Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers Discuss Strategies for Identifying a Viable Defendant

When car accident victims are involved in a collision in Mississippi, they often face challenges in identifying a viable responsible party to sue.  A motorist who slams into you from behind might lack sufficient insurance coverage to compensate you fully for your losses.  Alternatively, the at-fault driver might even flee the scene. Despite an exhaustive investigation, many car accident victims cannot track down the driver responsible for their injuries even with assistance from law enforcement officers.

Tragically, some injury victims simply give up when they learn that the other driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance.  Our experienced Jackson County car accident attorneys at Barrett Law have successfully assisted many car accident victims facing this difficult scenario.  This blog discusses some effective strategies for dealing with a situation where the most obvious at-fault party (i.e. the other driver) is not a viable defendant.

Liability of Other Parties

Third-parties (i.e. not a driver of either vehicle) often play a role in causing a car accident.  Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, a wide range of third-parties might be liable for your injuries. If the person who was at fault in your accident was performing a work-related function, the company that employs the driver might be responsible for your injuries. These cases can be complex because the employer often disputes whether the particular tasks that the driver was performing at the time of the crash were within the scope of employment.  Mississippi law does not make it dispositive that the task occurred after hours or even that the employee voluntarily decided to undertake the errand.

An owner who entrusted the negligent third-party with the vehicle also might be liable for a crash victim’s injuries. When people entrust their vehicle to a person who lacks the maturity, competence, or responsibility to drive safely, they can be liable for negligently entrusting a vehicle to a third-party.  For example, a vehicle owner might lend his car to a friend who the car owner knows has a history of driving under the influence of alcohol or a pattern of past traffic accidents.  The imprudent decision to provide a vehicle to a driver with this background could provide a basis for imposing liability on the vehicle owner.

Another party that might be liable for your injuries includes a public entity that designed or maintained an unreasonably dangerous roadway.  Our experienced Mississippi car accident attorneys always explore the possibility of liability of a public entity, but the potential liability of a municipality, county, or the State of Mississippi is especially important.  Public entities that know or should know of dangerous roadway conditions can be financially responsible for failure to make a roadway safe or failure to provide adequate warnings of potential hazards.  Special requirements and deadlines apply when suing the government, so you should seek prompt legal advice from an experienced Jackson auto accident attorney.

An automaker that produces a defective automobile also might be liable for your injuries if the defect contributed to your car accident.  Companies that design, manufacture, or sell motor vehicles and their components can be liable for product defects that contribute to a collision.  Since you are seeking damages against large companies in this situation, you should talk to a personal injury attorney with a proven track record in lawsuits against large corporations.

Uninsured Motorist (UM)/Underinsured Motorists (UIM)

If there is no other viable party against whom you may recover for your injuries, our Mississippi car accident attorneys can explore filing a claim against your uninsured motorist UM coverage.  Uninsured motorist coverage is optional supplemental insurance coverage that can provide compensation if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident or an accident with an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is typically available for a relatively modest additional premium and can be invaluable if you find yourself involved in a serious car accident with no viable defendant to compensate you for your injuries.

Underinsured motorist coverage is slightly different in that it provides additional compensation when the at-fault party does not carry enough insurance coverage to compensate you for all of your loss. Your underinsured motorist coverage can provide additional compensation on top of the insurance coverage of a negligent driver.

If you are in a Mississippi auto collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, our Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers have successfully represented many crash victims.  At Barrett Law, we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding filing your claim.

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Severity of Drowsy Driving Problem Might Rival Drunk Driving Epidemic

While most motorists are well aware of the inherent risk posed by intoxicated and distracted drivers, drowsy driving receives much less attention.  Despite the devastating impact of severe fatigue and drowsiness on the physical and mental skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle, the issue of drowsy driving has been largely ignored by lawmakers.  The expansive use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that promote drowsiness threatens to make the problem even worse.

Drowsy driving accounts for a significant number of serious crashes that cause debilitating injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones/fractures, internal organ damage, and even fatalities.  According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 100,000 crashes occur every year that involve sleep deprivation as a factor.  The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep-deprived drivers account for approximately 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries annually.  The organization also reports the economic cost associated with these crashes exceeds $12.5 billion annually.

While this number is significant, the number of drowsy driving accidents might be significantly understated based on a number of factors:

  • Multiple Causal Factors: Sleep deprivation is often ignored as a secondary factor that plays a role in causing crashes.  Many drivers who have been using drugs or alcohol, for example, fall asleep behind the wheel, but substance impairment rather than fatigue is documented as the cause of the collision.
  • Inaccurate State Reporting Systems: While states have adopted fairly standardized techniques for reporting the causes of accidents, these systems are not effective for drowsy driving.  States tend to have different reporting systems for this type of unsafe driving practice with some states not even documenting sleep deprivation as a potential cause of an accident.
  • Lack of Objective Testing: When drivers are operating motor vehicles under the influence of intoxicants like drugs or alcohol, there are objective tests that can be applied, such as a chemical test of blood, breath or urine.  There is no comparable test to determine if a driver was falling asleep behind the wheel.
  • Inherent Self-Reporting Issues: Drivers cannot be expected to accurately self-report drowsiness as a factor in causing an injury accident or fatal collision because of concerns about civil and criminal liability.

Along with these factors that complicate attempts to get an accurate fix on the scope of the drowsy driving epidemic in the U.S., evidence from other countries with better reporting systems suggest the problem could be as significant as drunk driving.  A study that evaluated crash data involving collisions in a number of European counties found that drowsy driving could be a factor in as many as thirty percent of all collisions.  While this estimate might seem alarmingly high, a study conducted by the organization Sleep in America found that 27 percent of participants admitted to commuting to work when drowsy at least a few times per month.

If you have been injured by a drowsy driver, you might have the legal right to financial compensation for injuries caused by this unsafe driving practice.  At Barrett Law, our seasoned Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys understand car accident victims often feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601)790-1505 to schedule your free consultation, so we can answer any questions you may have regarding pursuing a car accident claim.

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Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Report: Two Killed in Accident Involving Child Driver

A tragic accident involving children occurred on Friday, December 12, 2014.  Two child passengers perished in a car accident while being driven by a nine year old boy.  The incident occurred about 45 miles east of Jackson in a rural area north of the town of Forest.  The car turned to avoid a mandatory checkpoint set upon on Highway 35.  A Mississippi Highway Patrol officer noticed the 2003 Mercury Sable attempting to avoid the checkpoint and set off after the vehicle.

The runaway car veered off the road while attempting to avoid the police officer.  The car overturned and collided with a utility police.  The nine year old driver and one of the passengers, a boy of only three, were ejected from the vehicle.  The ejected toddler and another passenger, a 13 year old boy, died from their injuries.  The nine year old driver and the remaining passenger, a 13 year old girl, were rushed to the hospital for treatment.  The driver remained in critical condition and the young girl’s condition has not been released.  The names of the survivors have also not yet been released.

All four of the children in the vehicle that day lived in the same household, though their relationship to one another is not clear.  Police have not released the name of the owner of the vehicle.  None of the children occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Any car accident is a tragic occurrence, but when young children are involved accidents become all the more troubling.  More than 9,000 children under the age of 12 will die in car crashes each year.  This number is down tremendously since 2002, but many safety advocates feel the figure is still too high.  Researchers report that one out of every three children killed in automobile accidents was not wearing a seat belt.

Study after study has demonstrated that seat belts and age appropriate child restraints are the best way to protect children in the event of a crash.  Yet many states, including Mississippi, have not yet passed laws requiring the use of car seats and booster seats for all children under the age of eight.  Even more states have not adapted car seat laws to meet with current safety recommendations, which include keeping all children under the age of two years old in a rear facing car seat.  According to many child safety advocates, passage of mandatory booster seat laws up until the age of eight would save many elementary school aged children who are simply too small to be safely riding in a seat with just a seat belt.

