According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2019, 40 motorcyclists were killed while riding their bikes in Mississippi. Though cruising through the South on a motorcycle can be one of the most freeing experiences one can have, the sad fact is that crashes happen, and those involving a motorcycle are typically much more serious than that of an average car accident.

Mississippi is notorious for being the most dangerous state to drive a car, and the numbers show that riding a motorcycle here can be deadly as well. If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle wreck in Mississippi, it is imperative you know your rights.

The Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys are well-versed in all aspects of motorcycle accident cases, and we will work tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call or text us toll-free at 251-888-8888 or fill out our online free consultation form to get your claim started.

What to do after being involved in a Mississippi Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle wrecks can happen fast, often seemingly out of nowhere. The immediate events following the crash can be absolutely vital to your claim, and there are certain steps you should make sure to take. The very first thing you should do after a Mississippi motorcycle accident is to distance yourself from the wreckage to prevent additional injury. Once you have confirmed you are out of the way of further harm, remember to do the following things:

  • Call the Police: Calling 911 and getting a first responder to the crash site is crucial for your accident claim. A police officer will control the scene, collect witness statements, and file a report for the accident, which will be very important for your future personal injury claim.
  • Document the Scene: Taking photos of everything about the accident provides strong supporting evidence for your case. Make sure to get pictures of your injuries, your motorcycle, the crash scene, and anything you think might be remotely relevant.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor and not serious enough for medical attention, it is important you are still examined by a doctor. Internal injuries may not be apparent on a surface level, and you will want the official notes the physician takes to prove the extent of your injuries later.
  • Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer: As soon as you are able, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will advise you on what to do and not to do in the interest of your claim.

Our law firm has handled hundreds of motorcycle crash cases in our decades of service, and we have helped recover millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. When you work with our motorcycle injury attorneys, they will begin the process of evaluating your case immediately to make sure all of your medical bills, emotional distress, expenses, and pain and suffering are taken into account. Contact our office in Pascagoula for a free consultation on how we can help.

We Can Help You Get the Money You Deserve. Contact Us Today!

Types of Injuries from Mississippi Motorcycle Accidents

Anyone who gets on a motorcycle should wear the necessary body and eye protection, and in the state of Mississippi, all motorcycle drivers and riders are required to wear a helmet by law. But even with these precautions, accidents can happen, and when it involves a motorcycle in transit, the injuries can be severe.

Motorcycle crashes can cause a wide variety of injuries, and, generally, the harder the collision the more severe the injury. The exposed and unsecured nature of riding a motorcycle puts you at a heightened risk of certain specific types of trauma. Chiefly, road rash is a burn-like abrasion that occurs when your skin scrapes against the road that is one of the most common injury types resulting from motorcycle accidents.

Another common injury seen in Mississippi motorcycle crashes is broken bones. A body in motion can collide with other objects, and when you are thrown from your bike at high speeds, that body could be yours, resulting in all manner of skeletal fractures.

Among the most serious potential physical damage that someone can suffer in a motorcycle accident, injuries to the head and spinal cord, including traumatic brain injuries can be some of the most life-altering. Damage to the nervous system can lead to cognitive difficulties, paralysis, and even death. If you have suffered from any of these injuries, or if you lost a loved one in a Mississippi motorcycle wreck, call our motorcycle accident injury lawyers right away.

Common Causes of Mississippi Motorcycle Accidents

No matter how long you have been riding a motorcycle, and regardless of skill level, the unexpected can happen to anyone. Driver error, inclement weather, and other complex factors can all contribute to a wreck. Some commonly seen causes of Mississippi motorcycle accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving can be using a phone while driving, eating or drinking, or simply taking your eyes off the road for a short time.
  • Lane Splitting: Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist passes one or more motor vehicles without fully entering the passing lane, often occupying the space between two adjacent cars. When blind spots and a smaller profile are taken into account, this puts the motorcyclist in an extremely precarious position.
  • Impaired Driving: Just like driving a car, operating a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous and illegal activity. In 2019, the NHTSA reported that 42% of motorcycle drivers killed in an accident were intoxicated.
  • Negligent Driving: Mississippi drivers who are speeding, driving too slow, or recklessly driving are all practicing negligent behavior, which can make them liable if it causes an accident.
  • Harmful Road Conditions: Many different things could be seen as harmful road conditions, like slick roadways from rain, roadway construction, potholes, or cracked pavement. Poor road conditions can be especially dangerous for motorcycle riders.

How Do I Know If I Have a Claim for my Mississippi Motorcycle Accident?

In order to successfully prove your motorcycle accident claim and receive compensation for all damages and injuries incurred, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account. Your personal injury claim must clearly state that your injuries were a direct result of the collision, and the same applies to your motorcycle and a property damage claim. This is something insurance companies are known to take advantage of to discredit motorcycle accident victims.

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations allows you to file a personal injury claim up to three years following the date of the crash.However, as these types of cases can sometimes take a long time, it is a good idea to contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys well before this window is up. Our well-seasoned legal team has extensive experience with both Mississippi law and motorcycle crash cases, and we are committed to getting restitution and justice for our clients!

We Are Here to Help – Contact a Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today!

We hope it never happens, but if you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Magnolia State, you need a compassionate ear and legal advice you can trust. Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys is here when you need us most. If a Mississippi motorcycle accident has shattered the life you knew, give us a call, and we can help you put the pieces back together.

Our Mississippi office is located in Pascagoula, proudly serving the Biloxi area and beyond. The Andy Citrin team believes no one should have to pay the heavy costs that come from a motorcycle accident caused by the careless and reckless actions of another. Let us hold them responsible, and get you the compensation you rightly deserve. Call or contact us today!