Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss the Dangers of Ice on the Roadways

The recent winter weather has brought freezing rain and ice to much of Mississippi, including the Jackson area.  Over the weekend of February 20, the Jackson area experienced unexpected icing, seriously impacting both bridges and roads.  The freezing rains begin to fall on Friday right before drivers set out on their morning commute.  Drivers were forced to battle heavy congestion and icy bridges in order to get to work.

Multiple accidents were reported on that Friday and in the following days.  At least three weather related fatalities occurred: one in the Greenwood area and two in the New Albany area.  An additional 87 accidents were reported on Friday alone.  One of the major problems facing the area was that meteorologists did not predict the icy conditions, and hence road crews were not prepared to de-ice the bridges.

During icy road conditions, any road can become a dangerous place.  However, the majority of ice related accidents happen on:

  • Bridges, elevated roadways, and overpasses:  Elevated roads collect snow and ice before other roadways, catching drivers by surprise.
  • High speed roads:  It is more common to slide or lose control while traveling at higher speeds.  As such, highways, interests, and turnpikes are the site of many ice related accidents.
  • Curves:  Steering can cause the rear of a vehicle to slide outward while traveling on a curve.  Cars tend to initially fishtail than slide toward the inside of the curve, instead of sliding towards the outside as most drivers would anticipate.
  • Steep hills:  Major hills pose a serious problem in icy conditions, when the friction forces between the tires and the road may not be strong enough to overcome gravity and slow or stop a car on an icy hill.
  • Tunnels:  Tunnels will often contain groundwater seepage, which can coat the roadways in ice during freezes.
  • Deceleration zones:  Braking is a common trigger of slides on icy roads.  Any parts of the roadway that requires drivers to brake could become a hot spot for accidents, such as traffic lights, stop signs, and sharp curves.
  • Acceleration zones:  Accelerating can cause the wheels to spin on icy roads, which may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.  As such, danger zones can include highway on ramps and uphill grades.
  • Low traffic roads:  Roads that are less traveled may be the site of accumulated ice or snow.  These roads are often less quick to be cleared by emergency personnel as well.

It is important to look for warning signs during the winter months as to when ice may appear.  Warning signs will include the presence of temperatures near or below freezing, falling precipitation, ice sticking to your car, or ice sticking to elevated objects.  When these conditions exist, you should presume that the roadways will be icy and require driving with additional care or avoiding the roadways altogether.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Zealous Representation for the Victims of Car Accidents in Mississippi   

Car accidents due to ice and sleet can result in serious injuries and death to those involved.  If you or a loved one is injured in an automobile accident related to poor weather conditions, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  Poor weather conditions require all drivers operate their vehicles in a safe manner, including lower their speed and exercising additional caution.  Those who fail to act in a reasonable manner can be held responsible for the injuries and damages they inflict.  Call the experienced automobile accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

 

/by

Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Reveal: Mississippi Ranked Among Nation’s Riskiest States for Drivers’ Wallets

Mississippi drivers take among the greatest financial risks when they drive on any of the state’s many roadways, according to a recent study that analyzed insurance data from each state.  Online financial website WalletHub set out to rank the nation’s riskiest states for drivers’ wallets.  Calculations were based on factors such as insurance requirements and the state’s percentage of uninsured motorists.  Mississippi was ranked the fourth riskiest state according to the WalletHub study.

Richie Bernando of WalletHub explained that the proportion of drivers with no insurance ranged significantly across states, with a high of 25.9 percent of drivers lacking insurance in Oklahoma, while only 3.9 percent lacked coverage in Massachusetts.  There are also significant differences in each state’s insurance requirements.  States set different minimum liability coverage, which will protect other drivers in the event of an accident.

Mississippi had the third highest percentage of uninsured drivers at a whopping 22.9 percent.  Oklahoma exceeded this number by a few percentage points.  Interestingly, the study did not find a correlation between the state’s insurance minimum requirements and the percentage of drivers lack insurance.

Mississippi requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accidents.  While these figures are on par with many other states, Mississippi, unlike 30 other states, does not require any additional coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage.

All Mississippi drivers are encouraged to add or increase their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage due to the alarmingly high rate of uninsured drivers in the state.  As WalletHub reveals, law abiding drivers could find themselves in a difficult position in the event they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is extremely affordable and one of the wisest things you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident.  Often this coverage will cost you only a few extra dollars each month.