If your child is injured in a car accident, consult with a licensed car accident attorney as soon as possible.  It is imperative your child’s rights be protected fully from the start.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Full Recovery

All car accidents are tragic and unfortunate.  Those involving young children, however, are particularly heinous.  This accident highlights the importance of child supervision and of teaching even young children never to get in the car with anyone other than a trusted adult.  The importance of wearing a seat belt also cannot be overemphasized to children.  If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  Our dedicated car accident attorneys will 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.

 

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Mississippi Accident Attorneys Discuss the Dangers of Head-On Collisions

Perhaps the most violent of all forms of car accidents, head-on collisions are the primary cause of automobile accident fatalities and often result in serious injuries.  When two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions and collide head-on (or face to face), the force experienced by both vehicles is immense.  Those involved in a head-on collision rarely emerge from this serious accident unscathed.

Causes of Head-On Collisions

The majority of head-on collisions occur when two vehicles heading in opposite directions collide with one another.  Head-on accidents can also happen when a vehicle crashes into a fixed object, such as a telephone poll or tree, straight on.  Negligence is the leading cause of all head-on collisions.

Some of the most frequent scenarios to result in head on accidents include:

  • Passing when it is not safe to do so
  • Turning into the path of oncoming traffic
  • Failing asleep while driving
  • Taking a corner at high speed
  • Failure to observe road signs and signals
  • Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Low visibility due to poor weather conditions
  • Tire blow outs
  • Obstacles in the roadways, such as debris or animals

Common Injuries to Arise from Head-On Accidents

While the severity of injuries will depend upon a number of factors following a crash, head-on accidents usually result in devastating injuries for those involved.  Some of the most common injuries sustained by the victims of this form of accident include:

  • Brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Head injury
  • Neck injury
  • Back injury
  • Broken bones
  • Paralysis
  • Lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Death

When a large truck or commercial vehicle is involved in a head-on collision, the chance of victims sustaining life threatening or permanent injuries is grave.  The force of an often 80,000 pound tractor trailer pummeling into an oncoming sedan or smaller passenger vehicle is tremendous, often crushing the car and seriously injuring its occupants.

Following a head-on collision, it is imperative you obtain the contract information from all witnesses to the accident along with vital details concerning the incident.  These details can be forgotten in the aftermath of an accident if not immediately recorded.

Those involved in a head-on accident should retain the representation of an experienced Mississippi car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.  Under Mississippi law, negligent drivers who cause the injury of another can be found liable for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, permanent disability, and more.  Head-on collisions often involve negligence on the part of one driver, whether it be drinking and driving, driving tired, or attempting to pass a vehicle when it is unsafe to do so.  All of these scenarios and more can lead to a recovery for your losses incurred as a result of the accident.

Barrett Law PLLC: Experienced Representation for Auto Accident Victims Across Mississippi

For over 75 years, across three generations, the Mississippi Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC have provided skilled, zealous, and intelligent representation for the victims of head on collisions and other types 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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As Investigations Continue, GM Hints Its Recall Avalanche May Come to an End

Recently, auto industry giant General Motors, who is also embroiled in much litigation and governmental investigations, hinted that its avalanche of older vehicle recalls may be over.  Earlier this year, General Motors recalled over 2.6 million vehicles, all of which were older models and small sedans, due to a faulty ignition switch.  The defective ignition switch allows the vehicle to switch out of run, switching it into off.  In the off mode, the power steering and brakes are disabled.  This can cause drivers to lose control of the car.  Further, the faulty switch will disable the air bags, causing them not to inflate in the event of an accident.  This faulty ignition switch has been linked to over 54 crashes and 13 deaths.  It is expected more accidents and deaths will be uncovered as investigations continue.

