What is the difference between minor and severe car accident damage?
West Virginia—A vehicle that sustains minor damage is likely to cost much less in repairs than a vehicle with severe damage. However, even a small dent on a bumper could be costly to repair if the vehicle is a luxury brand and the damage is enough to replace the bumper.
Deciding When Damage is Minor and When it is Severe
The State of West Virginia only requires drivers to immediately report their incident to police when the damage is estimated to be worth $1,000 or more.1 The law also requires that accidents be reported to the DMV when damage is valued at $500 or more. Based on the State’s laws, one might conclude that minor damage is anything under $500 as the law doesn’t require that the incident be reported to the police or the DMV.
Damage that is estimated to be worth $500 or more might be considered more serious as the State does require that the accident be reported.
Should a driver still report an accident even if the damage is minor?
Drivers are encouraged to report a car accident to their local authorities so that the incident can be properly documented. The truth is, even accidents that result in minor damage can lead to an individual suffering injuries such as whiplash or even a concussion. If an individual neglects to report the incident because the damage is minor and they don’t feel injured at the time, they will have a hard time recovering compensation if their pain worsens.
The fact is, if an accident victim doesn’t report their accident, there is no record of it. This means it is their word against the other party’s. If the other party tries to throw the blame on them, the driver will need to find a way to prove they weren’t at fault. This can be tricky to do, especially if an individual attempts to handle their case on their own and without an attorney present.
Hiring a West Virginia Accident Attorney After a Collision
If an individual was involved in a minor fender bender in West Virginia and no injuries were sustained, they may not need to retain an attorney if the insurance carrier offered a fair settlement. However, if an individual isn’t sure if their claim has been properly valued or they did suffer injuries and want to be sure they are properly compensated for their pain and suffering as well as their medical expenses, then they might want to consider bringing a West Virginia accident lawyer on board.
For those who aren’t sure whether they need to retain a lawyer or have questions only an attorney can answer, they are encouraged to contact Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC for an initial consultation.
Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC can be reached at:
16 Sterling Drive, Suite 205
Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330
Phone: 304-449-5161
Website: www.wvattorneys.com
Source:
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=17C&art=4§ion=7
