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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Talk about Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children

A pedestrian accident in Colorado serves as a reminder that children who walk to school risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents. A boy who was crossing the street in a crosswalk was hit by a car near the Aurora Hills Middle School. The accident occurred when two eleven-year-old boys were crossing a street. When the boys were halfway across the street, the signal changed. The boys started to run to get across the street quickly. Cars in two lanes stopped to let the kids finish crossing the street, but a driver in a third lane did not see the boys, did not stop, and hit one of the boys. The boy who was hit by the car was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

If you have children who walk or ride their bicycles to school, every newspaper story mentioning a bike or pedestrian accident can leave you wondering whether it is safe for your child to be walking or riding their bicycle to school. The good news is that, for the most part, walking and riding bicycles are still safe ways to get to and from school. Walking and biking are excellent ways for children to incorporate exercise and time outdoors into their day. Walking and biking are fun, too, so children are often eager to take advantage of these transportation options if they live close enough to their schools to do so. Since walking and biking to school are things that should be encouraged as long as they are safe, here are a few ways that you can prepare you children for a safe walk or ride to school every day.

One way to keep your kids safe as they ride their bicycles to school is to regularly inspect their bikes and bike helmets to make sure that they are in good condition and that they are the correct size. Whether your children plan to walk to school or ride their bicycles, it is essential that you help them map out a safe route to school. Travel the route with them a few times, making sure to point out important things along the way like crosswalks, stop signs, and other places where they will need to pay attention and stay safe.

Other bicycle and pedestrian safety tips that can help to ensure that your child gets to school safely on foot or a bicycle include helping your child find other kids in the neighborhood to walk or ride with. Walking or biking to school in a group increases visibility and safety, and adds to the fun factor. As the seasons change, make sure that there is adequate daylight for safe foot or bicycle travel at the time that your children will be going to and from school. Also, make sure that your children have back – up transportation for those days when it is unsafe to walk or bike to school because of cold, wet or wintry weather. Encourage your children to wear brightly colored clothing when they walk or bike to school, for added visibility.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving Mississippi Accident Victims and Their Families  

If someone that you love was hurt in a motor vehicle or pedestrian accident, you might be able to recover for the damages that you have experienced. The compassionate and experienced Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC help accident victims and their families recover financially after automobile accidents. Please call our office today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss Fire Truck Accidents

One firefighter died, and two others were injured after a fire truck got into an accident on the way to a call. The truck was on the way to put out a fire when it rolled over. Rollover accidents like this one are the type of fire truck accident that is the most likely to cause fatalities. Unfortunately, fire truck accidents happen more often than one might like to imagine. The brave men and women who risk their lives to help others are at risk for injury or death in a motor vehicle accident each time they get into a fire truck to respond to a fire call.

There are approximately thirty thousand fire truck accidents in America each and every year, and motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for on-duty firefighters. Fire truck accidents have the doubly tragic effects of killing and injuring vehicle occupants and allowing losses of life and property that might not have occurred had the fire truck been able to reach its destination and put the fire out.

Unfortunately, some of the injuries and deaths that occur as the result of fire truck accidents are preventable. Data that has been collected by United States Fire Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that firefighters do not often buckle their seatbelts while traveling in fire trucks. Over half of the unrestrained fire truck, occupants who were riding in fire trucks that crashed were partially or fully ejected from the fire trucks that they were riding in, significantly increasing the risk of injury and death. Firefighters can reduce the risk that they will be injured or killed in a fire truck accident by wearing their seatbelts every time they ride in a fire truck.

