As a parent of a child, you don’t likely need any reminding that there are requirements in place for restraining your child when you’re transporting them in an automobile. And, it’s likely that you understand that such laws exist for good reason. However, if you’re a first-time parent or new to West Virginia, or perhaps an occasional caregiver, you may be unaware of the ins and outs of child seat belt laws in West Virginia.

Below, our lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC share what you should know about ages, weights, placement in the vehicle, and many other factors that dictate how and when a child must be restrained by a seat belt when traveling on our state’s roadways. So, continue reading what these requirements are to not only minimize the chances of receiving a citation but, more importantly, unnecessarily avoid endangering the life of a minor.

DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC (DSMB) is committed to advocating for wronged West Virginians in Charleston and elsewhere throughout “The Mountain State.” This commitment is evident in our recent filing of appellate briefs in a sexual assault, public transparency matter involving West Virginia University, and judicial ethics cases on behalf of clients harmed. These recent appellate cases filed by DSMB are representative of a small handful of cases that our experienced attorneys handle. Our lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate whether we, too, can help you.

Owning a motor vehicle is a big responsibility, and not just because you’re financially accountable for making monthly auto loan payments and maintaining insurance coverage. As a vehicle owner, you’re responsible for maintaining a road-safe vehicle that won’t endanger you or the lives of those around you.

Not everyone takes vehicle maintenance as seriously as they should, though. Here are 5 common mechanical problems leading to car accidents in West Virginia.

Does driving a passenger car not do it for you, and you want to experience the thrill that can only come with getting on a motorbike and traveling down the road with the open air blowing all around you? Below, we’ll outline motorcycle license requirements in West Virginia so that you can adequately prepare yourself to secure it and keep it once you have it.

Steps To Obtain a West Virginia Motorcycle License

According to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), anyone wishing to travel on public roads by motorbike must first obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit before one of the following:

• A Class F motorcycle-only driver’s license
• A motorcycle endorsement (Class F) on your driver’s license

Everyone has burned themselves on something in their life, pulling something out of a hot oven, touching a frayed electrical cord, or anything in between. Most of the time, small burns fade after a few hours to a few days, but sometimes burns are more severe and leave a permanent reminder of the injury.

Electrical burns can happen in a variety of ways and are usually accidental and easily preventable. This type of injury usually causes burns and scarring, but not always. If you’ve suffered from an electrical injury, even if you don’t see any external burns, it may be a good idea to get yourself checked out by a doctor.

When we purchase any new product or use a piece of equipment at work or at home, we expect these items to work as advertised. Unfortunately, a lot of items aren’t as safe as they’re supposed to be, and these defective products can cause injuries or loss of work.

In its most basic definition, defective means having a defect or flaw. An item or product that is defective has flaws that can cause problems, sometimes catastrophic ones. Even when these faulty products are used correctly, according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, they will still break and create injuries to the consumer.

Nursing homes are supposed to be safe, secure environments in which elderly and medically vulnerable individuals can receive the care they need. These are often the safest places for older patients, especially those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. But can a person leave a nursing home? And if so, when is it safe to do so, and when is it not?

Key Points and Questions We’ll Cover in This Blog Include…

• What is elopement, and why is it dangerous?
• Who is most at risk for wandering and elopement?
• What can nursing homes do to protect patients from eloping?

We rely on our personal motor vehicles for everything from getting to work and dropping kids off at school to running errands and traveling for vacations. When an accident leaves you without a working car, you need a replacement, and you need it fast. So, how do car insurance companies calculate total loss value, and how can you make sure they’re paying you what you’re owed?

If you don’t know what to expect, you’re at a greater risk of being taken advantage of. That’s why our team of Charleston car accident attorneys ensures that every client we work with understands their rights and what they are entitled to.

We’ll Answer Questions Like…

• How do I know if my vehicle is totaled after an accident?
• How does the insurer determine the fair market value of my vehicle?
• What can I do to receive full compensation for the loss of my vehicle after a crash?

It would seem that our senior partner, Tim DiPiero, continues to refuse to retire from his long-standing athletic pursuits. While he loves to play and compete in golf and pickleball and an annual bocce tournament, playing basketball still remains his favorite sport. Inspired over the last 25 years by guys like Nemo Nearman, Keith Holmes, Pete White and Bob Johnson, among several other veteran ballers, Tim, at the “young” age of 74 has been a part of some winning championships of late.

Exploring a new area can be an exciting adventure—or it can be terrifying and stressful. The Charleston car accident attorneys from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC talk tips for safe road travel in unfamiliar territory.