Celebrity’s Tragic Death Serves as Reminder of the Dangers of “Fast and Furious” Driving

Many of us have seen one or more of the “Fast and Furious” franchise of movies.  These movies depict, and largely glorify, the lifestyle of illegal street racing, involving beautiful cars, beautiful people, and fun.  In the movies, 100-mile-per-hour-plus races down city streets, back alleys, and highways are common.  In a grotesquely tragic twist of irony, one of the movie franchise’s main stars – Paul Walker – lost his life on November 30, 2013, while speeding down a street in a Porsche Carrera GT.  The car in which Walker was riding slammed into a tree and then literally ripped apart and burst into flames.  Photographs of the car depicted a mangled and twisted pile of charred metal that resembled a heap of scrap metal more than a car worth in excess of $400,000.

The car was capable of reaching speeds of 205 miles per hour.  The prior owner of the car, who himself is a professional Porsche racing driver, indicated that the car could be tricky to handle.  Authorities have indicated that speed was likely a factor in the accident but official results of the cause of the accident will not be released for approximately three months.  However, it has also been stressed that the driver of the car, Roger Rodas, had plenty of experience with fast cars—he was a former professional race-car driver.  Autopsies of the two men were delayed in order to allow obtaining dental records, as their bodies were so badly burned as to be indistinguishable from one another.

The accident is a grim reminder of a reality—speed kills.  Speeding in and of itself is a cause of approximately 5% of automobile accidents, but driving too fast for conditions and driving too fast for curves are the number one and number two decisional errors leading to accidents.  Moreover, speed is a factor in nearly one-third of fatal accidents across the United States.  Said another way, while speed is not the biggest cause of accidents, it is a significant cause of deadly ones in the United States.

Results released from the New York City Department of Transportation indicated that, in 2012, speeding was the top cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents.  A recently-released study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration also found that speeding was the cause of approximately one-third of all fatal automobile accidents involving teenaged males, compared with rates between fifteen and twenty percent involving males between the ages of 35 to 45.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, the consequences can be devastating.  This is true regardless of the cause.  However, if excessive speed was the cause, you may be feeling as if you have been victimized twice—once by the accident and once by the extreme disregard for the safety of others by the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision.  The professionals at Barrett Law PLLC understand the emotional turmoil that individuals experience after a serious automobile accident.  We can stand by you during this difficult time, helping you through the maze of issues that you are now facing.  You should not have to face them alone.

Barrett Law PLLC has been representing the rights of individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents in Mississippi for more than seven decades.  If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact us today to discuss your rights.  We can be reached at (800) 707-9577.

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Mississippi State Student Dies, Five Injured

Six-people were ejected from a 2006 Ford F-150 in an early morning crash that resulted in the death of a student at Mississippi State, according to a news report. Rachel Hillman, 20, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Tyler Renicker, 22, when Renicker lost control while traveling eastbound along Route 22, flipping the truck, ejecting all-five occupants from inside the vehicle. The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 am on December 27, 2012 in Yazoo County near Flora.

Hillman was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Renicker was reportedly was injured critically in the crash. Four surviving passengers, Trainor Storey, 19, Kaysie Bennett, 19, Anna Flowers, 18, and Steven Cumberland, 18, are reportedly in stable condition. None of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Tri County Academy was alma mater to each of the six accident victims, all of whom hail from Flora. Three of the injured, Renicker, Bennett, and Cumberland, are reportedly students enrolled at Holmes Community College. Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

The phone call parents never want to receive unfortunately does happen. If you, or a loved one, have sustained injuries as a result of an automobile accident, contact an experienced attorney as soon as you are able. Insurance company claims adjustors approach accident victims immediately following a crash in an attempt to coerce victims to settle their claims knowing the amount they’re offering is well below the value of damages award likely to result from the filing of court claims.

Insurance claims adjustors may appear to be your friend, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line by low-balling you with a settlement offer. If you sign-off on the insurance settlement, you are not entitled to make any additional claim. That’s a problem if your injuries require ongoing or long-term medical care.

A reputable attorney specializing in personal injury and wrongful death law files your claims and provides legal counsel throughout your lawsuit. Your attorney also understands that your injuries aren’t just legal paperwork, but have created physical difficulties and financial hardships for you and your family. Don’t sell yourself short to insurance company settlement enticement.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our attorneys by calling (800) 707-9577.

