As someone navigating the roadways here in the Mountain State, you’ve likely heard that using hands-free devices is permitted among drivers here. However, what type of technology actually falls into this category?

Below, we’ll share what counts as a hands-free device in West Virginia so that you can make sure you don’t end up on the wrong side of the law or become involved in a distracted driving crash.

Windshield wipers might not seem that important, especially in comparison to other auto parts like seat belts, brakes, and engines. But without properly functioning wipers, it can be hard to operate your vehicle safely. Understanding the basics of windshield wiper maintenance can help you protect yourself from accidents and related legal actions.

The oil inside of your car’s engine plays a vital role in keeping metal parts lubricated, which prevents them from rubbing against each other. However, over time, engine oil will break down and transform from a smooth liquid into a thick gooey mess. If you don’t change the oil on a regular basis, it can clog the engine and increase the risk of serious damage to your vehicle.

How Often Should Engine Oil Be Changed?

You may have heard that you’re supposed to change your engine’s oil every 3,000 miles. However, that is largely outdated advice that only serves to help your local service station make more money. Generally speaking, you can go at least 5,000 miles before you need an oil change. Your owner’s manual will likely mention how often the oil should be changed as part of an overall vehicle maintenance schedule.

As you’re well aware, auto accidents can take on many shapes and forms. As a passenger car operator, you can become involved in crashes with pedestrians and then different vehicles like bicycles, motorcycles, and trucks. You can even become involved in a single-car accident. And then these crashes may result in no property damage or injuries at all, or cause catastrophic injuries (including death). If you were involved in a crash while driving here in Charleston or elsewhere in our state, it’s only natural to wonder how long you have to report a car accident in West Virginia. Our firm, DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, shares what you need to know so you minimize your chances of ending up on the wrong side of the law.

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.

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.

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?

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.

There isn’t always one person who is at fault in a T-bone car accident. But because T-bone accidents are often caused by traffic violations, this type of motor vehicle accident can be more clear-cut than other types.

More often than not, a T-bone car accident is caused by a person who runs the red light, misses the stop sign, drives drunk, or crashes into the side of another car while looking at their cell phone. Essentially, most T-bones happen when one driver is negligent and fails to yield the right of way to another.

You may have been following the rules of the road when you suddenly found yourself being T-boned by another vehicle. If that’s the case, you may have grounds to file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But before any legal action can be taken to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses, you need to be able to conclusively answer the question: Who is at fault in the T-bone car accident?

You become involved in a slow-speed fender-bender while sitting in a traffic jam, tap the bumper of a vehicle as you pull into or out of a parking space, or lightly graze a pedestrian or bicyclist as you navigate a turn. These are three examples of what may seem like relatively minor car accidents; however, despite appearances or perceptions about them, these collisions can have far more devastating consequences to property and persons than you imagine.

Many motorists are quick to classify their car accidents as minor ones. They do so because they want to avoid getting the police or their insurance company involved, seeking medical treatment, or losing access to their vehicle while it’s under repair.