Meridian Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The freedom of the open road is something special. Whether you’re commuting down Tom Bailey Drive, enjoying a scenic weekend ride along Highway 39, or cruising the busy interchange of I-20/I-59, being on a motorcycle is an experience unlike any other. But in an instant, the negligence of another driver can shatter that freedom, leaving you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.

We understand that after a crash, you feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, and in pain. The last thing you should have to worry about is fighting a legal battle alone. This is when you need a dedicated Meridian motorcycle accident lawyer by your side, someone who will protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. The compassionate team at Richard Schwartz & Associates is here to lift that burden from your shoulders. Your fight is our fight. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn how we can help.

Schedule A Free Case Consultation

Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Meridian Motorcycle Accident Claim

Choosing a law firm after a traumatic accident is a significant decision. You need a team with a proven history of success, deep local roots, and a genuine commitment to your well-being. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our mission is “Leading with Compassion. Winning with Excellence.” This isn’t just a slogan; it’s the principle that guides every action we take. For over 40 years, we have been Mississippi’s law firm, fighting for families just like yours.

When you choose us, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining a team of dedicated advocates. Here’s why so many Mississippians trust us with their fight:

• A Proven Record of Success: Our results speak for themselves. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, a testament to our skill, resources, and unwavering dedication to securing maximum financial recovery.
• Deep Mississippi Roots: We are not a national firm that just happens to have an office here. Our roots run deep in the communities we serve, including Meridian. We understand the local courts, the legal landscape, and the challenges you face because Mississippi is our home.
• Unwavering Compassion: We know that your case is about more than just money. It’s about your health, your family, and your future. As Richard Schwartz himself says, “Our care for you resides beyond the courtroom.” We treat you with the respect, dignity, and compassion you deserve throughout the entire legal process.
• Extensive Resources: We combine the personalized care of a local firm with the powerful resources of a large, established practice. We have the financial strength, expert network, and experienced legal staff to take on any insurance company, no matter how large or intimidating.

Your fight is our fight. We are committed to providing you with the highest level of legal service and support, ensuring you can move forward with confidence and security.

The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?

It’s a common scenario. Shortly after your accident, you get a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. They are friendly, seem concerned, and make you a quick settlement offer. It might even seem like a reasonable amount of money, and the idea of having this all over with is tempting.

We urge you to be extremely cautious. You must understand the insurance company’s primary goal: to protect its profits by paying you as little as possible. The first offer they make is almost always a lowball offer, calculated to close your case quickly and cheaply before you understand the true, long-term cost of your injuries.

An early offer rarely, if ever, accounts for the full scope of your damages, such as:

• Future Medical Expenses: Will you need ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, or long-term pain management? A quick offer won’t cover these costs.
• Long-Term Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn a living in the future, a quick settlement won’t compensate for this devastating financial loss.
• Full Extent of Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by a serious motorcycle accident are significant damages. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize these non-economic losses.
• Unforeseen Complications: The full impact of an injury, especially a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury, may not be apparent for weeks or months after the crash.

Once you accept a settlement and sign their release form, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for your accident, no matter what new medical needs or financial losses arise later. It is a final decision.

Before you speak to an adjuster or sign any paperwork, speak to us. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate any offer you’ve received during your free consultation. We will help you understand what your case is truly worth and handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from their tactics and ensuring you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.

Who May Be Held Liable in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

While the other driver is the most common at-fault party in a motorcycle accident, they are not always the only one who may bear legal responsibility. A critical part of our job is to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your accident. Pursuing claims against all liable parties is key to maximizing your financial recovery.

Besides the other driver, potentially liable parties can include:

• The Driver’s Employer: If the driver was working at the time of the crash (e.g., a delivery driver, a commercial truck driver), their employer may be held liable under a legal doctrine known as respondeat superior.
• Government Entities: A city, county, or state government agency may be responsible if the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, such as a large pothole, poorly designed intersection, missing or obscured traffic signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a defective part on the motorcycle or the other vehicle—such as faulty brakes, a defective tire, or a steering component failure—caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer can be held liable through a product liability claim.
• A Mechanic or Repair Shop: If a shop performed negligent repairs on a vehicle that later led to an accident, that business could be held responsible for the resulting harm.

Our experienced legal team leaves no stone unturned. We will carefully analyze every detail of your accident to identify all potential sources of compensation and hold every responsible party accountable for their actions.

Meridian, MS Motorcycle Accident Claims FAQs

It’s natural to have many questions after a traumatic accident. Here are answers to some of the common questions our attorneys hear from injured motorcyclists in Meridian.

What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident?

This is a common concern for injured motorcyclists. Insurance companies often try to shift blame by claiming you were speeding, not paying attention, or somehow contributed to the accident. They do this because, under Mississippi law, it can reduce the amount of money they have to pay you.

Mississippi follows a legal rule known as pure comparative negligence. This rule states that you can still recover damages even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Because of this rule, the at-fault party’s insurance company has a strong financial incentive to blame you as much as possible. They will scrutinize your every action to try and assign fault to you, even when it is not deserved. This is where having a skilled attorney is crucial. 

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if and when we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court verdict. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This allows you to access top-tier legal representation without any financial risk.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. This may seem like a long time, but it is critical to act quickly. Building a strong case takes time, and evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories can fade. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.

What if the driver who hit me was uninsured or fled the scene?

This is a frightening situation, but you may still have options for recovery. You may be able to file a claim through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is an optional but highly recommended part of your auto insurance that protects you in these exact scenarios. Our attorneys can review your policy and help you navigate the process of filing a UM claim.

Contact Our Trusted Meridian Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today

You do not have to face a serious motorcycle accident alone. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be tough, but help is just a phone call away. The dedicated and compassionate team at Richard Schwartz & Associates will stand by your side, handle the legal complexities, and fight tirelessly for the full compensation you and your family deserve.

When you trust us with your case, we will immediately get to work to:

• Conduct a thorough, independent investigation into your crash.
• Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies.
• Identify all liable parties and sources of compensation.
• Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the true value of your claim.
• Aggressively negotiate for a settlement that covers all of your past and future needs.
• Prepare to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Contact us today at (601) 988-8888 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Meridian personal injury attorney from our firm. There is no fee unless we win your case. Let us help you on the road to recovery.

Schedule A Free Case Consultation

---