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Celebrity’s Tragic Death Serves as Reminder of the Dangers of “Fast and Furious” Driving

Many of us have seen one or more of the “Fast and Furious” franchise of movies.  These movies depict, and largely glorify, the lifestyle of illegal street racing, involving beautiful cars, beautiful people, and fun.  In the movies, 100-mile-per-hour-plus races down city streets, back alleys, and highways are common.  In a grotesquely tragic twist of irony, one of the movie franchise’s main stars – Paul Walker – lost his life on November 30, 2013, while speeding down a street in a Porsche Carrera GT.  The car in which Walker was riding slammed into a tree and then literally ripped apart and burst into flames.  Photographs of the car depicted a mangled and twisted pile of charred metal that resembled a heap of scrap metal more than a car worth in excess of $400,000.

The car was capable of reaching speeds of 205 miles per hour.  The prior owner of the car, who himself is a professional Porsche racing driver, indicated that the car could be tricky to handle.  Authorities have indicated that speed was likely a factor in the accident but official results of the cause of the accident will not be released for approximately three months.  However, it has also been stressed that the driver of the car, Roger Rodas, had plenty of experience with fast cars—he was a former professional race-car driver.  Autopsies of the two men were delayed in order to allow obtaining dental records, as their bodies were so badly burned as to be indistinguishable from one another.

The accident is a grim reminder of a reality—speed kills.  Speeding in and of itself is a cause of approximately 5% of automobile accidents, but driving too fast for conditions and driving too fast for curves are the number one and number two decisional errors leading to accidents.  Moreover, speed is a factor in nearly one-third of fatal accidents across the United States.  Said another way, while speed is not the biggest cause of accidents, it is a significant cause of deadly ones in the United States.

Results released from the New York City Department of Transportation indicated that, in 2012, speeding was the top cause of fatal motor vehicle accidents.  A recently-released study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration also found that speeding was the cause of approximately one-third of all fatal automobile accidents involving teenaged males, compared with rates between fifteen and twenty percent involving males between the ages of 35 to 45.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, the consequences can be devastating.  This is true regardless of the cause.  However, if excessive speed was the cause, you may be feeling as if you have been victimized twice—once by the accident and once by the extreme disregard for the safety of others by the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision.  The professionals at Barrett Law PLLC understand the emotional turmoil that individuals experience after a serious automobile accident.  We can stand by you during this difficult time, helping you through the maze of issues that you are now facing.  You should not have to face them alone.

Barrett Law PLLC has been representing the rights of individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents in Mississippi for more than seven decades.  If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, please contact us today to discuss your rights.  We can be reached at (601) 790-1505.

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General Recommendations Regarding What To Do Immediately After Being Involved In a Mississippi Car Accident

The average American drives thousands of miles every year or more, depending upon where he or she lives, works, and the activities in which he or she is involved.  Given the number of miles driven, and the related time spent on the road, car accidents are, unfortunately, common occurrences.  Luckily, many accidents are minor, with no injuries and minimal property damage involved.  Other accidents are much more severe and involve severe injuries and death.

Immediately after nearly any type of car accident, you can and should take certain actions to help protect yourself. First and foremost, all reasonable efforts should be taken to secure the accident site. This will most likely involve one of two courses of action.

If the accident is somewhat minor, try to move the vehicles out of the way to avoid further injury and damage.  If the cars cannot be moved safely, divert traffic around the accident scene.  Such action, however, should be taken only as appropriate.  During the course of moving the cars involved or immediately thereafter, you should contact the appropriate authorities.

If the accident is severe, involves an individual trapped in his or her vehicle, or if fuel or other flammable liquids are spilling from any vehicle, contact the appropriate authorities immediately and set up markers or other barriers, if possible, and keep a safe distance.  If you are severely injured, pinned in your car, or otherwise cannot escape the accident, call 911 if possible.  If other individuals are at the accident scene that can assist you, specifically direct one of the individuals to call 911.  If you think you have any type of neck or back injuries, do not move unless you are doing so to escape some other more immediate danger.