There are a variety of types of fire apparatus, or fire trucks, which travel over roadways to fire emergencies. There are ladder trucks, fire engines, pumper trucks, aerial platform trucks, tankers, wilderness vehicles, and others. As is the case with any motor vehicle, there is the risk of an accident every time a fire apparatus goes out on the road. Despite the tragic nature of fire truck accidents, there is one piece of encouraging data regarding fire truck accidents. This bit of good news is that ninety percent of all fire truck occupants involved in all fire truck accidents escape without any injuries.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving Mississippi Accident Victims and Their Families  

Sometimes, there simply is no way to avoid an automobile accident no matter how careful you are. If you got hurt in a car crash or someone that you love died in a motor vehicle crash, contact a Mississippi Automobile Accident attorney right away. Your attorney can help you to pursue financial recovery for your injuries as you focus your energy on your physical and emotional recovery. The knowledgeable Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help you. Please call us today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule a free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Talk About Single Vehicle Crashes

A recent single-vehicle accident claimed the life of one man. The man was driving his truck, and it suddenly left the roadway and hit a tree. He was not wearing a seatbelt, and he was ejected from the vehicle. This tragedy serves as a reminder that single car accidents are more deadly than other types of accidents.

Approximately sixty-five percent of fatal automobile wrecks are single vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, fatal single-vehicle crashes are also the toughest accidents for accident investigators to understand because the person who had the most information about what happened is deceased.  While the cause of an individual single-vehicle accident can be hard to discern, there is plenty of information available on the topic of how drivers can prevent single vehicle crashes.

For example, scientific evidence has shown that tired drivers drive similarly to drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, For this reason, it is no surprise that tired drivers are often involved in single-vehicle accidents. Getting the rest that you need is a way that you can decrease your risk of being involved in a single vehicle accident. Sometimes, even drivers who started their journey well rested experience fatigue after driving for hours. If you are driving and you begin to get tired, find a place to rest before you continue on your way. Taking that rest break could save your life.

Another frequent cause of single vehicle accidents is alcohol use. Many single-vehicle wrecks occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway and either hits a tree or flips over down an embankment. When a driver has consumed alcohol, their reaction time is slower than normal, and their judgment and depth perception are reduced. When a driver operates their vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol, it is all too easy for them to misjudge a curve in the road or to fail to make a necessary course correction in time to avoid an accident. Avoiding alcohol use before and during driving significantly reduces your risk of being in a single-vehicle accident.

Distracted driving and speeding are other frequent causes of single-vehicle accidents, and it is not difficult to understand why – those activities take the driver’s attention away from the road and deprive them of valuable time that they may need to avoid an accident. Fortunately, in regards to the common causes of single vehicle accidents, there is a common characteristic that provides an opportunity for drivers to avoid single vehicle accidents – choice. Speeding, driving tired, distracted driving, and drunk driving all happen when a driver makes a choice about what they will do both before and during their drive. This is good news for drivers because it empowers them to make choices that can reduce the chance that they will be involved in a single-vehicle accident.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving Mississippi Car Accident Victims and Their Families  

If you lost someone that you love in a one-car accident, or if you got hurt in a one-car crash, you may be able to recover for the loss or damages that you have experienced. The compassionate and experienced Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC help accident victims and their families recover financially after automobile accidents. Please call our office today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss Pile-Up Accidents

A recent nine car pile-up accident left three people dead and several others injured. The cause of the wreck is under investigation. The fiery wreck took hours to clear and serves as a reminder to drivers that accidents can happen quickly and without much time for you to respond to them.

When you drive anywhere, you share the road with other drivers. At some times, there are many drivers on the road with you and at others, there are few. However, it only takes one other vehicle, an animal, and sometimes even no other vehicle at all for an accident to occur. Once an accident occurs on a roadway, there is a danger that other vehicles will become entangled in it if they are unable to avoid it successfully. When one or more vehicles collide with a vehicle or vehicles that were involved in a collision, the result is called a chain reaction accident or a pile-up crash.

There are a few things which increase the likelihood of an accident turning into a pile-up crash. Traffic is one obvious factor because vehicles are traveling close to one another with little time and space for sudden maneuvers. Chain reaction accidents can also happen in bad weather when the road conditions are slippery, and the visibility is poor. Pile-up accidents can be caused by distracted drivers on even the sunniest, driest days of the year.

