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.

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?

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.

If you ever get into an accident, you need to notify three groups of people. First, you have to tell your family that you’re okay. Next, you should call the police to generate an accident report. Lastly, you have to report a car accident to your insurance company. How long you wait to make those reports depends on several factors.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

About 95% of personal injury cases are settled out of court. One of the first steps in this process is talking to an insurance adjuster. These individuals will investigate the incident and reach a conclusion based on the evidence, including what you say to them.

When filing insurance claims, effective communication with the insurance adjuster can be the key to a successful claim. However, certain phrases can hinder the claims process and lead to delays or even denials.

You need to be mindful of what you say during your interactions with the adjuster to avoid making statements that could negatively impact your claim. Let’s take a closer look at some phrases you should avoid saying, along with examples of why they can be problematic.