Study Indicates Your Child’s Booster Seat Could Be Less Safe in a Car Accident than You Realize

Every day in Lexington and the surrounding areas of Mississippi, parents buckle their children into booster seats and leave home expecting that the safety device will keep their child safe in the event of a serious collision. While it goes without saying that child safety seats are an invaluable piece of protective equipment, a study suggests that many children are not nearly as safe in a booster seat as their parents might expect in the event of a car accident.  According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), half of all car booster seats do not provide a proper fit with seatbelts.

While any product that is designed or manufactured with defects or that provides inadequate instructions or warnings to ensure safe use is dangerous, the danger increases exponentially when the product is a piece of vital safety equipment like a child booster seat.  Booster seats are designed for children that have become too big for forward facing car seats.  This type of child safety device is designed to elevate a child’s body so the adult seatbelt forms a proper fit.

The IIHS study examined twenty million 4 to 8 year olds and the appropriateness of their fit when using the family’s child booster seat.  The study revealed that of the 83 child booster seats tested, 41 did not fit properly with the vehicle seat and seat belt.  When there is a poor fit with a child booster seat, the child is not positioned properly to maximize the benefit of a seatbelt in the case of a serious traffic accident. This lack of proper positioning of a child’s body during a collision can result in serious injury.

Four of the booster seats tested in the study provided such a poor fit that the IIHS recommended that the booster seats should not be used at all.  When a parent is attempting to determine if a booster seat fits properly, they should check to see that the lower belt sits flat across their child’s upper thigh region.  If the child’s body is not positioned properly when restrained by the seatbelt, parts of the child’s body may be injured by impact with the interior of the vehicle in a collision.  When the seatbelt is improperly positioned across the abdomen, the seatbelt itself can cause serious injury, including damage to a child’s internal organs.

It is important to emphasize that nothing in this study suggests that booster seats are not a valuable and/or necessary piece of safety equipment that might keep your child safe in an auto accident.  If your child is between the ages of 4 and 8, your child is almost fifty percent less likely to be injured in a collision when using a child booster seat.  However, you should check the fit of the booster seat to ensure that the seatbelt is properly positioned when your child is buckled up.  Parents might also want to check the ratings for their booster seat at the IIHS website to determine whether the brand and model of the booster seat rates well in terms of providing an appropriate fit to keep children safe.

One of the most tragic parts of representing car accident victims of Lexington is that sometimes our clients are the families of children that have been seriously injured.  Our Mississippi car accident lawyers at Barrett Law are committed to car accident safety for children and their families.  If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, our compassionate and dedicated team of attorneys is here to answer your questions and help you seek the compensation you need to move past this difficult experience.

If your child is injured when riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle, you are invited to contact the experienced auto accident lawyers at Barrett Law to learn how we can help.  Our Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyers at Barrett Law have been representing crash victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years.  We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy.  We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (601) 790-1505.  No Recovery No Fee!

 

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Remind Drivers to Look Out for Motorcycles

When a car collides with a person riding a motorcycle, serious injury and fatality are the likely results. One motorcycle rider in Mississippi died in a recent accident in which a car struck his motorcycle from behind. While all types of motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury and death, rear-end motorcycle accidents are some of the deadliest and most damaging motorcycle wrecks that occur. Riders simply do not have the protection that being enclosed in a vehicle provides, and the impact of another vehicle hitting their motorcycle can crush them or send them airborne.

The recent fatal motorcycle crash in Mississippi is still under investigation, and it serves as a tragic reminder that both riders and drivers must educate themselves about the risks associated with motorcycle accidents as well as how riders and drivers can safely share the roads.

Rear-end collisions are just one of the types of accidents that can occur while a person is riding a motorcycle. There are two main categories of rear-end motorcycle accidents. The first type of rear-end motorcycle accident occurs when a rider is stopped at a traffic light or for some other reason, and they are hit from behind.