Months after this initial massive recall, the recall widened to include another 3.4 million vehicles.  The cars involved in this recall were larger model, older cars.  GM revealed that the faulty switches in these vehicles are, in fact, different from those in the initial smaller recalled vehicles.  The ignition switches in these vehicles can be knocked out of the run position due to the force of a large bump.  They can also be knocked into off mode by only a swinging keychain.  These faulty switches have been linked to at least six injuries in eight crashes.

Recalled vehicle models include several Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Saturns, Buicks, Cadillacs, and a Chevy Monte Carlo.  Not all years are affected.  Anyone who owns one of these vehicles and has been in an accident, or has been involved in an accident with a potentially recalled vehicle, is advised to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

The number of lawsuits filed against GM continues to grow daily as the faulty switches are being linked to more and more accidents.  Several investigations are underway and substantial evidence has been revealed that demonstrates GM’s longstanding knowledge of the problem and failure to correct it.  GM apparently became aware of the faulty nature of the switch in 2001, but did not issue a recall to owners of affected vehicles until this year.  In 2005, GM engineers actually developed a fix to the problem that would have cost just $1 per vehicle.  GM, however, chose not to fix it.

While GM’s recall avalanche over the ignition switch problem may be over, the automaker will likely continue to be involved in lawsuits and litigation for some time to come.  GM is attempting to put together a settlement to compensate auto accident victims, but the details are unclear as of yet.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Experienced Representation for Defective Automobile Accident Victims in Mississippi

For over 75 years, across three generations, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have provided skilled, zealous, and intelligent representation for the victims of defective automobile accidents and other types car accidents across the state.  Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to obtain the results you seek.  Our attorneys will immediately investigate the facts of your accident to uncover whether a recalled GM part or other sort of product defect played a role.  We will then guide you towards a full and complete recovery.  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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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney Explains Accounting For Your Auto Accident

When vehicles collide, there is often an immediate bout of pandemonium. The first thought is generally to make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. Modern protocol then tells us to immediately inform the authorities and allow them to sort out the details. After the accident, vehicles are towed and people either go home or to the hospital. What comes next is usually a lot of waiting.

Waiting is not your only option if you are the victim in an auto accident. There is no getting around the fact that you will have to wait for the legal process to run its course. In the meantime, you can do something that can prove to be extremely valuable: keep a journal.

Your journal should begin right after the accident. Start by writing down everything you remember about the accident. Think about what you saw, what went through your mind and what happened during the actual accident. Try to focus on as many details as possible, even when it comes to the colliding vehicle and its driver.

This is important because the passing of time may cause you to forget some things about the accident. It may just be a minor detail or two that you forget, but that minor detail could eventually play a major role in your case. This kind of written memory will allow you to accurately recreate the accident scene if you are ever asked to do so, particularly in a courtroom.

Continue on with the journal by recording everything that happens in the days after the accident. Make sure to record any time off work, any calls to a lawyer, or any bills you may have received as a result of the accident. Anything that might be remotely connected to the accident should be written in your journal.

Overall, keeping a journal will thoroughly prepare you if your case does go to court. It will also provide leverage if your case goes to mediation. Settlements could turn out to be much larger when the victim has detailed documentation of injuries, pain, suffering and bills that are noted down to the exact penny.

Your healing process should be a major part of your journal. If you wake up with a slight pain in the middle of the night, reach for your journal before you reach for an aspirin. Injuries are important in every auto accident case. They could make a big difference in the final payout. So document every little pain you feel. Those pains may not initially seem to be a direct result of the crash, but there are lingering effects you may not be privy to.

All of this will not only help with the legal process, but it will also help you with the healing process. Car accidents are a traumatic event that can affect people emotionally as well as physically. It is important to be sure you have a record of every bit of your suffering.

You do not need to be a professional writer to put together a quality journal. Just be precise and consistent. A judge is not going to be awarding a Pulitzer Prize, but a judge could award you a sizeable payout. Honest facts about everything that could be related to your auto accident can only strengthen your case.