The time that passes waiting for the authorities to arrive is an ideal time to take photographs.  These include photographs of your car, the other vehicle, the accident scene, and any other relevant evidence.  Clear photographs of all vehicles and other physical evidence, such as utility poles, barriers, fences, etc., that may have been damaged, should be taken.  While it may not seem useful at the time, pictures of all pre-existing damage are important.  This allows you, your attorneys, and the attorneys for the insurance company to relatively easily determine what was related to the accident. The cameras on cell phones are very useful for taking such photographs.

During the time you are waiting for the authorities, it is also helpful for you to take notes about what happened.  You will probably need to fill out a police report, but sometimes the information asked for is limited.  You should include in your notes as many details as you can recall, including the weather conditions, the time of day, the degree of traffic, and the details of the accident.  Memories quickly fade, and it will be helpful for you to have these notes in the future. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, there will be many things to consider going forward.  In order to recover everything to which you are entitled, you may need to file a lawsuit.  Regardless of whether a lawsuit is necessary, hiring an experienced attorney who can assist you through the process and make sure you are recovering all the damages to which you are entitled will make things easier. The professionals at Barrett Law PLLC, have experience representing the injured.  We are here to help you the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.  Please contact us today at (601) 790-1505 to schedule an appointment.

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Mississippi State Student Dies, Five Injured

Six-people were ejected from a 2006 Ford F-150 in an early morning crash that resulted in the death of a student at Mississippi State, according to a news report. Rachel Hillman, 20, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Tyler Renicker, 22, when Renicker lost control while traveling eastbound along Route 22, flipping the truck, ejecting all-five occupants from inside the vehicle. The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 am on December 27, 2012 in Yazoo County near Flora.

Hillman was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Renicker was reportedly was injured critically in the crash. Four surviving passengers, Trainor Storey, 19, Kaysie Bennett, 19, Anna Flowers, 18, and Steven Cumberland, 18, are reportedly in stable condition. None of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Tri County Academy was alma mater to each of the six accident victims, all of whom hail from Flora. Three of the injured, Renicker, Bennett, and Cumberland, are reportedly students enrolled at Holmes Community College. Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

The phone call parents never want to receive unfortunately does happen. If you, or a loved one, have sustained injuries as a result of an automobile accident, contact an experienced attorney as soon as you are able. Insurance company claims adjustors approach accident victims immediately following a crash in an attempt to coerce victims to settle their claims knowing the amount they’re offering is well below the value of damages award likely to result from the filing of court claims.

Insurance claims adjustors may appear to be your friend, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line by low-balling you with a settlement offer. If you sign-off on the insurance settlement, you are not entitled to make any additional claim. That’s a problem if your injuries require ongoing or long-term medical care.

A reputable attorney specializing in personal injury and wrongful death law files your claims and provides legal counsel throughout your lawsuit. Your attorney also understands that your injuries aren’t just legal paperwork, but have created physical difficulties and financial hardships for you and your family. Don’t sell yourself short to insurance company settlement enticement.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our attorneys by calling (601) 790-1505.

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Statute of Limitations in Mississippi Automobile Accidents

A statute of limitations dictates the time limit for filing a legal claim with the courts. Filing limitations are applicable to both criminal and civil law matters. With respect to automobile accidents, the civil statute of limitations starts running from the day the accident occurred or the day you became aware of an injury (e.g., the date of a doctor’s diagnosis). Filing a lawsuit relating to an automobile accident should be done as soon as possible following your accident, in order to preserve evidence needed to prove your claim.

Mississippi imposes a three-year statute of limitations for the following civil damages claims under Mississippi Code Annotated § 15-1-49 (2012):

  • Personal injury
  • Products liability
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death

The purpose of statutes of limitations is to prevent stale or fraudulent claims by establishing a reasonable deadline for filing a legal claim (and, thereby, resolving the legal claim). The idea is to keep evidentiary matters, such as testimonial details respective to a car accident, fresh and relevant in terms of litigation. Witnesses, memory, and tangible evidence disappear as time passes.

