Charleston Personal Injury Law Blog

When it comes to life’s certainties, road construction ranks right up there with death and taxes. As populations continue to grow and the nation’s roads undergo more and more use, work zones will likely become increasingly common on the nation’s roadways.

Regrettably, however, car crashes are also becoming increasingly common in work zones, with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration reporting that the number of work zone crashes taking place in the country rose 43 percent between 2013 and 2015. So, what is it about work zones that make them so dangerous, and what can you to reduce your risk of a construction zone car crash?

West Virginia has one of the highest car accident rates in the country. Reports estimate that one out of every four crashes that occur in the state are a result of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

While accidents most often occur on highways and busy streets, a good number of them take place in parking lots. Although vehicles generally do not travel fast in parking lots, a slow-speed crash can still result in substantial injuries and even death. Even though the damage may not seem like much following a parking lot accident, it is important to establish liability in case you sustain an injury or discover significant property damage. 

Many car accidents that occur in West Virginia are relatively minor in nature. However, any accident involving a logging truck or any kind of big rig could result in much greater damage. Due to their immense size and weight, a collision between a logging truck and a standard sedan is much more likely to result in injuries or fatalities.

Truck drivers receive extensive training to handle the vehicle properly, but staying safe on the road also means other motorists need to be careful when driving around large trucks. 

There are many ways in which whiplash can occur, from contact sports to amusement park rides. However, the most common way it occurs is through motor vehicle accidents. 

Although many people talk about whiplash following car accidents, few seem to be aware of the overall impact it can have on a person's life. One scientific study found that it can take up to two years for whiplash symptoms to stabilize. There are also patients who continue to experience the symptoms seven years after the initial incident. Some people may require years of medical treatments and medications.