Motorcycle collisions have the potential to cause severe, even fatal injuries. That is why it is so important for drivers to operate their vehicles carefully and for motorcyclists to comply with safety standards. When a collision does occur, the party responsible could be held liable for damages.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, you might benefit from the guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney. Dealing with insurance companies and negotiating settlements could be stressful without legal experience and support. A Gautier motorcycle accident lawyer could assess your situation and help you weigh your options for recovery moving forward.
Mississippi has instituted many safety regulations and laws to protect motorcyclists from harm. In addition to adhering to the traffic laws that all motorists have to obey, Mississippi Code §63-7-64 states that in order to operate a motorcycle, riders have to wear a crash helmet that complies with the guidelines set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These helmet safety guidelines have been developed pursuant to Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
Mississippi Code §63-1-6 requires that motorcyclists obtain a license that has a motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycle endorsements may be obtained by first having a valid Mississippi driver’s license, followed by a temporary motorcycle permit, followed by an inspection of the motorcycle. After inspection, riders may obtain four or eight-year endorsements. Additional rules of the road that help prevent motorcycle crashes in Gautier might include the following:
Those who are unsure of the laws regarding motorbikes, it is best to reach out to a diligent Gautier motorcycle accident lawyer.
One of the main causes of motorcycle accidents is negligence. Often, accidents happen unintentionally, but the party who caused the collision could still be held liable for damages. Those injured in motorcycle collisions in Gautier might be able to bring a personal injury action based on negligence if they prove the following four elements:
Operators of motor vehicles and motorcycles alike have a duty to prevent an unreasonable risk of harm to those they encounter on the road. There are many ways that a motorist could breach that duty, some examples might be driving over the speed limit, failing to look both ways before making a left turn, or speeding through a stop sign. The most important and often the most difficult issue that arises for a plaintiff in negligence cases is proving that the defendant’s breach of duty caused their injuries.
Often, there are situations in which both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent. In such cases, the State of Mississippi applies the pure comparative fault rule to determine how much a plaintiff may receive in damages. Under the rule, plaintiffs may recover damages as long as they are 99 percent or less at fault. Their total compensation recovery would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
There are many hurdles that come after suffering from a motorcycle accident. Recovering from the experience of being in such an accident physically and mentally could be more than enough to deal with. Seeking legal recovery against insurance companies and opposing law firms might be a daunting task on top of everything you are already going through.
A Gautier motorcycle accident lawyer could help take care of your pursuits for just compensation for your injuries. Discover your potential options, schedule your consultation by calling today.