Jackson, MS Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Mississippi?

In recent years, motorcycle riding has become increasingly popular. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are 51,458 registered motorcycles in Mississippi, a number that has been increasing for the past four years. Sadly, along with the rise in popularity of the motorcycle, motorcycle accident rates have also climbed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84,000 motorcyclists were injured and 5,014 lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2019.

Motorcycle accidents usually involve catastrophic injuries that can take a lifetime to recover from. And if the Jackson MS insurance company either denies or gives you less compensation than your claim is worth, you will need an experienced Jackson, MS motorcycle accident lawyer to fight on your behalf.

How Severe is a Motorcycle Accident?

When a car or other type of vehicle collides with a motorcycle, serious injury and/or death are likely to result. Motorcycle riders and their passengers do not have the protection that drivers and passengers who are enclosed in vehicles do. Because of this, the impact of a vehicle hitting a motorcycle often crushes the rider and their passenger, if they have one, or sends them airborne. And if the motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet at the time of the car crash, the injuries can be catastrophic.

The direction from which the impacting vehicle is moving also affects the likelihood of fatality. For example, rear-end motorcycle accidents frequently result in rider fatality. Because rear-end collisions are so often deadly, both drivers and riders must learn how to share the roads safely.

Understanding how most motorcycle accidents occur around Jackson MS is an important part of understanding how to prevent or avoid them. There are two ways in which most motorcycle accidents happen – either the rider is stopped at a traffic light or for some other reason, and the vehicle strikes them from behind, or the motorcycle collides with the vehicle once the vehicle tries to turn or merge into a passing lane. Both types of collision often result in the rider being ejected from their bike. A Mississippi rider can collide with moving or fixed objects as they fly through the air, and when they hit the ground, they do so with tremendous force. Unfortunately, airborne riders also sometimes land in the path of moving vehicles.

Many motorcycle accidents around Jackson MS can be prevented. Mississippi drivers can reduce the risk of hitting a motorcycle by looking twice in either direction before entering an intersection, and by checking side and rearview mirrors when changing lanes and navigating on and off-ramps. Both riders and drivers can reduce accident risk by using turn signals to enable others on the road to anticipate their movements. Accidents can also be prevented by giving other vehicles, including and especially motorcycles, enough space. When there is adequate space between vehicles of any type, drivers and riders have a chance to respond to the movements of vehicles around them. What many drivers may not realize is that motorcycles need at least twice as much space as other types of vehicles because of the way that they slow down and stop.

What Types of Compensation are Available to Jackson Motorcycle Accident Victims?

Mississippi’s motorcyclist accident victims have access to a vast array of potential damages.The exact amount of compensation will depend on the specifics of the motorcycle claim.

Commonly pursued damages in Mississippi motorcycle accident claims include the following:

• Bills for emergency room visits and hospital admissions
• Bills for ambulances or other types of transportation to the hospital
• Follow-up on medical charge
• Physical treatment
• Lost income
• Future compensation losses
• Emotional and mental distress and pain
• Future infirmity and diminished earning capacity
• Substandard quality of existence
• Loss of consortium (filed on behalf of the injured victim’s spouse due to a deteriorating marital relationship)

It may be possible to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages if the other driver’s conduct was particularly egregious; for example, if the accident was caused by the other driver’s intoxication.

What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Jackson, MS?

Motorcycle accidents are tragically commonplace due to the motorcyclist’s lack of visibility. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you are likely to be injured, stressed, and shocked following the accident. You may do or say things that are not helpful in the long run towards accomplishing recovery from your accident.