In the event you are in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, your insurance coverage will cover the damages that result from the accident, up to the limits you have pre-selected.  If you lack this vital coverage, your only option will be to seek a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.  In your claim, you can fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. However, you will need an attorney to represent you in this claim and recovery is not always easy.  The action will take longer than an insurance claim would have and you will sometimes have to outlay funds to successfully bring the action.  Further, in the event the at-fault driver lacks assets, you may have trouble collecting on the judgment.  As such, it is in the best interest of all Mississippi drivers to secure uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Assisting Drivers Injured by Under or Uninsured Drivers Across the State  

This new ranking is not one to be embraced by Mississippians.  Mississippi is known to have a high percentage of under or uninsured drivers, making it a dangerous place to drive.  If you have been injured in an accident involving an underinsured or uninsured driver, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We understand the unique issues involved in such cases and will fight to see that you obtain a full recovery even when the case is a difficult one.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our exceptional car accident attorneys.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss the Growing Problem of Drugged Driving

Drugged driving is an emerging problem across the U.S., but many people are unaware of the magnitude of the problem.  Some of the unique challenges faced today include:

  • Thousands if not tens of thousands of impairing drugs exist, both illegal and legal, that hold the potential to impair driving ability.  Drugs that can impair driving extend far beyond illicit drugs, to include prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, and legal medicinal or recreational marijuana.
  • Many drivers get behind the wheel after consuming a mix of drugs and alcohol.  This dual use, known as poly use, results in serious impairment and creates a whole host of serious issues.
  • Currently, there is no system for widespread data collection among the states concerning drugged driving like there is for drunk driving.

What is Drugged Driving?

Drugged driving is defined as the presence of legal or illegal substances that impair driving ability.  Poly abuse is defined as a person mixing drugs and alcohol, then getting behind the wheel.

How Drugs Affect Driving Skills

Drugs have an effect on nearly every system in the body, and their impact extends to:

  • Reaction time:  Drugs will slow a driver’s response and reaction times.
  • Coordination:  Drugs impact the nerves and muscles, making reasonable steering, braking, accelerating, and overall control of the vehicle difficult.
  • Judgment:  Drugs have great cognitive effects, hindering a person’s ability to assess risks and hazards by decreasing the fear response and thus increasing risk taking behavior.
  • Attention:  A variety of drugs are known to make it difficult for individuals to focus and process information.
  • Tracking:  Drugs diminish a driver’s ability to stay in their lane and maintain a safe following distance.
  • Perception:  Some 90 percent of the information processed by the brain is visual, making vision impairment due to drugs a serious danger.

Even a small amount of drugs can have a measureable effect on one’s driving ability and not all individuals react the same to every drug, even prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Drugged Driving Presents Legal Challenges

While each state has set a maximum blood alcohol content level that is legal for an individual to still be able to drive, drugs cannot so easily be measured.  Testing for drug usage is not always as simple as a Breathalyzer test or even a blood test.  Some drugs can quickly leave the system, while others will remain there for long periods of time, making drug tests inaccurate for the purposes of charging someone with drugged driving.

Most states have taken the approach of evaluating the impact of the drugs on the person’s driving and coordination.  While this will accurately detect drug usage for some drugs, others may escape arrest.  New methods for combating drugged driving will likely be necessary in the future.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Fighting for the Recovery of DUI and Drugged Driving Victims  

Drugged driving is becoming a growing concern among road users across the U.S.  There are a number of drugs, both illegal and illegal, as well as prescription and over-the-counter, that impair a driver’s ability to responsibly focus on the road ahead.  Drugged driving can also be harder to detect as testing for these substances is more difficult than it is for alcohol.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted numerous victims of drugged driving.  We understand the unique issues that surround these cases and will fight to see that you obtain the compensation you deserve and justice is served.  Call the outstanding automobile accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss Ways to Save on Your Car Insurance

As the New Year approaches, many families begin to search for ways to cut back on spending in the coming year.  Reviewing your automobile insurance policy with the goal of increasing savings, while ensuring adequate coverage in the event of an accident, is an excellent place to start.  While it is never wise to decrease your coverage, as this can cost you greatly in the event of an accident, you may be eligible for discounts that you never knew existed.  Discounts are available through most insurance carriers, including those with strong academic records or positive driving records.  Certain vehicles may also be eligible for discounts.

