Author Archives: Kevin S. Kaufman
What Are the Rules on Spousal Support (Alimony) in a West Virginia Divorce?
When a couple dissolves their marriage, support for a dependent spouse, also called alimony, is often appropriate to prevent financial hardship for one spouse and unjust enrichment for the other. There are several ways to create an obligation to pay alimony: A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement might contain a stipulation for alimony. Couples may reach… Read More »
How Do Wrong-Way Highway Accidents Happen?
Wrong-way driving collisions at highway speed are the deadliest type of passenger car crashes because of the combined force of the vehicles bearing down on each other. In some instances, the opposite sides of the highway are divided by only a yellow line or a grass median without any barrier. Such roadways are vulnerable to… Read More »
How Is Property Divided in a West Virginia Divorce?
The leading financial issue in a divorce is usually the division of the couple’s property. But what are the rules in West Virginia about who gets what? West Virginia operates under a principle of equitable distribution, which means the court divides the marital estate in a manner that equitable. There are several steps to the… Read More »
How Does West Virginia’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect Auto Accident Settlements?
If you are injured in an auto accident that another person caused, you are entitled to recover damages to compensate for your losses. But what happens if the other driver is not entirely at fault? Suppose your actions contributed to the crash. Are you still able to recover compensation? All states have some version of… Read More »
Logbook Errors a Common Problem in Truck Accidents
The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) places strict regulations on the trucking industry, and drivers’ adherence to those regulations must be recorded in logbooks. Truck drivers and the companies employing them are required to keep accurate records of the time drivers spend out on the road, where shipments are headed, and the total… Read More »
The Role of the Police Report in an Auto Accident Injury Claim
If you are involved in a car accident in West Virginia that led to injuries or property damage, it’s important for someone to call the police and have an officer visit the scene to write and file a report. This document can be helpful if you later need to seek compensation for medical costs, lost… Read More »
Negotiating with an Insurance Company for Fair Compensation
If another party caused significant injuries to you or a loved one in West Virginia, you may find you need to file a claim with an insurance company and deal with a claims adjuster. While these insurance industry professionals can seem very helpful, you must keep in mind that their job is to minimize the… Read More »
The Complexity of Truck Accident Injury Claims
If you get into an accident on West Virginia roads with a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, it’s important to understand that you and your attorney may need to deal with certain complexities not found in a typical car accident case. That’s because there may be multiple parties at fault for the crash,… Read More »
What to Do When You Get in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
In West Virginia, all drivers must carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage of $25,000 for both liability and property damage. However, many people fail to carry this level of insurance, and some fail to carry any insurance at all. If you get into a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver on… Read More »
Properly Documenting a Slip and Fall Accident in West Virginia
If dangerous conditions on public or private property caused you to slip and fall, it is important to properly document the accident and your injuries in case you decide to consult an attorney to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages and other damages. If you can do so safely, try to take photos of… Read More »