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Defensive Driving Helps Minimize Automobile Accidents in Mississippi

Automobile accidents can happen to even the most careful and skilled drivers. From fender-benders to catastrophic-crashes, defensive driving is a must – something law-abiding citizens know quite well. Injuries frequently result despite the use of airbags, seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, or other safety devices. Preventing automobile accidents directly contributes to reducing crash-related injuries and deaths.

Among the most common causes of roadway crashes are:

  • Aggressive drivers – These are drivers who develop “road rage” and fail to exercise due discretion, endangering the traveling public with reckless driving.
  • Defective equipment – Drivers who fail to properly maintain their vehicles are a roadway hazard waiting to happen when a bald-tire blows or a muffler drops-off in the middle of an Interstate, sending debris in the direction of other motorists.
  • Distracted driving – Drivers focused on activities other than driving, such as talking on cell phones, texting, conversing with passengers, eating, reading, and operating CD players or navigation devices pose a huge risk to the traveling public.
  • Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of over-the-counter, prescription, or illicit drugs or an intoxicating beverage are a risk to other motorists because they lack the coordination to drive safely.
  • Medical conditions – Drivers who become incapacitated due to heart attacks, seizures, diabetic complications, and other medical conditions endanger the traveling public.
  • Risky behaviors – Drivers exhibiting risk-taking behaviors, such as cutting off other drivers, slowing-down then speeding-up, improper lane changes, cutting-off other vehicles, or making illegal turns.
  • Senior drivers – Many senior drivers exhibit slowed response times prevent them from driving defensively or exercising due discretion toward fellow motorists.
  • Speeding – Driving in excess of the speed limit or too fast for road conditions poses a safety hazard to every driver and passenger on a thoroughfare.
  • Teen drivers – Inexperience, distraction, and unpredictability are risk factors inherent to teenaged driving that place all motorists in peril.

Several states require drivers’ education courses for motorists who have been prosecuted for driving-related offenses. The National Safety Council, a not-for-profit organization, offers a course in defensive driving online and certification (for a fee) for any driver who wants to strategically improve his (or her) defensive driving knowledge (and possible reduce insurance premiums), such as how to minimize costs associated with automobile accidents, how to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities, and reinforces good driving skills.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our Mississippi attorneys by calling (800) 707-9577.

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How Well Do Teenagers and Alcohol Actually Mix?

Every day the moment we wake up we never can truly expect, and predict what our day will have and hold for us. While we can predict some aspects such as going to work, school, or some of routine tasks and responsibilities we never are guaranteed that this particular time will be just like the last one. Unfortunately, by today’s standards, one group within our culture does not seem to grasp this concept, and ultimately are continuing to put not only themselves in danger, but also all others that cross their paths while on the road.

Meeting Puberty With Problems Within A Bottle

Yet, what travesty could teenagers, who in many cases are those still considered children, actually be related with on a regular basis? Alcohol is one aspect in our society that is not only very prevalent, but is also abused regularly as well. Many teenagers today participate in consuming alcohol illegally, which contributes to many poor decisions that they make whether they be socially, or with their safety. Unfortunately, many cases can be seen that teenagers take their poor decision making to the streets, and proceed to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

The Results Can Be Simply Seen

Today, many teenagers already have a hard enough time driving due to their lack of focus on the road, but when mixed with alcohol as well the results can be catastrophic. In many cases we see that when teenagers who are under the influence get behind the wheel of a vehicle they usually are involved in an accident that produces expensive property damage, injuries that can range from a scratch to that of paralysis, and even that of death. Teenagers are at that age in life that they feel that they are invincible, and cannot be toppled off their platform. Unfortunately, we can see in many past cases these teenagers have not only run into problems pertaining to the legal aspects of a DUI, but also life altering health factors as well.

Make sure to talk to your children, and especially teenagers about alcohol. Explain to them what the substance actually is, and how it should be used properly after they have reached the legal age of consumption.

At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

 

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The Power of An Automobile Accident

In our lives we never truly can predict what tomorrow will have and hold for us. While we can predict some aspects of our lives such as our weekly tasks, how long traffic will usually take, or what the special at the deli will be for the day we cannot predict some major things that could alter our lives forever. One example would be that of driving. Every time we get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle we expect that we will encounter a few things on our way to our destination such as other motorists, traffic signs and signals, and possibly a law enforcement officer. However, none of us truly expect or predict that we, ourselves, will be the next ones involved in an automobile accident.

