Vehicle Accident & Injury Cases
"it is of utmost importance to prove who is at fault."
Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Morgantown, WV
In most all car, truck, tractor trailer, motorcycle, or pedestrian injury accidents, it is of the utmost importance to prove who is at fault. It may seem obvious who is at fault or negligent but more often than not, insurance companies will want to contest findings and prolong settlements. It is important to have evidence to support your claims. Minor fender-benders can usually be resolved simply by exchanging insurance information. However, even minor accidents can result in injuries or even death.
Car Wrecks
With over 130 years of combined experience, the attorneys and staff at Higinbotham & Higinbotham have handled thousands of car wreck cases and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients. If you are injured in a car wreck it is important that you contact us as soon as possible. We will take the time to discuss your case free of charge and make sure that you do not fall into the insurance company traps.
Let’s face it . . . it is not the goal of the insurance companies to pay out on claims, rather they go out of their way to keep as much of their money as they can. Even if a settlement is on the horizon, they often contest liability or argue over medical treatment in order to prolong the timing of any settlement in hopes that they can pay out a lesser amount. That is why it is so important that you contact us as soon as possible so that we can start putting together the evidence to support your claims and keep the insurance company from trying to complicate the situation. Give us a call at (304) 366-2900
to see what we can do for you.
Tractor Trailer Crashes
Wrecks involving big rigs have become all too common. While they have many things in common with car wrecks, there are several differences. First, these trucks are usually owned by a large company who have a lot of resources including commercial adjusters who are specifically trained to try to find ways to place fault on anyone but their company. Second, the tractor-trailers often have multiple insurance policies which means that you may be dealing with multiple adjusters at the same time. Finally, these companies are frequently located a good distance from West Virginia and aren’t completely familiar with the laws of our State. That makes it incredibly important. Our attorneys know how to fight these big companies and have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Call us to discuss your claim free of charge.
Motorcycle Accidents
Wrecks involving motorcycles are very common. It is important that you chose a firm who has the resources and experience to fight these companies. Not many adjusters understand the true value of a bike, especially after it’s been customized as we all like to do. Even worse, because not as many motorists ride bikes as drive cars, there is a stigma in society that bikes aren’t as safe. Although those of us who ride know that it’s actually safer to ride a bike because you tend to stay much more alert than when driving your car, it is not unusual for the insurance company to try to blame the motorcycle first. Also, because bikes are also viewed by the insurance companies as being more inherently dangerous than cars, motorcycle policies often do not provide the same amounts of protections to riders as the coverage available on our policies for most other passenger vehicles. We understand motorcycle cases and know how to make insurance companies treat you fairly. Call us to schedule your consultation.
Pedestrians Hit By Vehicles
Being struck by a vehicle can be a particularly devastating event. Couple that with the mindset of the insurance industry that people have a habit of walking in front of cars, and therefore it is likely the pedestrian’s fault that the incident occurred. That should not be a reason for insurance companies to avoid having to treat someone fairly that has just been hit by a car and is already at enough of a disadvantage. Just as a person who is walking has an obligation to watch where they’re going, the drivers also have a duty to maintain a proper lookout for pedestrians. We know the insurance companies' tricks and we know the laws. Contact us so that we can be sure that you are treated fairly.
Vehicle Parts and Repairs
West Virginia Code §46A-6B-3. Genuine and aftermarket crash parts.
Car repairs can be a particularly tough area to navigate. Most people don’t know that for motor vehicles within the first three years of the manufacture date, the collision shops must use genuine crash parts to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. This is to maintain the fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion resistance, dent resistance and crash performance, unless the vehicle owner consents in writing at the time of the repair for the use of aftermarket crash parts. Even though insurance companies try, the law clearly states that no insurance company may require the use of aftermarket crash parts when negotiating repairs of the motor vehicle with any body shop. We frequently have to make sure the insurance carriers aren’t cutting any corners. Call us to discuss your claim.
Property Damage
If you are injured in a car wreck and the other driver is at fault, your personal injury claim will be handled separately from your vehicle damage claim. However, insurance companies often try many tricks to try to get you to resolve both claims at the same time in order to pay a lesser value. For instance, they may delay your rental car or vehicle repairs in order to try to force you into a quick settlement. Don’t fall for these tricks. Instead, call us and let us handle the insurance companies.
"over 130 years of experience"
Other legal matters
As stated before, we have over 130 years of experience. However, our experience is not limited to personal injury claims. We also handle a number of cases such as Mass Torts including asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as various mesh and talc claims. We also prepare wills, handle business matters and handle a variety of other civil matters.
If you have questions about any of the areas set forth herein, or another legal matter, give us a call at
(304) 366-2900 to schedule an appointment for your free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and to helping you.