The other type of rear-end motorcycle accident occurs when a motorcycle hits the back of another vehicle. This type of motorcycle accident is called a sudden stop accident. Sudden stop motorcycle accidents often cause death or permanent disability. During a sudden stop accident, the rider is often ejected from his or her bike and the bike often “cartwheels” or flips end-over-end. The rider can collide with moving or fixed objects as they fly through the air, and they can hit the ground with tremendous force. Unfortunately, an airborne rider can also land in the path of a moving vehicle.

Many motorcycle accidents can be prevented if drivers and riders operate their vehicles safely. Motorists can reduce the risk of hitting a motorcycle by looking twice in either direction before entering an intersection. Also, checking side and rear view mirrors when changing lanes, and navigating on and off ramps will greatly reduce the risk that your vehicle will enter the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

Both riders and drivers can reduce the risk of an accident by using turn signals to help each other anticipate the movements of their vehicles. Likewise, riders and drivers can prevent many accidents by simply giving each other enough space. Space between vehicles of any type gives drivers and riders a chance to respond to the movements of the vehicles around them. Many drivers do not realize that motorcycle riders need at least twice as much space as people driving other types of vehicles because of the way that they are designed to slow down and stop. There is a tendency for drivers to either treat motorcycles like cars and leave them the amount of space that a car would need (which is not enough) or to give them even less space than that because of the mistaken assumption that smaller vehicles need less space to maneuver.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving the Victims of Mississippi Motorcycle Accidents and Their Families

If you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi motorcycle accident or if you were injured in a motorcycle crash, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to assist you. To learn more, please call our office today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule a free consultation.

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss Accidents Caused by Drivers Taking Selfie

If you use social media, then you know what “selfies” are. In fact, when you check in on your social media accounts, you probably see plenty of selfies that have been posted by your friends and family. High quality cameras now come as standard equipment on most cell phones, and photo sharing applications enable cell phone and tablet users to edit pictures on the go. These technological advances have helped to make taking self-portraits, or “selfies” as they are commonly called, a popular pastime for many people.

Of course, there are many situations in which taking selfies can be dangerous, and even deadly. While you may feel as though that is common knowledge, more people than you might imagine are taking selfies in one of the most dangerous situations imaginable – behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. People are taking distracted driving to a dangerous new level, snapping selfies, and even posting them online while driving. If you are wondering how many people actually take selfies while driving, a recent study from AT&T and Braun Research suggests that approximately seventeen percent of drivers have taken a selfie while driving. In fact, driving selfies are all too easy to find on social media sites like Instagram, where users can help others find their pictures by labeling them with hashtags like #driving, #drivingselfie, and #hopeidontcrash.

This past March, Mississippi banned texting and driving.  Many states impose similar penalties for using social media while driving as they do for texting while driving, and it is unclear as of yet whether Mississippi will do the same. Bans on texting and smartphone use have been shown to be effective in reducing the amount of accidents caused by distracted driving, but not all drivers are so easily deterred. Drivers of all ages are continuing to snap and post selfies while driving, and some driving selfies are even posted by truck drivers in their eighteen wheelers and people who are driving construction vehicles and other types of heavy machinery.

Whenever you get in your car and drive somewhere, you may unknowingly be sharing the road with someone who is willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by taking selfies while driving. You can do your part to reduce the number of distracted driving fatalities by refraining from texting, taking selfies, or using social media while driving, and teaching your children to do the same.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Serving the Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

If you have suffered an injury or a loss because of a distracted driver, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC may be able to help you. Automobile accident cases can be complicated, especially when there is an injury or a loss involved. Our experienced and dedicated team of attorneys is ready to assist you and your family during this difficult and challenging time in your lives. Please call our office today, at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule an initial consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss School Bus Accidents

Recently, sixteen Mississippi students and the bus driver were hurt in a crash which occurred when their bus flipped over. The accident was terrifying for the students who were on the bus, and for their parents, who waited nervously for word that their children were safe. This recent school bus accident calls into question the safety of something that is an essential component of many families’ weekdays – the bus ride to and from school.