Fortunately, you can take action to decrease the likelihood that you will be involved in a chain reaction accident. For example, maintaining a keen awareness of your surroundings will go a long way towards giving yourself every opportunity to avoid any obstacle in the roadway, including a wreck. Also, move over whenever you see a vehicle stopped on the road or the shoulder so that you don’t collide with it. Follow other vehicles at an appropriate distance to reduce the risk that you will get caught up in chain reaction accident. Leave a gap of one car length for every ten miles per hour of speed that you are traveling so that you can see what is going on in front of your vehicle and have enough time to respond to it and avoid a collision. Do not forget to adjust your driving to the weather and the road conditions. Remember that fog, rain, sleet, and snow affect both traction and visibility and adjust your speed and driving style accordingly. Paying close attention to road conditions and how you are driving gives you the best possible chance of avoiding a pile-up crash because it gives you more time to respond to things in the roadway like accidents, animals, or traffic that has slowed down or stopped.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving Mississippi Car Accident Victims and Their Families  

Sometimes, there simply is not any opportunity to avoid becoming involved in a chain reaction accident no matter how careful you are. If you got hurt in a chain-reaction accident or someone that you love died in a pile-up crash, contact a Mississippi Automobile Accident attorney as soon as you can. Your attorney can accurately assess the amount of damages that you have suffered as a result of your accident, and they can help you to pursue financial recovery as you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. The experienced Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help you. Please call us today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free, initial consultation.

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Log Truck Driver Injured While Attempting To Avoid Deer

Recently, a log truck driver sustained minor injuries while attempting to avoid hitting a deer. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that the driver of an 18 wheeler log truck was traveling east on Mississippi 28 when he lost control and overturned, spilling logs across the roadway.  The driver informed troopers that he was trying to avoid hitting a deer.

Mississippi is Home to a Number of Deer Caused Car Accidents Annually

State Farm Insurance ranked Mississippi number five for one of the states with the highest rates of deer related crashes. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, more than 3,400 vehicles were involved in accidents with deer in the state in 2014.  Some one in 88 drivers will statistically collide with a deer this year.  Sadly, these numbers are actually an improvement over prior years.

The Mississippi car accident attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC caution all drivers to be on the lookout for deer as we move into fall. We have witnessed the serious accidents that deer can cause and want to offer the following tips to help keep residents safe around this wildlife:

  1. Be on alert: Deer become more active during the months of October through January. It is particularly important during these months for drivers to be on the alert and drive defensively. About half of all car accidents involving deer occur during the hours of 5 p.m. to midnight, while another 20 percent happen in early morning hours.   During these hours, it is of the utmost importance to use caution and be on the lookout for deer.
  2. Watch for posted areas: When driving, watch for posted deer crossing signs. These signs have been placed in the area because it is a known area for large deer populations that may cross the road. Deer crossing signs are most likely to be found in heavily wooded areas.
  3. Look for eyes: Drivers will often spot deer by the shine of their eyes, especially at night or during the early morning hours. Slow down right away if you catch a glimpse of eyes by the side of the road.
  4. Wear your seatbelt and drive slow: If you do run into a deer, your seatbelt could save your life. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt each and every time you get into the car. Travel at a safe speed, slowing down even further than the speed limit when traveling around curves or through areas that show signs of deer activity.
  5. Use caution if you swerve to avoid a deer: Unfortunately, at times, drivers will forced to decide in a split second whether to hit a deer or swerve to avoid it. While avoiding the deer collision is always preferable, swerving can at times be dangerous. Before you swerve, check in your mirrors and in front of your vehicle to ensure you will not hit another vehicle or lose control of your car.If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years. We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Put Our Decades of Experience to Work on Your Automobile Accident Case!

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss Hit and Run Accidents

The number of hit and run accidents is on the rise in Mississippi and across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,449 fatal hit and run accidents occurred in 2011, a figure that is up significantly from prior years. This rise in the number of hit and runs also comes during a time when deaths from most traffic deaths are on the decline.  Pedestrians are frequently fatal hit and run accident victims due their vulnerability.

