A car accident on I-79 near mile larker 139 in Marion County, West Virginia, sent six people including a Marion County deputy, to local hospitals. The collision occurred on Monday around 8:45 p.m.
According to news reports and a press release from the West Virginia State Police, authorities had responded to a tractor trailer fire on Interstate 79 around 8:45 p.m. The deputy involved in the crash was attempted to slow down traffic and to move traffic into the left lane of the interstate.
Around that time, a 62 year old driver followed the deputy’s instructions and began to slow down and move into the left lane. The driver of a second vehicle operated by a 17 year old failed to see the deputy or the flares and rear-ended the car operated by the 62 year old individual. As a result, the deputy was hit and knocked nearly 40 feet off of the road.
Rear end collisions are a very common type of collision and often occur due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is defined by the department of transportation as “any driving that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary tasks of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.” Distracted driving includes, among other things:
– Texting
– Using a cell phone
– Eating
– Talking to a passenger
– Reading
– Using a navigation system
Distracted driving in the United States is a major problem. According to government statistics, ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported to be distracted.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
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