Cause, and Effect

Today, automobile accidents occur each and every day whether we actually see them or not. While automobile accidents vary on scale from simple to severe one thing can be expected to be a result, which is that of damage. When you are involved in an automobile accident you can automatically assume that not only your vehicle is damaged, another vehicle, stationary objects outside the vehicle, but also yourself. The majority of automobile accidents usually end with an individual injured, or even killed.

What You Can Expect

Recently, one case truly highlights would could easily happen to you, or a loved one while on the road. A mother and her three-year-old daughter were on the way home after a long day of errands, and preschool, which led them into a construction zone where traffic was being delayed. The mother followed the pattern of traffic, slowed, and eventually stopped with the rest of traffic. However, a semi-truck trailer collided with her vehicle from the rear, which resulted in the mother’s vehicle being engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds. As a result, the mother and her daughter were killed, which has now left not only a husband, but also a father without his loved ones.

Remember, when you or a loved one is involved in an automobile accident of any kind you have the right to fight for the potential damages you may be entitled to. However, in order to do so you need the help, guidance, and support of an experienced auto accident attorney from start to finish.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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What Occurs When You Ignore No Passing Zones?

Driving is an aspect of our life that we participate in doing either almost every single day, or the majority of the time every week. When we drive our purpose of doing so is to get from one point to another whether those points may be from our home to work, to run errands at various locations, or even travel to a vacation destination. Yet, when it comes down to driving can you always count on all individuals on the road to not only be responsible, but intelligent while on the road especially when it comes down to that of no passing zones?

Defining No Passing Zones

The premise of a no passing zone is only that, under normal circumstances, that drivers stay within their lane at the time and maintain normal speeds due to either an increase of traffic, or road conditions. Unfortunately, the sad fact of the matter is many people actually do not abide by no passing zones and evidently either are always running behind and speeding, or just apathetic to safety on the road. With this mindset at hand these drivers will at one point or another come face to face with that of their involvement in an automobile accident on the road, especially in no passing zones.

What You Can Expect When Failing To Observe No Passing Zones

One recent case truly highlights what can easily happen when an individual is recklessly driving, and speeding in no passing zones. Recently, a man driving a large SUV attempted to pass an elderly woman driving a small economy sized vehicle while in a no pass zone. The man then proceeded to pass the woman and drive into the other lane, which then caused him to collide with a concrete distributing truck. As a result of the force of the man’s collision with the truck his vehicle was pushed back in the elderly woman’s lane, which caused yet another collision. Unfortunately, the woman sustained serious, and fatal injuries and later died as a result of the accident.

Remember, no passing zones are up for a reason whether you think they are serving their true purpose or not. By following the law drivers can easily set an example for other drivers on how they should be safely operating and driving their automobile on the road.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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How is Fault Determined in an Automobile Accident?

It may seem like a simple matter to assign fault following an automobile accident. After all, one driver exhibited negligence or recklessness which led to a collision, right? Unfortunately, it is rarely so simple as that. There can be a great deal of confusion regarding the issue of who was at fault and the consequences for the responsible driver are extensive therefore even if one driver is aware they were at fault they may try every way possible to wiggle out of accepting responsibility.

A driver who directly caused an accident may be subject to increasing insurance rates or could even find that their insurance is canceled. How the at-fault driver’s insurance company responds to an admission of responsibility can determine whether the claim will be denied or paid. The deductible, cost of repair for both vehicles and the medical expenses are at stake and can be considerable therefore the insurance company has a significant stake in which driver was at fault.

What Does “At Fault” Mean?

While every state creates its own particular definition of “at-fault,” generally speaking it means just what it says—the person most responsible for being the catalyst which led to the collision is considered to be the liable party. Other classifications regarding fault in auto accidents include “no-fault” and “partial fault,” although these definitions vary considerably across state lines. When it is next to impossible to assign blame to one driver or the other, liability may be assigned to both, however usually the person who performed an act which could be considered irresponsible, illegal, reckless or careless will be the at-fault driver.

Consequences of Admitting Fault

The driver who is found to be negligent could be compelled to be responsible for the medical expenses and damages of the other driver as well as property damages. Aside from the hit taken on auto insurance many states also add points to the at-fault person’s driver’s license which could potentially lead to a suspended license. Clearly there are a wide variety of negative consequences for the at-fault driver which is why drivers should never admit fault following an accident.

