Southaven Motorcycle Accident Attorney

There’s nothing like the freedom of driving a motorcycle through the backroads of Mississippi. But that freedom comes with inherent risks. Motorcycle crashes tend to end in far more serious injuries and fatalities than even car accidents due to their lack of protection and minimal visibility.

If you have been injured in a Mississippi motorcycle accident, consulting with a Southaven car accident lawyer from Stroud, Flechas, & Dalton can help you learn about your legal options to secure compensation to support your recovery.

Motorcycle Accidents in Southaven, MS

Motorcycle accidents are a serious concern in Southaven, Mississippi, as they are throughout the state and the nation. The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety’s (MOHS) Annual Report noted a slight decrease in fatalities in 2021, but the past five years of reporting data was still a high average of 44 deaths per year. Without a statewide motorcycle program, the MOHS believes high numbers of fatalities, injuries, and crashes will continue to be a problem.

Even nationwide, though, motorcycle crashes occur with concerning frequency. Further underlining the importance of motorcycle safety, riders are overrepresented as 15% of all fatal traffic crashes. They are also linked to a higher percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers. Alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes increased over the past two reporting years, from 1,784 to 1,808, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Facts.

How Our Southaven Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Stroud, Flechas, & Dalton, we provide our clients with large-firm results and small-firm dedication. We support motorcycle accident victims in North Mississippi and Tennessee and have been doing so for over 17 years. When you need help, do not just contact a stranger online. Call one of our local motorcycle accident lawyers to compassionately and confidently support you through the legal process as you pursue rightful compensation.

When you trust us to work on your case, a motorcycle accident attorney will:

Thoroughly look into the circumstances of your accident, gathering such evidence as police files, witness statements, and accident scene photos and videos.
Identify all potentially liable parties, whether a negligent driver, a defective motorcycle part from a manufacturer, or a hazardous road condition.
Meticulously build a strong legal case to support your compensation claim and calculate your past, present, and future losses to estimate a fair settlement value accurately.
Manage negotiations over your settlement with insurance adjusters to get a fair amount to compensate you for your medical bills, lost paychecks, and other damages.
If necessary, represent you in court, advocating for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Southaven motorcycle accident, time is of the essence. Contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Stroud, Flechas, & Dalton today for a free case review. We will give personalized legal guidance and fight tirelessly for your best interests.

Motorcycle Laws in Mississippi

In the state of Mississippi, you must have a valid driver’s license, specifically with a motorcycle endorsement, to operate a motorcycle. To obtain this, you must pass both a written and a practical riding skills test. Under Mississippi Law, the minimum age for obtaining a motorcycle license is 16 years old. However, riders can obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit at the age of 15, allowing them to practice under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator over the age of 21.

Specific equipment requirements include a properly functioning horn, headlight, rearview mirror, taillight, and brakes. Crucially, Mississippi law mandates the use of helmets for all motorcycle operators and passengers. Wearing a helmet is adamantly encouraged for all motorcycle riders and passengers to reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.

Following laws such as obeying speed limits, obeying traffic signals and signs, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding lane splitting help keep motorcyclists safe as well. All motorcycle riders should familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations in Mississippi to ensure safe and legal riding.

Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can have lifelong consequences and result in severe injuries. Due to their limited protection, motorcyclists are highly susceptible to a range of severe injuries, from minor abrasions to life-altering spinal cord damage. Knowing the common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents is crucial for riders to make informed safety decisions and for those injured to seek appropriate medical attention and legal support.

Motorcycle accidents frequently result in a spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor abrasions to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries sustained by motorcyclists include:

Road Rash: This prevalent injury involves skin abrasions caused by contact with the pavement during a crash. While seemingly minor, severe road rash can lead to infections, nerve damage, and significant scarring. Wearing protective gear can significantly reduce the severity of road rash.
Bone Fractures: Common fractures among motorcyclists include those of the femur, forearm, shin, and pelvis.
Foot and Leg Injuries: The legs and feet are particularly vulnerable in motorcycle accidents.
Head and Neck Injuries: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are a significant concern, especially among riders with larger motorcycles and those not wearing helmets. TBI can have devastating consequences, including brain damage, paralysis, and even death.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is frequently affected in motorcycle accidents, leading to chronic pain, paralysis, and permanent disability.
Abdominal Injuries: These can include internal organ damage, such as lung lacerations and rib fractures, as well as more serious injuries to the heart and blood vessels.
Hand and Arm Injuries: Due to the natural instinct to brace for impact, hand, wrist, and arm injuries are common. Biker’s Arm, a type of nerve damage, can occur when the motorcycle falls on the rider’s arm. Wearing protective gloves and elbow pads can help mitigate these injuries.
Burns: Fuel spills during a crash can cause severe burns, requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts.
Muscle Injuries: Road rash and back injuries can cause significant muscle damage, especially in the absence of proper protective gear.

Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries and fatalities. Helmeted riders have a significantly lower risk of dying in a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in an accident with any of these injuries or something not listed here, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to learn what to do after an accident and how to protect your legal rights.

Comprehensive Compensation Calculated by a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Me

A motorcycle accident can shatter your life in an instant, leaving you grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. At Stroud, Flechas, & Dalton, our Southaven motorcycle accident lawyers understand the impact these accidents can have. We will advocate for your rights and help you rebuild your life after this devastating event.

Navigating the complexities of an insurance claim can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Insurance companies often prioritize their profits, seeking to minimize payouts or deny legitimate claims altogether. You should not have to fight this battle alone. Past, present, and future costs of recovery should be calculated, especially if you are still undergoing treatment or require further care for your injuries. We will work to ensure you are fairly compensated for all your damages, including:

Medical Expenses: From emergency treatment to ongoing rehabilitation, we will fight to cover all your medical costs.
Lost Wages: We will work to recover lost income due to missed work, reduced earning capacity, and future lost wages.
Pain and Suffering: We understand the immense physical and emotional pain you endure. We will fight for compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries on your life.
Emotional Distress: The trauma of a motorcycle accident can have a profound and lasting impact on your mental and emotional well-being. We will seek compensation for the emotional distress you have suffered.
Property Damage: We will help you recover the costs of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: We will seek reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident, including travel costs for medical appointments and other necessary expenses.

Do not let an insurance company dictate your future. Contact us for a free consultation today and read through some of our recent settlements and verdicts to get a better view of our dedication to our clients. We will provide compassionate and experienced legal guidance during your time navigating the legal process and ensure you have the support you need to move forward with your life.

Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me to Help Establish Negligence

In the aftermath of a motorcycle crash, the road to recovery often hinges on establishing the other driver’s liability. Mississippi law generally places the burden of proof on the injured rider, requiring them to demonstrate that the other party’s negligence directly caused the accident and their subsequent injuries.

At Stroud, Flechas, & Dalton, our motorcycle accident lawyers have experience gathering compelling evidence and creating a strong foundation for claims. We may work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze and recreate the accident scene to determine the cause of the collision. We will rely on official police and crash reports that provide crucial details about the accident, including witness testimony and officer observations. Medical records will also come into play, including treatment plans, diagnoses, and prognosis, substantiating the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

We will also request access to the defendant’s records and test results, which may include information on their driving records, blood alcohol content, and any relevant information that could back up your claim of their negligence. These days, we will also use things like dashcam footage, CCTV, traffic camera footage, and sensor information to provide an objective perspective of the accident and help to establish the sequence of events.

Do not let the burden of proof overwhelm you. While it is a lot to build a successful claim, our dedicated team will meticulously investigate your case, gather paperwork and evidence, and aggressively advocate for your rights. If you are still seeking more information about motorcycle accidents and your legal rights under injury law, check out our resource videos as our team of attorneys answers some of your most frequently asked questions.

Determining When to File a Lawsuit with the Help of Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Near Me

Filing a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident is a serious decision with legal implications. Mississippi has a specific time limit, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline will generally bar you from pursuing any legal action and recovering compensation for your injuries. Consulting with one of our experienced local motorcycle accident attorneys can help you understand the applicable deadlines and ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the allotted time, should you choose this route.

Several factors may influence the decision to file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident. The severity of your injuries and required compensation for medical expenses, among other damages, may necessitate a lawsuit. Additionally, if an insurance company is unwilling to negotiate a fair settlement or denies your claim altogether, filing a lawsuit may be the only option to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Filing a lawsuit may put pressure on the insurance company to settle your claim after all, should they want to avoid the added attention and hassle of a court battle. Consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your specific situation and when the right time is to file a lawsuit. Time is of the essence, though, so do not delay seeking legal counsel. Get started now and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Get Help From Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Near Me in Southaven, MS

If you still have questions after reading our FAQs, contact us to get them answered directly by one of our motorcycle accident attorneys. We are ready to help you get your life back after an accident derails it. When you are ready, contact us to get started with a free case review.