Greenville Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Greenville Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Name: Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyers
Brand: Merkel & Cocke, P.A.
SKU: PI
Rating: 4.8 (20 reviews)

Strong and honest representation for injured motorcyclists in Mississippi

Motorcycle enthusiasts have great places to ride here in Greenville. With scenic views of the Mississippi River and Route 278 running close by, bikers share the roads with commuters, road-trippers and cargo haulers. As anyone who owns and loves a motorcycle will attest, bikes are a more fuel-efficient way to travel – and they are simply just fun to ride.

Motorcyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles. Unfortunately, sharing the road with larger, heavier vehicles can end tragically when other drivers are irresponsible behind the wheel. Because bikes provide so little protection to the driver when compared with cars and trucks, motorcycle accidents often cause serious injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. represent the rights of motorcyclists throughout Greenville and Mississippi.

Motorcycle accident statistics

According to statistics, Mississippi is the most dangerous state in the country for motorcyclists. With around 28,200 registered motorcycles on the road, our state saw 45 fatalities in the year studied, which translates to 15.92 fatalities per bike. Coming in second and third are Texas and South Carolina, with 12.46 and 11.97 respectively. The safest state for motorcyclists is Montana, with 0.72 fatalities per registered motorcycle.

Further, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcyclists nationwide have a higher risk of injury or death when involved in accidents. Among their research:

Alcohol and excessive speed are two of the major factors in motorcycle crashes.
Motorcyclists are much more likely to die or suffer injury in an accident as compared to other vehicles.
Older motorcyclists tend to sustain more serious injuries than younger riders.

The III also notes that Mississippi has a universal helmet law for bikers of all ages.

Common causes of Greenville motorcycle crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in accidents in 2018 (the latest data available). They also note that out of all the bikers involved in fatal crashes, 29 percent were riding without valid licenses. Motorcycle accidents often occur due to another person’s negligence on the road. Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:

Bad road conditions. Sometimes accidents do not happen because of another driver, but because of dangerous road conditions. A motorcyclist can quickly lose control of their bike if they encounter surprise potholes, debris in the road, or improperly placed construction work.
Defective bike parts. In some cases, motorcycle crashes occur because the bike itself, or another motorist’s vehicle, has a product defect. When brakes, tires or safety equipment fails, serious injury can result.
Impaired driving. Drunk or drugged driving puts everyone on the road at risk – that’s a fact. Worse, impaired drivers have slower reflexes, which can cause them to miss motorcyclists sharing the road with them.
Improper lane changes. All vehicles have blind spots and it is every driver’s responsibility to check those blind spots before making any lane changes or exits. Many motorcycle accidents occur because a car or truck attempted to change lanes without checking their blind spots.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we investigate how and why your accident happened, and who was responsible. Then, we work to get results.

What are some common injuries from motorcycle accidents?

As every biker knows, part of the reason motorcycles are so enjoyable is because of that open-road feeling of freedom it provides. However, there is a trade-off, and that lack of “cage” that other vehicles have can cause serious injury in the event of an accident. Often, injured motorcyclists suffer injuries from which it could take months to years to recover. In the worst circumstances, an injury could take their life. Our attorneys can help you claim compensation for injuries like:

Loss of limb. In catastrophic accidents, motorcyclists may end up pinned under a vehicle or experiencing a crushing-type injury. Amputation injuries typically require a lifetime of medical care.
Broken bones. Fractures and breaks are another common motorcycle injury, especially in instances where a rider is thrown from their bike.
Burns. A rider’s proximity to hot exhaust pipes or gas tanks can cause fires and burns, resulting in severe and sometimes disfiguring injuries.
Road rash. Riders can experience significant road rash if their bike goes down. These friction burns and lacerations must be treated by a medical professional to minimize the risk of infection.
Spinal cord injury (SCI). Trauma to the spinal cord can cause both neurological and physical trauma. Depending upon where the injury occurred on the spinal cord, SCIs can result in partial to full paralysis.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even with a helmet, bikers can still experience significant head injury when involved in an accident. TBIs can range from a moderate concussion to major brain trauma or coma.

The motorcycle accident and injury attorneys at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. understand the seriousness of these types of injuries, and that your case is likely worth more than the insurance company is offering.

How our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyers can help

The aftermath of an accident can last long after the debris is cleaned up. If you were injured on your bike due to someone else’s negligence, our attorneys will fight to ensure you get the financial compensation you need – and deserve. When we take your case, our legal team will:

Conduct an independent investigation into your accident
Define the full scope of your injuries, damages and losses
Prepare your case for settlement or trial

Remember that there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, so it is important to consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident or you could be barred from collecting damages. We work to secure compensation for your injuries and losses, including:

Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and/or decreased earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage

Save every document and receipt, paper or electronic, regarding your accident. This includes ER visits, medical bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication.