational vehicle accidents

We advocate for victims injured as pedestrians, bicyclists and recreational vehicle users.

Truck and heavy equipment accidents

Crashes involving large vehicles often produce serious injuries. Let us investigate insurance policies, grounds for fault like negligent employee hiring and supervision, and prove your right to compensation.

Falling objects, unsecure load

Objects falling from vehicles can cause accidents and significant injuries. Poorly loaded trucks can also pose a danger because of trailer sway and mishandling.

Catastrophic injury

When an accident results in a life-changing injury, the compensation you receive is critical to your future. We include future damages and appropriate pain and suffering in your claim.

Wrongful death

When a car accident results in loss of life, you deserve legal representation that honors the life of your loved one. Let us seek justice for your loved one with compassionate legal representation.

Get Help from a Lawyer

There are many ways that a lawyer can help you following a car accident. Our law firm can assist you with:

• Preserving evidence, including proof of fault and medical evidence
• Identifying damages you can claim, valuing damages
• Knowing the law and your rights following a car accident
• Finding and evaluating insurance policies that may pay on a claim
• Pursuing your case relentlessly when the insurance company won’t cooperate
• Drafting and filing legal documents
• Determining the appropriate court with jurisdiction to hear the case
• Following legal procedure to advance the case
• Handling court appearances and filing motions
• Negotiating your compensation and pursuing settlement possibilities
• Taking your case to trial
• Responding to defense tactics and moving your case forward

As your lawyer, we know what to do and how to do it. When you have a lawyer, you don’t have to know how to deal with the insurance company and what to do next when you’re facing serious injury. You can leave it to us. Our law firm can advocate on your behalf in all matters relating to your case.

Car Accident Compensation

What is car accident compensation?

Car accident compensation is money paid to the victim of a car accident. It resolves a legal claim that the victim may have based on who is at fault for the accident. Each victim’s right to compensation depends on their injuries, the strength of their case, the ability to collect compensation and other factors.

In West Virgnia, is car accident compensation based on fault?

West Virginia is a fault state for car accidents. The party who caused the car accident may claim compensation. Fault is based on negligence, which may be a traffic violation or other carelessness that falls below a standard of reasonable care.

What types of compensation can you get for a car accident?

Compensation for a car accident may include financial losses like medical expenses, medical supplies and lost income. You may also claim for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and loss of lifestyle that results from your injuries. Each claim reflects the actual losses incurred by the victim.

Do all car accident victims receive the same amount of compensation?

No. Even victims of the same car accident may receive different amounts of compensation. The payment should reflect the damages of the individual victim and their right to compensation based on negligence.

Common injuries that may be compensated

Common injuries that may be compensated in a car accident claim include:

• Broken bones, fracture
• Traumatic brain injury, concussion
• Organ damage, lacerations and bruising
• Damage to major bodily symptoms
• Paralysis, quadriplegia, tetraplegia, nerve damage
• Road rash, skin burns, scars and disfigurement
• PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks and other mental health injuries

In addition to compensation for physical and mental injury, you may seek compensation for other ways you are harmed by the accident, including inability to work, damage to your vehicle and other property damage. You may claim for a range of non-economic damages including pain and suffering.

Should I accept an offer from the insurance company?

You should accept an offer from the insurance company if it’s within the reasonable range of possible outcomes at trial. You must weigh the likelihood that your judgment at trial will significantly depart from the settlement offer, positively or negatively. You must account for the time and expense of going to trial. Sometimes it’s best to accept a settlement offer. Sometimes it’s best to go to trial. When we serve as your lawyer, we can assist you in evaluating an offer. We can give you honest information regarding a proposed settlement. Ultimately, whether to accept a settlement is your choice, but we can give you a lawyer’s opinion and the reasons for it.