Victims of car accidents can turn to the Mississippi Auto Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC. Your suffering deserves compensation and our legal team can show you the best ways to get what you deserve. Our attorneys can help you build your case into a winner. Call us today for a free confidential consultation at (601) 790-1505.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney Explains How There is No Such Thing as a Minor Rear End Collision

The initial image most people conjure up when talking about auto accidents is a mangled wreck of a vehicle. Metal is smashed, windows are shattered and all that’s left is a tow truck taking the car to its final resting place. The truth is that many auto accidents look far different from that image.  If fact, even minor auto accidents without much damage can inflict a great deal of pain.

Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of auto accident in the United States. A crumbled bumper and a sudden jolt may seem like the only effects. But some symptoms take a little more time to show themselves. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in rear end collisions.  Specifically, whiplash does not always show immediate signs of injury. It is also referred to neck strain. Whiplash is the actual tearing of tendons in your neck. Sometimes, it takes several hours for the pain to set in. The effects of whiplash can be ongoing and its symptoms can include the following:

  • Numbness in neck area
  • Constant headaches
  • Dizziness and back pain
  • Lack of neck mobility

Other injuries that are the result of  a rear end collision could be more severe. That severity usually depends upon the speed of the driver at fault. More severe injuries are head injuries, nerve damage to the bag of legs, back sprains, and blunt trauma that comes from hitting the steering wheel or windshield. However minor they may seem at the time, injuries resulting from a rear end collision could turn out to be major issues.

The thing about rear end collisions is that they are preventable. And since they are preventable, someone is always at fault. More than half the time, it is usually a male’s fault. In a study conducted by the National Traffics Highway Safety Administration, the likelihood of involvement of young male drivers in rear-end striking crashes was 1.5 times greater than that of young female drivers. The reason for that is aggressive driving is more prevalent among male drivers.

However, the main cause of rear end collisions is not aggressive driving, but distracted driving. Talking on the phone and texting while driving are two forms of distracted driving. There are other forms as well. When you are hit in a rear end collision, it is pretty much a guarantee that the other driver is at fault. There are exceptions, such a person jamming on their brakes for no apparent reason. But that is often a failed defense.

Looking for a settlement in a rear- end collision comes with a bit of calculation. The first part of the settlement comes from the actual dollar amount of damage caused to the vehicle. The second part comes in the form of lost income. Time off work is factored in and your lost wages expand the settlement figure.  These are considered general damages, which consists mainly of pain and suffering. Add up all those figures and therein lies the amount of your rear end collision settlement.

If you are the victim of a rear end collision, you can look to the seasoned Mississippi Car Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC for assistance. You might be deserving of more compensation than you realize. The help of one of our specialists can go a long way in getting you compensation for your pain and suffering. Experience will be on your side with a team of qualified attorneys that can lead you to legal success. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation at (601) 790-1505.

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Mississippi Car Accident Attorney Explains How Mississippi Is One of the Most Dangerous Places To Drive

Roadways all over the country can be dangerous. Negligent, distracted and aggressive drivers can present challenges to other drivers steering down any street or highway. Those challenges exist in every state, although the state of Mississippi presents more danger than any other place in the United States.  In fact, t has been a place where auto accident deaths have always ranked very high.

The state of Mississippi has historically received the unwanted distinction of being one of the most dangerous places to drive in all of America. In a 2012 study conducted by The Trust for America’s Health, Mississippi ranked as the No.1 most dangerous place to drive in all of the United States.  Specifically, Mississippi routinely leads the country in auto accident fatalities every year. Recent numbers have shown that there are an average of 26.7 auto accident deaths per 100,000 in Mississippi per year.  The lifetime medical costs that result from auto accident injuries have been reported at $7.15 million.

Part of the reason for such a high number of accidents has to do with the struggling economy in Mississippi. Not all cars on the road in Mississippi are equipped with the most optimum safety features necessary to protect drivers. However, there has been a reduction in auto accident fatalities since a mandatory seat belt law was introduced in 2006.

