The Impact of a Car Crash Goes Beyond the Scene

Many car crashes seem manageable at first, until the pain sets in days or weeks later. Concussions, back and neck injuries, joint damage, and limited mobility can interfere with work, family life, and basic daily activities. Recovery often takes longer than expected, especially when injuries require physical therapy, surgery, or ongoing care.

Insurance companies often act quickly after a crash. You may be asked for recorded statements, encouraged to accept a fast settlement, or told your injuries are minor. Working with a car accident lawyer helps slow down the process, protect your claim, and ensure decisions are made with your long-term health in mind. We take over everything we can so you can focus on your recovery and family.

The Stuckey Firm is a boutique personal injury practice focused on serious accident cases. Our team includes experienced car accident attorneys in Wheeling, WV, who work with you, not just for you, building each case around your goals, not the pressure from your insurer. Our goal is to remove the overwhelm and protect your recovery.

car crash

What Is a Car Accident Claim?

A car accident claim is a personal injury claim that seeks compensation when another driver or party causes a crash due to negligence. These claims may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and long-term impairment. An experienced auto accident lawyer helps ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injuries, not just the initial diagnosis. 

In West Virginia, fault and liability are governed by state negligence laws. The West Virginia Code outlines the legal standards governing motor vehicle accidents and civil liability. For information on how injury cases progress through the court system, the West Virginia Judiciary offers helpful public resources.

What do I do after a car accident?

Michael Vervoort, Attorney at Law

The Benefits of Working With a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident

  • Evidence-Driven Case Development. A car crash lawyer gathers medical records, crash reports, and proof of losses to support your claim with facts, not assumptions.
  • Protection From Insurance Tactics. Adjusters often push for early statements or settlements. A car wreck attorney helps protect you from strategies that reduce compensation.
  • Compensation That Reflects Long-Term Reality. Injuries can worsen or create lasting limitations. A motor vehicle accident lawyer builds claims that account for future care and lost earning capacity.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage When Needed. While many cases settle, thorough preparation is crucial. Trial-ready work strengthens negotiations and preserves your right to litigate if necessary.
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Does My Situation Require a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should consider legal guidance if you were injured, required medical treatment, missed work, or are experiencing ongoing symptoms after a crash. You may also benefit from speaking with motor veh accident lawyers in Wheeling, WV, if fault is disputed, multiple vehicles were involved, or the at-fault driver has limited insurance.

Many people hesitate because they believe their case is “not serious enough.” In reality, even moderate crashes can cause chronic pain, spinal injuries, or concussions that affect quality of life. Consulting with a car accident attorney can help clarify your options and guide you through the next steps.

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Available 24/7 (304) 407-3177

Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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The Car Accident Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Case Review and Immediate Guidance

We start by listening to what happened, reviewing your injuries, and understanding your concerns. We also provide early guidance on medical documentation and insurance communication that helps protect your claim.

Step Two: Evidence and Liability Investigation

Our team gathers police reports, photographs, witness statements, medical records, and proof of wage loss. If liability is disputed, we build the case with evidence that supports fault and accountability.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once damages are clear, we prepare a demand that reflects medical costs, future treatment needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. The claim is grounded in documentation and strategy.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Many cases resolve through negotiation. If insurers refuse fair compensation, litigation may be required. We prepare each case with trial readiness in mind, ensuring your options remain protected.

Filing a lawsuit is sometimes the step that forces fairness, not the step that forces a trial. The litigation route still often results in a settlement before going to court.

Common Causes and Injuries in Car Accidents

Car crashes are often preventable and commonly result from distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, or following too closely.

Common injuries include whiplash, concussions, back and neck injuries, fractures, joint damage, and internal injuries. Some injuries require surgery or long-term rehabilitation. Your claim should reflect the full medical reality, not just what is immediately visible.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

After a crash, many people feel pressured and uncertain who to trust. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to explain options clearly and build a strategy around what recovery looks like in your life.

Trial-Ready Preparation That Signals Strength

Insurance companies recognize when a case is handled seriously. We thoroughly document and prepare each claim, expecting it to withstand scrutiny.

Credibility That Helps You Be Taken Seriously

Our attorneys are highly respected throughout the state and recognized for presenting well-prepared, credible claims. That reputation matters when insurers attempt to minimize injuries or rush settlements.

Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of auto accident attorneys in Wheeling were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
Read Sydney's Bio

Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
Read James's Bio

Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio

Car Accident Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a car accident lawyer?

If you were injured, missed work, or have ongoing symptoms, legal guidance can help protect your recovery and prevent early undervaluation.

What if I were partially at fault for the crash?

West Virginia allows recovery in many cases, even when fault is shared. A lawyer can evaluate how fault affects compensation.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim and the specific circumstances surrounding it. Speaking with a car accident attorney early helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the insurance company already offered a settlement?

Early offers are often made before the full impact of injuries is known. Accepting too soon may limit recovery for future medical needs.

Do I have to go to court?

Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation, but trial-ready preparation protects your position if litigation becomes necessary.

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Get Answers After a Car Accident

If you were injured in a car accident and are unsure what to do next, we are here to help. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and get clear guidance from a team that includes trusted auto accident attorneys and car wreck lawyers serving Wheeling, WV.

Talk With a Local Attorney Get a Free Case Review

If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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