The following is a list of possible discounts that could help you save money on car insurance next year.  Review this list to determine if any apply to you, then call your car insurance company to start saving.  You could save money on your car insurance in Mississippi if:

  • You have an excellent credit score
  • You have a clean driving record
  • Your vehicle has passive seat belts
  • Your vehicle has an airbags
  • You own expensive vehicles
  • Your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system
  • You are over the age of 55 and have completed a driver improvement course
  • You hold multiple policies with the same company, such as homeowners’ insurance and car insurance
  • You are a student and make good grades
  • You graduated from a certain college or university
  • Your vehicle is a standard model and not a performance or sports vehicle
  • You driver your vehicle infrequently
  • You are a safe driver
  • You are a teenager who completed a driver’s education class
  • You put minimal miles on your vehicle each year
  • You are a homeowner
  • You are a student and only drive your vehicle when you go home

To start your New Year off with savings, call your insurance company today to see if you are eligible for these or other discounts.  You may also wish to obtain quotes from other car insurance companies to ensure you are receiving the lowest possible rates for the coverage level you desire.  Insurance premiums can vary widely by company, so it does pay to shop around.

Another way to save on your car insurance is by raising your deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverage.  It is often easy to meet even a higher deductible because damages run up quickly after a crash, but consider this option carefully to make sure the increased deductible does not cost you more than the savings in the long run.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Helping You Save Money This Coming New Year

For many couples, saving money is a worthy New Year’s goal.  Car insurance may be one area in which you can cut back on costs while still maintaining the same quality coverage.  You should call your car insurance company and see if you are eligible for certain discounts.  Do not, however, decrease your coverage as this could leave you out far more in the event of a serious accident.  The Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC hope that this list of cost saving tips helps to decrease your car insurance bill.  In the event you are injured in a car crash, we are here to help.  We fight for your full recovery, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

 

 

/by

Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Name the Most Dangerous Drivers

Car accidents occur by the millions each year, and even the most cautious drivers can become the victims of serious crashes.  You have likely heard arguments as to the safety of some drivers, and risky driving engaged in by other driver groups.  Some people claim that older drivers should not be allowed to drive because they are slow to react and create a hazard.  Others assert that young drivers are the most dangerous and the driving age should be increased because youths do not take the risk of car accidents seriously enough.  The following is a look at the safety of two driving groups: teen drivers and older drivers.  This analysis offers some answers as to which group is the most dangerous drivers.

Statistics Point to Teens as Most Dangerous

Statistics concerning car accidents provide perhaps the most vital look into the safety of particular driving groups.  According to statistics, teen drivers, especially male teenagers, are the most dangerous users of the road.  While older drivers are involved in large numbers of accidents, teen drivers far exceed their accident rates.  The evidence is below:

  • Teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are involved in nine times as many crashes per mile driven than middle aged drivers.
  • Those over 80 years old are involved in five and a half times more accidents than middle aged drivers.
  • Teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are the most likely age group to be involved in any sort of car accident.
  • Drivers in their 60s are not any more likely than drivers in their 30s to be in an accident.
  • Boys between the ages of 16 and 19 are twice as likely to be in a fatal accident than girls of the same age.
  • While those over the age of 75 do have an increased fatality rate, studies show that this can be attributed to medical complications involved with the injuries and is not related to the group’s overall accident incidence.

Assessing the Risk to Teen Drivers

These frightening statistics involving teen drivers have lead many safety experts to examine why the teen accident rate is so high.  Studies have concluded that part of the reason for so many teen accidents actually involves the brain of the teenagers themselves.  Teen brains are still developing and these immature brains lead teens to impulsive decision making.  When you combine a lack of driving experience with impulsive tendencies, you create a recipe for disaster.  So far, studies show that:

  • Teens are more likely to speed.
  • Teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as tailgating and passing.
  • Teens have the lowest rate of seatbelt usage.
  • Teens are likely underestimate danger on the roadways or not recognize it whatsoever.
  • Teens drive distracted more often than any other age group.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Fighting For Your Recovery

Thousands of car accidents will be caused by teen drivers each year, and many careful drivers will become the victims.  If you are injured in a car accident anywhere in Mississippi, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  Our team of skilled and dedicated automobile accident attorneys will carefully investigate the cause of your accident, gathering evidence of negligence on the part of the at fault driver.  We will then fight for your full recovery, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Explore Rear End Collisions

Each year, more rear end collisions will occur than any other type of automobile accident.  Roughly two and a half million rear end accidents occur each year, resulting in serious injuries and even death.  In fact, six deaths out of every one million cars registered are the result of rear end accidents.  The vast majority of rear end collisions happen due to inattentiveness on the part of the individual driving behind the vehicle that is rear-ended.

