Motorcycle Accident FAQs
Mississippi’s miles of endless highway make it an ideal spot for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, along with the popularity of this mode of transportation comes a high risk of harm. Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injury because of the lack of structural protection afforded motorcyclists, as compared to drivers of motor vehicles. Over 100,000 U.S. motorcycles a year are involved in crashes and more than 4,500 fatalities result.
Given the high rate of deaths and severe injuries, motorcycle accident victims and their families often require the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death suit. The following are some of the most frequent questions posed by motorcycle accident victims and their families. Those with further questions are invited to contact us to schedule a consultation.
What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Mississippi?
Motorcycle accidents are most commonly caused by driver error. When the driver of the passenger vehicle fails to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing injury to the motorcyclist, the motorcyclist may have a valid personal injury claim. Common causes of negligent driving include:
- Distracted driving—driving while texting, talking on the cell phone, eating, grooming, and performing any other activity that takes one’s eyes off the road can lead to serious injury. Distracted driving is a danger to all other vehicles on the road, but particularly so for the less visible drivers of motorcycles.
- Unsafe lane changes—occurring often on highways, but also on any two lane streets, the driver of the motor vehicle does not see the motorcyclist because he or she does not adequately check rear view mirrors, side mirrors, and blind spots. At times, the driver also fails to use proper signals. The motorcyclist has no opportunity to avoid the crash that ensues.
- Left hand turns into motorcyclists—often cited as the most common cause of motorcycle accidents, passenger vehicles frequently make a left hand turn into a motorcycle. This leads to a collision or may result in the motorcyclist skidding to a halt.
Are all motorcycle accidents in Mississippi caused by driver error?
No, not all accidents are a result of driver error. Sometimes, motorcycle collisions in our state are a result of equipment failure, defective roadways, or defective motorcycles. When these sort of accidents arise, the manufacturer of the motorcycle may be liable for the injuries caused by the defective motorcycle. Further, those responsible for the defective roadway may be liable under premises liability law.
What types of compensation are available to those in Mississippi injured in a motorcycle accident?
There is a wide range of potential damages available to motorcycle accident victims. Exact recovery will depend upon the circumstances of the claim. Common damages sought in a Mississippi motorcycle accident claim include:
- Emergency room bills and hospital admissions bills
- Ambulance or helicopter bills
- Follow up physician bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future disability and impaired earning ability
- Impaired quality of life
- Loss of consortium (brought on behalf of the spouse of the injured victim due to a diminished marital relationship)
It may be possible to additionally seek punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct was particularly egregious; such when the accident results from the other driver’s intoxicated state.
At Giddens Law Firm, our goal is always to provide our clients with the excellence of legal services necessary to obtain results. Our experienced Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys will diligently pursue all claims and seek to maximize your recovery. For a free case analysis, call us today at (601) 355-2022.
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