Children all over Mississippi ride buses to school each weekday morning, and they ride them back home again in the afternoon. The parents of children who ride buses to and from school expect the bus drivers to get their children to school and back safely on a daily basis. Some children do not ride buses to school, but many families are not able to make rides to or from school in a parent’s car happen twice a day, five days a week. Many parents work on weekdays, making transportation on school buses the only real option for getting their kids to school on time each morning.

We realize that the recent school bus accident in Mississippi has got parents across the state wondering about the true safety of school buses. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration firmly believes that school buses are, in fact, the safest way for children to get to and from school. Statistics support the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s assertion, showing that riding to school on the school bus is seven times safer than riding to school in a passenger vehicle.

If you rode a school bus to school, you may remember that there were not any seat belts on the bus. In most places, there are still no seat belts on school buses. School buses are designed much differently than passenger vehicles are, so they keep passengers safe in a much different way. The padded, high backed seats in school buses serve to divide them into compartments. This compartmentalization reduces the amount of movement that each individual passenger experiences during a collision. Also, school buses are large, so when there is a crash, the force of the impact is dispersed across a large area.  When school bus accidents do happen, injuries are likely to be minor, but that does not decrease the scariness of the experience for the children on board the bus or their parents.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Representing School Bus Accident Victims across the State of Mississippi

School bus accidents can cause a variety of injuries.  If you or your child have been injured in a school bus accident in Mississippi, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We help accident victims pursue compensation for injuries, like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call the compassionate and experienced Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Report: Teen Killed in ATV Accident in Hancock County

Recently, a teenage Mississippi boy was killed in an ATV accident. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office reported that the accident happened shortly after 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 22.  The teen apparently ran a stop sign while driving his all-terrain vehicle and was hit by a truck.  The accident occurred at Hancock Drive and East Pike Street West in Waveland.  The Chief Deputy stated that the accident was still under investigation and the driver of the truck did stop.

Each year, about 700 individuals will die in accidents related to all-terrain vehicles or ATVs.  Mississippi is home to a number of such crashes, and teens are among the most common of all victims.

ATVs are popular among both adults and teens.  The vehicles are generally used for sport but can also be used to haul heavy objects.  While ATV riding can be fun and exciting, these heavy vehicles also lead to accidents and serious injuries.  It is estimated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that over 100,000 ATV accidents across the U.S. require emergency room treatment each year.  About a quarter of these trips involve children and teens under the age of 16.

ATV accidents often result from collisions with other vehicles, as in the Waveland accident reported, or the victim being thrown off the ATV.  Some of the most common injuries to result from ATV accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Facial injuries
  • Amputation
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Individuals injured in ATV accidents may have the right to recovery for their damages incurred as a result of the accident.  The first step to determining whether an ATV accident victim can recover will be assessing who was responsible for the accident.  For instance, if you were riding an ATV on a trial that had a dangerous slant and you became injured due to this slant, the owner of the trail might be responsible for your injuries and could be held responsible in a personal injury lawsuit.  If, on the other hand, you were hit by a car while driving your ATV, an attorney would examine the potential negligence of the driver of the car.  If you are a passenger injured in an ATV accident, the at-fault ATV operator may be held responsible for your injuries.  Finally, for accidents caused by a defective component or a defectively designed ATV, the ATV manufacturer may be liable for your injuries.

Every ATV accident is unique and accident victims will require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will assess the crash and uncover your potential avenues for recovery.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Assisting in ATV and Other Accidents Across the State    

ATVs hold the potential to cause serious injury or death to operators and passengers.  All ATVs should be operated with parental supervision along with appropriate caution and must be maintained regularly.  If you or a loved one is injured in an ATV accident, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help.  Our attorneys understand the many factors that can cause an ATV accident, include manufacturer defects or negligent property owners.  Our skilled attorneys will fight zealously for your full recovery following an ATV or other accident.  Call the renowned personal injury attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Mississippi Defective Automobile Accident Attorneys Discuss the Latest on the GM Ignition Switch Recall

On Monday, September 22, 2014, Kenneth Feinberg, the attorney overseeing GM’s program developed to compensate the victims of accidents caused by the company’s defective ignition switches, revealed that the death toll linked to the switches has risen.  Thus far, 21 individuals are believed to have died as a direct result of General Motor Co.’s faulty ignition switches.