The Causes of Rear End Accidents

There are many causes of rear end accidents, but some common causes seem to occur with regularity.  These include:

  • Following too closely
  • Poor road conditions, such as ice, rain, or snow
  • Inattentiveness on the part of the following driver
  • Driver distraction, including texting and using a cell phone
  • Failure to see the car in front stop or slow
  • Poor visibility, due to fog or other weather conditions
  • Accelerating from a stop too quickly
  • Foot slipping off the brake while stopped
  • Sudden stopping that does not allow the following car time to stop

Rear end accidents can be extremely serious.  These accidents often result in so-called “soft tissue” injuries.  Whiplash is among the most common soft tissue injuries.  Whiplash is caused by the jerking motion of the head and neck that generally occurs during a rear end crash.  The result is severe neck pain and limited range of motion.  Rear end crashes can also result in head injuries, which can be lead to permanent or long term disability.  Head injuries are not always apparent immediately following a crash.  Any rear end crash victim who is experiencing headaches and blurred vision should be evaluated for potentially serious head trauma.

When trucks are involved in a rear end accident, the results can be even more devastating.  Trucks weigh several times that of passenger motor vehicles, and when they pummel into the back of a car, the accident often becomes catastrophic.  Any victim of a truck rear end accident should seek medical attention immediately following the crash.

Fault in Rear End Collisions

In the vast majority of rear end accidents, the driver of the second vehicle, the vehicle that does the rear-ending, will be considered at least partially at fault.  This is because all drivers have a duty to follow other vehicles at a safe distance so as to allow for necessary sudden stops or slow downs.  It is imperative that enough traveling distance be provided between vehicles to prevent am accident when an unexpected stop occurs.  Accordingly, when a rear end accident happens it is presumed the second car did not provide enough following room and is at least partially at fault for the accident.

This is not to say that the front car always escapes liability.  If the lead car acted negligently, such as by not having working brake lights or reversing suddenly, this car will hold a considerable percentage of the fault as well.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Assisting the Victims of Rear End Collisions  

Rear end accidents can result in damage to your vehicle and serious injuries, including spinal cord damage, whiplash, head injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.  If you have been injured in a rear end collision, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  Our skilled car accident attorneys will investigate your accident to uncover all evidence of negligence.  We will then fight for your full recovery, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Explore the Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of five and 34.  Every year, over 30,000 people died in car crashes across the nation.  Mississippi is a dangerous place for car accidents.  In fact, according to the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, over 600 fatal car accidents occur across the state of Mississippi each year.  Another nearly 30,000 are injured in crashes in Mississippi.  These figures are down from the early 2000’s, but still quite high nationally when population is accounted for.

As a result, those who survive a serious car accident will often suffer severe and permanent injuries.  Over three million individuals are injured in car accidents every year, and an astonishing two million continue to experience permanent injuries.

The following is an overview of some of the most common injuries suffered by automobile accident victims in Mississippi:

  1. Head and brain trauma:  Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries can include concussions along with more severe brain damage, such as brain bleeds.  Cars today travel at greater speeds than in the past, and statistics show that as cars are made to travel faster, the number of brain injuries have increased.  Concussions generally occur when accident victims are flung into the steering wheel or dashboard, or the other car directly crashes into the victim.  While seatbelts can prevent many head injuries, some are simply not preventable.  It is not always obvious when a head injury has occurred, and accident victims should be on the lookout for symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, headaches, confusion, and problems concentrating.  Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
  2. Spinal cord injuries:  The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident.  The spinal cord can become injured due to the intense back and forth motion generated by a crash.  Bulging discs, herniated discs, and paralysis can all occur following a car accident, depending on the severity of the impact.  Spinal cord injuries can lead to serious and chronic pain along with a decreased range of movement.  In the most severe of cases, car accident victims may become paralyzed permanently due to a spinal cord injury.
  3. Neck and back injuries:  Some of the most common injuries suffered by millions of accident victims a year are neck and back injuries.  The sudden jerking motion involved in nearly all car accidents is the cause of most neck or back injuries.  Whiplash is experienced by over one million car accident victims a year.  Though common, whiplash is nothing to take lightly.  It can cause extreme discomfort, limited range of movement, and lasting pain.  In more serious accidents, a broken back can occur, which will often lead to long term disability.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Auto Accident Attorneys Dedicated to Assisting Injured Car Accident Victims Across Mississippi and the Southeast

