Located in the Roanoke River valley, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and east of the Allegheny Mountains, the City of Roanoke (the Star City of the South) is home to 97,032 people (according to 
the 2010 Census). Built on both sides of the Roanoke River, the City is the commercial and cultural center of most of Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia. Its location between Maryland and Tennessee also made it a transportation hub, which facilitated its growth. United Parcel Service maintains a large facility at the Roanoke Airport.
Getting Around
Residents of Roanoke City and the surrounding counties travel back and forth using a network of highways. The City is served by I-81 and will be served by the future I-73. In addition, US 220, 221, 11, and 460 are major connecting roads, as are SR 117, 101, and 419 (Electric Road). Part of the scenic Blue Ridge is just to the south of the City. Airline service is available at the Roanoke Regional Airport. Despite the City’s long history as a vital center of the construction and management of Railroads and trains, there has been no rail service since 1979, although passenger service is said to be returning soon. Freight service has experienced no similar interruption.
In 2015, there were 1,910 accidents in the City of Roanoke, resulting in four fatalities and 643 injuries.
Transportation of any kind can be dangerous. Accidents happen. In addition to the usual traffic accidents that can occur on any road and 
the ubiquitous hazard of drunk or impaired drivers, in a transportation hub city like Roanoke drivers must also be alert for trucks and tractor trailers sharing almost any are road with them. Accidents involving trucks and other commercial vehicles can be devastating due to the comparative size of the vehicles. Lawsuits for personal injuries resulting from these truck accidents can be very complex. If you or a loved one become victim to a trucking accident, call the experienced team at Altizer Law, P.C. We will be there for you to support you in obtaining the care you need and, if appropriate, to represent you in dealing with insurance companies, big business, or representing you in a Virginia courtroom.
Local Attractions
Roanoke City is home to many sites and activities that draw locals from the counties and visitors from several states. Natural attractions in and near Roanoke offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, running, mountain biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other sports. These attractions include:
- Mill Mountain, which is oddly detached from either of the surrounding mountain ranges, and is home to the Roanoke Star, Mill Mountain Zoo, the Discovery Center building, and an overlook offering spectacular views of the Roanoke Valley.
- The Appalachian Trail is accessible just north of the City.
- Carvins Cove is the second-largest municipal park in the US (12,700 acres).
- Smith Mountain Lake is a short drive away.
- The Jefferson National Forest is nearby.
It is very frustrating to be enjoying an outdoor activity and suddenly realize that the equipment you depend upon for your safety and protection is somehow defective, contributing to or causing serious injury. It is also very frustrating to feel that you have encountered a brick wall after being injured due to poor maintenance or inadequate safety measures in a public place. The attorneys of Altizer Law, P.C., understand and share your frustration. When you call Bettina, you will enlist a fierce advocate for your rights and for full and fair compensation for your injuries and costs of treatment and recovery. She has the strength and the determination to go the distance to fight insurance companies, businesses, governments, and others to win your case.
Culture & Entertainment
The City is also a cultural and entertainment hub for many surrounding counties. From the Roanoke Symphony and The Roanoke Opera, to the Taubman Museum of Art and numerous art galleries, to a number of historical museums and centers that convey the history and accomplishments of the area, Roanoke has it all. Top venues include the Jefferson Center for the Performing Arts, the Berglund Center, the Mill Mountain Theater, and other smaller theaters. These venues offer internationally acclaimed entertainment, shows, and events to please every interest. But should something go wrong at an event at any of these venues, you could be injured due to someone else’s negligence or illegal actions. If that should occur, call the compassionate and experienced team at Altizer Law, P.C.
Education
Roanoke City is home to the recently expanded Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Virginia Western Community College. Hollins University and Roanoke College are also nearby, as are several technical schools, including Miller-Motte Technical College, Skyline College, Regency Beauty Institute and Bar Palma Beauty Careers Academy.
Economy
The City’s economy has historically been built around the railroad and the manufacture of locomotives, Freight Car America is the last
remaining railroad related business among the top employers. Top
employers today are typical of the industries that define the region’s economy. Roanoke is a retail hub for the region, and there are distribution centers for Orvis, Elizabeth Arden and Hanover Direct. In addition, Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Regional offices and the headquarters of Advance Auto Parts are located here.
In the manufacturing industry, some of the top employers are Virginia Transformer Corporation, General Electric and TIMEIC GE (which manufacture large drive systems for electrical generation stations and factories), ITT (manufacturer of night vision goggles), and Optical Cable Corporation. In addition, the city’s proximity to automobile assembly plants in the South has attracted such firms as Dynax, Koyo, Metalsa, and Yokohama (formerly Mohawk Tire).
Unfortunately, accidents happen every day in factories and assembly plants. Every employee trusts and hopes that they will not be injured on the job. Unfortunately, sometimes things go terribly wrong and people are injured. A defective piece of equipment, a poorly maintained machine, or a careless co-worker could cause you or a loved one to be injured. If the mistake was not your fault and if the company, or their insurance company, is not responding appropriately, you might need a lawyer who will defend you and fight for justice on your behalf. If this happens to you, call Altizer Law. We are the advocates you want in your corner.
The second largest sector is government, which employs people at the Federal, State, and Local level. The largest economic sector in 
and surrounding the City of Roanoke is the Health Care Industry. The City is home to two large health care systems: Carilion in the City of Roanoke and Lewis Gale (HCA) just across the city line in Salem. Among the numerous health care facilities are:
- Hospitals
- Carilion Hospice Services of Roanoke
- Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
- Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Inc.
- Gill Memrial Eye Ear Nose and Throat
- Good Samaritan Hospice
- Medi Home Health & Hospice
- Southern Care of Roanoke
- Dialysis Facilities
- BMA – Crystal Spring
- BMA – North Roanoke
- FMC Friendship Manor
- Home Health Companies
- Amedisys Home Health of Roanoke
- Carilion Homecare Services of Roanoke
- Gentiva Health Services
- Heartland Home Health Care
- Interim Healthcare of Roanoke
- Medi Home Health & Hospice
- Professional Healthcare Resources of Roanoke
- Rescare Homecare
The region has become a retirement mecca, drawing people to independent, assisted and nursing care facilities. The City’s Nursing Homes include:
- Avant at Roanoke
- Brandon Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Burrell Nursing Care
- Friendship Health & Rehab Center
- Friendship Manor Convalescent Center
- Our Lady of the Valley
- Pheasant Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Raleigh Court Health and Rehabilitation Center
- The Hermitage at Roanoke
- South Roanoke Nursing Home
- Springtree Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
When injured or harmed by the malpractice, abuse or neglect of any healthcare professional in a city that is the medical hub for several counties to consider a lawsuit with hope. But with Altizer Law, P.C. on your side, the provider and the healthcare system don’t look quite so big. Our attorneys have the knowledge and the skill to prevail against them and win for you the financial settlement you or your loved one deserves under Virginia law.