Man holding his neck and speaking on the phone after a rear-end car accident involving 2 vehicles with visible front and rear-end damage.

Were You Injured in a Car Accident in Charleston?

You don't have to face this difficult time alone—Stewart Bell, PLLC, is here for you. After a wreck, a car accident lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia, will fight to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries. Get your free consultation today.

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Your Car Accident Lawyer in Charleston, WV

Car accidents can be life-altering, leaving victims with significant injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of car accident claims and secure the compensation you may be entitled to. As your car accident lawyer in Charleston, WV, we have been protecting the rights of car accident victims for over 30 years. With our experienced team by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal intricacies.

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We’ll Take Care of Everything

Getting help is easy. All you have to do is call us. We want you to focus on your recovery while we take care of everything else!

We’ll Fight for What You Deserve

With our law firm on your side, you can trust your case is in good hands. Our attorneys have years of experience battling insurance companies and will fight for every penny you deserve for your injuries!

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Don’t think you can afford a lawyer? Our car accident law firm in Charleston works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay us anything unless we win for you!

Why Choose Stewart Bell, PLLC After a Car Accident in Charleston?

When you’re injured in a car accident in Charleston, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly, medical bills start piling up, and you’re left wondering who’s really on your side. That’s where Stewart Bell, PLLC comes in. Our experienced Charleston car accident lawyers have spent decades standing up for injured West Virginians just like you.

We don’t treat you like just another case number. We provide hands-on legal support to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Here’s what we can do for you:

  • Investigate your accident to identify who’s truly at fault and gather key evidence.
  • Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing attorneys.
  • Calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical care and lost income.
  • Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Attempting to navigate a car accident claim alone can be risky. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their bottom line—not your best interests. When you hire a car accident attorney, you level the playing field. We know West Virginia law inside and out, and we use that knowledge to help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Some key advantages of working with us include:

  • No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win.
  • Direct access to your attorney.
  • Decades of trial-tested experience in Charleston courts.
  • A proven track record of securing compensation for injured clients.

The sooner you contact Stewart Bell, PLLC after your accident, the sooner we can begin building a strong case on your behalf. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery.

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Compensation You Can Recover for Your Car Accident Injuries in Charleston

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Charleston, West Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the crash has taken on your life. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover compensation in the following categories:

These are the measurable, out-of-pocket costs resulting from your accident. Economic damages may include:

  • Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications).
  • Future medical care, if ongoing treatment is required.
  • Lost wages due to time missed from work.
  • Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long term.
  • Property damage, such as repair or replacement of your vehicle.

Not all losses can be measured in dollars and cents. Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, including:

  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement.
  • Loss of consortium (impact on relationships with loved ones).

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

There’s no universal answer, and every car accident case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, the insurance policies involved, and how your life has been impacted.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we fight for the maximum compensation you may be entitled to. A Charleston car wreck lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth.

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Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in West Virginia

Under West Virginia law, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim. If you fail to file within this 2-year window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely, even if your case is strong.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The sooner you speak with a Charleston car accident attorney at Stewart Bell, PLLC, the better we can protect your rights and begin building a strong claim. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward securing the compensation you may qualify for.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Charleston Car Crash?

In Charleston car accident cases, the party whose careless or reckless behavior caused the crash can be held legally responsible for your injuries and losses. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we thoroughly investigate your accident to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

  • Another driver who was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise reckless.
  • Multiple drivers in multi-vehicle collisions.
  • Trucking companies or commercial vehicle operators.
  • Vehicle manufacturers if a defect contributed to the crash.
  • Government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions or signage.

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. When that happens, our attorneys can investigate all involved parties to help ensure each is held accountable for their share of the blame.

What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the crash, you may still recover compensation, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.

If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you won’t be eligible to recover damages under state law. Our car accident attorneys know how to counter unfair blame tactics from insurance companies and protect your right to full and fair compensation. Let us advocate for you and ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.

How Do You Prove Negligence After a Car Accident?