Car accidents can result in a wide array of serious accidents.  Some accidents will require months or even years to fully recover, and in the worst of accidents a full recovery may never be achieved.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted the victims of car accidents, ranging from minor to catastrophic, since 1936.  Our attorneys will assist you in obtaining full compensation for your injuries stemming from the accident, including compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Our dedicated automobile accident attorneys are able to examine any accident to determine whether negligence or a product defect played a role.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to arrange for a free consultation with one of our exemplary attorney staff.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Warn Accident Victims to Never Ignore a Headache

Car accident victims may experience a wide range of symptoms.  For some, in the immediate aftermath of the accident, few symptoms are present.  Hours or days later, however, serious injuries may become evident.  Headaches are one of the most common symptoms reported by individuals who have been involved in automobile accidents.  Like many other car accident injuries, including whiplash, headaches may present soon after the crash or take some time to develop.  Regardless of when the victim first experiences the headache, all car accident victims should seek immediate medical attention as soon as it occurs.  Headaches stemming from a car accident can be a sign of a serious medical condition, including head trauma, traumatic brain injury, sympathetic nerve dysfunction, post-concussion syndrome, and post-traumatic headaches.  These serious and potentially life threatening conditions can result from even those car accidents that seem minor.

In the event of a car accident, victims can experience a blow to the head, even when the vehicle is traveling at a low rate of speed.  This head impact can result in dangerous medical conditions.  There are many potential surfaces with which a car accident victim’s head can come into contact, including the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, and any other hard surface.  When the victim has sustained head trauma, he or she may experience:

  • An aching pain in the head that is dull and pervasive; or
  • Pressure or tightness on the front, sides, or rear of the head; or
  • Tenderness in the scalp, shoulders, and neck.

It is essential that accident headache sufferers seek prompt medical attention.  A doctor will be able to ascertain the nature of the head injury and administer prompt treatment that will thwart the ailment’s progression and initiate the healing process.  Those who seek medical attention as soon as the headache develops have a better chance of minimizing long-term consequences associated with the head injury.

Additionally, for car accident victims it is helpful to create an early record of all medical symptoms that present after the accident.  This record will be of great assistance in later obtaining a full recovery for all of your car accident-related injuries.  Your early documentation will create a strong link between your injuries and the car accident, thus making it difficult for the insurance company to claim the injury has another cause.  It is not always easy for doctors to pinpoint the cause of serious headaches.  However, by acting fast, you will eliminate the timely trial and error process that may otherwise be required to uncover your headache’s cause.  Your attorney will be able to guide you through the process of creating an early and complete medical record.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Assisting All Accident Victims Who Have Sustained Head Injuries

If you develop a headache in the minutes, hours, or even days following a car accident, it should never be ignored.  Headaches that begin after an automobile accident can be a sign of serious injury.  Prompt medical treatment is necessary to ensure your full recovery.  Further, timely documentation of the origin of the injury is essential to protect your legal rights.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fight hard for auto accident victims for almost eight decades.  We offer experienced, dedicated, and skilled representation by a team of award winning attorneys.  If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a car accident, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.  Our skilled attorney staff looks forward to providing you with exemplary legal services.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Explore Single Vehicle Accidents

Last month, a single vehicle accident in Lamar County claimed the lives of two high school students, shocking the small school district and community.  A third teen was also injured in the accident.  The car carrying three teens during homecoming week was traveling on Purvis-Oloh road when it suddenly left the roadway and struck a tree.  One victim was pronounced dead on arrival, another died in route to the local hospital, and the third survived but required emergency surgery.

In the course of just a few months in Mississippi, several single vehicle accidents occurred.  In Amite County, a woman was killed in June when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road and collided with a culvert, ejecting her from the vehicle.  One month later, in Covington County, a person was killed when a vehicle left the roadway, overturned, and ejected the passenger.

These are just a few of the many single vehicle accidents that have occurred across the state of Mississippi in the span of just a few months.  Single vehicle accidents account for over half of all accidents across the country, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  Mississippi falls in line with this national trend and is home to hundreds of single vehicle accidents each year.

What Causes Single Vehicle Accidents?

