Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Explore Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Mississippi is home to an alarming number of uninsured motorists.  Close to one in three drivers in Mississippi do not have automobile liability insurance.  This number is twofold the national average of one in six uninsured drivers.  To make matters even worse, over half of all drivers only carry the minimum amount of insurance required in the state.  This means that in the event you are involved in an accident, the insurance company will only cover $25,000 towards your injuries.  This number is far less than needed to recover the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income involved in any serious accident.  In light of these statistics, there is a significant chance that in your lifetime, you will be involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Some states require drivers carry a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, but Mississippi is not presently one of them.  The following is a list of reasons why you should consider obtaining or increasing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as soon as possible:

  • The rate of uninsured/underinsured motorists is rising:  Mississippi is already home to an alarming number of uninsured and underinsured motorists, but this rate is expected to increase in coming years as jobless rates remain high and more and more families cannot afford the expense of car insurance premiums.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is affordable:  Adding or increasing your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will often only cost you a couple of dollars per month.  This coverage is among the most affordable.  The minimal cost to obtain this insurance is well worth it in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
  • Pursuing a personal injury claim against the uninsured driver will be expensive:  While purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is very reasonable, the alternative of waiting until you are in an accident with such a driver be costly.  Specifically, if you are injured by an uninsured or minimally insured driver and lack UM/UIM coverage, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the driver seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the like.  You will need to secure the representation of an attorney that can handle this sometimes complex claim and may be required to outlay expenses in bringing the claim to resolution.
  • Collecting from an uninsured/underinsured motorist can prove difficult:  Even when you pursue your personal injury claim against the at-fault, uninsured driver to the fullest extent, there is no guarantee you will be able to collect damages.  Often, those without car insurance have limited income and means, making it difficult to collect.  This does not mean all hope is lost if you do not have UM/UIM insurance and are involved in an accident, but it is easier as a preventative measure to obtain this vital coverage.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Uninsured/Underinsured Automobile Accident Attorneys Ensuring You Obtain the Compensation You Deserve  

The high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers across Mississippi is cause for serious concern.  All Mississippi drivers are at risk of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.  Being involved in such an accident often leaves victims feeling helpless and confused as to how they can recover.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are available to advise you on your options in the event you have been involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or holds only a minimal policy.  While obtaining a full recovery in this scenario can be difficult, it is possible with the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our exemplary automobile accident attorneys.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Hundreds of thousands of individuals are injured in car accidents each year.  Back injuries are among the most common of injuries sustained following an automobile crash.  Even accidents that seem minor can inflict serious back injuries due to the jarring motion experienced by one’s body in a crash.  The spinal cord is not intended to absorb such a jar, even at low speeds, and this often causes damage.  Minor back injuries can impact your ability to perform daily living tasks, while major injuries can entirely debilitate, preventing you from performing work duties or self-care activities.

Types of Injuries Following a Crash

The human spinal cord can be divided into three different regions: the cervical vertebrae which comprises the neck; the thoracic vertebrae which comprises the upper back; and the lumbar vertebrae which makes up the lower back.  Each segment of the back contains ligaments, muscles, nerves, discs, and tendons that if injured will cause significant pain and sometimes permanent damage.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Some of the most serious car accident related back injuries involve the spinal column.  The spinal cord controls much movement and sensation and is a vulnerable part of the back.  Injuries to the spinal cord can vary from bruising to permanent damage.  Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, loss of feeling in certain regions of the body, and loss of reflexes.  Treatment for these serious injuries will include surgery, medication, and lots of physical therapy. Permanent disability often results.
  • Thoracic Spine Injuries: High speed crashes most often cause injuries to the upper back.  The upper back connects the spine to the ribs, making injuries to this region extremely dangerous.  Permanent nerve damage can result from thoracic spine injuries.
  • Herniated Discs: Discs act as cushions within the spine, separating the vertebrae and insulating the spine from injury.  A herniated disc occurs following a car accident when the disc is displaced.  This displacement places pressure on the spinal cord and causes intense pain along with numbness in the legs.
  • Lumbar Spine Injuries: The lower back is a vital area of support for the entire body, providing stability due to the many muscles located here.  A sprain or strain on the lower back can be extremely painful and slow to heal.  Fractures to this region can result in swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion.  These injuries will leave accident victims unable to perform work and living tasks.