Expediting the filing of your claims is important to you, because it gets the legal wheels turning on damages awards to hasten the economic relief available to you to compensate for lost wages and medical bills.

Once you, or your loved one, have secured medical treatment for injuries sustained in an automobile accident and are able, the next order of business should be contacting an experienced attorney specializing in automobile accident matters. The preservation of evidence needs to begin immediately following your injury, and your attorney can handle this in conjunction with his (or her) investigation into the accident on your behalf. Your attorney also takes statements, which is important later because this information helps you recall details of the accident that caused your injuries. In the course of the investigation, your attorney gathers medical reports and bills, photographs the vehicles and location involved in the collision, and interviews witnesses. Your attorney also ascertains compliance with Mississippi’s statute of limitations, ensuring that your personal injury or wrongful death claim is filed in a timely manner.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our attorneys by calling (601) 790-1505.

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Defensive Driving Helps Minimize Automobile Accidents in Mississippi

Automobile accidents can happen to even the most careful and skilled drivers. From fender-benders to catastrophic-crashes, defensive driving is a must – something law-abiding citizens know quite well. Injuries frequently result despite the use of airbags, seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, or other safety devices. Preventing automobile accidents directly contributes to reducing crash-related injuries and deaths.

Among the most common causes of roadway crashes are:

  • Aggressive drivers – These are drivers who develop “road rage” and fail to exercise due discretion, endangering the traveling public with reckless driving.
  • Defective equipment – Drivers who fail to properly maintain their vehicles are a roadway hazard waiting to happen when a bald-tire blows or a muffler drops-off in the middle of an Interstate, sending debris in the direction of other motorists.
  • Distracted driving – Drivers focused on activities other than driving, such as talking on cell phones, texting, conversing with passengers, eating, reading, and operating CD players or navigation devices pose a huge risk to the traveling public.
  • Impaired driving – Drivers under the influence of over-the-counter, prescription, or illicit drugs or an intoxicating beverage are a risk to other motorists because they lack the coordination to drive safely.
  • Medical conditions – Drivers who become incapacitated due to heart attacks, seizures, diabetic complications, and other medical conditions endanger the traveling public.
  • Risky behaviors – Drivers exhibiting risk-taking behaviors, such as cutting off other drivers, slowing-down then speeding-up, improper lane changes, cutting-off other vehicles, or making illegal turns.
  • Senior drivers – Many senior drivers exhibit slowed response times prevent them from driving defensively or exercising due discretion toward fellow motorists.
  • Speeding – Driving in excess of the speed limit or too fast for road conditions poses a safety hazard to every driver and passenger on a thoroughfare.
  • Teen drivers – Inexperience, distraction, and unpredictability are risk factors inherent to teenaged driving that place all motorists in peril.

Several states require drivers’ education courses for motorists who have been prosecuted for driving-related offenses. The National Safety Council, a not-for-profit organization, offers a course in defensive driving online and certification (for a fee) for any driver who wants to strategically improve his (or her) defensive driving knowledge (and possible reduce insurance premiums), such as how to minimize costs associated with automobile accidents, how to reduce the incidence of injuries and fatalities, and reinforces good driving skills.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our Mississippi attorneys by calling (601) 790-1505.

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Underage Drinking: The Dangers At Hand In Mississippi

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Growing is one aspect of our lives that we all have to deal with in some mannerism or form. From physically growing from the small stature of a child to finally becoming an adult, we not only death with the actual physical growth of age, but also the emotional, intellectual, and responsible aspects of life that age brings with it as well. One point in our lives that tends to be different for everyone in some way is that of adolescence and our teenage years. While some were deemed part of the “popular” clique others of us were found during halftime marching with the band. However, despite whatever our social affiliation was during this time one variable seemed to remain constant in all of these groups back and yesteryear, and still today, which is that of alcohol.

