When other drivers choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they can cause serious accidents that result in debilitating injuries and sometimes fatalities.
If you suffered injuries in a Morgantown, West Virginia, drunk driving collision, the knowledgeable attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help. We can meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your accident, go over your available legal options with you, and pursue the compensation you need for your losses right away.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Morgantown drunk driving accident attorney, please call us at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online.
Why Should We Represent You?
Drunk driving accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, significant medical costs, and other consequences. If you or a person you love sustained injuries in a recent Morgantown drunk driving crash, the attorneys at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, are prepared to handle your case from start to finish.
Our lawyers have a strong track record of favorably settling and litigating drunk driving accident cases throughout West Virginia. We also limit our caseloads, which better enables us to focus all of our attention on your unique case and interests.
You can view our most recent client testimonials and case results by clicking on the following links.
Our office is conveniently located at 211 Everhart Drive, Suite 200, Morgantown, WV 26508.
How Much Is My Morgantown Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
After a drunk driving accident in Morgantown, West Virginia, the amount of compensation you can receive for your losses will depend on the severity of your injuries, the effects on your life, and the extent of your financial losses.
Typically, victims of drunk driving accidents can recover several forms of compensation. One of the main types is medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and any ongoing treatments, like physical therapy.
If you suffered long-term or permanent injuries, you may also receive compensation for future medical costs.
Another important form of compensation is for lost income. If your injuries have forced you to miss work, you can be compensated for the income you’ve lost. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may recover compensation for lost earning capacity. This covers the income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t happened.
You can also receive compensation for pain and suffering. This includes the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a direct result of the drunk driving accident. In some cases, your compensation will consider the effects on your mental health, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Property damage is another common form of compensation. If your vehicle or any personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can recover compensation for the cost of repairs or the replacement value.
In drunk driving cases, punitive damages can punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior – and to deter others from driving under the influence.
Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Most Frequently Occur in Morgantown?
In Morgantown, West Virginia, the incidence of drunk driving accidents is closely tied to the town’s geography, traffic patterns, and social culture.
As a vibrant college town that’s home to West Virginia University, Morgantown experiences a significant amount of nightlife activity – particularly in areas where bars, clubs, and restaurants are concentrated.
This contributes to certain locations seeing more drunk driving accidents.
- One of the most common locations for these accidents is along High Street. This central thoroughfare runs through the heart of downtown Morgantown and is lined with popular bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues that both students and locals frequent. The combination of heavy foot traffic, frequent events, and high levels of alcohol consumption makes this area particularly susceptible to drunk driving incidents – especially during late-night hours and on weekends.
- Another high-risk area is University Avenue, which runs parallel to the WVU campus and is a primary route for both student and commuter traffic. The close proximity to dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and other student housing means that impaired drivers often traverse this route, particularly after leaving social gatherings or parties where alcohol is consumed.
- Monongahela Boulevard and the Beechurst Avenue corridor are also notable hotspots for drunk driving accidents. These roads serve as major arteries for traffic flowing in and out of Morgantown, connecting the downtown area with Interstate 79 and other outlying areas. The high traffic volume, coupled with the fact that many drivers use these routes after attending social events or sporting events where alcohol is present, contributes to an increased risk of accidents.
- Interstate 68 and its interchanges, particularly around the Mileground Road exit, also see a higher frequency of drunk driving accidents. The combination of high speeds, complex merges, and the presence of out-of-town drivers who don’t know the area can lead to dangerous situations – particularly late at night or after major events in town.
Types of Accidents that Drunk Drivers May Cause in Morgantown
In Morgantown, West Virginia, drunk driving poses a significant threat to road safety, leading to various types of accidents that can have devastating consequences.
The city’s layout, combined with its vibrant nightlife, creates conditions where intoxicated drivers may get in serious accidents.
One of the most common types of accidents resulting from drunk drivers is the rear-end collision. Impaired drivers often have slower reaction times and may not notice traffic slowing down in front of them – especially in areas with heavy congestion like High Street or University Avenue. The inability to brake in time frequently results in rear-end crashes, which can lead to serious injuries, especially when high speeds are involved.
- Head-on collisions are another severe type of accident commonly associated with drunk driving. These accidents occur when a driver crosses the centerline of the road, often due to impaired judgment or falling asleep at the wheel. In Morgantown, head-on collisions are particularly dangerous on winding roads and narrow streets like those found in the rural areas surrounding the city – or on routes like Monongahela Boulevard, where there is little margin for error.
- Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, are common at intersections where a drunk driver fails to obey traffic signals or stop signs. This type of accident can occur at busy intersections throughout Morgantown, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes and frequent pedestrian crossings.
- Finally, wrong-way accidents occur when a drunk driver enters a roadway or highway in the wrong direction, leading to potential collisions with oncoming traffic. These accidents are particularly dangerous on interstates like I-68, where high speeds amplify the risk of severe injury or fatality.
Each of these accidents is a direct result of impaired driving and poses a significant risk to everyone on the road.
Most Common Injuries in Morgantown Drunk Driving Crashes
Victims of drunk driving collisions in Morgantown, West Virginia, often suffer from a wide range of injuries, many of which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. The severity of these injuries largely depends on the nature of the collision, such as the speed at which the vehicles were traveling and the point of impact.
However, certain injuries are more commonly associated with drunk driving accidents, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries that can result from a drunk driving collision. These injuries occur when the head is subjected to a violent force, causing the brain to move within the skull. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, or other forms of brain damage. Victims with TBIs may experience symptoms ranging from headaches and memory loss to more severe outcomes like cognitive impairments or permanent disability.
- Another common injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked forward and backward, as often happens in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In some cases, the symptoms of whiplash can persist for months or even years, affecting the victim’s quality of life.
- Drunk driving accidents often cause spinal cord injuries. These injuries can range from herniated discs to more serious conditions like paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound effect on a person’s mobility and may require extensive rehabilitation or lifelong care.
- Broken bones and fractures are another common outcome of drunk driving collisions. Victims may suffer fractures to the ribs, legs, or arms, often requiring surgical intervention and prolonged recovery periods. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to permanent disability or chronic pain.
- Finally, victims of drunk driving collisions may suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological effect of surviving a serious motor vehicle accident may require expensive ongoing mental health support.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Morgantown Drunk Driving Accident Case
In a Morgantown, West Virginia, drunk driving accident case, fighting the insurance company can be a daunting task. However, at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, our team is here to advocate for you every step of the way.
We understand how insurance companies minimize or deny claims, and we are committed to ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
- First, we thoroughly investigate your case, gathering all of the necessary evidence to assemble a strong claim or lawsuit on your behalf. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage of the crash. By carefully analyzing this information, we can establish the fault of the drunk driver and demonstrate the extent of your damages.
- Next, we handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests – often at the expense of injured accident victims. We counter their tactics by presenting a well-documented case that leaves little room for them to dispute the severity of your injuries or the liability of their policyholder.
- We also negotiate aggressively to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies often make lowball offers, hoping that you will accept less than what you deserve. We have extensive experience in negotiation and will push back against any unfair settlement offers, advocating for a resolution that fully covers your medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
- If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair monetary settlement, we are ready to take your case to court. Our litigation team has a proven track record of success in the courtroom, and we will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Steps to Take Shortly after a Morgantown Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident in Morgantown, West Virginia, taking the right steps can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the most important actions you should take:
- First, do not speak with the insurance company for the at-fault (drunk) driver. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts by getting victims to admit fault or downplay their injuries. It’s important to avoid making any statements or signing documents without first consulting a lawyer.
- Next, important documentation related to the accident must be retained. This includes the police report, photographs of the accident scene, witness contact information, and any medical records. Keeping thorough records will help build a strong case and provide evidence of your injuries and damages.
- It’s also essential to complete all medical treatments that your healthcare provider recommends. Follow through with every appointment and treatment plan, even if you start feeling better. This ensures that your injuries are properly documented, which is crucial for establishing the extent of your damages when seeking compensation.
- Finally, consult a Morgantown drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we can protect your interests and handle all negotiations with the insurance company, allowing you to focus fully on your recovery.
Talk With a Skilled Morgantown Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, our experienced attorneys are prepared to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your drunk driving accident claim or lawsuit.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Morgantown personal injury lawyer, please call us at (304) 594-1800 or contact us online for more information.
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC – Morgantown Office Location
211 Everhart Dr Ste 200,
Morgantown, WV 26508,
United States
Contact Number – (304) 403-7504
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
Our Awards and Certifications