After a car accident, your back injury should be evaluated to determine its severity and, in turn, its required treatment.  Back injuries can be diagnosed through an array of tests, including MRI, CT scans, x-rays, myelograms, and bone scans.  Most back injuries will require treatment with medication, rest, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.  More serious injuries may require surgery.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for Victim Rights  

Car accidents caused by negligent drivers can cause serious and sometimes permanent back injuries.  The back is a sensitive area of the body that is easily injured in a crash.  Back injuries usually require months or even years of treatment in order for hopes of a full recovery.  For some individuals, the back pain never subsides.  The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will fight zealously for you to obtain full compensation following a car accident.  For over 75 years, we have helped countless car accident victims find financial relief and we wish to offer the same excellence of legal services to you. Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Elderly Drivers Pose a Hazard on the Roadways

The U.S. population is aging each year and the hazard posed by elderly drivers who cling to their licenses long after they have lost their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle continues to grow.  The fatality rate for drivers begins to climb after the age of 65.  Between the ages of 75 and 84, the fatality rate among senior citizens is the equivalent to that of teen drivers.  Drivers over the age of 85 have a shocking fatality rate four times that of teens.

These figures concerning elderly drivers are especially alarming in light of the U.S. Census Bureau projections that predict there will be 9.6 million people over the age of 85 by 2030.  Road safety experts now predict that by the year 2030, the aging baby boomer population will cause 25% of all fatal crashes.  This number is a sharp incline from the current estimates that this age group causes just 11% of fatal accidents.

States across the country are struggling to address the approaching boom of elderly drivers.  Several states have passed measures that require more frequent vision and behind the wheel exams for drivers over the age of 79.  Currently, however, Mississippi is among 17 states that does not have any driving restrictions on the elderly.

Researchers are still studying the dangers posed by older drivers and the measures intended to diminish them.  Thus far, the only laws that seem to have a measurable impact on reducing senior citizen crash rates are those that require elderly drivers appear in person at the DMV and pass vision and road tests frequently. Most states have not passed laws that meet these requirements.

Normal aging often diminishes one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.  Reflexes, memory, visual acuity, flexibility, and the ability to focus all decline with age.  Further, medications designed to treat a number of ailments associated with old age can make it more difficult for the elderly to focus, and can also come with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired perception.

Elderly drivers are most often involved in side impact crashes.  These accidents generally occur at intersections when the senior driver misses a stop sign or turns left in front of oncoming traffic.  The side impact crash is now being termed an old person’s accident in the same manner that roll over crashes are usually considered a young person’s crash.  Seniors are less likely, however, to be involved in high speed crashes or accidents stemming from alcohol use.

Studies show that most elderly drivers elect to stop driving on their own accord.  Each year, more than 600,000 drivers over the age of 70 decide to stop driving.  Despite this high number, the problem of dangerous elderly drivers seems to endure.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Auto Accident Attorneys of Distinction  

The Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are concerned by recent studies showing the dangers of elderly drivers who do not have the memory, reflexes, or vision to safely operate a motor vehicle.  We hope that Mississippi and other states will enact more measures that would require senior citizens pass road and vision tests more often to ensure both their safety and the safety of other road users.  In the meantime, we will continue to fight for the recovery of accident victims injured by negligence senior drivers as we have for over 75 years.  For these automobile accident victims, we will zealously seek to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to providing you with excellence of legal services.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Mississippi

Millions of car accidents occur each year and these accidents range in seriousness from minor fender benders, often involving just property damage or easily treatable cuts and scrapes, to far more serious and catastrophic accidents, sending hundreds of thousands of individuals to the hospital.  A review of crash data and local news headlines reveals that while every crash is unique, certain types of car accidents occur over and over again.

