On August 14, 2022, a man was killed in a single-vehicle accident on I-79. The motorist, identified as 68-year-old Charles Delaney, had been traveling on the southbound side close to mile marker 143 when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed on the right side of the highway. Law enforcement was notified and dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:30 pm. As a result of the accident, the interstate was closed for around three hours after the crash, not reopening until late afternoon.
West Virginia Car Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) recent State Highway Safety Report for West Virginia, there were 267 highway fatalities in the state that year. There were also 805 serious injuries — which is down from previous years, many of which saw over 1,000 serious injury cases annually.
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC published a study documenting the deadliest roads in West Virginia. The study found that a stretch of I-77 in Mercer County was the deadliest mile of road in the state. Tragically, 11 people were killed on this one-mile stretch between 2000 and 2019.
The study also identified the 12 deadliest roads in West Virginia based on the number of fatal crashes from 2000 to 2019. These stretches of highway included:
- I-81 between exits 8 and 13
- I-77 between Eads Mill Rd and Beckley Rd
- US-60 between Richmond St and I-64
- WV-16 between Cross St and Maxwell Hill Rd
- I-64 between exits 40 and 45
- US-50 between CR-50/28 and Halls Run Rd
- I-64 between exit 8 and CR-34/6
- WV-9 between Rumbling Rock Rd and Log Home Dr
- US-119 between Prichard Rd and Brown Ranch Rd
- US-340 between WV-9 and Shoreline Dr
- I-79 between the Pennsylvania border and exit 155
- I-81 between exit 8 and Henshaw Rd
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident in West Virginia and someone else was responsible, you have a legal right to pursue compensation.
Can I Get Compensation for Wrongful Death After a Fatal Car Accident in West Virginia?
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in West Virginia because of someone else’s negligence, you could seek justice from the at-fault party through a wrongful death lawsuit. In West Virginia, the personal representative of the victim’s estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit for the surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other dependent family members.
Your family could seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred by your loved one before their death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Future lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and support
Were You Injured in a Car Accident in West Virginia? Get a Car Accident Lawyer to Represent You
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a West Virginia car crash, contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC today. Our West Virginia car accident attorneys have the skills and experience to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
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.
