Proudly Fighting
for West Virginia
Injury Victims
RECOVERING MILLIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Published on Feb 11, 2025 at 4:25 pm in Car Accidents.

Do you remember the first time you got behind the driver’s seat of a car? Were you in driver’s education class with an instructor, or were you getting lessons from one of your parents? You probably drove very slowly and were extremely cautious. Ironically, the more time we spend behind the wheel, the more we take the process for granted, which can lead to becoming less cautious.

A survey conducted by insurance companies found that the average driver will file a collision claim once every 17 years. In West Virginia, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that in 2024, 779 motorists were involved in non-fatal crashes. That averages out to around 2 accidents every day.

The most effective way to avoid a car accident is to never drive in a car, but that is not practical. What can work is understanding the common causes of car accidents and being proactive with your driving habits to help avoid them.

What Is West Virginia’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing Program?

Published on Jan 28, 2025 at 4:36 pm in Car Accidents.

What is West Virginia's graduated driver's licensing program?

Getting your driver’s license is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.

West Virginia has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. Instead of jumping right into full driving privileges, the GDL program gives teens a chance to learn the ropes step by step while minimizing risks.

Let’s look at what you need to know about West Virginia’s GDL program and how it works.

What Should You Do If You Start to Hydroplane While Driving?

Published on Sep 10, 2024 at 3:41 pm in Car Accidents.

The moment it starts to rain, road conditions change, and the risk of getting into a collision with other cars increases. Data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration finds there are around 1,235,000 weather-related crashes each year. Along with severe weather like snow, fog, and crosswinds, you can face hydroplaning challenges. What should you do if you start to hydroplane while driving?

Can You Use Hands-Free Devices While Driving in West Virginia?

Published on Aug 20, 2024 at 3:44 pm in Car Accidents.

Close your eyes and count to five. That might seem like a short time, but that is how long it might take you to type and send a text. If you’re driving at 55 mph, those five seconds would be equal to driving the length of a football field, and a lot of destruction can happen in that time. That is why West Virginia is one of 48 other states that have some form of texting-while-driving laws. As a responsible driver, you need to know if you can use hands-free devices while driving in West Virginia.

What Are the Most Common Types of Driving Distractions?

Published on Aug 6, 2024 at 3:15 pm in Car Accidents.

A devasting car accident can happen in the blink of an eye. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,308 car fatalities were attributed to distracted driving in 2022. Unlike collisions caused by weather conditions, distracted driving incidents are entirely preventable. When you understand the most common types of driving distractions, you can take proactive measures to keep them from happening while driving.

Here are the most cited distractions a motorist encounters while driving:

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Car Injury Cases

Published on Jul 24, 2024 at 3:40 pm in Car Accidents.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Car Injury Cases

When it comes to car injury cases, your legal team needs to build a strong case that centers around the facts. One way to establish fault and show causation for your injuries is with the help of expert witnesses.

These knowledgeable professionals play an important role in unraveling the intricacies of accidents, injuries, and liability. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we have worked with many expert witnesses to help with our clients’ cases. These individuals can be invaluable resources when it comes time to take your claim to trial.

Here are a few points to know about the role of expert witnesses in car injury cases.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in West Virginia?

Published on Jul 16, 2024 at 3:53 pm in Car Accidents.

After you have been injured in a car accident, you might think that you have plenty of time to file a claim. Unfortunately, that is not true. There is a time limit to take legal action, and if you miss that deadline, you could lose your opportunity to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we understand these deadlines. For that reason, we always ensure that our clients don’t lose out on much-needed compensation for their cases.

If you would like to learn what is the statute of limitations for car accident claims in West Virginia, let’s take a closer look at the law.

How To Handle Drivers With Road Rage

Published on Jun 25, 2024 at 2:56 pm in Car Accidents.


Everyone gets frustrated on the road. But what happens when that turns into road rage? We have all heard stories about angry drivers causing havoc on the streets. Is there a way to de-escalate the situation so you don’t end up in an accident?

Our lawyers at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, have handled many car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases over the years. Most of the time, the fault is due to another driver’s actions.

When it comes to dealing with an aggressive driver, do you really know how to handle drivers with road rage? Here are a few tips to help avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Proving a Permanent Injury Related to a Car Accident

Published on May 21, 2024 at 4:49 pm in Car Accidents.

Proving a permanent injury related to a car accident

Unfortunately, when someone suffers from a permanently disabling injury, it can mean a lifetime of agony. When a car accident is the direct cause of these injuries, the victim can pursue a lawsuit, but the responsibility for proving a permanent injury related to a car accident is yours alone.

How do you prove that a permanent injury is related to a car accident? At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we have spent years helping our clients establish these facts in their cases.

If you have been injured and suffered a permanent injury, there are several ways to connect your physical condition to the accident.