The following is a look at some of the most common car accidents that happen on Mississippi roadways, as well as across the country:

  1. T-Bone or Side Impact Accidents: A side impact accident occurs when one vehicle hits another on the side, either by t-boning the car at a right angle or merging into the car’s part of travel.  Most side impact crashes in Mississippi are caused by the driver’s failure to yield or obey stop signs and traffic lights.  T-bone accidents will often result in serious injury to the occupants of the vehicle seated on the side impacted, as side airbags offer little protection when faced with an oncoming vehicle.
  2. Read-end Accidents: Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle hits another from behind.  Generally, the cause of rear-end accidents is the second or following car failing to brake fast enough to avoid hitting the car ahead.  Often, the driver of the second car is following too closely, driving distractedly, or traveling too fast.  As such, in most rear-end accidents, the second car driver will be found at fault.  Injuries stemming from rear-end accidents range in severity from minor whiplash to life threatening brain damage or paralysis.
  3. Head-on Collisions: Perhaps the most serious and often deadly type of car accident, head-on accidents occur when a car collides into the front of another car or stationary object.  Head-on accidents can occur when a driver is tired or intoxicated and drifts into the other lane.  They can also happen as a result of unsafe passing.  Occasionally, drivers unfamiliar with the area will accidently drive the wrong way down a one way, leading to catastrophic head-on accidents.
  4. Rollover Accidents: Rollover collisions occur when a vehicle, most often a truck, SUV van, bus, or other tall vehicle, flip over onto its back or side.  Taller vehicles are more prone to rollover due to their higher center of gravity.  Rollover accidents can occur when another vehicle hits a car on the side or the driver of a rollover prone car takes a turn too quickly.  They also commonly happen when the SUV or truck hits an object, referred to as a “trip,” on one side.

These are just a few of the car accidents that can occur on Mississippi roadways.  Anyone injured in a car accident isencouraged to contact a licensed auto accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure their maximum chance at a full recovery.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Auto Accident Attorneys of Distinction

As this list of common Mississippi car accidents shows, there are a number of different types of car accidents you or a loved one can be involved in.  Some crashes are merely fender benders, while others involve serious injuries, including traumatic brain injury, back injuries, internal organ damage, paralysis, and more.  No matter what type of car accident you are involved in, you deserve the assistance of an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney.  For over 75 years, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for the recovery of victims of all sorts of car accidents.  We offer you the same level of skill and dedication.  To schedule your free initial consultation, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505.  We look forward to providing you with excellence of legal services.

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High Profile Tracy Morgan 18 Wheeler Accident Results in Lawsuit

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Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan has filed a lawsuit against mega-store Wal-Mart over the fatal 18 wheeler accident that left him seriously injured and killed a close comedian friend.  Tracy Morgan was traveling in a limousine on I-95 following a comedy gig when a Wal-Mart operated tractor trailer, traveling well over the speed limit, pummeled into the vehicle.  Morgan sustained multiple fractures that left him needing several surgeries and facing an extended, difficult recovery.  Morgan’s close friend and fellow comedian James McNair tragically perished in the accident.

On July 10, 2014, Tracy Morgan filed suit against Wal-Mart in a U.S. District Court in New Jersey.  He claims in the lawsuit that Wal-Mart acted carelessly and negligently in allowing truck driver Kevin Roper to operate a truck after not sleeping in over 24 hours.  This suit comes less than one month after the accident and days after Morgan’s much anticipated release from the rehabilitation center at which he had been living since leaving the hospital.  Morgan will now continue his intensive recovery at home.

In the lawsuit, which is sure to become high profile and well watched, Morgan claims Wal-Mart knew or should have known that Roper was not fit to drive after not having slept in over 24 hours.  Roper had driven more than 11 hours to a Wal-Mart distribution center in Smyrna, Delaware from his Georgia home.  He was then allowed to continue on his truck route, which resulted in the deadly crash.  Prosecutors claim Roper fell asleep behind the wheel and he faces charges of vehicular homicide.

Wal-Mart has publically stated that Roper was within the Federal guidelines for maximum hours worked.  Current guidelines require truckers work for up to 14 hours with a maximum of 11 hours behind the wheel.  They must then be provided with 10 hours off to allow for adequate sleep before they continue driving.  Though possibly within the federal limit, Roper was certainly near exceeding it.

