West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Steven Recht Comments On New Mandatory Seatbelt Law In West Virginia
Weirton, WV (PRWEB) July 24, 2013 -- Personal injury lawyer Steven Recht of Recht Law Offices said today that the enactment of West Virginia’s new primary seat belt law for front seat passengers is a step in the right direction. West Virginia this week joined a growing list of states with primary seat belt laws for front seat occupants, giving police the authority to ticket drivers or front-seat passengers for not wearing a seat belt, according to WOWK 13 News, “State Police enforce new ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign” (July 9, 2013).
“Anything officials can do to save lives on our roads and highways is a great idea,” said Recht, who represents victims of negligence and families who lost loved ones in accidents. “Too many people are seriously injured or worse in car accidents and truck accidents every year in West Virginia. We realize wearing a seat belt might sometimes feel like an inconvenience to some people. But if every driver took this small step, more people might walk away unharmed from auto accidents throughout the state.”
West Virginia’s new primary seat belt law went into effect on July 9, according to WOWK 13 News. Drivers and front-seat passengers who violate the law could be fined $25 for not wearing a seat belt. By enacting the law, West Virginia joins 32 other states and the District of Columbia, which all have similar primary seat belt laws, WOWK 13 News reported.
Before the new West Virginia law went into effect, failure to wear a seat belt in the front seat was only a secondary offense statewide, according to WCHS Radio 58, “West Virginia Enacting Seat Belt Law” (July 8, 2013). Secondary offenses mean that police officers can only stop drivers if police observe a motorist doing something else illegal.
The new primary seatbelt law joins another new driving law recently enacted in West Virginia. As of July 1, West Virginia drivers are no longer allowed to use a hand-held cell phone, according to WBOY 12 News “New Driving Laws Go Into Effect July 1, July 9” (July 1, 2013). Instead, drivers must now use hands-free devices when operating a cell phone in West Virginia, WBOY 12 News reported.
West Virginia’s new cell phone law and seat belt law likely will help reduce the number of serious car accidents throughout the state, Recht said. But the West Virginia personal injury attorney added that he realizes that car accidents will continue to happen.
“Too often, too many people are not giving their undivided attention to what’s happening around them on the road,” Recht said. “Instead of focusing solely on driving, many drivers are texting while driving or weaving in and out of traffic. That’s how many rear-end collisions and even hit and run accidents happen. Drivers aren’t paying attention and they hit another car. Whatever the reason, car accident victims shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone else’s mistakes. That’s why it’s wise for injured victims or their families to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can make sure their rights are protected.”
For more information about what to do after an auto accident in West Virginia and the legal options available to families, call 1-800-HURTLINE (1-800-487-8546) or go to: http://www.rechtlaw.com/contact
About Recht Law Offices
Recht Law Offices handles all types of serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, from car and truck accidents to nursing home abuse, slip and fall injuries and workers compensation claims. The attorneys at Recht Law Offices work on a contingency fee basis. That means clients do not pay any fees if they don’t win.
Recht Law Offices
3405 Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062-4505
http://www.rechtlaw.com
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, 888.566.5466, [email protected]
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