Alcohol has been one factor in many generations to be seen in within teenager years. The majority of the time teenage alcohol consumption, which is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 within the United States, stems from that of peer pressure. Regardless of the fact that it is illegal, or what brings it about, teenagers in the past, and still today are not only getting their hands on alcohol, but also consuming it and in unsafe, dangerous quantities.

The Expectations That Follow

While some consequences of underage alcohol consumption can include binge drinking which leads to alcohol poison, or trouble with the law, another aspect it brings to the table is that of drinking and driving. Driving under the influence laws are a bit different for those under the age of 21. For those under the age of 21 it is illegal to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) at all. While some states do vary and allow a slight score of 0.02 percent, many today are not allowing it, period.

Teenagers, and those under the legal age of consumption already have a tough enough time driving as it is, but when alcohol comes into the mix can be dangerous not only for themselves, but everyone and everything around them. Make sure that you talk to your teenage, or underage loved ones about alcohol and not only the legal aspects that are associated with it, but also if they did make the poor decision of drinking what they should do in order to be safe, out of harms way, and especially off of 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 ((601)790-1505) to see how we can help.

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What You Can Expect While On The Road In Mississippi

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The road is one aspect in our lives that is presently all throughout the country. While we use the road for many things such as commuting, transporting much needed materials, or simply traveling, today, we use the road to ultimately live our lives. Today in our lives, we are not only responsible, but are also depended on to get tasks and errands done, and done so in a timely manner. Also, lets not forget about those in our lives that depend on us for their own commuting such as our children, and elderly loved ones.

While on the road today we would like to believe that the only issues we will face is that of having our radio stationed tuned properly, or having our air conditioning adjusted properly. Unfortunately, however, Mississippi drivers face bigger issues while on the road which is that of negligence, and distracted driving. Today, many individuals are under the impression they not only can multitask, but also do so behind the wheel of a vehicle while on the road. From texting while driving, personal grooming, showing a lack of attention to the road, or ultimately being negligent while behind the wheel not only endangers that driver of being involved in an auto accident, but also other drivers on the road as well.

When a driver not only participates in one, or both of these actions, they put their safety at risk, as well as other vehicle operators, and pedestrians on the road. Unfortunately, we are beginning to not only see an increase in the number of these accidents today on the road, but the true negative force of these accidents which leave individuals with property damage, personal injury, and even death.

Being involved in an auto accident is very serious regardless of how severe the accident is, or whether you think everything is alright or not. When you are involved in an auto accident of any kind it is extremely important that you contact an experienced auto accident attorney immediately in order to not only protect you, but also fight for your rights, your case, and the potential damages you may be entitled to.

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 ((601)790-1505)  to see how we can help.
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Why You Should Seek Out An Auto Accident Attorney

The majority of the time we can find ourselves behind the wheel of a vehicle each day whether we are running one of our many errands, commuting to and from work as usual, or simply running our kids from one activity to the next. Ultimately, our lives are spent on the road no matter how you look at it, especially being residents of Mississippi. When on the road we are generally focused about important aspects of our day, which usually vary with each sunrise, and sunset. Unfortunately, it is not always that of safety, which can lead to your involvement in an auto accident.

The Facts About Auto Accidents

Automobile accidents vary significantly, and have to be handled on a case-by-case basis. With every auto accident there are hardly ever exactly the same variables and instances as there were in another case whether it be whether conditions, the speed of the vehicles, how the accident took place, injuries that were associated with the accident, and even whether or not a driver in the accident was under the influence, or not. Ultimately, without taking every variable and aspect of an accident in mind you can easily face legal issues.

What An Attorney Can Do For You

However, individuals should never fear, especially when dealing with any kind of auto accident. By contacting an experienced, yet ultimately dedicated auto accident attorney you can count on the fact that your case will be taken care of in more way than one. When you have an experienced auto attorney on your side with your best interest in mind you can expect to be represented positively in court, and with your insurance agency in order to make sure you get the best outcomes that are associated with the needs of your vehicle, your health, and especially that of your wallet.