In fact, following an accident the only thing you should do is ensure that all those involved in the accident receive prompt medical attention and that basic information including names, addresses and insurance information is properly exchanged. If possible, photographs of the accident should be taken and any pertinent information noted. Admitting fault can potentially damage your entire case. Many times outside factors you were unaware of could exist as well. These factors could have played a significant role in the accident and may contribute to the final determination of which driver was most at fault.

Determining Fault

In order to properly determine who was at fault in the accident it is important to evaluate what each driver was supposed to be doing in the specific situation and which driver did not act in an appropriate manner. This will work in situations where someone was clearly at fault such as when one driver runs a stop sign however more complex accidents will require more extensive assessment. The question of whether each person made a legitimate attempt to avoid the accident will contribute to determination of fault as will the police officer’s assessment of the situation. Should the accident require a ticket be issued to one driver, then the determination of fault will likely become much less complicated.  Factors in determining fault can include the speed of both drivers, the weather and road conditions present when the accident occurred, the failure of one party to take note of traffic signals or signs and whether either driver was driving while impaired.   Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can assist in determination of fault as well as ensuring you receive proper compensation for your auto collision.

 

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What is No-Fault Auto Insurance and How Could it Help You?

If you currently reside in one of the twelve states which operate under a no-fault policy as far as auto insurance is concerned, then your insurance may be somewhat different than more traditional insurance policies. The twelve no-fault states are DC, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah. There is wide misunderstanding about what no-fault auto insurance is and how it can hurt or help in the event of an auto accident. No-fault insurance encompasses an automobile insurance system which requires that all drivers carry insurance for their own protection and also limits the right to sue other drivers for damages following an auto accident.

No Pure No-Fault System

Under a pure no-fault system in the event of an accident each driver’s insurance pays for their specific damages—up to the policy limits—without consideration of who might have been at fault in the accident. There is no state which currently operates under a pure no-fault auto insurance system meaning these no-fault states operate under a combination of a no-fault system as well as the standard liability system. This means each driver is financially responsible for the cost of the damages they directly caused.

Positive Aspects of No-Fault Insurance

In theory no-fault insurance guarantees each driver receives immediate medical treatment which is surely a good thing. Benefits such as medical expenses, lost wages, funeral and death benefits and compensation for loss of services are usually fully covered under no-fault insurance policies.  No-fault auto insurance is convenient regarding the time-consuming task of filing a claim following an accident and can also reduce the legal and administration fees associated with insurance claims which would lead you to believe that no-fault insurance is considerably less expensive. Unfortunately, the liability portion can actually cause insurance premiums to be higher than those of states without no-fault laws.

Still, those injured in an accident in a no-fault state are more readily able to have their medical expenses and auto damages dealt with quickly allowing them to get on with their life. If you are the at-fault driver in an accident, then no-fault car insurance means you are not responsible for the other driver’s expenses which can be a huge financial relief. Of course the driver who was not at fault may find this system somewhat unfair, however generally speaking the driver who was not at fault probably spends the same amount of time collecting compensation whether no-fault insurance is involved or not.

Statistics for No-Fault Insurance States

Some no-fault states will allow the injured person or persons to sue but only if their injuries meet a specific standard set for severity of injury or a certain financial level.  On the surface it would appear that the no-fault insurance system should be working well, however statistics prove otherwise. Litigation costs for property damages following a collision remain high and there are no consequences associated with driving recklessly meaning the insurance premiums may be significantly higher in no-fault states. The numbers show that the states with some form of no-fault automobile insurance have the highest premiums and insurance premium in no-fault states rose 92% faster than those in personal responsibility states. Overall insurance premiums in no-fault states are approximately 20% higher than those in states with other forms of auto insurance.

If you live in a no-fault state you must read your policy carefully to determine what is covered under your policy. If you are injured in an accident in a no-fault state it’s important that you get legal advice to ensure your injuries and damages are fully covered.

 

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Truck Transporting 25 Occupants Crashes – 13 Dead in Single Vehicle Crash

A fatal pickup truck accident in Texas this weekend may be the most deadly single vehicle accident in history.  The pickup truck was transporting 25 people – ten squeezed into the cab of the pickup and 15 in the bed of the truck when it crashed into two trees.  An officer who investigated the F-250 truck crash has been an officer for 38 years and indicated that he had never seen a comparable motor vehicle accident with so many people piled into a single vehicle.  Thirteen of the vehicle occupants died in the collision while the rest of the vehicle occupants suffered injury.  According to media reports, law enforcement officers speculate that the pickup was transporting illegal immigrants, which is why so many people were crammed into the pickup truck.