Tracy Morgan is joined in his lawsuit by several other passengers of the ill fated limousine who also sustained injuries.  Morgan’s assistant, Jeffrey Millea, and his eight months pregnant wife are included in the suit, as is comedian Ardie Funqua.  James McNair’s family has not yet filed a wrongful death suit but will likely do so in the near future.

Morgan and the other plaintiffs in the suit Morgan v. Wal-Mart are seeking both actual and punitive damages for Wal-Mart’s gross negligence, along with attorney’s fees.  Although punitive damages are rarely awarded, if the court were to find Wal-Mart acted with recklessness or gross negligence, a punitive damages award in this case could be substantial.

Morgan’s case has already brought much public attention to a matter that should concern us all—overtired truckers.  With the number of truckers on the roadways continuing to increase, it is imperative federal guidelines and individual companies work to ensure all truckers are acting safely while on the road.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys Taking On the Trucking Industry for Our Injured Clients

The  catastrophic Tracy Morgan accident has called the public’s attention to the national problem of overtired and overworked truckers.  This crash has spurred safety advocacy groups to continue to push for increased regulation over the trucking industry, but much work must still be done to protect the lives of all drivers.  The experienced Mississippi Truck Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for over 75 years to see that our clients who are injured in trucking accidents obtain the justice they deserve.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, call Barrett Law PLLC today to start us working for you! We can be reached at 1 (601) 790-1505 and offer a free case analysis to all new clients.

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Chrysler Recalls Nearly 800,000 SUVs Due to Ignition Switch Problems

Automaker giant Chrysler recently announced the recall of over 792,000 older SUVs due to a defective ignition switch.  SUVs affected by the recall include Jeep Commanders made between 2006 and 2007 and Jeep Grand Cherokees made between 2005 and 2007.  This ignition switch recall sounds eerily similar to the massive, still ongoing GM recall that also centered around defective ignition switches.  Just like the GM switches, Chrysler’s faulty ignition switches cause the transmissions of malfunctioning cars to be moved out of the “on” position while the car is in drive.  This can cause the engine to stall and the airbags not to deploy in the event of an accident. Most often, the malfunction occurs when the driver’s knee bumps the ignition switch or extra weight is contained on the keychain.

Chrysler’s defective ignition switch has only been linked to one accident so far, but it seems likely other individuals will step forward now that the problem has been brought to the public’s attention.  Ignition switch defects have caused the recall of millions of vehicles this year alone.  In June, Chrysler recalled another nearly 700,000 SUVs and minivans for a similar reason.

General Motors continues to face investigations, fines, and lawsuits after failing to recall millions of its vehicles due to ignition switch problems that they knew existed for over 10 years.  GM’s defective ignition switch has been linked to at least 13 deaths and many more accidents.  Thus far, nearly 14 million GM cars, trucks, and SUVs have been recalled for ignition switch problems.

 The ignition switch at the heart of GM’s recall was manufactured by Delphi, who is a large U.S. auto parts supplier.  Chrysler has not informed the public whether Delphi also manufactured its defective ignition switches.

Chrysler continues to investigate its ignition switch issue and it is likely other Chrysler vehicles will be recalled for similar problems.  Chrysler plans to contact customers in mid-September, allowing them the opportunity to bring their cars into the dealership for repair.  Until then, Chrysler has urged all drivers of recalled vehicles to make sure there is plenty of room between their knee and the ignition key, and to remove all extra items from the key ring.

Accidents caused by defective automobile parts, such as faulty ignition switches, can be attributed to the negligence of the automobile manufacturer or the maker of the defective part.  Individuals who have been injured due to a defective automobile may be able to obtain compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more from the manufacturer of the automobile or part.  Anyone involved in a car accident that could be linked to a faulty ignition switch is advised to consult a defective automobile accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can begin to mount an effective case.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Defective Automobile Accident Attorneys Fighting for the Rights of Our Clients

Car or truck accidents caused by defective parts can be devastating, often leading to serious injuries that can have long term and even permanent effects.  For over 75 years, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for the rights of our clients injured due to the negligence of automobile manufacturers.  Defective product cases can be among the most difficult to win, but the seasoned attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC know what it takes to obtain the results you deserve.  To schedule your free initial consultation, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505.  We look forward to providing you with excellence of legal services.