The Mississippi automobile accident attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC are saddened to hear that hit and run accidents are on the rise. We have assisted countless hit and run accident victims and witnessed firsthand the devastation these accidents can bring to a family.  We understand that hit and run accidents can occur due to a wide variety of circumstances, the most common of which include:

  1. Illegal driving: Many hit and run drivers are driving illegally. They may not have a license or their license is suspended. They may also lack insurance or a proper registration. They do not want law enforcement personnel to catch them driving illegally, so they flee the scene of the accident.
  2. Panic: Sometimes drivers reach such a point of panic that they flee the scene of the accident. The majority of hit and run fatalities involve pedestrians. In some cases, drivers may not see a pedestrian and when they realize they have hit someone, they panic and flee.
  3. Drunk driving or other illegal activity: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they hit someone may flee the scene of the accident in order to avoid prosecution. They are likely worried that they will fail a field sobriety test and in fear they flee. Other drivers may have illegal substances or firearms in the vehicle and flee out of fear these illegal items will be found and seized.
  4. Fear of the overall consequences of an accident: Drivers at times will flee simply to avoid the consequences that accompany any serious accident. They may be afraid of being charged for causing the accident due to breaking traffic violations. They may not wish to face increased insurance rates or deal with the police.

While all of these circumstances explain why someone may elect to flee the scene of an accident, they are never a valid excuse for engaging in this illegal behavior. All drivers have a legal responsibility to stop and wait for the authorities to arrive if they have been involved in a serious accident.  Failure to do so is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, points on your license, and much more.

If you have been injured by a hit and run driver, there are steps you can take to obtain the compensation you deserve. Often, hit and run drivers can be identified through witnesses, cameras, and other physical evidence left at the scene. Other times, you may be able to obtain compensation through your own insurance.  Contact a car accident attorney for more assistance.

Barrett Law, PLLC: A Preeminent Mississippi Law Firm

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our outstanding Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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NHTSA Launches Campaign that Encourages Parents to Talk to Their Teens About the Rules of the Road

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, celebrated annually October 18 through the 24, the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urged parents of teen drivers to talk to them about safety. The NHTSA recommended that parents sit teens down to discuss some of the most risky behaviors among teen drivers, including failure to wear seat belts, texting, alcohol use, speeding, and riding with extra teen passengers.

The NHTSA reports that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among 15 and 20 year olds across the country. In 2013, more than 2,600 teen drivers and passengers were killed in car accidents while another 13,000 were injured.  Despite these alarming statistics, few parents talk to their kids about risky behaviors that lead to accidents.

The experienced Mississippi car accident attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC want to see all our local teens stay safe while driving around the state. We believe that with parents modeling positive driving behaviors and discussing safety tips with their teens, the rate of teen accidents can decline.

The following is a look at the five most dangerous behaviors for teen drivers, as identified by the NHTSA in its “5 to Drive” campaign:

5 to Drive

  • Do not use alcohol: About a third of all teen accidents involve the use of alcohol. Drinking and driving is illegal and deadly. Advise your teens as to the dangers of drinking and driving and enforce your rules concerning this risky behavior.
  • Put away the cell phone: Texting and driving is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents. Young drivers are the most likely to be distracted by cell phones and other electronic devices.
  • Always wear a seat belt: More than half of all teens killed in car accidents were not wearing their seat belt at the time of the accident. Make sure your teen knows the importance of wearing a seat belt and does so each and every time he or she gets in the car.
  • Stay within the speed limit: Speed is a factor in nearly half of all teen accidents. Instruct your teen as to the risks of speeding as well as the penalties they may face if caught speeding. Ride with your teen whenever possible so that you can ensure they are following the speed limit.
  • Restrict passengers: Studies show that driving with teen passengers greatly increases the risk of accidents. Teen drivers are more likely to speed, not wear their seat belts, and engage in other risky behaviors if they are driving fellow teens. Do not allow your teen to drive with young passengers until they are older and more established as safe drivers.

 

The most important thing you can do as the parent of a teen is talk to your teen about safe driving. Do not delay; sit down and display statistics, videos, experiences, and the like so that your teen understands the risks of engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Put Our Decades of Experience to Work on Your Car Accident Case!

