Motorcycle Accidents Attorney in Flowood, Mississippi
According to the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, there were 41 motorcycle fatalities in the state in 2018. Motorcycle accidents often result in not only serious injuries but also fatalities.
Whether the rider was following helmet laws or was lane-splitting are two factors that could affect a personal injury claim. For almost 20 years, Ronald E. Stutzman, Jr. has worked hard to represent injured people and their families in Flowood, Mississippi, and throughout Brandon, Clinton, Pearl, Richland, and Rankin County.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a motorcycle accident, you have the right to take legal action. Reach out to The Stutzman Law Firm, PLLC today for a consultation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were in a motorcycle accident, follow these steps to protect yourself:
Seek Medical Help
Take care of yourself first. If the accident was serious, you may need to call 911. If you believe you can make it to urgent care or your doctor, those options are also available. No matter how serious the accident was, make sure you seek medical attention. Some injuries may not become evident until time passes, so you should never just assume that you’re fine.
Obtain Documentation for Everything
At the scene of the accident, take a photograph of the other driver’s license plate, driver’s license, and insurance card. Photograph as much of the scene, vehicles, and your motorcycle as you can.
When you receive medical help, obtain copies of your medical documents. Documenting as much as possible is important to your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After the accident, contact your insurance company to find out what is and isn’t covered by your policy.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
If you believe the other driver’s insurance company or your insurance company is not covering as much of your costs as it should, you may be able to pursue compensation through the legal process. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer to file your personal injury claim can help.
Mississippi Motorcycle Laws
Knowing the basics of the following Mississippi motorcycle laws can help you understand your situation and be prepared in the event of an accident.
Lane-Splitting
In some states, lane-splitting (when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, also known as “stripe-riding”) is explicitly illegal. In other states, the law isn’t as clear. In Mississippi, lane-splitting is not specifically illegal or legal.
Helmet Laws
In Flowood, Mississippi, and throughout the state, all motorcycle riders are legally required to wear a helmet.
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage for motorcyclists in Mississippi is the same as for other motor vehicles. Auto owners are required to carry liability insurance coverage with at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Determining Fault
When a motorcycle accident happens, it must be determined what caused the accident and who is at fault.
Mississippi is an At-Fault State
The driver who caused the accident is considered to be at fault and will be held responsible for all losses, including property damage, bodily injury, and wrongful death.
Comparative Negligence
Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if one person is 60% at fault for the accident and the other person is 40% at fault, then the person who is 40% at fault will receive what the court deems appropriate — minus 40%.
For example, if the court awards $100,000 in total damages, and then determined that the accident was 40% your fault, you would receive $60,000.
Filing a Claim for a Loved One
In a worst-case scenario, you may lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents are extremely dangerous, and fatalities do happen.
Wrongful Death Cases
You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim if a motorcycle accident took the life of your loved one. In Mississippi, family members (including the surviving spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, and siblings of the deceased) can file a wrongful death action.
Determining Basis for a Claim
If a motorcycle accident took the life of your loved one, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. This can happen if the person who passed away had survived and would have had grounds to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.
Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
Serving Flowood, Mississippi
A motorcycle accident can change your life forever. From days missed at work to injuries that impact your daily living, the after-effects of an accident can be serious. Whether the accident took place in Flowood, Mississippi, or the surrounding areas of Brandon, Clinton, Pearl, Richland, or Rankin County, you have options. Contact The Stutzman Law Firm, PLLC for help!