A tragic beginning to a new school year: Two cars and five people were involved in a fatal head-on collision on Fairmont Road (highway US 19)in Monongalia County near the intersection with Sugar Grove Road at about 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Highway 19 is a narrow, curvy, undivided highway with very limited shoulder room.
At least two of those injured or killed in this wreck were local teens from the Morgantown area; one was a recent high school graduate and the other still registered at UHS. A third teen who was a passenger in the backseat was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment for injuries. The two occupants of the other car were also seriously injured and hospitalized following the Fairmont Road accident.
Due to the sheer physics involved in head-on collisions, the resulting impairments or disabilities are nearly always severe and catastrophic requiring extending medical treatment, and all too often, same-lane collisions result in fatal injuries.
The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office has reported that two who were in the vehicle crash were killed instantly and the remaining three were hospitalized at Ruby Memorial Hospital for serious injuries following this two-vehicle fatal accident involving teens.
One of the vehicles was traveling north and was reported to have crossed into the southbound lane, striking the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Five people were involved in the accident; two were pronounced dead at the scene and the others were taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment for serious injuries.
As West Virginia Car Accident Lawyers, tragically we see that car accidents involving teenage drivers are all too common. As parents of teens, we know how scary it is to have kids out on the roads and can understand the overwhelming sorrow parents experience after such a tragedy. After two decades of practicing car accident law in Morgantown, I have counseled many families in such times of grief and realized that for each person killed, parents, siblings, spouses, teachers, colleagues, and friends find their lives forever changed by what has happened.
The Robinette Legal Group, PLLC: Experienced, compassionate help for the hurting. Questions? Call today 304-594-1800 or after hours, 304-216-6695.
For Practical Help and Links for Parents, Click Here
According to the information available, many car accidents involve young people who have not reached their 21st birthday. Speed, distractions, texting, alcohol, and inexperience often are factors that may lead to car accidents involving teens.
Certainly, no amount of money could ever compensate for such great losses of life and health. Even so, if someone else’s negligence caused this to occur, there is help available for your financial and practical aspects of the loss such as medical bills, lost wages, and sadly in some cases, funeral expenses.
Following a Morgantown area collision, you should not have to worry about how you will pay your medical bills or other expenses, especially if the accident was not your fault. An experienced injury lawyer can help you by finding all insurance compensation available and negotiating with the insurance companies for your damages against any responsible parties as allowed by West Virginia law.
Receiving Help after a WV Car Accident
At Robinette Legal Group, we are dedicated to helping injured people and their families recover compensation for the losses they have suffered. A car accident is traumatic for everyone involved in it, especially including close family members and friends. Those injured and the families of those who have suddenly and tragically lost loved ones in fatal car accidents, truck wrecks, and motorcycle collisions have legal remedies to help with the financial aspects of their great loss.
In West Virginia, surviving family members may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses before death
- Lost wages the deceased would have earned
- Emotional trauma suffered by family members
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
- Loss of family and household services
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses
You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. We will do everything we can to help you obtain the financial relief you need and deserve.
Contact Us
Contact us to learn how we can help you recover full and fair money damages for your losses. From our offices in Morgantown, we represent clients in car accident and wrongful death cases throughout West Virginia. If you need the help that we offer, call today for a free consultation: 304-594-1800 or 304-216-6695.
Source: WAJR News: “Double fatal accident on Fairmont Rd“August 17, 2014.
WAJR News: “Names released of Teens in Fatal Mon County Accident,” August 18, 2014.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
