According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,579 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes in 2020. Between 2019 and 2020, motorcycle deaths in Mississippi increased by 55%. Injuries in motorcycle accidents are also rampant, with over 82,000 motorcyclists injured in 2020, based on data collected by the NHTSA. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jackson, MS, can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Harris Law Firm, we recognize how traumatic it can be to suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident. A Jackson motorcycle accident attorney can advocate for you and help you seek justice after you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Typical Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles don’t offer the same amount of protection or safety features as cars or trucks do. That’s why motorcycle collisions can cause numerous catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries are discussed below.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can completely alter a person’s ability to participate in daily life. The spinal cord contains nerves that send signals from the brain to the body. Injuries to the spinal cord can result in life-long disabilities and paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
There is a wide range of possible traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that a motorcycle rider might experience. The effects on a victim can vary based on the severity of the injury. A mild TBI can cause a temporary change in a person’s mental state or behavior. On the other hand, a severe TBI can cause ongoing memory loss or long-term cognitive issues.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury motorcycle riders suffer in accidents. Motorcycles leave a person exposed, and if they fall off the motorcycle in a crash, fractures to the pelvis, tibia, fibula, and other bones can result.
Internal Injuries
A rider could also have internal injuries after a collision. This might include damage to the internal organs or internal bleeding. Internal injuries can be caused either by blunt-force trauma or penetrating trauma.
Road Rash
Road rash can also occur when a motorcycle rider hits the ground after a crash. These skin abrasions can cause severe infections and scarring. If you were in a motorcycle accident and suffered road rash or any other injury, it is crucial to seek medical care immediately.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions
While there are several common causes of motorcycle accidents, these types of accidents are often caused by negligent drivers. Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle crashes are discussed below.
Driving While Intoxicated
Driving while intoxicated can cause a driver to lack coordination or have a slower reaction time than usual. Intoxicated drivers can also struggle to correctly perceive distance and depth. A driver who is under the influence will also likely struggle to stay focused on the road. This can cause them to swerve into other lanes or not keep a proper distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle. Since they have impaired judgment, drivers are also usually more reckless when under the influence, which can be extremely dangerous to others on the road.
Distracted Driving
If the other driver was driving while distracted, they might be liable for your motorcycle accident injuries.
Some common examples of distracted driving include:
- Eating and drinking,
- Using earbuds,
- Having pets in the car,
- Adjusting your GPS,
- Reading emails, and
- Adjusting the temperature.
These are only a few examples of distracted driving. Anytime a driver takes their eyes off the road or is not paying complete attention to traffic, they are driving while distracted.
Motorcycle Defects
If you can prove a design or manufacturing defect was present in your motorcycle, parties other than a negligent driver might also be responsible for your damages. Responsible parties might include the motorcycle manufacturer or even the motorcycle seller. Frequently defective motorcycle parts include the following:
- Tires,
- Frame,
- Handlebars,
- Brakes, and
- Fuel tank.
Investigating and proving a design defect can be complex and requires the assistance of an experienced Jackson motorcycle accident lawyer.
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Potential Damages in a Jackson Motorcycle Crash
Multiple categories of damages are available to people who have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident. Your damages might include economic damages as well as noneconomic damages. Economic damages compensate you for the quantifiable monetary losses your injury has caused you. Noneconomic damages are designed to compensate you for the emotional, mental, and psychological harm you suffered because of your injury.
Damages that are often sought in a motorcycle accident claim include the following:
- Lost income. Economic damages can include compensation for lost income. If a motorcycle accident has rendered you unable to work, you may be eligible to recover your lost wages.
- Medical expenses. You might also be able to recover compensation for medical bills when you seek economic damages. Medical expenses include money spent on doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, ambulance transport, and emergency room care.
- Pain and suffering. When you pursue noneconomic damages in Mississippi, you may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering. Because pain and suffering damages will differ from person to person, these damages are not as easy to estimate as lost income or medical expenses.
It’s a good idea to save your medical bills, repair invoices, and pay stubs so that your Jackson motorcycle accident attorney can calculate your economic damages. You might also want to keep a diary or pain log to help keep track of your symptoms and condition so that your attorney can more accurately calculate your noneconomic damages.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Jackson, MS
If you have sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Jackson, MS, can protect your rights and help you hold the party responsible for your injury accountable.
At Harris Law Firm, we have been helping clients in Mississippi and Arkansas seek justice since 1981. We have won millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Our empathetic and hard-working attorneys are here to protect your best interests at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.