Football Season and The Dangers It Brings To The Road

In our lives we have many things that are expected of us whether they are responsibilities pertaining to our employment, duties that are required of us as parents, or things that we have to rely on ourselves to do for ourselves. Ultimately, we are kept going from the time in which we wake up until our tasks are finally complete at the end of the day. Unfortunately, this gives us very little leeway to actually sit back, relax, and enjoy the day and the opportunities that we have at our disposal.

Touchdown, or Penalty?

However, there is one thing that many Americans enjoy doing, especially in Mississippi, which is that of watching and supporting collegiate and professional football teams. Football is a sport that ties many individuals together whether they attended that same school as another person, or has the same burning passion and love of a team. In other words, this also means that individuals can be seen driving to various cities, and locations to support those individuals that they call “their team”. While these individuals are dedicated to the love of the game, and the ambiance associated with it many times they are putting individuals at danger while on the road.

When participating in these type of sporting events fans can usually be seen consuming alcohol, which means that they will more than likely attempt to drive while intoxicated. Another dangerous factor that fans bring to the road is that of road rage. In some cases, the excitement and passion of the game leaves the stadium, or television, and travels to the road where individuals can be seen tailgating, speeding excessively, ignoring traffic signs and safety, and ultimately put other drivers at risk and into harm’s way. In some cases it can be seen that these drivers have ultimately contributed to property damage, as well as automobile accidents that have resulted in severe injuries, and even death.

While the majority of time most people consider the behavior of some sports fans on the road to simply be that of horse play, or silliness it can actually be very dangerous, and threatening to many on the road.

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

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The Road Versus College

Our lives are full of change whether we can expect some aspects to go according to plan or not. Ultimately, with the change that life has and holds for us we have to not only take it in day-by-day, but also accept the challenges and hurdles it has in store. One aspect of change is that of age, and particularly that of teenagers transitioning from high school to college environments. Typically, when we think of this age range and the transition they are making we usually focus on that of whether or not they will succeed academically, or what will they major in.

New Chapter, Same Problem

However, one aspect of this transition that many students, and parents alike need to begin focusing more on is that of what the road has in store for these students. The majority of the time students are leaving the place they call home and are traveling not only to a new school, but a new city they will soon refer to as “home”. Yet, this means that students will be traveling on the road a lot, especially depending on the distance between their actual home and that of their new one. The issue though is that these students are carrying over their poor driving skills that they attained throughout the majority of their teenage years over to college, which means that they not only will be doing it more, but also over a longer distance than that of what they are normally used to.

Another aspect to look at is that of alcohol, and its place within college culture today. Whether a college student is legal or not it can easily be assumed that they will consume alcohol at one point or another. However, when they do so and then get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they are not only putting themselves in a legally complicated situation, but also one that can affect their education. It can be seen in many cases that student who have gotten DUI charges have actually lost their scholarships, been put on academic probation, or have been released from their university.

Remember, with holidays coming up soon and college students being released on break to travel home that you discuss driving and safety on the road with your college students.

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

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Cold Weather Means Cold Roads

Driving is one part of our lives that can be seen consistently participated in by many individuals every day. In order to get to work, run our children to school, stop by the grocery store for our many needs, or simply on vacation we rely on not only our vehicles, but also the road to get us from one place to the next in our busy, and hectic lives. However, our lives and the road are two aspects that are constantly changing from good to bad in the blink of an eye. One aspect of the road that can certainly cause issues for individuals not only in Mississippi, but other parts of the country is that of weather.

“Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful”, or Is It?

Usually in Mississippi, we can expect high, and humid temperatures year round especially during the Summer time. Yet, one time of the year that certainly causes multiple issues for us as Mississippians constantly is that of fall and winter. Typically, if an individual were to think about these two seasons and the weather that is associated with them we would normally think they would range between cool temperatures to freezing cold. However, in Mississippi, we have become accustomed to cold temperatures in the morning, and it being nearly similar to that of summer weather by noon.