To this end, our lawyers have prepared the following list of the top things not to do if you have been in a motorcycle accident:

• Do not leave the scene of the accident – Under Mississippi law, you cannot flee the scene of the accident, and doing so can result in criminal charges. You should be sure you are sufficiently out of the way of other vehicles and safe from any further collisions.
• Do not forget to file a police report – It is best to call the police as soon as possible after the accident, even if no one appears injured. A police report can prove crucial towards your later recovery. Officers will typically respond quickly to the call. If for some reason you do not obtain a police report at the scene of the accident, go to the police station and complete an accident report as soon as possible. Never simply exchange insurance information with the driver of the vehicle or other motorcycle—you need that police report.
• Do not admit fault – Do not, under any circumstances, admit fault for the accident. You have just been in a traumatic event. You need time to process the incident, and statements you make while under the stress of the accident may not be accurate. Therefore, do not make any statements concerning liability. Statements you make now can impact your later recovery.
• Do not refuse or delay medical attention – injuries following motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe than those from car accidents due to less protection on a bike. Many injuries following a motorcycle accident may not manifest for several hours following the accident. It is best to seek medical attention immediately following the accident or as soon as possible afterward. The longer you wait the more room you give for the insurance company to argue your injuries were not caused by the motorcycle accident.
• Do not delay consulting with a knowledgeable Mississippi motorcycle accident attorney – Crucial evidence can be lost during the immediate aftermath of the accident if you do not act quickly to secure representation. A skilled motorcycle attorney can advise you on the steps you need to take to obtain full compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. So before you speak to any insurance adjuster, consult with a professional motorcycle attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents

Are All Jackson, MS Motorcycle Accidents the Result of Driver Error?

No, not all Mississippi accidents are caused by driver error. Accidents involving motorcycles in our state are occasionally caused by equipment failure, defective roads, or defective motorcycles. When such accidents occur, the motorcycle manufacturer may be liable for the injuries caused by the defective motorcycle. In addition, those culpable for the defective roadway may be held liable under premises liability law.

What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents?

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can range from minor scrapes and bruises to permanent disabilities and even mortality. Common categories of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents include:

• Brain injury – Traumatic brain injuries can occur even in helmet-wearing motorcyclists. It only takes one solid blow to the head to induce a brain injury. You may encounter difficulties with your speech, emotions, balance, and cognitive abilities. Head injuries can be permanent and require years of medical treatment.
• Spinal cord injury – Depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury, victims may be rendered paralyzed and require specialized apparatus and modifications to their homes. The victim’s inability to return to employment may result in a loss of income.
• Fractures are a prevalent occurrence in motorcycle accidents. A collision with another vehicle can cause fractured legs, limps, and even hip fractures.

All of these injuries can result in protracted recuperation periods, causing families to experience financial hardship, unemployment, and a decrease in the enjoyment of daily activities.

What are the Jackson, Mississippi helmet laws?

The law of Jackson, Mississippi requires all motorcyclists and their occupants to wear helmets. As a misdemeanor, riding without a helmet is punishable by a $100 fine and up to 10 days in prison.

A helmet is not only required by law, but it can also save your life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Following a Motorcycle Accident?

In Mississippi, you have three years from the accident date to submit a claim. Although you may believe you have time before you must file a lawsuit for an accident, keep in mind that evidence and memories dissipate quickly after a collision. Therefore, the sooner you file a claim, the greater your odds of receiving maximum compensation.

Call Our Jackson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Your Free Initial Consultation

Mississippi’s miles of endless highway makes it an ideal spot for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, along with the popularity of this mode of transportation comes a high risk of harm. Given the high rate of deaths and severe injuries, motorcycle accident victims and their families often require the assistance of a personal injury attorney to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death suit.

The Giddens Law Firm, P.A. has handled countless motorcycle accident cases in the Jackson, Mississippi area. Our Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyer has the knowledge and resources necessary to expertly handle your motorcycle accident case, regardless of how challenging or complex for our attorneys. The Giddens Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis and the first consultation is always free. Call us today at 601-355-2022 to learn more about your legal options.

The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds.

Time is often not on your side after a motorcycle accident; it is imperative you take immediate action as soon as possible, so please call us today for a free legal consultation and case analysis.