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Mississippi Auto Accident Attorneys Discuss the Dangers Associated With Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle, mainly a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), truck, pickup truck, van, or car flips over onto its roof or side.  Rollover accidents are the number one cause of deaths involving SUVs.  They are second behind only head on collisions as the primary cause of all vehicle related accidental deaths.  Each year, over 10,000 vehicles are involved in fatal rollover accidents.  When a rollover crash does not result in death, it will often inflict serious and sometimes permanent injuries.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that rollover accidents are more likely than any other sort of accident to result in serious injury and fatality.

In Brownwood, Mississippi, 23 year old Howard L. Adams was recently killed in a rollover crash.  Adams was driving his Ford model SUV when the vehicle left the road and overturned on Interstate 20, close to the Toomsuba exit.  Adams, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the overturned vehicle.  Emergency responders declared him dead at the scene of the accident.

Factors Contributing to Rollover Crashes

The following factors have been found to cause or contribute to rollover accidents:

  • Unstable or top heavy vehicles: Vehicles that are tall with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs, buses, trucks, vans, and minivans, are more likely to be involved in a rollover crash than are smaller, low to the ground sedans.  The increased height of larger vehicles makes them less stable and more likely to rollover.  Securing large objects to the roof, such as kayaks, luggage, bikes, and the like, will also increase the risk of rollover.
  • “Trips” and jerking the wheel: When a vehicle hits a median, curb, or other object, this is referred to as “tripping.”  The U.S. Department of Transportation has found that an estimated 80% of all rollover accidents are caused by tripping.  Rollovers can also occur when the driver makes a sudden or sharp jerking movement of the steering wheel.
  • Multiple vehicle accidents: When a vehicle, especially an SUV, truck, or other top heavy one, is struck by another vehicle, it can lead to rollover.  These accidents account for some 20% of all rollovers.
  • Speeding and distracted driving: Speed is a common cause of rollover accidents, as drivers traveling at an excessive speed are less likely to be able to stop to avoid a trip or another vehicle.  Distracted driving is also a major cause of rollovers because distracted drivers take their eyes and mind off the road for several seconds at a time, during which they could hit an object or another vehicle.
  • Wet weather: Poor weather conditions increase the risk of all vehicle accidents.  For those vehicles prone to rollover, skidding on a slippery surface can cause the driver to overcorrect the wheel and accidently cause a rollover.

Due to the often serious nature of rollover accidents, all accident victims will require the assistance of a licensed Mississippi car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.  Your auto accident attorney will investigate the accident and seek recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Barrett Law PLLC: Experienced Representation for the Victims of Rollover Accidents

For decades, the Mississippi Auto Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC have provided aggressive representation for the victims of rollover and other car accidents across the state.  Our car accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to obtain the results you desire.  Barrett Law, PLLC operates on a contingency fee basis and the first consultation is always free.  The attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC pride themselves on ensuring each and every client receives superior representation, with passion and zeal.  Call today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Holidays Can Be Hazardous to Your Health When on Mississippi Roadways

Holidays are often a time for family gatherings and good times to be had by all. Yet, there remains the issue of getting to a family gathering or celebration. Many other people have the same thought in mind which leads to a build up of traffic during the holidays. More cars mean a higher a chance for automobile accidents.

This recent Memorial Day weekend saw six deaths by way of automobile accidents on Mississippi roadways. The ages of those who died ranged from 22 to 93. It is further proof that everyone is susceptible to tragedy, regardless of age, gender or race.

Many other injuries were also a result of holiday travels as the Mississippi Highway Patrol reported 54 people injured in automobile accidents over the holiday weekend. There were 112 auto accidents investigated, although only one proved to be alcohol related.