In our lives we depend on professionals for many things such as doctors to help us when we are ill, or in need of medical attention. When you are involved in an auto accident of any kind you also need a professional to help fight for your rights, your case, and your life. By putting your trust, and case in the hands of an auto accident attorney you can rest assure that you, and your loved ones will be taken care of, as you should be.

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 ((601)790-1505) to see how we can help.

 

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How Seconds Can Make A Difference When You Are Hit By Another Vehicle

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Our lives are full of experiences whether they are good, bad, or just plain ugly. We never can actually predict what we will come to terms with and meet each day in the multiple areas of our lives. One type of experience that the majority of us encounter on a regular basis is that of accidents. Typically, when we look at accidents we see a common pattern, which is that of cause and effect. When these two have been determined one can usually assess what consequences will follow.

Today, accidents on the road are at a record high, which means that more individuals are now dealing not only with damaged property and expenses that go hand-in-hand with the accident, but also serious health issues and injuries that can result in many cases when another vehicle collides with another. However, when it comes down to an auto accident you can never expect what will happen in the moments that follow it especially depending on your situation, and environment in which it takes place. Additionally, the few seconds that are prior to your accident, and after your accident are extremely crucial not only to your vehicle, but also your overall wellbeing.

The Race Against The Clock

Many times we will not realize that we are about to become involved in an automobile accident until everything is said and done. However, sometimes we are blessed with a few sheer seconds to see what is coming for us, and our vehicle. When you are granted these few, short seconds it is extremely important to brace yourself, and prepare for impact. By restraining yourself some you can greatly lessen the likelihood of sustaining serious injuries. Make sure that in the midst of your accident you do not press any pedals, because in many instances when collided with the force, and pressure of the collision will be exerted on to the vehicle, which then impacts its movement. Your pedals also do this, but when both interact with one another you can deal with serious injuries, and even broken bones.

The few moments after your accident it is very important to primarily remain calm. By staying calm you are able to address your situation such as what damage has been done, is everyone in your vehicle alright, were injuries sustained, as well as whether or not there is any further danger present by being in the vehicle. From there, call 911 and explain in detail the situation at hand, in a calm, and clear manner in order for them to get a complete understanding of the needs of you, and your vehicle.

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 ((601)790-1505) to see how we can help.

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The Importance of Being Cautious On The Road

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Driving is one action that the majority of us can be seen participating in almost every day. We rely on driving to get us from one place to another whether it is that of running to the grocery store to pick up some milk, dropping our children off at school, or the weekly grind of commuting to work. Either way, driving is one aspect of our lives that we certainly would be put back without. However, driving is one aspect in our lives that is never the same and changes every single time you pull out on to the road.

Yet, how could something so normal, and regularly done change so much constantly? The overall aspect of driving, and that of the road that changes constantly. Whether it is due to either weather conditions, traffic jams, the hour of day in which you are on the road, or maybe even a holiday; all of these and more easily change the risk factors associated with auto accidents on the road. When we look at that of auto accidents we see a wide spectrum of consequences and expectations that can be associated with them, which range from a small fender bender to that of a fatale, debilitating accident.

Addressing The Issue At Hand

However, there is one interesting thing about auto accidents, which is different from that of other accidents in our lives in most cases. The fact of the matter is that auto accidents can almost always be completely avoided, especially in this day and age with the amount of safety features, and devices we have at our disposal. Unfortunately, however, drivers are getting out on the road and are not being as cautious as they should be, and not truly understanding the responsibility that they have in their hands pertaining to not only their safety, but also the safety of others around them.

Ultimately, as a driver your main focus while on the road should be that of the road, and how to operate your vehicle safely that benefits not only yourself, but other motor vehicle operators and pedestrians alike. If not, you can easily assume that at one point or another you will come face to face with that of an auto accident with serious consequences that follow.

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 ((601)790-1505) to see how we can help.

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