A fatal motorcycle accident occurred in Aurora, Mississippi on July 21, 2014 when a motorcyclist was thrown from his bike after a car turned into his lane. The crash occurred on East Mississippi Avenue at about 6:20 p.m. Police state that the motorcyclist, who has not yet been identified, was traveling west in the right lane of East Mississippi Avenue when a silver car turned left in front of him. The motorcyclist did not have time to stop before he hit the passenger side of the car. The rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown over the car and onto the roadway. He died shortly afterwards in the hospital. The driver of the car was not injured and at this time police do not believe intoxication or excessive speed were involved in the accident.
One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists is cars making left hand turns. Left hand turn accidents account for over 40 percent of all accidents between cars and motorcycles. Most often, the car hits the motorcycle when the motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection. Sometimes left hand turn accidents happen when the motorcycle is attempting to pass the car. In left hand turn accidents, the driver of the car, truck, or SUV is almost always found liable because he or she negligently turned into the motorcyclist. The driver generally did not observe the motorcyclist due, in part, to the motorcyclist’s lesser visibility. This is often compounded by poor lighting or weather conditions, driver distraction, intoxication, or excessive speed. Drivers can ensure they never injure a motorcyclist in this manner by always checking all their blind spots before making a left hand turn.
Left hand turn accidents are just one common type of motorcycle accident. Another accident that frequently occurs is head-on collisions. Head-on motorcycle crashes account for 56 percent of all fatal accidents involving a motorcyclist and an automobile. Most of these accidents involve the motorcycle being hit from the front by a car, truck, or SUV. Given the lesser protections afforded the motorcyclist, head-on accidents sadly lead to hundreds of fatalities a year.
Distracted driving has become a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Though distracted drivers are a threat to all road users, motorcyclists are especially at risk due to their smaller size and lesser visibility. Drivers who are not paying attention to the road ahead because they are texting, talking on the phone, emailing, tending to children or pets, or engaging in like distracted behaviors, may not see an approaching motorcycle.
Alcohol use is yet another frequent cause of car accidents. Driving a motorcycle or a motor vehicle while impaired is dangerous, leading to reckless behaviors such as speeding, swerving, passing, and overall poor judgment.
Anyone injured in a motorcycle accident should consult a licensed motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. It is vital that evidence be collected early on to help preserve your later case.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Seeking Justice for Our Injured Clients
Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, and paralysis. Those injured in a motorcycle accident require the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will ensure they receive the compensation they deserve to cover losses that often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. For over 75 years, the Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for the recovery of motorcycle accident victims. To schedule your free initial consultation, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577. We look forward to providing you with excellence of legal services.