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. The Morris Bart law office is here to explain your options. We can help you win the settlement you need to heal.
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
For a free legal consultation with a Motorcycle Accident lawyer serving Gulfport, call 800-537-8185
Damages After a Motorcycle Accident Wrongful Death
If your loved one did not survive a Mississippi motorcycle crash, your family may be able to recover damages with the help of a Gulfport wrongful death lawyer, 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
Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Oftentimes drivers simply fail to see motorcycles. Failing to pay attention to other drivers can result in accidents between motorcyclists and cars. Common examples include:
Failure to Check 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.
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 a bike in oncoming traffic.
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.
Drivers have a responsibility to share the road with other vehicles, large and small. Negligence often plays a role in traffic accidents. 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.
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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.
If you suffered any of these injuries as the result of a motorcycle accident, be sure to document your injuries and any medical treatment. You may be able to seek compensation from insurance or a negligent driver.
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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. 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.
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.
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.
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. Hiring a lawyer will likely get you a bigger settlement than negotiating with insurance on your own.
For a free, no-risk review of your case, contact the Morris Bart law firm today. The initial call is free and there are no strings attached. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