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured car accident victims and their families for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Former Alabama Football Player Killed in Single Vehicle Crash in Mississippi

Recently, former Alabama running back Altee Tenpenny was killed in a single vehicle wreck in Mississippi. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that Tenpenny, who was 20 at the time of the accident, was traveling through Mississippi on Highway 1 when he crashed into a highway sign around 5 p.m.  The force of the collision caused his vehicle to become airborne and then rollover several times upon landing.  The car then collided with a utility pole, ejecting Tenpenny from the vehicle.  Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but the former football player sadly perished from his injuries sustained in the accident.  As of now, Mississippi Highway Patrol and accident reconstructionists are still working to uncover the cause of the accident.

Causes of Single Vehicle Accidents

Each year, thousands of drivers and passengers across the country are killed in single vehicle accidents. There are a number of causes for single vehicle accidents, but some common circumstances seem to arise in the majority of these crashes.  Common causes of single vehicle accidents include:

  1. Speed: Driving over the speed limit is the number one cause of single vehicle crashes. Speed can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and run off the road or hit obstacles near the road. Slow down and stay within the legal speed limit in order to prevent a single vehicle crash.
  2. Road conditions: Road conditions can in part lead to single vehicle accidents. Roads that are poorly maintained or contain inadequate warning signs can cause single vehicle crashes. All states and municipalities should ensure roads are maintained in a safe manner for travelers in order to prevent serious accidents.
  3. Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, browse the web, eat, drink, or engage in like distracted activities can cause accidents. Distraction draws a driver’s attention, vision, and possibly hands from the road for an amount of time sufficient to cause an accident. Pay attention to the road ahead and stow all electronic devices in a safe place.
  4. Driving while intoxicated: Alcohol is a major contributor to single vehicle accidents. Drivers who use drugs or alcohol will not be able to react properly to sudden obstacles or emergency situations. These drivers are also prone to using excessive speed and running off the roadways. Never drink and drive to protect your life and the lives of those around you.
  5. Tired driving: Drivers who are sleep deprived are unlikely to react appropriately to obstacles and may not swerve in time to prevent an accident. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel may run off the road, jump medians, or run into curbs.
  6. Mechanical defects: Cars that are defective can cause serious single car accidents. Defective brakes, tires, and much more are common causes of car accidents. If you are injured in a single vehicle accident, be sure your car accident attorney investigates the possibility of a mechanical defect leading to your accident. If you have been injured in car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC.  Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years. We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury. Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Decades of Experience Representing Injured Car Accident Victims across Mississippi

If you have been injured in car accident, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC. Our preeminent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  We fight for our injured clients to receive the coverage they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call Barrett Law, PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Report: Mother and Child Killed in Wrong Way Accident

A mother and child were tragically killed after a wrong way accident closed a portion of I-55 in North Mississippi.  The Desoto County Sheriff’s Department reports that a SUV carrying a mother and child from Arkansas suddenly headed the wrong way near Coldwater Bridge.  It collided with a UPS truck head on.  Both vehicles quickly caught fire.  The mother and child perished in the accident and the UPS driver sustained minor injuries.  The interstate was closed for three hours as traffic was diverted around the flaming vehicles.  Police are still investigating the crash.

Wrong Way Accidents are Rare, But Often Deadly

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong way accidents are less common than many other types of accidents, but when they do occur, fatal or serious injuries are highly likely.  The vast majority of wrong way accidents result in head on collisions, which have the highest percentage of fatalities.

One of the most common causes of wrong way accidents is alcohol or drug impairment.  Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause drivers to become confused and disoriented, which can result in crossing over the center line or entering the roadway going in the wrong direction.  Police and automobile accident attorneys will generally investigate the potential for drug or alcohol use in any wrong way accident.

Another growing cause of wrong way accidents is distraction.  Distracted drivers may cross into the other roadway when they are looking down at their phone or engaging in another distracting behavior.  Researchers currently believe the incidence of wrong way crashes is on the rise and the increase in driver distraction is likely part of this unfortunate trend.