Since August 1st of this year, nearly 700 claims have been submitted for injuries or deaths said to be caused by the defective ignition switches.  These claims are currently being processed.  At the time of the most recent press release, 21 death claims have been deemed eligible for compensation.  Another 16 claims have been accepted for serious physical injuries linked to the switches.

GM’s victim compensation program intends to continue to accept applications until December 31, 2014.  Applications are being accepted on behalf of anyone injured or killed in an automobile accident that is believed to have been caused by the faulty ignition switches which spurred the recall of 2.6 million vehicles earlier this year.  The ignition switches in question are reported to slip out of position, forcing the vehicle from “on” mode to “off.”  This causes vehicles to stall and disables airbags.  While 21 deaths have been confirmed to be caused by the switches, a total of 143 death claims have been submitted thus far.  The number of confirmed accidents and deaths could well increase in coming months.

A spokesperson for GM has publically stated that the company’s goal with the victim compensation program is to reach as many possibly injured individuals as possible.  Thus far, GM has accepted Feinberg’s award determinations and eligibility for compensation criteria.

Under the victim compensation program, the amount of compensation is not capped.  Each eligible death claim will receive at least one million dollars.  This figure could increase depending upon relevant factors, such as the existence of dependents or loss of substantial income due to the death.  GM has allocated $400 million to cover the costs of compensating victims.

As GM continues to handle the victim compensation program, it also recently received news that it will face a lawsuit brought by the family of a Georgia woman who claims GM concealed critical evidence concerning the faulty ignition switches that lead to their relative’s death.  In a hearing held in a Cobb County courthouse, the presiding judge denied GM’s motion to dismiss the suit.

The suit stems from an accident that actually occurred back in 2010.  Brooke Melton died in a car accident when her Chevrolet Cobalt switched suddenly into accessory mode, forcing her vehicle to collide with another driver.  Melton’s parents initially filed suit against GM in 2011 and reportedly settled for $5 million.  Evidence that emerged as a result of the lawsuit proved critical in prompting the massive recall of the faulty ignition switches.

After the recall became public, the Meltons asked GM to withdraw the settlement on the basis of concealment of evidence.  GM refused, and now faces another suit by the Meltons alleging both fraud and false inducements to settle.

Barrett Law PLLC: Assisting the Victims of the GM Recall  

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that may have been linked to a faulty GM ignition switch, the Mississippi Defective Automobile Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  The deadline to apply to the victim’s compensation program is fast approaching.  The attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will evaluate your accident and provide you with an assessment as to your ability to recover.   We will then assist you in drafting and filing your claim in the strongest manner possible so that you obtain the compensation you deserve.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.

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Two Mississippi Paramedics Killed in Deadly Ambulance Crash

A tragic accident in Greene County, Mississippi on June 24, 2014 resulted in the loss of two local paramedics.  The paramedics were responding to an emergency medical call around 11 a.m.  While traveling on Highway 63 in the Sand Hill Community, an 18-wheeler hauling a bulldozer took a left turn in front of the approaching ambulance.  The 18-wheeler and the ambulance collided, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.  Both paramedics, Alan Smith and Dennis Rushing, died in the accident.  The driver of the 18-wheeler, who has been identified as 47 year old Charles E. Bexley of Beaumont, Mississippi, was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

While the accident is still under investigation, Brent Barfield of the Mississippi Highway Patrol has publically stated that the ambulance had the clear right of way because the paramedics were responding to a medical call.  The speed with which ambulances are able to make it to the scene of a crisis is extremely important to the individual 911 callers and the public as a whole.  Brent Barfield, Trooper 1st Class, knew the victims personally and emphasized the need to recognize the efforts and heroism of paramedics every day.