Meet Car Accident Lawyer Chirag Desai

Chirag Desai attended the West Virginia University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate law degree. Then, he chose to make his home in Morgantown, choosing to serve the members of his community. With experience working at a personal injury law firm, attorney Chirag Desai became deeply committed to serving the needs of victims. Injured parties and their families often face big obstacles to receiving fair compensation following a car accident. They need an advocate that is devoted to their cause, fighting tirelessly for their rights. That’s the mission of Desai Law. It’s the goal of our law firm for every car accident victim to be heard, having the experienced legal representation needed to make their claim successful. These are the guiding principles that you can expect each day that we serve as your lawyer. Attorney Chirag Desai has earned recognition for his devotion to his clients. He has earned the coveted AVVO Client’s Choice Award multiple times. He is also recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. Desai Law remains true to our mission – advocating for you. To see how car accident lawyer Chirag Desai may assist you, contact us for your consultation.

Why Choose Desai Law as Your Car Accident Lawyer

Here are some reasons people choose Desai Law as their car accident lawyer:

• We listen. We learn your situation and always communicate throughout the case.
• Representation in West Virginia. We handle claims in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia.
• We fully represent your interests. We know how much your case matters to you.
• Experience is our asset. With experience in injury claims, we prepare your legal strategy.
• Personalized representation. Know your lawyer by name and receive personalized service.
• Full-service representation. Let us take care of everything including speaking to the insurance company.
• Settlements and trial. We resolve cases through settlements and trial verdicts. Whether you want your day in court or you choose to accept a settlement, we advocate for you.

Proving a car accident claim

To prove a car accident claim and your right to compensation, you must show:

1. The defendant had a duty of care. Drivers always have a duty of care to others.
2. A breach in the duty of care. The actions of the defendant are evaluated based on a negligence standard. It’s a standard of reasonableness with regard for the safety of others.
3. An accident. The victim suffered harm.
4. Proximate cause. The accident and the victim’s injuries are the result of defendant’s negligence.
5. Damages are the victim’s losses. They are the basis of compensation.

In addition to negligence, a claim may be based on recklessness or intentional acts. A claim may be based on a product defect, typically involving a vehicle design, airbags or a manufacturing error that resulted in a malfunction.

West Virginia Car Accident Statistics

• There were 280 traffic fatalities in West Virginia in 2021.
• For the five-year period from 2017-2021, there were, on average, 281 car accident deaths in the state each year.
• Serious injuries in car accidents have steadily declined in recent years. From a peak of 1,251 serious injuries in West Virginia car accidents in 2015, there were 766 serious injuries in car accidents in 2021.
• Car accidents cause 17% of injury-related deaths in West Virginia. For people ages 5-24, car accidents are the leading cause of death.
• For adults over 25 and young children, car accidents are the second-leading cause of death.

Source: https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Forms/Pages/Search-Results Sources: WVVIPP, Motor Vehicle Crash Injury & Death

Morgantown, WV Car Accident Statistics

Morgantown is the county seat of Monongalia County, West Virginia. With a city population of 30,347, and metropolitan-area population of 139,176, as of the 2020 Census, it is the third-largest city in West Virginia.

• There were seven fatal accidents in Morgantown, WV each year in the years 2021, 2020 and 2019.
• There were eight fatalities in Morgantown, WV car accidents in 2021 and 2020. In 2019, there were seven fatalities.
• In 2021, two victims of fatal car accidents in Morgantown, WV were pedestrians.
• 9% of Morgantown car accidents occur in daylight. 34.1% of car accidents in the city occur in dark or unlit conditions.
• Most Morgantown car accidents occur in clear weather (77%).
• Significant numbers of accidents happen in all months of the year and on all days of the week.

Source; City-Data, Fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents in Morgantown, West Virginia

Highways and streets in the Morgantown, WV area

Major freeways, highways and roads in the Morgantown, WV region include:

• I-79, I-68
• US-19, US-119
• University Ave
• Willowdale Rd
• Steward St
• 201^st INF/FA Memorial Way (705)
• Dunkard Ave
• Richwood Ave
• Hartman Run Rd

Car accidents can occur on interstates, highways, city streets and local roads. They happen in alleys and parking lots. In fact, a large number of accidents occur close to home. We handle many circumstances of car accident claims. We can address any factors that may relate to the road, like flow of traffic, speeds and road design.

