New Technology May Reduce Severity of Mississippi Motorcycle Accidents

Few motorcycle enthusiasts would dispute the unique dangers associated with riding a motorcycle.  Motorcycles are less visible and stable and lack structural protection as well as safety equipment.  When a car, pickup truck, SUV or tractor-trailer collides with a motorcycle, the weight differential also contributes to the typically poor outcome for a motorcycle accident victim.  Even if a motorcycle enthusiast drivers extremely careful and is attentive regarding potential road hazards, this does not eliminate the increased danger associated with traveling by motorcycle.  When the driver of a passenger vehicle moves into your lane without checking the driver’s blind spot, even an experienced vigilant motorcycle rider may lay the motorcycle down and suffer serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractured or broken bones, severe road rash and even wrongful death.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are more likely to be involved in a collision because a bike is less stable and responsive.  While rider inexperience contributes to many motorcycle accidents, even experienced riders are vulnerable to the actions of negligent drivers.  Not only are motorcycle enthusiast more likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident, but they also face a much higher risk of suffering catastrophic injuries because they do not have the protection of a metal enclosure, air bags, seat belts and other safety equipment that is standard to other vehicles.

There are many types of negligent driving practices that put motorcycle riders as risk of being involved in a Mississippi motorcycle accident including:

  • Driver impaired by drugs or alcohol (DUI/DWI)
  • Fatigued or drowsy drivers
  • Drivers using a cell phone or otherwise distracted
  • Failure to check blind spots and mirrors when changing lanes
  • Unsafe turns
  • Failure to comply with traffic signals or stop signs

While there are no counter-measures that can completely overcome these dangers, new technology offers some hope.  Honda was the first to offer a motorcycle that was equipped with an air bag like a car that was placed in front of the rider and inflated in the event of a collision.  While this was an interesting innovation, it provides fairly limited protection against ejection and no protection if a rider actually is ejected from a motorcycle in a collision.  However, new types of motorcycle air bags are being designed in the form of a jacket that the rider wears and inflates in the event of a collision or motorcycle ejection. These jackets are being widely used by those involved in motorcycle racing.  While the jackets are still cost prohibitive for most consumers, less expensive models designed for the consumer market are expected soon.

The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Barrett Law applaud these efforts to make motorcycle enthusiasts safer in a Mississippi motorcycle accident.  The experienced personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing tenacious representation to accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy for our clients’ best interest so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

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Motorcycle Accidents: The Outdated Notion of the Outlaw Rider

Despite the recent rise in the popularity of motorcycles, especially amongst professionals and celebrities, the renegade image of bikers is rapidly changing.  There are still many who believe that those who ride motorcycles are mostly hoodlums and outlaws.  This outlaw image is simply no longer accurate as most bikers are in their mid-40’s with jobs and families. They’re not rebels, outlaws or inconsiderate to others on the road. They often participate in or organize riding events to support charity.  Motorcyclists are also increasingly professionals including doctors, lawyers, dentists, other business leaders and highly educated individuals.

Because perceptions have not changed as fast as the actual shifts in the demographics of riders, many motorists still do not show the proper courtesy and caution to protect motorcyclists.  A study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals the extent of the problem.  The study found that in multiple vehicle accidents, the other motorist violating the rider’s right of way causes two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents.  The failure of drivers to detect and identify motorcycles in traffic is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents.  The driver of the other vehicle frequently does not see a rider soon enough to avoid a motorcycle collision.

If you suffer serious injury or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by inattentive or negligent drivers with whom you share the road, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will carefully investigate your accident and examine the contributing causes and potential liable parties.  We understand that the inherent bias still felt by many makes the roadways of Mississippi a dangerous place for riders.  The failure of other drivers to see motorcyclists is only one common cause of fatal motorcycle accidents.  Other common contributing factors to Mississippi motorcycle accidents include:

  • Product defects with your motorcycle
  • Drivers who do not follow right of way or other traffic safety laws
  • Dangerous roadways that are not safely designed or maintained
  • Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Motorists who are speeding or driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
  • Fatigued, drowsy or distracted driving
  • Failure of drivers to obey traffic signals or signs

Motorcyclists are at a much greater risk than most other vehicle occupants in an accident.  Motorcycles offer absolutely no protection to a rider who is involved in an accident.  Over 96 percent of motorcycle riders are injured if they are involved in an accident and almost half suffer serious injury.  The most deadly injuries are injuries to the chest and head. This makes wearing a helmet essential because it can prevent traumatic brain injuries and fatal head injuries. The NHTSA has indicated that a helmet reduces the risk of fatal injury by 40 percent and non-fatal injury by 15 percent.

Our Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys represents those who are injured by the negligence of others throughout the state.  If you have been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, our experienced Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys offer a free consultation.  We can assess your situation and advise you regarding your rights and options.

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