There are also plenty of hazards on the road such as high speed limits which reach as much as 75 mph. There are also a number of unlit and poorly-lit roads in Mississippi which makes driving at night rather difficult. Perhaps the most startling reason for the high number of auto accidents is that text messaging is still not illegal while driving in the state of Mississippi. Efforts have been made to attempt to rectify this problem, but to no avail.

Currently, 43 states have bans on texting and driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Mississippi is not among those 43 states. Mississippi does, however, prohibit texting and driving to those with learner’s permits or intermediate license holders.

The state of Mississippi also ranked very low in having established seat belt laws for all passengers in a vehicle. In a 2014 report released by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Mississippi was severely lacking in laws regarding the primary enforcement of front and rear seat belts. The state of Mississippi has been without laws in the following areas:

  • Rear primary enforcement seat belt law
  • Booster seat law
  • Six of the seven teen driving provisions
  • All-driver text messaging restrictions

 With some of the laws and driving conditions being so antiquated, there is the need for drivers to be more alert in the state of Mississippi. Passenger deaths are also unusually high in comparison to the rest of the country.

While not all auto accidents end in death, many cause injuries which can make for time out of work, extensive rehabilitation, and a great deal of pain and suffering. Those could all lead to a problematic future and are a direct result of having to combat such dangerous driving conditions in the state of Mississippi. Until the state steps into the 21st century and readjusts some of its laws, there is the grim reality that auto accidents will be a part of everyday life.

If you have been involved in any kind of auto accident, look to the Mississippi Car Accident Attorney at Barrett Law PLLC. Your wellbeing and future is too important to trust to just anyone. Our experienced legal team will provide you with top-notch representation so that you may receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation at (601) 790-1505.

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Devastating Knee Injuries Result from Car Crashes

There are many serious injuries that may result from a car accident, but the loss of mobility that comes from a knee injury is all-too-common.  Most people do not think about the impact that a knee absorbs every day until damage to the joint leads to an inability to carry out the most basic activities, such as taking your child to the park or driving to work.  When that harm is caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to ensure that any settlement or award covers the lengthy recovery process and any future surgeries that may be necessary.

In a car accident, the impact forces of the crash may lead the driver or passenger’s knees to be thrust forward into the solid frame of the car, regardless of whether or not the airbags deployed.  Many different injuries may result from this violent action, including:

  • Fractured or broken bones – whether the bones of the knee or the surrounding areas, these injuries may require months of medical treatment and rehabilitation;
  • Hyperextension of the ligaments in the knee which leads to stretching, ripping, and tearing – a person who is twisted in the wreck may experience this type of harm.  There are two common types of ligament injury:
    • o   Damage to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – This is a very serious injury that causes the victim extreme pain and loss of mobility.  Surgery often is necessary with this type of injury and the person may never regain full use of the joint, even with intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy; and
    • o   Damage to the Posterior Collateral Ligament (PCL) – Connecting the tibia to the femur, this ligament at the back of the knee prevents the tibia from extending backwards too far.  Often, it is damaged when a person sitting in a vehicle with his knees bent impacts the dashboard.  A PCL injury is very painful and may lead to the collapse of the knee while the victim is walking, resulting in serious falls.
  • Ruptured tendons; and
  • Dislocation of the knee.

A victim of a car accident may be entitled to compensation for the harm that he suffered.  The types of economic losses that may be recovered include:

  • Medical expenses – These include the immediate costs of emergency medical treatment as well as the bills that come with long-term medical care and rehabilitation.  They should take into account the possibility of additional surgeries as the damaged knee joint deteriorates.  There also needs to be compensation for necessary equipment that must be purchased as a result of the accident.
  • Lost wages – A person may suffer from a loss of a paycheck as the result of time spent in recovery.  If the victim cannot return to the job that he held before the accident, then the settlement or jury award must reflect this changed circumstance, including the loss of reasonably anticipated future wages and benefits.
  • Miscellaneous costs – There are a myriad of additional costs that result from a severe crash, including alternative transportation costs and the need for professional help to assist the victim in doing things that he could have done himself prior to the crash.

