A car accident can upend your life in an instant. Severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost earnings from missing work create stress, frustration, and confusion for crash survivors. Trying to get your life back on track can seem overwhelming. But if another driver caused the crash, you could have the right to seek compensation for these and other losses.
The Terra Alta car accident attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can serve as your critical ally in your pursuit of justice. Let us handle all the details of your case so you can focus on your medical recovery.
Ready to find out how we’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of West Virginians like you? Then contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, for a free case evaluation with a dedicated car accident lawyer in Terra Alta.
Road Safety in Terra Alta, West Virginia
Terra Alta has a base speed limit of 25 miles per hour, making it safe for motorists to drive there in most road and traffic conditions. However, when drivers leave Terra Alta, they must take highways such as Route 7, the Brandonville Pike, or I-68, which have higher speed limits that increase the chances of a car accident. Terra Alta also has significant snowfall in the winter, which can make traversing the area’s hilly and curvy roads more prone to skidding or sliding off the road.
How to Drive Safely on Icy Roads
Every motorist in West Virginia should learn how to drive on ice-covered roads so they can control their vehicle on slick surfaces and recover from a slide or skid. Critical tips for safe driving on icy roads include:
- Avoid driving when roads have iced over if possible.
- Regularly check the condition of your brakes, wipers, defroster, and heater.
- Check your antifreeze and wiper fluid levels.
- Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure and good tread.
- Give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you can drive more slowly and account for weather or traffic delays.
- Slow down below the speed limit. Posted speed limits allow for safe driving in ideal conditions. Driving too fast on an icy road increases your chances of being unable to stop in time to avoid a collision or losing control of your vehicle.
- If your rear wheels slide or skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer toward the skid. Gently pump your brakes if you have standard brakes, or slowly and steadily press the brake pedal if you have antilock brakes.
What to Do After Getting Injured in a Car Accident
The steps you take after a car accident can affect your health and your ability to recover fair compensation. If possible, you should:
- Report the accident to the authorities and request a copy of any police reports.
- Seek medical attention to determine if you have any injuries.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and instructions.
- Obtain copies of your medical records.
- Keep bills, invoices, and receipts of medical and car repair expenses or other accident-related costs.. Gather your pay stubs or income statements if you miss time from work or have reduced earnings due to your injuries.
- Start a diary or journal to document your recovery, including the pain and physical difficulties you experience.
- Finally, contact a West Virginia car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Many car accidents occur due to a motorist’s carelessness or recklessness, such as:
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Tailgating
- Running red lights/stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning or changing lanes without signaling or checking mirrors
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
- Becoming distracted behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Skipping regular vehicle maintenance
Other factors like poor road or weather conditions can also contribute to car accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
Car accidents commonly result in serious injuries like the following:
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Burns
- Degloving injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Muscle/tendon strains or tears
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Herniated spinal discs
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Facial injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Traumatic amputation or limb loss
Additionally, many people involved in severe car accidents struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While these injuries are not as apparent as bodily injuries, they can be just as debilitating.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident in Terra Alta, West Virginia
To prove that another driver’s negligence caused your car accident, you or your car accident injury lawyer will need to collect evidence like:
- Medical records
- Police accident reports
- Accident scene photos/videos
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Driver cell phone records
- Vehicle event data recorder (“black box”) logs
- Post-accident vehicle inspection report
- Car maintenance records
- Accident reconstruction expert reports
Since car accident evidence disappears quickly after a crash, it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin gathering evidence and building your case.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in West Virginia
Our car accident attorneys can help you pursue financial recovery for your:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs of ongoing care necessitated by your injuries or impairments
- Lost wages and income from missed work or due to reduced earning potential
- Lost future income and job benefits if you become permanently disabled from working
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life caused by disabilities or permanent, visible scarring or disfigurement
- Vehicle repair costs or reimbursement for the value of your totaled car
Contact Our Terra Alta Car Accident Lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help you seek compensation and accountability from the driver who hurt you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer in West Virginia.
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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