Motorcycle accidents can lead to horrific injuries because of the lack of structural protection offered by the vehicles.  The danger to motorcyclists is only increased by the lack of attention and indifference by drivers of other motor vehicles.  Some motorists still harbor unfounded stereotypes about motorcycles enthusiasts involving “biker gangs” and criminal activity.  The reality is that the motorcycles have become popular among those from all walks of life and socioeconomic classes.  Motorcycles offer a fuel efficient low cost form of transportation for commuting to work, traveling the Mississippi back roads and engaging in recreational activity.

Over a 100,000 motorcycles per year are involved in collisions which result in more than 4,500 fatalities.  Because so many people suffer serious injury or wrongful death in motorcycle accidents, our Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys have provided effective legal representation to many motorcycle accident victims throughout Mississippi.  We receive many questions from motorcycle accident victims and their families so we have provided some basic answers, but we invite you to call and speak with one of our Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys if you have further questions.

What are the most common causes of Mississippi motorcycle accidents?

Motorcycle accidents are most typically caused by the driver error.  When a driver of a passenger vehicle fails to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury to a motorcyclist in a collision, the driver may be liable for damages in a personal injury claim.  The most common types of negligent driving that cause motorcycle accidents include:

• Drivers not paying attention because they are talking or texting on a cell phone
• Other forms of distracted driving
• Motorists who fail to check their blind spot for motorcycles
• Drivers who engage in last minute maneuvers that do not give motorcyclists sufficient response time
• Alcohol and drug impaired drivers
• Motorists who do not adhere to the Mississippi Rules of the Road

Are all Mississippi motorcycle accidents caused by driver error?

No, some Mississippi motorcycle collisions are caused by equipment failure, defective motor vehicles or motorcycles and defective roadways.  When these types of factors contribute to a Mississippi motorcycle accident, the motorcycle manufacturer or public entity that is responsible for maintaining the roadway may be viable defendants.

What factors make motorcycles particularly dangerous?

Motorcycles offer none of the safety equipment that is standard in a passenger vehicle, such as seat belts, protective vehicle frame, air bags and similar safety features.  Motorcycles also lack stability, and they are extremely unforgiving in an emergency.

Is it necessary to pursue a lawsuit to obtain compensation for injuries in a Mississippi motorcycle accident?

Because of our success in obtaining financial compensation for many motorcycle accident victims in Mississippi, we often are able to persuade insurance companies to settle motorcycle accident claims without filing a lawsuit or without a trial.

What types of compensation are available in a Mississippi motorcycle accident claim?

There are a wide range of damages available in motorcycle accident claims that vary slightly based on the specific circumstances of your Mississippi personal injury claim.  Common damages we may be able to seek on behalf of a Mississippi motorcycle accident victim include:

• Lost current and past earnings
• Medical and rehabilitative expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Future disability and impaired earning ability
• Impaired of quality of life
• Loss of consortium (diminished marital relationship)

If the other driver’s conduct is particularly unacceptable and reckless, punitive damages may also be available.  If the accident results in a fatality, the court may also award damages for funeral and burial expenses.

Our goal is to provide our clients with aggressive and effective legal representation and to provide easy to understand and accurate legal advice.  While we have tried to answer some of the most common inquiries we receive about motorcycle accidents in Mississippi, we recognize that you may have more detailed questions.   The experienced Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing aggressive representation to motorcycle accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.