To secure compensation in a car accident claim, you’ll need to prove that another party acted negligently and caused your injuries. This involves showing 4 key elements:

  1. Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act safely (e.g., obeying traffic laws).
  2. Breach of Duty: That party violated their duty (e.g., texting while driving).
  3. Causation: Their actions directly caused the crash and your injuries.
  4. Damages: You suffered real losses, such as medical bills or lost income.

Proving fault and protecting your rights isn’t always simple, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced Charleston auto accident lawyer on your side. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we gather valuable evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert analysis, to build a strong case on your behalf.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Charleston

Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident can protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

  1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
  2. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical attention.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
  4. Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident.
  5. Consult a Lawyer: Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your case.

If you are unsure whether you have a case, speak to an attorney at Stewart Bell, PLLC for free to discuss your legal options.

Our Charleston Car Accident Attorneys

Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Jeff David Stewart

Attorney Jeff David Stewart

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Katherine H. Arritt

Attorney Katherine H. Arritt

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Personal Injury Lawyer Andrew Paternostro

Attorney Andrew L. Paternostro

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Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyers Handle All Types of Crash Claims

No 2 car accidents are exactly alike, and we understand the unique legal and emotional challenges that come with each type of crash. With decades of experience handling car accident claims in Charleston and across West Virginia, our team is prepared to help you pursue maximum compensation, no matter how your collision occurred.

As your car accident law firm in Charleston, we handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident claims, including:

  • Rear-end crashes
  • Drunk driving accidents
  • Speeding accidents
  • T-bone and side-impact collisions
  • Head-on crashes
  • Multi-vehicle pileups
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
  • Rollover accidents
  • Distracted driving accidents
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help in building a strong case. Frequent causes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Weather conditions
  • Mechanical failures

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Cuts and lacerations

Charleston Car Accident FAQs

Settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While minor cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, more serious or permanent injuries can result in 6- or 7-figure settlements.

Your attorney can assess every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum compensation available under West Virginia law.

The chances of a successful car accident claim depend on the strength of the evidence, medical documentation, and proof of fault. With an experienced Charleston car accident attorney on your side, your chances of securing compensation increase significantly.

Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but some cases do go to trial, especially if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to ensure you have the strongest position possible, whether in negotiations or in front of a judge and jury.

It depends. Some cases settle in a few months, while others—especially those involving severe injuries or litigation—can take a year or longer. Factors that impact the timeline include:

  • The complexity of the accident.
  • Disputes over fault.
  • The length of medical treatment.
  • Negotiations with insurers.

We’ll give you honest timelines and keep you informed every step of the way.

Yes. West Virginia is an at-fault state, meaning the person responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying damages.

If you suffered serious injuries, missed work, or are dealing with insurance companies, the answer is yes. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, negotiate for full compensation, and protect you from unfair blame.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, you pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you.

West Virginia Car Accident Statistics

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents across West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), here are some of the latest statistics illustrating the impact of car accidents in our state:

  • In 2021, there were 280 traffic fatalities in West Virginia and 766 serious crash injuries.
  • Speeding and alcohol impairment remain top contributors to fatal crashes. Nearly 23% of deadly crashes in West Virginia involved a speeding driver, while around 16% involved a driver under the influence.
  • 39% of West Virginia car accident deaths in 2022 involved multiple vehicles.
  • Rural roads account for a disproportionate number of fatal accidents in West Virginia, making up about 65% of deadly crashes in 2022.

These numbers reveal a sobering reality: car accidents remain a major public safety concern in Charleston and throughout West Virginia. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be for victims and their families. That’s why we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping injured West Virginians rebuild their lives.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in Charleston Today

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, you don’t have to face the insurance companies, mounting medical bills, or legal confusion on your own. A Charleston car accident lawyer from Stewart Bell, PLLC is here to fight for the justice you deserve. We offer free consultations with no upfront costs—just honest answers and compassionate guidance. Reach out to us today and let us help you move forward with confidence.

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For more than 30 years, the lawyers of Stewart Bell, PLLC have helped the people and businesses of West Virginia protect their interests and rights. We understand the issues that injured people and their families face after an accident and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount of compensation for every case we handle.

We have recovered MILLIONS of dollars for clients injured because of nursing home abuse, motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

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