Highway crashes result in catastrophic injuries, including fatalities, all too often. The combination of high speeds and the many surrounding vehicles makes chain reaction crashes and rollover accidents possible, further increasing the likelihood of sustaining such life-altering losses.
If you or a loved one has been in any highway crashes in Charleston, West Virginia, understanding your legal options is essential. Filing a legal claim against the at-fault driver is a worthwhile choice, but because these cases are so complex, you should never attempt to begin one on your own.
At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, our Charleston highway crash lawyers can assist you in filing a personal injury claim. Below, you’ll learn more about the most common causes of highway crashes in the area and how our team will support your fight for compensation. Contact us today at (304) 720-1000 for more information
How Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Highway Crash in Charleston, WV
Car accidents that take place on highways often leave victims struggling with ongoing medical needs, the inability to work, and psychological trauma that makes daily life difficult. If the crash occurred because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to begin a claim against them to recover economic and non-economic damages.
The team of Charleston car accident attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers can assist you as you pursue legal action, offering services that include the following:
- A case assessment during a free consultation
- A thorough investigation into what caused the accident
- Collection of evidence to prove liability
- Calculation of damages
- Communication and negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation, if necessary
With decades of experience helping people in Charleston, WV, who have suffered losses because of another party’s misconduct, we are ready to provide the compassionate representation you deserve. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation for your case.
Common Causes of West Virginia Highway Crashes
Highway crashes typically occur as a result of driver error, though other factors may be at play, too.
Nevertheless, some of the most frequently cited causes of Charleston highway crashes are as follows:
Speeding
Speeding is a near staple concern on highways. It’s typically easier for a driver to lose control of their car when traveling at high speeds, and they’ll need more time to come to a complete stop if a hazard appears.
Furthermore, high speeds impact the effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags. That, in turn, means the force on impact will be much greater as well. Even relatively common rear-end collisions can result in head trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries when a speeding vehicle is involved.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another concern that reaches across the entire country; in 2023, it resulted in 3,275 deaths nationwide. Cell phone use is the most common distraction, but eating, drinking, changing radio stations, and even speaking with passengers can all divert a driver’s attention away from the road, causing them to fail to notice hazards until it’s too late to avoid them.
Fatigued Driving
Drivers who are exhausted behind the wheel can shift into other lanes without realizing it, or may even end up flooring the gas pedal if they fall unconscious. Even microsleep, a phenomenon that lasts just a few seconds, can result in a catastrophic accident.
Driving while being so tired also means the vehicle’s operator will have poor reflexes and reaction times. Their depth perception can suffer, as well, meaning any lane changes could result in crashes.
Intoxicated Driving
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can put everyone on the road at risk, as the affected driver can become more reckless and struggle with coordination. Of the 264 fatalities that occurred in West Virginia throughout 2022, 60 were alcohol-related.
Road Conditions
Highways that are in poor condition because of things like cracked asphalt, potholes, or other similar issues can more easily cause crashes. In these cases, it could be possible to hold the government agency in charge of maintaining the road responsible for the losses you sustained, as opposed to (or in addition to) the other driver.
Auto Malfunctions
When a car part malfunctions, it can lead to accidents. Tire blowouts are particularly worrisome on highways, seeing as it can be very difficult for other vehicles to react in time when debris appears on the road. The car manufacturer, or its mechanic, may be held liable here.
Contact Our Charleston Highway Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered an accident on a West Virginia highway, filing a claim may be the only way to recover your resulting losses. At Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer the support you need to make that process far less harrowing and give you a chance to receive fair compensation. Schedule a consultation to speak with one of our Charleston highway crash attorneys today.