This terrible tragedy serves as a grim reminder that the many safety features of a motor vehicle are meaningless in a collision if vehicle occupants decline to utilize them.  It is never advisable to pack more vehicle occupants into a car, truck or SUV than can be accommodated by vehicle seatbelts.  Seatbelts are 56 percent effective in preventing fatalities in collisions involving passenger cars.  They are even more effective in preventing fatal injury in vehicle collisions involving other types of vehicles like pickup trucks, vans and SUVs.

Seatbelt use also substantially reduces the risk of serious debilitating injuries by 53 percent.  Seatbelts keep vehicle occupants inside a motor vehicle during a collision where they can take advantage of the protective shell of the vehicle.  In addition to preventing vehicle ejections, seatbelts also reduce the risk of head trauma suffered when one’s head impacts a steering wheel, dashboard or other hard surface inside the vehicle.  Airbags also provide protection from blunt trauma impact and penetration from objects during a collision.

While this safety equipment provides protection from serious injury and wrongful death during a motor vehicle collision, these safety features are meaningless when a vehicle is overloaded beyond the capacity of safety equipment to protect vehicle occupants.  Riding in the back of a pickup truck is particularly dangerous because it is especially easy to be catapulted away from the vehicle and slam against the hard surface of the roadway.  The truck bed also provides no structural protection from the impact of a serious crash.  Although sitting in the bed of a truck can be fun and appealing to kids, you should never allow children to ride in the bed of a pickup even for a short distance or at low speeds on residential streets.

When motor vehicles are overloaded with passengers, the available safety options for vehicle occupants are reduced considerably.  The risk of catastrophic injury and wrongful death is always present when traveling in a motor vehicle, the danger increases exponentially when vehicle occupants overload a vehicle and ignore safety equipment. The experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective legal representation to Mississippi auto accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide careful investigation, thorough analysis of the law and facts and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

 

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Impact of Illicit Drug Use in Mississippi Motor Vehicle Accidents

While many people in Mississippi and across the U.S. are aware of the substantial reach and magnitude of the danger associated with drunk driving, but the majority of drivers in Mississippi do not realize the extent of the danger posed by drivers impaired by narcotics.  A study conducted by the federal government found that one in eight drivers stopped and drug tested while driving at night one weekends tested positive for some form of illicit drug.  There are many types of illegal narcotics that impair drivers including methamphetamine, ecstasy, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, opium, oxycodone, PCP and more.  When drivers attempt to navigate the roadways with illegal drugs in their bloodstream they are the equivalent of someone using a deadly weapon like a firearm when impaired by drugs.

Unfortunately, many drivers disregard the dangers of operating a motor vehicle when under the influence of illegal drugs.  These drugs can disrupt perception, promote sleepiness, adversely impact judgment, interfere with coordination and reflexes and promote an inflated sense of confidence in one’s driving ability.  When a car accident occurs involving a driver who is under the influence of drugs, the officer may administer field sobriety tests and a breath testing.  Because illicit drugs do not show up in a breath test, the police officer investigating the accident will typically conduct a blood test.  If a driver impaired by street drugs causes a serious auto accident resulting in serious personal injury including spinal cord damage causing paralysis, traumatic brain injury causing loss of cognitive functioning or amputation of limbs, the judge or jury will often award substantial punitive damages.

Although driving while under the influence of alcohol is a widely acknowledged and discussed dangerous driving practice, drivers that are stoned while driving receive a lot less attention.  While drug impaired drivers are less common, another reason that drugged driving receives less publicity is that it is much harder to prove.  Many times police officers do not even test for drugs in a driver’s system unless a motor vehicle accident occurs.

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with a driver who engaged in erratic driving behavior before causing a collision, you should summon law enforcement to the scene of the motor vehicle accident.  Any erratic or unsafe driving that you observed prior to the collision should be clearly described to the police officer.  These statements provide additional evidence supporting the basis for the investigating officer to conduct a drug and alcohol screening.  Sometimes if the officer suspects that the driver was impaired by drugs a specially trained expert called a Drug Recognition Expert may be summoned to conduct tests and make observations to support expert testimony that the driver was drug impaired at the time of the collision.

If a driver who you suspect may be under the influence of illicit drugs injures you, you may have a right to pursue a claim for financial compensation against the other driver. The experienced Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective representation to Mississippi motor vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

 

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