This Mississippi ambulance crash is sadly one of many that occur each year.  In 2010, over 250 ambulance crashes made the news.  With nearly 50,000 ambulances on the roadways each day, it is likely far more crashes occur that are simply not carried by the local news stations.  One major problem with calculating ambulance accident rates is the lack of a central repository for crash reports.  Neither the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention require reporting.

            An analysis of the available ambulance crash data reveals that the following factors are most often involved in accidents:

  • Intersections: Over half of all ambulance accidents occur at intersections.  This is likely due to ambulances attempting to navigate through red lights while other drivers fail to yield or move out of the way.
  • Loss of control of the vehicle: A large portion of ambulance accidents involve loss of control of ambulances.  Often, these vehicles are traveling at high rates of speed in an attempt to reach the waiting injured or sick people.  Excessive speed can be a contributing factor to accidents as can overcorrecting of steering.
  • Road conditions: Slippery roads made slick by snow or ice cause several ambulance crashes each year.  Hydroplaning causes accidents most often but wind can be a factor as well.
  • Rear end collisions: Rear end accidents involving either a car or truck striking an ambulance, or vice versa, occur in high numbers.

If you have been injured in a large vehicle accident, whether it be a truck, ambulance, or other sort of commercial vehicle, contact a licensed Mississippi accident attorney as soon as possible.  Accidents involving these vehicles will have special issues of recovery and fault.  Your best chance of a full recovery will be to start the process early.

Barrett Law, PLLC: Zealous Representation for Truck or Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims

For decades, the Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC have provided aggressive representation for the victims of all forms of large or commercial vehicle across the state.  Our truck 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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Chevrolet Impala under Investigation for Brake Problems

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for investigating claims of dangerous faults in motor vehicles in the United States.  Over the past few months, there have been many different problems with vehicles on the road across the country that have been featured on the front pages of nearly every major print news source.  General Motors has faced a number of serious allegations after purportedly mishandled recalls that led to serious accidents and more than a dozen deaths.  Now, a consumer complaint has prompted the NHTSA to investigate potential braking problems in the Chevrolet Impala.

The consumer complaint that led to the NHTSA investigation was that the 2014 Impala has a defect that leads to the activation of the emergency braking system without warning.  The complaint states that the activation of the braking system led to a sudden stopping of the car when it was traveling at 40 miles per hour, which led to the vehicle being rear-ended.  The complaint prompted the NHTSA to investigate whether the defect is widespread throughout the more than 60,000 2014 Impalas on the road.  If the investigation does lead to a determination that there is a widespread defect, then the NHTSA can trigger a recall.

Generally, when the NHTSA has determined that there is a vehicle flaw that impacts many cars or trucks because of a design or manufacturing defect, it may determine that the nature of the hazard necessitates a widespread recall and issue an official order.  However, the auto manufacturer may challenge the NHTSA in a federal district court.  While the car manufacturer has the right to challenge the order, the NHTSA has the right to go to court to enforce the order and compel the recall.  Once a case has been filed by either the NHTSA or the car manufacturer, the burden lies with the agency to prove that there is a defect that warrants the recall because it poses a serious threat to the safety of consumers.  Depending on the circumstances, even though the auto manufacturer is contesting the finding of the NHTSA that there is a safety risk from the defect, they may need to send notice to all consumers in possession of the potentially dangerous vehicle about the alleged hazard.

            Although the NHTSA is empowered to order a recall if an official investigation reveals a defect that is present in many vehicles, the auto manufacturer may choose to recall specific vehicles based on its own findings without agency intervention.  The auto manufacturer should have learned the relevant facts through:

  • Internal testing protocols;
  • Vehicle inspection policies;
  • Analysis of information gathered through a number of data systems; and
  • Review of all facts in a comprehensive and organized process.

