What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in Jackson?
In Jackson, motorcycle accidents can be caused by various factors, including any combination of rider behavior, road conditions, and the actions of other drivers.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or otherwise don’t pay full attention to the road can easily cause accidents with motorcyclists;
- Speeding: Both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers who exceed speed limits contribute to accidents;
- Drunk driving: Alcohol impairment is a significant factor in many motorcycle accidents;
- Road conditions: Potholes, debris, or uneven road surfaces are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists;
- Weather conditions: Rain, wind, and other weather conditions can make it difficult for motorcyclists to maintain control of their vehicles;
- Inexperience: Less experienced riders may lack the skills needed to handle certain road conditions or situations, resulting in accidents;
- Equipment failures: Mechanical problems with the motorcycle or its components can lead to a crash;
- Failure to wear proper gear: Not wearing a helmet or other protective accessories greatly increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
While this list details common causes of motorcycle accidents, you can also consider it an overview of what not to do if you frequently travel on two wheels.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents in Jackson
Motorcycle accidents in Jackson can differ widely in nature and severity.
However, the following are some of the most-documented accident types:
- Left-turn accidents: These crashes occur when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle (generally at an intersection);
- Lane-splitting accidents: Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic and collides with a vehicle in the process;
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions happen when a motorcycle and another vehicle collide while traveling in opposite directions; these sorts of crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities;
- Rear-end accidents: These incidents occur frequently when another vehicle rear-ends a motorcycle, which can cause the rider to be thrown off the bike;
- T-bone accidents: A T-bone collision happens when another vehicle hits a motorcycle from the side, often at an intersection;
- Hit-and-run accidents: When a driver hits a motorcycle and then leaves the scene of the accident, they’ve committed a hit-and-run;
- Single-vehicle accidents: Single-vehicle accidents encompass any scenario where a motorcyclist loses control and crashes without any other vehicles being involved.
It’s important to note that factors like hazardous road conditions, poor weather, or rider error can contribute to or worsen any of the above types of accidents.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
You don't have to face the aftermath of a traumatic motorcycle accident alone. Our attorneys are here to offer assistance. Reach out to our firm today to secure premier legal advocacy in Jackson, MS.
Contact Brown, Bass & Jeter today to find out what your case is worth.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the inherent lack of protection motorcycles offer.
Here are some of the injuries our motorcycle accident attorneys see most frequently:
- Head and brain injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer serious head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Spinal cord injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis;
- Broken bones and fractures: Commonly occur in areas like the arms, legs, and ribs;
- Road rash: Severe abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement;
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs from the impact of the crash;
- Burns: These can occur from contact with hot motorcycle parts or other vehicles;
- Facial injuries: Including fractures, dental injuries, and severe lacerations;
- Disfigurement and amputation: In severe cases, injuries can result in disfigurement or the need for amputation;
- Neck and back injuries: These can include whiplash, herniated discs, and other back and neck injuries;
- Psychological injuries: Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after traumatic events like motorcycle wrecks;
- Death: Tragically, motorcycle crashes can also result in fatalities to the rider or other motorists.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately to identify and analyze the severity of any injuries you’ve sustained.
Who Can Be Held Liable When Motorcycle Riders Suffer Injuries?
Any number of parties could be held liable when a motorcycle rider suffers injuries in an accident.
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the following people or entities could be deemed blameworthy:
- Other drivers: If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield the right-of-way, that driver can be held liable;
- Motorcycle manufacturers or dealers: If the accident came about due to a defective motorcycle or part, the manufacturer or dealer may be legally responsible;
- Government entities: In cases where accidents are caused by poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage, the government entity responsible for road maintenance may be targeted for a claim;
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer might be liable;
- The motorcyclist themselves: Under certain circumstances, the riders themselves may be found partially at fault for an accident (for example, if they were speeding or not wearing a helmet);
- Pedestrians or bicyclists: Pedestrians or bicyclists may also be held liable if their actions are determined to have contributed to the accident.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case to seek compensation for your injuries and resulting hardship.
Determining Liability in a Jackson Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability in a motorcycle accident can be difficult and often requires a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the crash.
Here are the steps our accident attorneys typically take:
1. Review the Police Report
Scrutinizing the accident report drafted after the crash can provide crucial details about the accident, including any violations of traffic laws and the officer’s observations.
2. Collect Witness Statements
Reading statements from witnesses can help us piece together how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Such statements also constitute valuable evidence for negotiation or trial.
3. Gather Photographic and Video Evidence
Photos and videos sourced from traffic cameras, security cameras, or onlookers at the scene can offer telling visual evidence of the events leading up to the crash.
4. Seek Expert Testimony
The liable party or their insurer may attempt to saddle you with the blame. We can bring in accident reconstruction experts to recreate the accident and help determine the fault.
5. Analyze Medical Records
By poring over your medical records, we can establish the extent of your injuries and how they resulted from the accident. These documents will be crucial for obtaining compensation for your claim.
6. Perform a Thorough Vehicle Inspection
In many cases, inspecting the vehicles involved in the crash can reveal important information about the accident.
Once the relevant evidence has been gathered and reviewed, your attorney can pinpoint liability and begin building a strong compensation case.
It’s important to note that Jackson operates on a pure comparative negligence standard. This means that even if the motorcyclist is found to be partially liable for the accident, they may still be able to recover damages, with their compensation reduced by their percentage of fault.
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If you've recently been injured in a preventable motorcycle accident, we want to help make things right. Contact us today to begin your personal injury lawsuit and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.
Contact Brown, Bass & Jeter today to find out what your case is worth.
What Compensation Is Available for Motorcycle Accident Victims?
Motorcycle crash victims may be eligible to receive various (and possibly multiple) types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. This compensation is generally divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
This type of compensation is designed to cover the financial losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
This category of damages provides compensation for the non-financial impacts of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
In some cases, motorcycle wreck victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. These special damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. They’re intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
The specific compensation available will depend on the particulars of your case. An experienced motorcycle crash attorney can help you understand the damages you’re entitled to.
The Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Jackson
Under Jackson law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those stemming from motorcycle accidents, is three years from the accident date.
That means you have three years from the day the crash occurred to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may be barred from pursuing a claim.
Certain exceptions to this rule can shorten or extend the filing deadline. For example, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until they turn 18. Similarly, if the at-fault party leaves the state, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they return.
How a Jackson, Jackson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The Jackson motorcycle accident lawyers at Brown, Bass & Jeter can provide crucial representation and support and help you navigate the complex legal landscape following a motorcycle wreck.
Here’s how:
- Investigating the accident: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify all liable parties;
- Evaluating damages: Next, your attorney will assess the full extent of the harm you’ve suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering;
- Dealing with the insurance companies: We’ll handle all communications with the insurance companies to guarantee that your rights are protected and that you aren’t taken advantage of;
- Negotiating a settlement: Your lawyer will use their knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer, ensuring that you receive the compensation you need;
- Representing you in court: If your attorney can’t reach a settlement cannot be reached, they’ll represent you aggressively in court, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury;
- Providing dependable legal advice: Our team will guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and options and giving advice on the best course of action;
- Offering ongoing support and advocacy: Having a lawyer by your side can provide much-needed peace of mind during a challenging time.
Working with a Jackson, MS, motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