Other citations will also mean days in court for quite a few people as 132 DUI citations were issued in Mississippi from Friday to Monday of the 2014 Memorial Day weekend. Seat belt violations were also issued in abundance with 603 going out to violators.

Now, as new holiday weekends approach, travelers are encouraged to not only abide by the rules of the road, but also remember to practice safe driving. Consider the following list of reasons why accidents frequently occur (especially during holidays) in Mississippi:

Distracted Driving

There are a number of reasons a driver’s attention strays from the road. Some of the more popular distractions are as follows:

  • Texting while driving
  • Paying attention to GPS device
  • Talking on phone
  • Eating while driving
  • Putting on makeup
  • Changing radio stations
  • Lack of adequate sleep

Driving Unter the Influence

In the state of Mississippi, penalties for DUI convictions are very severe. The following BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) levels are considered to be over the legal limit and warrant a DUI arrest in the state of Mississippi:

  • Driver under the age of 21 – .02%
  • Driver 21 years of age or older – .08%
  • Commercial Drivers – .04%

Aggressive Driving

The maximum speed limit on highways in the state of Mississippi is 75 mph. That high number can often lead drivers to travel at speeds beyond that limit, making for very dangerous situations. However, speeding is only one form of aggressive driving in which motorists can initiate auto accidents.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, aggressive driving occurs when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” Some forms of aggressive driving are as follows:

  • Tailgaiting
  • Frequent changing of lanes
  • Failing to use turn signal
  • Speeding
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Exhibiting road rage
  • Failure to yield

Every year, particularly around the holidays, automobile accidents result in painful and sometimes tragic times for families. There are ways to maintain optimum safety when driving, but drivers cannot control how other people operate behind the wheel. When accidents occur, there are usually common reasons for a crash. That means there is always someone responsible, even for a minor fender bender.

If you or someone you know has been involved in auto accident, the seasoned Mississippi Auto Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC can help. When someone else is at fault in an auto accident, you are the victim. That means you have the right to be compensated. Our reputable and experienced legal team of attorneys can help you build a strategy that can lead to a favorable outcome in your auto accident case. Call us today for a free confidential consultation at (601) 790-1505.

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Teenage Drivers Pose a Significant Hazard on Mississippi Roads

The issue of teenage driving and an increased rate of serious traffic accidents has long been a focus of safety campaigns throughout Mississippi and the rest of the country.  There was a decline in teenage driving accidents and fatalities from 2006 through 2011, so these safety programs may be working.  However, there was an uptick in teenage driver accidents in 2012, based on a preliminary report by the Governors Highway Safety Association.  Although there is a lot of speculation about the cause of this increase, one of the reasons might be the frequency with which teenagers use their cell phones and other technology, even behind the wheel.

Mississippi has the unfortunate distinction of being the third highest state for teenage deaths where a teenager was behind the wheel.  Erie Insurance worked with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to analyze crash data provided by the United States Department of Transportation in order to rank the states with regard to deaths caused by teen drivers.  The IIHS has stated that a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system, where there are tiered driving privileges, may work to decrease these accidents.

There are many reasons why teen drivers experience such a high rate of accidents, with much higher rates during the first year of driving.  Some of the main causes of teen accidents are:

  • Lack of experience – teenage drivers simply do not have the time on the road to have developed skills to anticipate and react to hazards in the same manner as experienced drivers.  This is one of the reason people advocate for GDL.
  • A sense of invulnerability – many teenagers do have a belief that nothing bad is going to happen to them when they ignore posted speed limits and drive recklessly.  However, the statistics demonstrate the fact that teenagers are not impervious to the dangers of violating road rules.
  • Teenagers drive distracted – the prevalence of cell phones and texting among young drivers means that they are more likely to read or respond to a text while operating a motor vehicle.  In addition, they may be distracted by making music selections, eating or drinking in the car, interacting with friends, and applying makeup or performing other grooming behaviors.
  • Peer pressure influences driving techniques – a teenage driver is far more likely to emulate their friends rather than adult family members and other adults with greater skill behind the wheel.
  • An inability to react properly to changing weather conditions – heavy rains and high winds can lead to terrible accidents if the teen driver does not take the appropriate steps to deal with the hazards.