In addition to these damages, a person who has suffered from extreme pain and the permanent alteration of his life brought about by a serious knee injury may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.  These are considered non-economic damages and are intended to cover at least some of the emotional pain that results from a severe injury.  Many times, people do not realize the devastation that a severe crash may bring until they cannot play with their children or climb the stairs without being in agony.

The victim of a car accident who has endured a debilitating injury needs attorneys who will fight on his behalf.  The hardworking and experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have the skill and commitment to get you the best results possible.  To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (601) 790-1505.

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Dangerous Intersections Lead to Devastating Crashes in Mississippi

An intersection is the point where two or more roads meet, converge, or cross each other.  These locations are particularly dangerous because traffic from many different directions is coming into a central point.  These intersections may be marked with yield or stop signs or there may be traffic lights.  In many locations, there is very limited signage that indicates that there are important reasons to drive carefully and pay attention.  Depending on  the intersection, as many as six roads may converge.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% of all traffic crashes across the country happen in an intersection.  In addition, 21% of fatal crashes happen at this dangerous place where roadways converge.

There was a fatal intersection crash in Fayette, Mississippi a few weeks ago.  A 21-year-old driver failed to yield at the intersection of Sunny Side Drive and Highway 61.  The young woman crossed into the path of a Ford F-150 traveling north  on Highway 61.  Her vehicle was impacted in a broadside collision.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the pick-up who hit her, an 18-year-old, had minor injuries, but declined medical attention at the scene.

Intersection accidents often involve broadside, also known as side impact, collisions where one vehicle impacts another along the side of the vehicle.  Although recent car models are equipped with side impact airbags, many older models are not.  The problem with this type of accident is that there is very little protection for the driver and passengers in the construction of the door frame.  This leads to wide-ranging traumatic injuries.  In addition, after the initial impact, the vehicle may be propelled into other vehicles or stationary objects bordering the roadway.

The NHTSA has studied the types of behaviors that often lead to intersection accidents, including:

  • While traveling through intersections, drivers may cause a crash by failing to pay attention to traffic signals, stop signs, and yields;
  • Drivers may misjudge the actions or anticipated behavior of other drivers;
  • Drivers who are making a left hand turn at an intersection with a traffic light or stop sign may turn in front of another vehicle because they do not accurately understand the speed of oncoming drivers or do not see them because of obstructed views in the intersection;
  • Distracted driving has a disproportionate effect on  24 years of age or younger;
  • Medical impairment or fatigue leads to many accidents for drivers between the ages of 25 to 54 years of age;
  • Drivers between the age of 25 and 54 are involved in accidents that result from aggressive driving, illegal actions, and distracted driving;
  • Drivers aged 55 years or older are involved in accidents caused by a failure to observe other vehicles entering the intersection or a failure to estimate the speed of other drivers converging on the intersection;
  • Female drivers are more likely to be distracted by things occurring within the vehicle, such as the cell phone, children, or even animals, or making mistakes about what other drivers are going to do as they approach the intersection; and
  • Male drivers are more likely to violate traffic laws in the intersection, drive aggressively, or fail to respond to the circumstances presented by the intersection.

Intersections pose a very unique and potentially dangerous set of circumstances where driver negligence can lead to life-altering crashes.  The most basic of mistakes can be critical.  It is important to have the right personal injury attorneys in order to get the damages award that victims deserve.

Many accidents that occur in an intersection involve serious injuries that require a long recovery period.  The experienced and hardworking attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will fight to represent your interests and protect your legal rights in order to get you the compensation that you need to recover from the harm that you suffered.  We will evaluate your case during an initial consultation.  To schedule a first meeting, please call us at (601) 790-1505.  Our attorneys only receive a payment when we recover on your claims.

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