Yet, do not think that you can count on the weather to always behave in this manner. When winter weather finally does hit Mississippi you can expect freezing temperatures, and chilling breezes for weeks. Besides stocking up on your winter apparel now drivers should also consider preparing their vehicles for the winter as well. We can see in many past cases that roads can freeze very easily under temperatures that make the situation just right, especially when freezing rain and snow are involved. Vehicles can easily hydroplane easier than compared to that of just rain, and can even lose traction that is detrimental to a vehicle.

Remember, act now rather than later and make sure your vehicle is up to date with aspects such as an emergency kit, sufficient tires and rotation system, and it would not hurt to also have an emergency blanket in case you get caught in the weather.

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

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The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

In our lives today many different things are expected of us whether they are professional responsibilities, errands that need to be followed through, or requests from our family and friends. Either way at the end of the day they are not only asked, but the majority of the time expected to be done. However, the truth of the matter is that we as Americans simply do not have enough time in each day and are ultimately suffering from it by lack the lack of sleep we are able to have each night. Yet, does the amount of sleep you have affect how well you are as a driver?

Whether you believe it or not it actually does. Driving is one aspect and action in our lives that requires our ultimate attention and dedication. Of course some can then argue that while some cannot multitask behind the wheel others can, but the truth of the matter is those drivers that can simply have luck on their side for that day. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that the majority of the drivers on the roads in America today do not drive properly and safely. So, when they have been sleep deprived this only furthers complicates issues, and increases the likelihood of accidents occurring.

What You Can Expect From Drowsy Driving

However, drowsy driving can occur all throughout the day such as in the morning early before work, or during the evening after a long day of work. Usually, when it comes down to drowsy driving drivers can be expected to swerve in and out of lines, not follow speed limits appropriately, tailgate other vehicles, and signal improperly as well. The majority of the time when these types of accidents do occur they are usually catastrophic that result in sever vehicular damage as well as driver and passenger injuries.

Yet, what can you do as a driver to make sure that you not only decrease the likelihood of driving while drowsy, but also are safe from other drivers who do so? First and foremost make sure to get plenty of sleep every night, and make time in your schedule for sleep. While on the road make sure to stay alert and aware of other drivers the whole time. Keep an appropriate distance between your vehicle and others and maintain the proper speed limit from start to finish.

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

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Mississippi Crash Severely Injures Law Enforcement Officer

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Accidents and incidents on the road are a fairly common portion of life. If we look at the road as a playing field, and then look at drivers as the “players” one can easily correlate and imagine the amount of mistakes not only the majority of accidents that can occur, but how many one individual can simply make on their own. Unfortunately, when it comes down to accidents and mistakes on the road there is not a “winner” or a “loser”, but only individuals who deal with damage to their automobile, and severe, debilitating injuries.

Law Enforcement Officers: Protecting, and Serving

When we envision law enforcement officers on the road we do not usually associate them with being injured or hurt when it comes down to car accidents. In our minds, they are usually the ones who correct negative driving by issuing tickets, or are the ones to respond to accidents. However, law enforcement officers, like everyone else out on the road, are just human and can easily not only be involved in an automobile accident, but left with serious injuries in the process.

In Mississippi, there are a few well-known highways and interstate roads that are commonly traveled by not only many Mississippians everyday, but also those from neighboring states traveling everyday. Highway 43 is one highway that motorists can be seen traveling at all parts of the day whether they are commuting to work, traveling, or transporting supplies. Recently, however, an accident occurred which resulted in the injury of a law enforcement officer. The officer was making routine patrolling rounds of the area as usual when he was struck by a SUV in the rear end of his cruiser. As a result, the cruiser flipped over, and ejected the officer out of the vehicle.

The accident, and serious injuries that were sustained by the officer led to his untimely death even after being treated for some of his injuries. Today, his wife and two children are now left without a husband, and a father. While this family is dealing with a tragedy on their hands it is extremely advised that they, and others that deal with this type of situation seek out an experienced, and compassionate auto accident attorney. By doing so they can fight for their case, and the potential damages and personal injury liability awards they could be entitled to for their loved one’s death.

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

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Fatal Accident Ends With Death of Motorcyclist

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One aspect of our lives that we heavily depend on is that of automobiles. In order to get our daily tasks, duties, and errands completed and done so in a timely manner we have to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and get on the road. From dropping the kids off at school, running to the office, or picking up the milk from the grocery store much of our daily lives is spent on the road attempting to get these and other errands accomplished. However, the road and driving also holds another aspect of our world, which is that of accidents.