One of the problems with the handling of the GM ignition switch defect was that the executives at the company did not have the proper protocols in place to rapidly respond to the potential danger. 

The protocols and policies that control whether or not a recall will take place are fine for the auto manufacturer and the agency, but it leaves consumers at the mercy of the executives and the regulators.  Often, serious accidents occur while the battles are being played out.

The news is full of stories of the massive recalls by auto manufacturers for defects that could lead to dangerous crashes, severe injuries, and even death.  The compassionate and knowledgeable Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will work with you to help you understand what caused your accident and how you can get justice for the harm that you suffered.  In order to schedule a free case evaluation, please call us at (601) 790-1505.  We only receive our fee if we recover compensation for you.

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How Does the NHTSA Investigate Defect Claims?

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) operates as part of the Department of Transportation to promote safety through establishing standards and acts as an investigatory agency when there reports of defects.  Recently, the agency has been in the news regularly based upon the high profile recall cases and the harm that was done when auto manufacturers failed to respond quickly and appropriately to dangerous vehicle defects. 

Although some car manufacturers may voluntarily issue a vehicle recall, often these events are triggered by the NHTSA going to court and getting an order.  The NHTSA may decide that it is important for a recall when:

  • A motor vehicle, or any equipment that is used in the structure or mechanics of a vehicle, which includes tires, fails to comply with an established Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard; or
  • There is a defect caused by a design or manufacturing problem, rather than an issue that only affects a few vehicles, that impacts the overall safety of the vehicle.

The NHTSA reviews the reported problems in the vehicle in accordance with safety standards for the safe operation of a vehicle, including equipment failures relating to tires, brakes, engine parts, and lighting components.  In addition, the safety analysis may look at the features of the vehicle that are intended to keep drivers and passengers safe, such as seat belts, air bags, structural reinforcements in convertibles, and even motorcycle helmets.

A safety defect that might justify the NHTSA pursuing a mandated recall includes an issue in the vehicle that poses a measurable risk to consumers as a result of the operation of the motor vehicle.  Some common types of defects include:

  • The vulnerability of the fuel system in a vehicle to damage during a crash that would result in the spilled gasoline and fire hazards;
  •  Steering columns that may break or become non-functional during operation of a vehicle, leading to loss of control;
  • Gas pedal or accelerator components that may stick or malfunction, leading to uncontrolled acceleration;
  • Improper design of the wheel base and height of the vehicle leading to increased rollover risk;
  • Malfunctioning windshield wipers that lead to decreased visibility;
  • Improperly manufactured seats that may shift or fall backwards during operation of the vehicle, especially the driver’s seat;
  • Faulty wiring systems that may lead to risk of fire or loss of function;
  • Defects in child safety devices and equipment; and
  • Problems with air bags functioning properly.

There are many different types of defects that pose a significant risk to occupants of the vehicle or other people.  However, there are some widespread problems that do not lead to a recall order.  These include problems that are frustrating, but have no major safety risk.  A model year with a malfunctioning radio or MP3 control or equipment that deteriorates far faster than components in other vehicles, which necessitate replacement, but likely will not result in bodily harm, will not be pursued.

Once the NHTSA has received a complaint that triggers a response, there is a four step process that is managed by the Office of Defects Investigation, which includes:

  • An initial review of the consumer complaint and any other available information that supports the existence of a potential defect;
  • A review of any petitions involving a group of individuals or other groups, as well as any safety-based recalls that may have been initiated by the vehicle manufacturer;
  • Active investigation into the possible defects; and
  • Oversight of a recall once a safety-related defect has been found.

Safety defects lead to many injuries and deaths before the problem has been corrected.  Although the NHTSA plays an important role, for those who been harmed by a defective component or piece of equipment, it is critical to find someone to fight for them.  The skilled and dedicated Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will work to get you the compensation that you deserve.  Please call us at (601) 790-1505 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

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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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