Car Accident Claim FAQs

What does a car accident lawyer do?

A car accident lawyer represents the interests of their client, assisting them to achieve a goal in car accident litigation. They use their professional skills and experience to pursue the client’s claim in an effective and strategic manner. They serve the interests of their client, standing as their representative in the legal action.

Do I need a car accident lawyer?

You need a car accident lawyer if you have moderate or severe injuries or if there may be issues in getting your compensation. In anything except a case with minor injuries and an easy insurance payment, you need a lawyer to advise you and advocate for you. Your claim may be worth more than you think.

How do I hire a car accident lawyer?

To hire a car accident lawyer, contact us. Tell us that you’ve been in a car accident. Ask for a consultation. We’ll talk about your case, introduce our team and explain what our representation is like.

What court hears car accident cases in West Virginia?

Most car accident cases begin in a West Virginia Circuit Court. There may be reasons that a Magistrate Court, federal court or court in another state may be more appropriate to hear your claim. We will file the case in the correct jurisdiction on your behalf.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases don’t go to trial. The legal system is designed to resolve disputes. Parties can discover evidence, which narrows the issues in dispute. Usually, even parties in disagreement can reach a settlement. However, you have the right to a trial if you would like. We know the thought of your case going to trial can be stressful. As your car accident lawyer, it’s our job to carry this burden for you. We’ll build a strong case and your legal strategy. This puts you in the best position to walk into court confidently or resolve your case by settlement. Whatever you choose, you’ll have our experienced team working on your behalf. We are trial lawyers, and if you choose to go to trial, we’ll aggressively present your case.

How long does a car accident case take in West Virginia?

A car accident case may take several weeks to 18 months or more. It depends on the case complexity, what issues are in dispute and the court schedule. As your lawyer, we balance the need to resolve your case efficiently with the importance of maximizing your compensation.

What if the insurance company says I was at fault for a car accident?

If the insurance company says that you’re at fault for the car accident, don’t panic. Remember, it’s their goal not to pay compensation. A lawyer can evaluate if comparative fault may be an issue in the case. We can help you respond to unfair allegations of fault.

Who decides whether to accept a car accident settlement?

It’s always up to you to decide whether to accept a settlement. You can go to trial if you want to. It’s our job to put you in a strong position to negotiate a settlement or succeed at trial.

Is there a time limit to bringing a car accident claim in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a two-year time limit to bring a car accident claim. There may be exceptions. It’s always best to contact us as soon as possible. There are things we can do right away to preserve the evidence and help your case.

Free consultation

Get a free consultation with a car wreck lawyer. Talk to attorney Chirag Desai. We’ll explain the law and how it applies to the circumstances of your case. Meet our legal team and see how we help people like you. Contact us now and ask for your free consultation.

Talk to a auto accident lawyer

If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, we invite you to talk to a car accident lawyer at Desai Law. There is no obligation. Get personalized advice and answers to your questions. We can meet at our offices, the hospital, a care home, your home or another place that works for you. Virtual consultations are welcome.

Taking New Cases

Yes! We are currently taking new cases representing car accident victims. We can start representing you right away.

Call A Morgantown-Based Car Accident Lawyer Now

Hire a top-rated Morgantown car accident lawyer from Desai Law to help you with your motor vehicle-related lawsuit. We’re here to turn your tragedy into triumph. Victims of car accidents are confronted with severe consequences ranging from whiplash, fractures, and concussions to soft tissue injuries, head injuries, back injuries, and, in the most tragic instances, fatalities.  We’re here to help you seek justice so you can focus on recovering from property loss, restoring your health and rebuilding your life.  Our Morgantown-based team of experts and trial lawyers can competently navigate West Virginia’s legal system. We’ll fearlessly hold your perpetrators accountable, and we’re not afraid to take powerful insurance companies to court.  Contact us now by filling out our secure and confidential form or call (304) 974-1974 for a free case review.

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Desai Law, PLLC 449 Fortress Blvd Suite 2100 Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 974-1974