Motorcycles On The Road Today

Today, many individuals not only in Mississippi, but other states own and operate motorcycles. In the past, motorcycles have been associated with danger and accidents on the road for many different reasons that all primarily deal with the actual individual operating a motorcycle. Usually, those individuals on motorcycles exhibit negligent and erratic driving behavior by weaving in and out of lines, going far above the speed limit, and disregarded traffic signs, and signals. While motorcyclists are primarily looked at the cause of some auto accidents in some cases they can easily be the innocent, and injured victims.

A Common Case Producing Common, Devastating Results

Recently, a motorcyclist was heading down the highway on a seemingly normal Mississippi Fall day. The 62 year-old cyclists was operating correctly in his lane when he was struck by a pick-up truck and thrown off of his vehicle. The pick-up truck at the time did not notice the cyclist and attempted to make a left turn, and in turn struck the cyclist. Emergency response units were called to the scene were they pronounced the 62 year-old cyclist dead. While these circumstances and cases are unfortunate they can occur every day whether you believe it or not.

While accidents are common in our lives the results are not always the same especially when they occur on the road. When you, or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident of any kind whether or not it resulted in damage to your vehicle, or injuries were sustained you need an experienced, and dedicated automobile attorney by your side from start to finish.

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

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How To Prevent Teenage Automobile Crashes

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Every time that we set out driving on the road we are taking on a responsibility not only to ourselves, but all other drivers, and pedestrians we may encounter. Unfortunately, automobile accidents are a very common occurrence on the road today, and can alter not only an automobile forever, but also an individual’s life. While some automobile accidents can be easily preventable other accidents can occur in the blink of an eye due to unnatural causes. However, one accident today that can be easily prevented is that of teenage driving accidents.

The Ideology of Teenage Drivers

The majority of the time teenage drivers are driving behind the wheel of motor vehicles and are not properly paying attention to their duties as a driver, and their responsibility to the road. From texting and talking on the phone, grooming themselves while looking in the mirror, or playing with the radio it seems that we see more and more cases of teenagers not only being a danger to themselves behind the wheel, but also other innocent drivers as well. Today, the number of teenage accidents on the road is not only high, but also continues to increase dramatically. Yet, what can teenagers and you do in order to help them prevent these accidents from occurring?

Taking Back The Roads and Safety

First things first, make sure that your teenagers always wear a seatbelt. By wearing your seatbelt many people actually have shown to have a safer mindset and ideology while behind the wheel. Next, make sure that your teenagers avoid using a cellphone at all while behind the wheel of a vehicle no matter if it is talking, or texting. If they need to make a call, or text advise them to pull off of the road, park, and then do so. Parents are advised to make curfews for their children, not to punish them, but protect them. Also, parents should consider implementing rules limiting the number of passengers in their teenager’s vehicle in order to help promote a safer driving atmosphere.

Teenagers are at the age in life that they are constantly absorbing the world around them. Remember, as a parent or a loved one, make sure to allow your teenagers the ability to absorb the proper information, especially when it comes down to driving etiquette and roadway safety.

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

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Avoiding a Deer Accident In Mississippi This Fall

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In our lives there are many variables, and aspects of life that are simply out of our hands entirely. Each and every day we are unable to predict what our day has in store for us, which can either go one way, or another in an instant. When we are on the road we usually have many things going on in our minds and having an accident is usually not one of them. However, all of these variables, or negative aspects can occur in a matter of seconds and impact the rest of our lives.

Fearing The Deer

One unexpected variable that many Mississippi drivers can come to terms with in an instant is that of deer on the road. It shouldn’t come as a shock to any Mississippi driver that deer on the road contribute to many severe auto accidents each and every year, especially during the Fall and Winter. Many times, drivers can be paying attention to the road greatly and all of a sudden of a deer run out in front of their vehicle on the road, which can not only cause severe damage to your vehicle, but also could result in your receiving injuries as well.