Drivers who are between the ages of 16 to 19 years of age are four times more likely to get into a fatal car accident that drivers aged 25 to 69 years.  The use of programs like GDL and distracted driving safety campaigns aimed at young drivers are effective ways of decreasing the dangers that these new drivers pose for themselves and others on the road.

Barrett Law PLLC Advocates on Behalf of Accident Victims

Whether you were injured in a car crash with a teenage driver or another type of serious collision, it is important to focus on your recovery.  However, the time in which an injured party can make a claim begins to run as soon as the accident happens.  The skilled and hardworking Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are ready to fight on your behalf while you get better.  To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (601) 790-1505.  We only receive fees if we succeed in getting a settlement or award for you.

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Mississippi Wrong-way Collision Devastates Many Lives

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          On Saturday, February 8, 2014, a 23-year-old woman was driving the wrong-way, traveling south in the northbound lane of Highway 49, when she collided with two young friends who were returning to the Perkinston campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  The accident happened around 1:30 AM  and the cause of the accident was still under investigation a couple of weeks after it occurred.  The collision resulted in the death of the woman who was driving the wrong-way in traffic and caused the two young college students to be hospitalized.  One young woman suffered serious injuries, including a broken spine, severe injuries to the appendix and spleen requiring their removal, broken bones, and damage to the diaphragm.  The spinal cord damage resulted in a loss of feeling in her legs, according to a news report.

            This accident is a tragic reminder of the devastating outcome of a wrong-way collision.  Many times, these collisions happen at night, where a number of factors could lead to a terrible crash.  Wrong-way accidents may be the result of driver confusion or fatigue, driving under the influence, unsafe passing, or distracted driving.  Regardless of the cause of the accident, the outcome often is severe injuries or death for the involved parties.  The impact forces of two vehicles traveling towards each other at a high rate of speed means that the damage to the vehicles will be severe.  In turn, this results in catastrophic harm to the driver and passengers.

            In the collision in Saucier, Mississippi, the victims suffered terrible injuries, including a spinal injury that could alter the victim’s life forever.  Wrong-way collisions often lead to serious injuries, including:

  • Crush injuries leading to organ failure;
  • Traumatic brain injuries;
  • Spinal cord damage, resulting in paralysis;
  • Broken and fractured bones;
  • Severe abrasions and lacerations, causing permanent disfigurement;
  • Nerve damage;
  • Serious burns from fires cause by the crash;
  • Whiplash and whiplash associated disorders; and
  • Death.

            One of the reasons that wrong-way collisions are so serious for the victims involved in the accidents is that the front-end impact causes the hood of the car to crumple and leads to the destruction of the structural integrity of the vehicle.  In many accidents like this, the engine compartment travels forcibly into the front area of the interior compartment.  Although only two percent (2%) of traffic accidents involve front-end impacts, accidents like this lead to approximately ten percent (10%) of fatalities relating to traffic crashes due to the severity of the impact.

            Victims of wrong-way collisions may face long hospital stays, intensive rehabilitation, an inability to pursue the career that they intended prior to the accident, and a need for assistance with even the most basic of tasks. Frequently, a victim may need to rely on family members to get them from one place to another, including transporting them to the many medical appointments that are necessary as part of the recovery process.  If these victims are able to return to their homes, they may need modifications to the structure of the residence, including the widening of doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, the lowering of counter heights, the installation of ramps, and the relocation of bedrooms.  Specialized vehicles might have to be purchased.

            When you or a loved one is seriously injured as the result of a wrong-way crash, it might be difficult to focus on everything that needs to be done merely to get through the day, but it is important to get the right team working on your behalf to protect you or your family member’s legal rights.  The physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a serious accident are profound and the experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have the skill and dedication to get you the justice that you deserve.  We are ready to sit down and discuss what happened to you and determine your legal options during a free initial consultation.  Call us at (601) 790-1505 in order to schedule an appointment.  You do not pay any legal fees unless we recover money for you.

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