Sadly, motorcyclists are at least 28x more likely to die in a crash than individuals in a passenger vehicle and 4x as likely to be injured. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the Hattiesburg motorcycle accident attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates can fight for your rights. We have more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims in Hattiesburg and across Mississippi.
When you come for your free consultation, we will evaluate your case to see how much your claim could be worth. Then we’ll get to work securing the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Should I File a Claim after a Motorcycle Accident?
If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Many motorcycle accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, we recommend that injury victims always consult with a motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance. In a free and no-obligation consultation with Richard Schwartz & Associates, we can help you understand what your case might be worth.
If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, our motorcycle accident lawyers are prepared to represent you and even take your case to trial if necessary.
Serious Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles provide a great way to explore the beautiful state of Mississippi and are also a cost-effective transportation solution for everyday life. However, riders are at a higher risk of severe injuries than those driving other vehicles. One wrong move from a distracted driver can lead to a motorcyclist being thrown off his bike. Injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes can be devastating.
Our personal injury lawyers help motorcycle accident victims facing all kinds of catastrophic physical injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Road rash
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Disfigurement
Besides all the various forms of physical harm experienced in a motorcycle crash, you might also be able to recover compensation for emotional trauma. Riders struck by negligent drivers may have trouble sleeping, experience severe anxiety and mood swings, and even be too afraid to ever bike again. Our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the maximum compensation for your emotionally traumatic injuries so you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
According to the CDC, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road are more likely to cause a serious accident. Oftentimes, motorcycle riders are blamed for most accidents even when they were not at fault.
Whether it’s a head-on collision, drunk driving, or you lose control of your motorcycle, it is vital to have someone in your corner. This is why it’s important to have an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an illegal turn
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Driving in a motorcycle’s blind spot
- Hitting a pothole or other road hazard
What To Do After a Motorcycle Crash
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are some important steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about what happened and who was at fault.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your motorcycle.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident, including what happened leading up to the crash and any details about the other driver’s behavior.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to the limit of your policy if you’re injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
What Is Mississippi's Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents?
A motorcycle accident may result in months or even years of rehabilitation. However, you must adhere to specific statute deadlines. Mississippi Code Ann. § 15-1-49 only allows you three years following a motorcycle accident to pursue legal action. Failing to file a motorcycle accident claim within this time limit will result in you being unable to collect the money you’re entitled to, no matter how severe your injuries are or if it was due to someone else’s negligence.
Fighting for Your Maximum Compensation
Whatever your injuries after a motorcycle collision, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Richard Schwartz & Associates can help you obtain payment from an insurance company for your lost wages, hospital bills, property damage, and more. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
Do not let your opportunity for financial reimbursement pass you by. The statute of limitations restricts the time period you have to file a claim for your injuries. Also, the sooner you contact our Hattiesburg motorcycle accidents lawyers, the better equipped we can be to represent your side of the story.
Let Richard Schwartz & Associates get to work collecting the evidence and witnesses’ statements that are necessary to support your case. Contact us online today or give us a call at (601) 988-8888 for a free consultation.
