December 2010 Archives

December 28, 2010

Car Crash on I-79 Kills One Person and Injures Two Others

95470_accident_6.jpgAn automobile accident involving two vehicles occurred this morning on Interstate 79 near Enmoore, West Virginia. WBOY reports that a minivan heading south on I-79 swerved across the median and hit a pick-up truck in the northbound lane. One individual in the minivan was killed in the crash and the other van passenger was airlifted to a hospital in Morgantown for treatment. Fortunately, the driver of the truck sustained only minor injuries and did not immediately go to the hospital after the arrival of local firefighters and emergency medical services. West Virginia State Police are currently investigating the accident, as the cause of the wreck is still unknown.

Car accidents occur frequently enough on West Virginia's roads that most people know someone who has been in a wreck of some kind. While fender benders are common, many car crashes cause major vehicular damage and grave injuries to the people involved. Such injuries require expensive medical treatment and may result in a chronic condition. These damages are costly and the prospect of dealing with the insurance companies to get compensated for your losses is intimidating. After any automobile wreck, you should consult a West Virginia auto accident attorney, as they can help ensure that your interests are served. A seasoned lawyer can inform you of your rights, help negotiate and obtain fair compensation for your injuries, and guide you through the insurance claim process.

December 17, 2010

Tractor-trailer Overturns on I-64 in Huntington Due to Inclement Weather

WSAZ reports that a semi-truck crashed and flipped on its side yesterday afternoon on Interstate 64 near the Kenova exit. The truck was pulling a load of lumber and debris from the accident was strewn across all four lanes of traffic, causing a complete shutdown of the westbound lanes for a time. Thankfully, no one was injured in the wreck, though another vehicle was involved with the incident. A preliminary investigation indicated that the crash was caused by inclement weather conditions.

951433_trucking_in_snow.jpgBetween high winds, icy road conditions, and increased holiday traffic, the onset of winter usually means more traffic accidents on West Virginia's roads. Taking precautions accordingly is always advisable, but even the most cautious driver can be caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Semi-trucks are forever prevalent on the highways, and when such sizable vehicles are involved in a crash at high speeds, the property damage can be significant and the resulting injuries can be severe.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, contacting a West Virginia truck accident attorney is advisable. There is no need to deal with your injuries and automotive damages by yourself, and a trained lawyer can help get you compensated for your hardship. The insurance companies that get involved after a wreck will look out for their own best interests, so you should have a legal advocate looking out for yours.

December 14, 2010

Winter Ice Creating Dangerous Conditions on West Virginia's Roads

1293439_the_netherlands_-_dutch_landscape.jpgNow that the calendar has hit December and winter is officially upon us, icy roads are becoming a greater danger for West Virginia's drivers. WTAP Parkersburg reports that several accidents have already occurred this month on Interstate 77 due to icy conditions.

A two vehicle accident occurred near Macksburg when a pickup truck hit an ice patch in the southbound lane, spun into the median and hit another car. The driver of the truck and her infant son were injured, but the driver of the car escaped the incident unscathed. Two other accidents on I-77 also occurred the first weekend of the month, though no injuries resulted from the wrecks. Highway Patrol officers are investigating the accidents and had advice for driving in winter weather. In order to be safe on the roads this winter, Ohio State Troopers advise citizens to take more time while driving and maintain a greater distance between cars when driving in traffic. Because the weather can make it more difficult to stop, drivers should do what they can to ensure that they have time to stop if needed to avoid trouble on the roads.

Many people travel to see family during the holiday season, and the Wolfe Law Firm hopes that everyone will heed the sage advice of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and drive safely this winter. However, as the previous news story reports, accidents can and do happen when the roads ice over. If you or a family member has been in an accident because of icy conditions or for another reason, you should consult a West Virginia automobile accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your interests are protected.

December 10, 2010

Plant Explosion Claims Two Lives and Injures Two Others

129523_industrial_misc__1.jpgWest Virginia Public Broadcasting and the AP report that an explosion occurred at an aluminum additive manufacturing plant in New Cumberland, West Virginia on December 9th. The blast claimed the lives of two brothers working at the facility and caused severe burns to one other employee and an outside contractor caught in the blast radius. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time but is currently being investigated by local law enforcement. Unfortunately, this is the third such blast at the plant in the last fifteen years that has resulted in a fatality.

The Wolfe Law Firm wishes to extend our condolences to those who survive the two men killed in the accident and hope for the speedy recovery of the two injured men as well. This story is a stark reminder of the dangers faced in the workplace and how severe the consequences of industrial accidents and explosions can be. If you or a loved one has been injured or has died in an explosion, you should contact a West Virginia personal injury and wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. A licensed advocate can evaluate the circumstances of the accident to determine the viability of your claim and provide guidance for how to proceed. Workplace injuries can become a financial burden, and the services of an attorney can help defray medical costs and deal with the inevitable insurance claims that follow in the wake of such accidents.

December 3, 2010

Car Accident in Construction Zone Injures Two

1032474_front_end_loader.jpgRoad work is an all too common occurrence these days, so drivers need to take care when driving through a road work zone or in the vicinity of other construction near the roadway. Construction zones present several dangers to drivers, including: debris in the road, narrowed lanes, and the presence of construction workers and construction equipment. Because of these potential hazards, we here at the Wolfe Law Firm want to remind drivers to stay alert and stay safe when operating a car near construction sites.

Even when operating a motor vehicle cautiously, accidents can still happen, and a recent accident illustrates the dangers of driving through a construction zone. The Register Herald reports that a seventy-four year old woman hit a back hoe in a construction zone on State Route 55 between Beaver and Calvin, West Virginia. The accident occurred around 2:35 p.m. in the afternoon on December first, and injured both the driver and back hoe operator. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

After a car accident or an accident related to a construction zone, the ensuing medical costs and automobile repair expenses can be quite large. If you or a loved one has been in such an accident, you should contact a West Virginia accident attorney to learn your rights. Not every accident gives rise to a legal claim, but consulting a lawyer after any car wreck is always a good idea.