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Dispelling the Myth Motorcycle Helmets Contribute to Neck and Spine Injuries

Motorcyclists in Mississippi face a heightened risk of collisions and catastrophic injuries or fatalities.  Motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than a passenger vehicle because of their lack of stability, small margin for error, and complete absence of structural protection for riders.  Given the heightened risk posed to those who ride motorcycles, it is widely acknowledged by most safety experts that a motorcycle helmet is an indispensable item of safety gear for any rider.

Head injuries are the most common cause of catastrophic injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes.  Government data reveals that a rider who is not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  When calculated on the basis of miles driven, a rider involved in a motorcycle accident is 37 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a passenger vehicle occupant.

Despite this data and general acceptance of the safety benefits provided by motorcycle helmets, there are those who contend that motorcycle helmets actually increase the risk of serious injuries to the neck and spine.  However, research in recent years debunks the myth that motorcycle helmets increase the risk of these types of injuries.  A recent study not only confirms that helmets do not raise the risk of injury to the spine and neck but also indicates that helmets actually reduce the risk of cervical spinal injuries.

The study reported in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons is significant because a number of states have repealed universal helmet laws based on concerns about the relationship between helmets and neck injuries.  This legislative trend has been partially based on a small isolated study conducted almost three decades ago that indicated motorcycle helmets might increase the risk of neck injuries.

The NHTSA has long criticized the methodology and reliability of the earlier study.  Motorcycle accident experts also have pointed out that motorcycle helmet standards have improved substantially since the earlier study.  Because helmets manufactured today are lighter and more durable, they provide enhanced protection against head trauma with less stress on the neck and spine.  The Journal of American College of Surgeons study reveals that a person involved in a motorcycle accident who is wearing a helmet is 22 percent less likely to experience a cervical spine injury.  The conclusions were based on analysis of data from over 40,000 motorcycle accidents.

As motorcycle helmet laws have been repealed, there has been a predictable increase in motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities.  During the last 14-year period, there has been an increase in motorcycle accident related injuries by about 5,000 per year while motorcycle accident fatalities have doubled according to NHTSA data.  This trend is directly correlated with the repeal of mandatory helmet laws in many states.  Hopefully, studies that debunk misconceptions about specious safety risks associated with motorcycle helmets will encourage legislators to review the appropriateness of universal helmet laws.

Our Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys see the tragic consequences of riding motorcycles without the benefit of a helmet all too often, so we encourage all motorcyclists to wear a helmet at all times.  At Barrett Law, we understand motorcycle accident victims often feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help.  Contact our firm today at (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.  We can evaluate your right to financial compensation.

 

 

 

 

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Recent Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Highlights a Common Danger for Motorcyclists

A fatal motorcycle accident occurred in Aurora, Mississippi on July 21, 2014 when a motorcyclist was thrown from his bike after a car turned into his lane.  The crash occurred on East Mississippi Avenue at about 6:20 p.m.  Police state that the motorcyclist, who has not yet been identified, was traveling west in the right lane of East Mississippi Avenue when a silver car turned left in front of him.  The motorcyclist did not have time to stop before he hit the passenger side of the car.  The rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown over the car and onto the roadway.  He died shortly afterwards in the hospital.  The driver of the car was not injured and at this time police do not believe intoxication or excessive speed were involved in the accident.

One of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists is cars making left hand turns.  Left hand turn accidents account for over 40 percent of all accidents between cars and motorcycles.  Most often, the car hits the motorcycle when the motorcycle is traveling straight through an intersection.  Sometimes left hand turn accidents happen when the motorcycle is attempting to pass the car.  In left hand turn accidents, the driver of the car, truck, or SUV is almost always found liable because he or she negligently turned into the motorcyclist.  The driver generally did not observe the motorcyclist due, in part, to the motorcyclist’s lesser visibility.  This is often compounded by poor lighting or weather conditions, driver distraction, intoxication, or excessive speed.  Drivers can ensure they never injure a motorcyclist in this manner by always checking all their blind spots before making a left hand turn.

Left hand turn accidents are just one common type of motorcycle accident.  Another accident that frequently occurs is head-on collisions.  Head-on motorcycle crashes account for 56 percent of all fatal accidents involving a motorcyclist and an automobile.  Most of these accidents involve the motorcycle being hit from the front by a car, truck, or SUV. Given the lesser protections afforded the motorcyclist, head-on accidents sadly lead to hundreds of fatalities a year.

Distracted driving has become a common cause of motorcycle accidents.  Though distracted drivers are a threat to all road users, motorcyclists are especially at risk due to their smaller size and lesser visibility.  Drivers who are not paying attention to the road ahead because they are texting, talking on the phone, emailing, tending to children or pets, or engaging in like distracted behaviors, may not see an approaching motorcycle.

Alcohol use is yet another frequent cause of car accidents.  Driving a motorcycle or a motor vehicle while impaired is dangerous, leading to reckless behaviors such as speeding, swerving, passing, and overall poor judgment.

Anyone injured in a motorcycle accident should consult a licensed motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.  It is vital that evidence be collected early on to help preserve your later case.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Seeking Justice for Our Injured Clients

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, and paralysis.  Those injured in a motorcycle accident require the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who will ensure they receive the compensation they deserve to cover losses that often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. For over 75 years, the Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for the recovery of motorcycle accident victims. To schedule your free initial consultation, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505.  We look forward to providing you with excellence of legal services.

 

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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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