Other negligent factors leading to wrong way accidents include poor lighting or highway entrance ramps that are not well marked, allowing drivers to enter the road traveling in the wrong direction.  Road construction has been known to cause wrong way accidents when it interferes with the flow of traffic and unsuspecting drivers inadvertently enter the wrong lane.  At times, drivers visiting from out of state may become disoriented or focus on their GPS to the point of not noticing they have entered a roadway the wrong way.

Wrong Way Accident Victims Will Require Considerable Compensation

Most wrong way crashes will cause serious and considerable injuries due to their head on nature.  When two vehicles collided head on, it is the force equivalent of crashing into a brick wall.  This intense and sudden stopping of motion can result in serious head injuries, neck injuries, broken limbs, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, and more.

If you have been injured in a wrong way accident, consult with an experienced automobile accident attorney as soon as possible.  Your attorney will assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more stemming from the accident.

Barrett Law PLLC:  A Mississippi Automobile Accident Law Firm of Distinction

Wrong way accidents often result in death and serious injuries.  If you have been injured in an automobile accident due to a wrong way driver or a driver behaving in any other negligent manner, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC.  Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  Allow our zealous attorney team to fight for your full recovery following any traffic accident.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Report: Driver Fell Asleep in Fatal Crystal Springs Accident

Recently, two adults and two children from New Orleans perished in a car accident in Crystal Springs, Mississippi.  The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that the driver fell asleep behind the wheel just before the accident, which occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on Interstate 55 in Copiah County.  Authorities believe the 2014 Hyundai vehicle left the interstate as the driver fell asleep, hit a tree, and then caught on fire.  The driver was a 22 year old woman traveling with a 19 year old front seat passenger and two young children, ages 18 months and 4 months.  All were visiting the state from New Orleans.

The Dangers of Tired Driving

According to Drowsydriving.org, an initiative of the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of all adult drivers polled, or at least 158 million people, report feeling drowsy while driving in the past year.  A third of these drivers, or 103 million people, actually fell asleep behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving in 2013 caused at least 72,000 crashes, 800 fatalities, and 44,000 injuries.  Researchers believe that the true number of drowsy driving deaths could be far higher, as this is an underreported cause of accidents.  Unlike driving while intoxicated, there is no sure test to determine whether a driver is extremely tired.  As such, many accidents that were likely due to tired driving are classified as having a different cause.

Who is at Risk for Driving Tired?

Drowsy driving accidents occur most commonly among younger drivers, particularly men, young adults with children, and shift workers.  Here is an in-depth look at who is at risk of a tired driving crash:

  • Adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are most likely to be involved in a tired driving accident.
  • Men are more likely to drive while tired and also to fall asleep behind the wheel while driving.
  • Adults with children are about 10 percent more likely to drive drowsy than childless adults.
  • Sleep deprivation greatly increases your risk of being involved in an accident, and the less sleep you get, the more likely you are to be in an accident.
  • Shift workers are at risk of tired driving accidents because they are likely to drive tired more than once a month.
  • People who sleep six or seven hours or less are twice as likely to be injured in a car accident as those who obtain eight or more hours of sleep.
  • Being awake for 18 hours actually produces characteristics similar to driving while intoxicated, causing drivers to lack reaction time, awareness, perception, and much more.

If you have been injured in an accident and believe the other driver may have been driving drowsy, consult with an automobile accident attorney as soon as possible.  Your attorney can assist in investigating the accident and uncovering evidence of the other driver’s negligent behavior.

Barrett Law PLLC: Dedicated Representation for Car Accident Victims Across Mississippi

Driver fatigue can result in catastrophic accidents.  If you have been injured in an automobile accident due to driver fatigue or other driver negligence, contact the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC.  Our prominent Mississippi law firm has assisted injured vehicle accident victims for over 75 years.  Allow our zealous attorney team to fight for your full recovery following any traffic accident.  Do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time within which to file a claim after your injury.  Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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