What Makes West Virginia’s I-79 So Dangerous for Truck Accidents?
October 8, 2025 | By Colombo Law
Interstate 79 is one of several major trucking routes that pass through Morgantown and nearby areas of West Virginia. We have seen numerous severe and fatal accidents on this interstate highway, many due to the negligence of truck drivers and other defendants. You may be entitled to compensation through an I-79 truck accident claim if you or someone you love was harmed in a wreck on Interstate 79.
Colombo Law is one of West Virginia’s leading truck accident law firms. Our Morgantown tractor-trailer wreck attorneys have obtained millions of dollars for clients who have been injured or lost loved ones on I-79 and other dangerous roads.
With our No Fee Promise, you pay nothing upfront and only have to pay fees if we recover compensation on your behalf. Call Colombo Law at 304-599-4229 today for a FREE consultation. We serve clients throughout West Virginia from multiple offices in Morgantown.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-79
Motorists on I-79 often find themselves driving alongside semi-trucks, dump trucks, and other heavy commercial vehicles. Issues such as traffic congestion, steep grades and sharp turns, frequent road construction, and adverse winter weather all increase the risk of a collision with a large truck.
Truck driver negligence is also a leading contributor to crashes. Some of the most common causes of accidents between cars and trucks on I-79 include:
- Excess speed and driving too fast for conditions
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued and drowsy driving
- Improper lane changes and merging
- Tailgating
- Mechanical failures
- Drug and alcohol use
- Unsecured and shifting cargo
Proving fault for a truck accident can be difficult. This is especially true in multi-vehicle pileups, which are more likely to occur on interstate highways. A skilled trucking accident lawyer can collect evidence and identify all potential defendants.
Recent Major Incidents on I-79
Semi-truck accidents on I-79 often cause major traffic delays. They can also lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Recent examples demonstrate why the north-central portion of I-79 is widely considered the most dangerous stretch of the interstate in West Virginia:
- On June 17, 2025, two people were injured and taken to the hospital after a municipal garbage truck rolled over on I-79 at the Stonewood/Quiet Dell on-ramp. (WDTV 5)
- Multiple tractor-trailers have caught fire and/or spilled fuel and other hazardous substances after crashes on I-79. Recent examples include a fiery crash at Goshen Road that damaged pavement and a bridge (My Buckhannon) and a fuel oil spill at the I-79/I-68 interchange in Monongalia County (WAJR).
- No injuries or fatalities were reported in these crashes, but they demonstrate the frequency of wrecks and road closures involving semi-trucks.
- On March 19, 2024, one person was killed in a three-vehicle crash involving a dump truck near the I-79 interchange at Westover. (WV MetroNews).
On average, large truck accidents in West Virginia cause more than 335 injuries and approximately 154 deaths every year (according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). These incidents aren’t limited to I-79, but we pay close attention to the wrecks that happen right in our backyard.
What to Do After a Truck Accident on I-79
No one expects their commute or a drive in or out of Morgantown to end in injury. Victims are often unsure what to do in the immediate aftermath of the crash, let alone how and when to pursue legal action. Here are the steps involved in an I-79 truck accident claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately, both at the scene and by going to the emergency room.
- Move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location out of the path of traffic.
- Take photos and video of damage to the vehicles, road conditions, etc. You should also photograph identifying information on the tractor-trailer, such as company logos, license plates, and the DOT number.
- Report the accident (it’s the law in West Virginia for crashes resulting in injury, death, or $1,000+ in property damage) and cooperate with the police.
- Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, employer details, and insurance information.
- Speak to witnesses at the scene and ask how they can be reached.
- Document any expenses you incur as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Record physical symptoms and the emotional impact of your injuries.
- Contact a Morgantown truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Accidents on the interstate can be challenging, especially when commercial trucks and/or multiple vehicles are involved. Seeking legal representation sooner rather than later is essential for protecting your rights and giving your claim the best chance for success.
Types of Compensation in an I-79 Truck Accident Claim
People who are injured or lose loved ones in tractor-trailer accidents don’t always account for the full extent of damages they may be due. A knowledgeable I-79 truck accident lawyer can evaluate the losses you and your family have sustained and strive to maximize your compensation.
You may be entitled to recovery of the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Mileage for medical-related travel
- The cost of household services
- Home and vehicle modification costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
- Punitive damages (select cases only)
Multiple defendants may be liable for these and other losses. An experienced truck accident lawyer can determine who is at fault, prepare a strong claim on your behalf, and navigate West Virginia’s new caps on certain damages in commercial trucking litigation.
Injured by a Truck on I-79? Contact Colombo Law Today!
Trucks on I-79 transport millions of tons of cargo in and out of West Virginia every year. Commercial trucking is an integral part of the state’s economy, but the pressure to move more and more cargo in less and less time increases the risk of accidents with other vehicles.
Attorneys at Colombo Law have decades of experience holding truck drivers, trucking companies, and other defendants accountable for crashes. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial. This strategic approach is critical for maximizing compensation in I-79 truck accident claims.
If you or a member of your family was hurt in a big rig wreck, call Colombo Law at 304-599-4229 today. Your initial case evaluation is 100% FREE. We serve clients in Morgantown, Star City, Fairmont, and other communities along the I-79 corridor in West Virginia.
