Motorcycles remain a symbol of freedom, adventure, and the joys of the open road. Despite the perks motorized bikes provide to so many, they do not offer the protection that cars and other enclosed vehicles enjoy. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a motorcycle collision, you might be able to claim damages. A Greene County motorcycle accident lawyer provides the legal counsel you need to determine how to move forward with the claims process.
When you enlist the assistance of a local personal injury lawyer following a motorcycle accident, you gain a better understanding of the challenging claims process. You may be eligible to obtain damages such as medical costs, motorcycle repairs, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, and mental anguish.
Motorcycle accidents in Greene County can occur due to:
Additionally, lane splitting can cause a severe crash. Lane splitting refers to driving between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic. And while it is illegal in many states, Mississippi does not prohibit lane splitting. A defendant who argues the plaintiff sustained injuries because of lane splitting subsequently does not have legal grounds. However, since Mississippi uses comparative negligence laws to assign plaintiff and defendant blame, the plaintiff may still see their compensation amount reduced. Comparative negligence laws allow states to reduce damage amounts in light of how much of the accident was the plaintiff’s fault.
Legal professionals in Greene County who work on motorcycle accident cases typically require defendants to prove plaintiffs did something other than lane splitting to win their cases.
Motorcyclists are prone to sustaining severe injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle. The most common types of and often life-threatening injuries may include:
With the help of a local attorney, the injured party may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages due to their injuries such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life.
Mississippi requires motorcyclists to wear helmets as per Section 63-7-64 of the state code. As such, attorneys in Greene County who work on motorcycle collision cases often start consultations by asking if their clients wore helmets.
The State of Mississippi uses comparative negligence laws to assign liability. The plaintiff and the defendant may share liability for an accident. Comparative negligence laws allow states to reduce the compensation award based on the injured claimant’s share of liability.
Motorcyclists who get struck by vehicles but were not wearing helmets typically see their damages reduced due to comparative negligence laws. Additionally, Motorcyclists must also ride with at least one functional headlight, be at least 17 years old, and follow other state guidelines set by the Mississippi DMV.
Plaintiffs who sustain injuries from motorcycle accidents in Mississippi have three years from the date of the incident to file their claim in court. If the claim is not filed within the deadline, you may be unable to recover compensation from the negligent party.
Immediately following a collision, contact a Greene County motorcycle accident lawyer. Call today to learn more about how a local attorney could help your case.