Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for everyone involved. With no car frame or airbags to protect the motorcyclist against the impact of a collision, the injuries tend to be far more serious than other types of accidents.
If you or someone you love is hurt as a result of a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to hold that person responsible for your injuries. The team at the Morris Bart law office is here to help.
A Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer can help you build a strong case pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis only, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket.
To speak with a member of our team right away, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are many circumstances that can cause accidents between motorcyclists and cars. Common examples include:
When Cars Make Left Turns into Motorcyclists
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 42% of accidents involving motorcycles and another car occur because a car turns left into the bike.
Blind Spots
Drivers have to remain extremely vigilant when sharing the road with motorcyclists. It is easy for a motorcycle to move into the blind spot of another car and be overlooked if they change lanes.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
While we do not have the statistics for the specific number of impaired drivers who cause collisions with motorcyclists, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that in 2017 1,700 motorcyclists were killed in accidents where at least one driver or one biker has a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08%, the legal limit.
If you are hurt after a motorcycle accident caused by any of these circumstances or something else, you may have the right to hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries. Contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621 for a free case review.
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accident lawyer serving Gulfport, call 800-537-8185
Types of Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents
There are many injuries you can incur as a result of a motorcycle accident. Some of the possible injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Car accidents, including motorcycle accidents, are the second-leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations. When someone sustains a blow or bump to the head, it can disrupt their normal brain function. In severe cases, the victim may experience impairments in cognitive function or changes in personality.
- Road rash: Road rash is when someone’s tissue is rubbed or scraped on a surface. While this type of injury is usually minor, in some cases, it can take off multiple layers of skin. In severe cases, the bone may be visible, or the patient may require skin grafting.
- Internal bleeding: Traumatic injuries like motorcycle accidents are the most common cause of internal bleeding. While minor ruptures of blood vessels are common and heal themselves, severe hemorrhaging–which often occurs after an accident–can lead to external bleeding, seizures, coma, and eventually death.
- Fractures: Fractures, also known as broken bones, are common after motorcycle accidents, as there is nothing to protect the motorcyclist against the full impact of a collision. Fractures require medical attention, although they usually heal fine with treatment. Complications can occur, though, if the bone breaks in multiple places or if it breaks through the surface of the skin.
Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Recoverable Damages After Motorcycle Accidents
There are a number of damages that you may be able to recover if you are successful with your Gulfport motorcycle accident claim, including:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future wages if your earning potential is diminished or lost
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
If your loved one did not survive a Mississippi motorcycle accident, your family may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death lawsuit, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the care of the deceased before their death
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
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Laws That Can Impact Your Claim
There are a couple of laws, specifically, that you should know about: the statute of limitations for Mississippi and the legal doctrine of comparative fault.
Every state has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time that a plaintiff has to pursue damages after an accident. In Mississippi, you must pursue legal action within three years of the date of the accident, or you are typically barred from recovering any type of compensation.
It is also important to know that Mississippi is a pure comparative fault state. This means that everyone involved in an accident is held responsible for their degree of fault. Ultimately, that means if the plaintiff is partially responsible for causing the accident, any compensation they are awarded will be reduced by the degree to which they are liable. If you are found 20% responsible, for example, you can only recover 80% of the total awarded compensation.
Lawyers often use comparative negligence as a legal defense. They may claim that the plaintiff is more responsible than they really are to reduce the defendant’s liability. A Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer can help defend you against underhanded tactics like these.
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How a Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the defendant’s lawyers pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries.
For a free, no-risk review of your case or to have our team get to work right away, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621. The initial call is free and there is no obligation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
