Anybody who experiences loss grieves in his or her own way, and the timeline for grief varies as well. The danger lies in grief not processing in a healthy way, which may cause the bereaved individual to fall into a debilitating depression that lasts for months or even years.

A grief counselor – also known a bereavement counselor – can help you work through your feelings and discuss how your loved one's death has impacted you and your family. A good counselor won't ever minimize your loss or try to make you “get over it” more quickly, but will help you find healthy and productive ways to process your grief.

Some law firms work with grief counselors who help their clients through the emotional process of filing a wrongful death claim. Having a counselor to support you while you move through the trial process can make a big difference in your outlook and your emotional recovery.

Contacting a West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney

If you've lost a loved one in an accident, you have options. The Miley Legal Group is here to help you understand the legal process required to file a wrongful death claim in West Virginia. Order our free book for tips and advice on what to do following an accident, and call us with any questions. We'll fight for your right to compensation and make sure you're treated fairly. Call 304-326-1800.

• First, follow basic driving laws. Slow down and stay within the speed limit. Don’t follow too closely to other vehicles. Use the 3 second rule when following vehicles. Many accidents are caused by following too closely.
• You should pay attention to the road at all times. Driving requires a lot of focus and attention. Things can change in a matter of seconds. A pedestrian may dart into the road or a semi truck may pull out right in front of you. Keep distractions to a minimum while driving. Save the phone calls and texting for when you get to your destination. Eating and drinking in the car can cause you to lose focus as well, so save food and drinks for when you are stopped.
• Intersections can be tricky. Studies show that 23% of fatal car accidents happen at intersections. Be more observant at intersections and always look both ways before crossing them, even if you have the green light.
• Keep your vehicle maintained. Check tires, brakes and lights regularly to ensure they are working properly. Malfunctions can cause sudden car accidents.  

• Your credit card company – many credit card companies extend insurance coverage to their customers if a vehicle is rented and paid for using their card. Again, call to check on the specific details. 
• Company policies – if you are on a business trip that requires you to rent a car, your employer should have an umbrella policy that will cover a rental car accident. 

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW);
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW);
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI);
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI); and
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). 

• medical bills;
• wages lost during recovery;
• property damage; and
• rehabilitative therapy.  

• $20,000 per victim;
• $40,000 per accident; and
• $10,000 for property damages.  

• Be prepared. Bring a first aid kit, matches, a compass and extra water even if you are not going very far. You never know when you may need these items.
• Let someone know where you are going, who is with you and when you expect to return.
• Follow the instructions on camping equipment such as stoves, heaters, lamps and grills to avoid serious burns and other injuries.
• If you build a campfire never leave it unattended and build it away from low-hanging trees or shrubbery.
• Check your equipment before leaving the house to make sure it is in good working order with no rips, tears or malfunctioning parts.  

• Specific adherence to 34-hour restart limitations -- Drivers can restart their work-week clock by taking time off for at least 34 consecutive hours, which must include two nights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Rest breaks – There can be no more than 8 hours between break times, which must last at least 30 minutes.
• Penalties – Exceeding the driving time limits by more than 3 hours will be considered an egregious violation. 

• flying debris;
• shattered glass;
•  slamming into the car’s structure; or
• the impact of the car’s air bag.  

• Position your car seat properly - keep at least 10 inches between the center of your breastbone and the area where the air bag module is located. Remember, children 12 and under should never ride in a front seat.

• Wear a seatbelt – data show 42.6 percent of individuals whose eyes were injured in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts. When seatbelts were used, less severe eye injuries were sustained and vision recovery was better.

• Denial: “This didn’t really happen.”
• Anger: “Why did this have to happen to my loved one?”
• Bargaining: “If you can bring my loved one back, I promise to _____.”
• Depression: “What’s the point of going on?”
• Acceptance: “Everything is going to be OK.”

• If more than one person uses a vehicle, adjust the headrest for each driver;
• Make sure the headrest is locked down when driving to avoid movement or coming loose in an accident;
• Be sure to adjust your seat so that the steering wheel hits at the wrists when the arms are fully extended;
• In older cars that may not have a headrest or is missing one, have them installed; and
• Always wear your seat belt and drive sitting upright. 

• in 2010, there were 452 pistols, 284 rifles and 190 revolvers registered to West Virginia gun owners;
• 436 people were charged with possession of a weapon in West Virginia in 2010;
• West Virginia ranks 10 among states in number of gun deaths per capita; and
• there were 12.7 deaths per 100,000 residents because of fire arms in West Virginia in 2008, compare to the national average of 10.3, with males being the most common victims. 

• inspect the wound and look for the exit wound;
• remove the clothing around the affected area;
• cover the wound with gauze or other bandage;
• apply pressure to control bleeding;
• if possible elevate the limb with the wound; and
• call 911 immediately. 

• broken wrist – 6 weeks with a cast;
• broken finger – 3 weeks in a splint; and
• broken hand – 3 to 4 weeks in a cast, splint or fracture brace. 

• shortness of breath or abnormal breathing;
• chest pain that gets worse when you try to breath in or cough; and
• marked fatigue. 

• remain calm and still;
• avoid coughing or making too much noise;
• do your best to avoid gasping;
• avoid drinking anything; and
• stay in an upright position, if possible. 

• “Why do I need a seat belt? I have air bags!” While air bags do protect drivers and passengers from hitting the dashboard and windshield, they may not help during a rollover accident. Think of your seat belt as your primary mode of protection and your air bags as an enhancement. 
• “I’m afraid of getting trapped in my car.” This is a real fear for many people; however, remaining in your vehicle increases your chances of survival. Sadly, a person who is thrown out of his or her vehicle during an accident is 25 times more likely to be killed. Your seat belt also protects you from being knocked unconscious, allowing you to exit your vehicle quickly in the case of a fire. 
• “I’m a good driver; I don’t have to worry about accidents.” Even if you have a perfect driving record and have never been involved in a collision before, you could still be hit by a driver who isn’t as careful as you. 
• “Seat belts are uncomfortable.” When worn correctly, you won’t even notice you have a seat belt on! Because they only lock in place in the event of an accident, you will have the freedom to move comfortably while wearing your life-saving seat belt. 

• pen and paper for writing notes and exchanging information;
• a list of any medical conditions or allergies;
• a disposable camera;
• emergency flares;
• warning triangles or cones; and
• contact numbers for local police.

• Always turn off your space heater when you leave home; 
• Keep your space heater away from any combustible materials; 
• Always place your space heater on a flat, level surface; 
• Periodically exam the space heater’s cord for signs of damaged insulation or fraying; and 
• Don’t use an extension cord to plug in your space heater.