While motorcycles are a convenient choice of transportation, they can also be very dangerous for riders and passengers. They don’t offer the same protection as a standard car, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries in the event of an accident.
If you or a loved one sustains an injury in a crash due to another’s negligence, you need a Gulfport motorcycle accident attorney to advocate for you. At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, we have over 40 years of experience helping motorcyclists fight for the compensation they need to recover from their injuries.
Why Hire a Gulfport Motorcycle Lawyer at Harris Law Firm?
At Harris Law Firm, we are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide you with updates on your case.
We manage every aspect of the process, from finding evidence to negotiating with the insurance company. Our goal is to help ease the burden so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Mississippi Motorcycle Laws
Every state has different laws regarding the safe operation of motorcycles. While they may seem inconsequential at first, they may have a significant impact on your case. This is why it’s important to keep yourself up-to-date on motorcycle traffic laws in case they change. Here’s an overview of the safety laws for motorcycles in Mississippi.
Helmets
Under Mississippi Code § 63-7-64, all motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet while riding. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 and 10 days in jail. The penalties also increase with each violation. While this may seem harsh, keep in mind that helmets save many lives in motorcycle accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets prevented 25,567 deaths in U.S. motorcycle accidents between 2002 and 2019. This is critical since many motorcycle accidents involve traumatic brain injuries.
That said, if you have any questions about the safety requirements for motorcyclists in Mississippi, consult one of our Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyers.
Lane Splitting
Stripe riding or lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic. Many riders do it to avoid heavy traffic. Currently, there aren’t any laws in Mississippi stating whether lane splitting is legal or illegal.
However, it greatly reduces your maneuverability and increases the risk of a collision. In addition, the defense may use it against you in your claim. If possible, it’s best to avoid lane splitting while riding, even if it’s more convenient.
Potential Damages
For most motorcycle accidents, there are two types of damages victims may seek: economic and non-economic. While economic damages are relatively simple to calculate, it’s difficult to determine non-economic damages without the help of a Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer.
Economic or special damages are any of the financial costs you have due to your injury. This usually comes in the form of bills or estimates, but it also includes paychecks and receipts.
Some examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses,
- Vehicle repair/replacement,
- Lost wages during recovery, and
- Reduced future earning capacity.
Generally, these are losses that have a standard monetary value. For example, if you usually make $3,000 monthly and need to miss work for three months, you have $9,000 in lost wages. This contributes to your total economic damages.
Non-economic or general damages are the opposite of economic losses. In other words, they are non-financial costs that are intangible.
This includes things like:
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish,
- Disability,
- Disfigurement, and
- Loss of quality of life.
Every motorcycle accident attorney in Gulfport has a different way of calculating these losses. For example, some just multiply the economic damages by a whole number, usually between one and five to arrive at a settlement figure.
However, at Harris Law Firm, we believe that a simple multiplication formula often provides inadequate compensation for the client, particularly in cases involving serious injuries.
At the Harris Law Firm, we don’t rely on simple multiplication formulas. Each case we handle has its own unique factors which are considered to arrive at a fair and reasonable evaluation that maximizes the recovery for our clients which is often much higher than a simple multiplication formula. Ultimately, the evaluation depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
Contact an Experienced Gulfport Motorcycle Attorney Today
If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle crash, you need a Gulfport motorcycle accident attorney with knowledge and proven results. With millions recovered for our clients, Harris Law Firm is here to fight for you. To schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys, give us a call at (662) 335-4171 or send us a message. We proudly serve clients throughout the state of Mississippi.