Motorcycle Accident Attorney In Picayune, MS
Motorcyclists have fewer protections than passenger vehicles every time they ride on the road, whether on Interstate 59, Highway 11, or city streets in Picayune. However, when negligence by another driver causes a motorcycle accident, injured riders have legal rights. A Picayune motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation for your damages.
Due to the serious nature of many motorcycle crashes, many injury victims also consult a Picayune personal injury lawyer for guidance.
A Legacy of Service
With a strong belief that practicing law is a privilege, Mississippi personal injury lawyer Daniel Waide prioritizes client well-being over a high volume of cases. Daniel’s upbringing in rural Mississippi instilled in him a deep-seated belief from a young age that individuals should be accountable for their deeds and extend a helping hand to those around them. WaideLaw extends that same courtesy to our clients by providing honest, legal guidance.
Daniel Waide is a litigator who has argued before the Mississippi Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He supports local charities and youth athletics.
Why Motorcycle Accidents Often Cause Serious Injury
Motorcyclists accounted for 16.2% of all traffic fatalities and 3.6% of all injuries in 2024, although they made up only 3% of all vehicles that were registered and 0.6% of all vehicle miles driven in the US. While helmets and other protective gear can reduce harm, motorcycle accidents often lead to serious injury. Common motorcycle injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Serious soft-tissue injuries
These types of injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and long-term rehabilitation. Injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident may leave a rider unable to work or care for themselves.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Picayune
Drivers often cause motorcycle accidents by failing to notice motorcycles on the road. This is particularly common at intersections and when drivers change lanes. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Changing lanes without care
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Tailgating
Drivers should use extra caution around motorcycles. Riders often avoid large potholes or debris by moving slightly to another lane. While these problems are minor for drivers, they can cause significant issues for motorcyclists.
Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Laws
Like any legal claim, there are statutes in Mississippi that can affect your motorcycle accident claim. Under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, injured parties have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If injured parties do not file a claim within three years, they may be barred from recovery.
Mississippi Code § 11-7-15 establishes Mississippi’s comparative negligence rule. If more than one person is responsible for an accident, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. Injured parties can still recover compensation if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, a rider’s compensation is then reduced by their percentage of fault.
When to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Some motorcycle accident claims are straightforward in terms of liability and injuries. However, when liability is disputed, serious injury has occurred, or multiple parties may be responsible for an accident, many injured riders choose to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Individuals often work with a Picayune motorcycle accident attorney when they have received extensive medical treatment, are having insurance disputes, or when there is a question of who was at fault for the accident.
An attorney can help preserve evidence, uncover all possible sources of recovery, and meet critical deadlines. The earlier you contact an attorney, the quicker we can begin investigating your claim. This can be particularly important when there are witnesses whose testimony may be needed or when there is physical evidence that must be preserved.
FAQs
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take?
Motorcycle accident cases can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to settle. It typically takes longer when there are serious injuries, substantial medical treatment is needed, or liability is contested. Most cases aren’t settled until after the victim has reached maximum medical improvement or can reasonably estimate future treatment.
Who Is Usually at Fault in Motorcycle Accident Cases?
The party at fault in a motorcycle accident case depends on the facts of the case. That being said, many motorcycle wrecks happen when drivers of passenger vehicles fail to see motorcyclists when making a turn, changing lanes, or entering an intersection. Police gather evidence from the police report, witness testimony, and damage to each vehicle to determine who caused the crash.
Are Motorcyclists Required to Wear Helmets in Picayune, Mississippi?
Yes, motorcyclists are required to wear helmets in Picayune, Mississippi, regardless of age, under Mississippi Code § 63-7-64. Not only can you face legal penalties for not wearing a helmet, but your motorcycle accident claim can also be negatively affected. You may be assigned more fault if you were not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred, especially if you sustained a head injury.
What Happens if You Accidentally Hit a Car While Riding a Motorcycle?
If you hit a car while riding a motorcycle, you should call for medical assistance if needed and cooperate with law enforcement. Your accident may be investigated to determine how the crash happened. Your insurance company may become involved, depending on who was at fault. You can potentially file a claim for medical bills and lost wages for being out of work due to your injuries.
Get Legal Assistance Today
Motorcycle crashes can lead to life-altering injuries and substantial financial strain. Whether you were involved in a wreck on I-59, Highway 11, or another roadway in Picayune, understanding Mississippi law and the claims process can empower injured riders to protect their rights.
When you know how motorcycle accident claims work and what factors impact your recovery, you can make informed decisions about how to move forward after a crash. WaideLaw can help. Contact us today for a consultation.