Single vehicle accidents can arise from a variety of circumstances.  The following is a look at some of the most common reasons why single vehicle accidents occur:

  1. Speed:  Speed causes more run-off road crashes than any other single factor.  Speed can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles when traveling around bends or when confronted with obstacles.
  2. Distracted driving:  Texting, talking on the phone or to passengers, grooming, eating, drinking, and the like can all cause drivers to lose focus of the road and run off it, causing their vehicles to collide with obstacles or oncoming cars.
  3. Impact with an object in the road:  Single vehicle accidents often occur when a vehicle comes into contact with an object that has fallen off another vehicle.  These accidents also often occur when a car collides with the median.
  4. Poor road conditions:  Road and weather conditions can contribute to single vehicle accidents.  Poor weather conditions can include snow, rain, ice, and fog.  Poor road conditions can include unlit roads, bendy roads, roads that are poorly maintained, and more.
  5. Impaired driving:  Countless single vehicle accidents result from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Impaired driving causes drivers to become drowsy, react slowly to oncoming obstacles, and behave erratically.
  6. Mechanical failures or defects: Defects within a vehicle’s braking system, tires, or steering system can result in serious single vehicle accidents.

Single vehicle accidents are often divided into two categories: run-off road collisions and on-road accidents.  Anyone injured in either sort of single vehicle crash should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect their legal rights.

Barrett Law PLLC: Exemplary Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys  

Single vehicle accidents, such as the recent accidents across Mississippi, can be catastrophic.  While these accidents are sometimes the result of driver negligence, the negligence of other drivers, product defects, or even the negligence of property owners can all play a role in these accidents.  The Mississippi Automobile Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted countless victims of single vehicle crashes and their families across the state.  We will evaluate the accident to uncover all potential avenues for recovery.  The attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will then seek a full recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

/by

Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss the Dangers Posed by Distracted Drivers to School Children

School zones are enacted to keep young children safe while traveling to and from school.  In these areas, speed limits are lowered and drivers are warned to look out for young children crossing the street.  Unfortunately, according to a study recently released by Safe Kids USA, many drivers do not follow the safety rules within school zones.  Drivers fail to slow down and, most alarmingly, drive distractedly through these areas intended to be a place of safety.  These actions pose a serious threat to the lives of all school children as they attempt to commute to and from school.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that school age pedestrians are at far greater risk of injury and death from traffic accidents than adults.  When motorists drive distractedly through school zones, the very lives of young children are at risk.  The victims of distracted driving and their families must contact a Mississippi automobile accident attorney as soon as possible following a school zone accident.

School Children in Mississippi Are At Risk From Distracted Driving

Approximately 25,000 children across the U.S. are injured while commuting to and from school each year.  The CDC estimates that one in four traffic fatalities involve children pedestrians under the age of 14.  A significant percentage of these accidents occur in or around school zones.

This alarmingly high rate of pedestrian accidents among young children makes the data revealed by Safe Kids USA all the more troubling.  According to the Safe Kids report, one in six drivers is distracted when driving through a school zone.  Drivers tend to be more distracted in the afternoon than the morning, and those traveling through school zones with a high volume of traffic are the most distracted.  School zones without flashing lights also appear to be least effective in encouraging drivers to slow down and pay attention.

Both male and female drivers reported driving distractedly in school zones, but women were more likely than men to focus on something other than the road ahead.  An estimated 187 out of every 1,000 women drivers admitted to driving distracted, while only 154 out of every 1,000 male drivers were distracted in school zones.

Electronic devices, mainly cell phones, lead to the highest number of distractions.  At least 98 out of 1,000 motorists cited the use of an electronic device as the source of their distraction.  Eating, drinking, and smoking distracted another 44 out of 1,000 drivers, while reaching behind or looking behind accounted for another 19 out of 1,000 distractions.  Reading came in at the end of the list, leading to three out of 1,000 distracted drivers.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Zealously Representing the Youngest Victims of Distracted Driving

Recent studies show that school children are increasingly at risk of injury or death due to distracted drivers.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC urge all drivers to be vigilant at all times, especially when driving near school zones.  Put away all distractions and pay attention to the road ahead.  It takes all of us to keep our future generations safe.  In the event you or a loved one is injured by a distracted driver, the car accident attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We will zealously fight for your full recovery following any automobile accident, seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering permanent disability, and more.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced automobile accident attorneys.

/by