Being Defensive Against The Deer

Yet, how can you be defensive and help prevent some deer related accidents? First and foremost you should always drive the speed limit, especially around the hours of dawn and dusk. These are prime times of the day that deer are out, and about on the road. Make sure that when you see a deer to always assume that other deer are with it since they usually travel in groups. When you do come face to face with a deer in the road make sure that you do not swerve. Instead, firmly plant your foot on the break and come to a slow, and safe speed and pull over to the side of the road in order to avoid being hit by other drivers, and also allowing the deer to cross the road.

Remember, accidents are a common part of life whether we can somewhat expect them or not. However, some can be easily preventable, especially with the proper awareness. Make sure this Fall, and Winter that you keep your eyes on the road, and the true dangers that deer can put you and your loved ones in.

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

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Is Mississippi Holding Drunken Drivers Accountable?

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Driving is one activity in our lives that is participated in almost every single day. We rely on our motor vehicles to get us from one place to the next in order to keep up with the tasks and demands of our lives. Whether we are on the way to the office, picking the kids up from school, or running one of our various errands we rely heavily on our motor vehicles, and the road itself. Yet, can you always count on the road to be a place of safety or danger, especially with that of drunk driving?

The Premise of A DUI

A DUI, or driving while under the influence, crime is one that many of us are familiar with. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, medication, or other substances they put not only themselves in harm’s way, but also everyone else that crosses their path. Accidents are a very common result of drunk driving that can end with devastating damage to vehicles, severe injuries, and even death. However, when it comes down to those accidents contributed to by alcohol, or other substances behind the wheel are law enforcement officers really taking it into account?

The Facts of The Matter

When an automobile accident takes place law enforcement officers are called to the scene, evaluate the accident, and eventually record as well as report their findings. Similar to a normal automobile accident, when a DUI accident occurs law enforcement officers do the same thing. While some aspects of the report change such as “a few beer cans present in rear of vehicle”, or “alcohol-like odor present” law enforcement officers are actually not performing a crucial step when it comes down to that of a DUI accident, which is actually evaluating the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). While, yes, they will cite individual as potentially being under the influence most of the time the results necessary are just not being produced.

Remember, when you are involved in an auto accident whether alcohol is believed to be a contributor make sure to call law enforcement entities to the scene in order to make sure a proper report is filed not only for legal purposes, but for your insurance as well. When you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident contact an experienced, and dedicated auto accident attorney today.

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

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What You Can Expect From Seat Belts On The Road

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Mistakes on the road are one common aspect of our lives that each of us can expect to encounter in one-way or another. When we get on the road we generally have many things on our mind, and are either on our way to run an errand, pick up our kids, commute to and from work, or maybe we are in the midst of a small crisis. However, when we are not completely focused on that of the road, and the safety that is required we can easily become involved in an automobile accident.

The Dangers of The Road

Today, drivers on the road are more dangerous than ever, and are continuing to increase danger for themselves, other motorists, but pedestrians as well each day. However, why is this actually occurring? Distracted driving is at an all time high due to a multitude aspects whether it has to do with actually operating the vehicle’s technology, texting while driving, or overall trying to multitask while driving. More and more drivers are now becoming involved in auto accidents all across the United States and are sustaining not only debilitating, and serious injuries, but also are being killed.

Fighting Back By Buckling Up

Yet, did you know that you could actually increase your safety dramatically by simply wearing something? Seat belts, or safety belts, are equipped in the majority of automobiles. By wearing your seat belt you can significantly reduce the likelihood of sustaining serious injuries, or being killed when you actually are involved in an auto accident. How a seatbelt actually works is it holds the driver in an adjustable position within their seat. When the seatbelt actually reaches a certain point in its mechanism, or when the vehicle has a sudden impact the seatbelt constricts making sure that the driver, or other occupants of the vehicle do not end up either going through the windshield, slamming their head on to the dash board, or are put into any more danger than already present.

Today, laws have actually been passed, which fine drivers for not wearing their seatbelts. Remember, when you are driving you have the power to not only increase your safety, but also advocate it for other within your vehicle. Make sure to always buckle your seatbelt while in a vehicle no matter where you are seated.

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

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