Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Fighting for riders and passengers' rights after a collision

Regrettably, far too many Mississippi motorcycle operators fall victim to negligent car and truck drivers on the roadway. Many motorcycle operators may also cause accidents with other motorcyclists.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A. we have more than 200 years of combined experience and working relationships with investigators, motorcycle riders, and others to show how motorcycle accidents happen and who is responsible. We understand the unique challenges involved in filing motorcycle claims and the likely defenses insurance companies will assert. To obtain the compensation you deserve, call our accomplished Mississippi motorcycle accident law firm today for a free consultation.

How can we help?

Rules a Mississippi motorcyclist has to follow

Mississippi has rules for motorcyclists, including helmet laws. In fact, the state has a universal motorcycle helmet law that requires all operators and passengers to use a helmet. The state also has minimum mandatory insurance requirements for all motorists, including motorcyclists. The minimum includes “$25,000 per person (limited to a single accident), $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accide

Where are motorcyclists most at risk?

Riding a motorcycle is extremely dangerous because motorcycles are much more difficult to control than cars and trucks. If an accident does happen, motorcycles provide no physical protection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, 15 percent of all traffic fatalities were motorcycle riders. These accidents killed 6,335 riders. The NHTSA reports that, in 2023, motorcycle riders were 28 times more likely to die in an accident and five times more likely to suffer injuries than the occupants in passenger cars.

While there are risks everywhere, there are some roads in Mississippi that motorcyclists should use extra caution on, including:

  • Highway 72 (Northern Mississippi) offers excellent views, but the winding road offers limited visibility, which creates serious risks for those on motorcycles.
  • Highway 61 (Blues Highway, Mississippi Delta) holds important cultural significance, but it also hosts high-speed traffic which potentially puts motorcyclists in peril.
  • Interstate 20 (East-West Corridor) is a major highway that sees heavy traffic, including large trucks. Between the high speeds and the curvy roads, it can create serious risks for motorcyclists.
  • Interstate 55 (Northwest Mississippi) is a notoriously heavily trafficked road that experiences nearly one fatality per mile. The high volume of traffic and poorly maintained roadway can be especially perilous for those on two wheels.
  • MS-25/Lakeland Drive (Jackson) is a four-lane divided highway that runs for 150 miles with high-speed traffic in rural sections and congestion in urban areas – both of which create risks for those on motorcycles.

What types of motorcycle accidents do you handle in Mississippi?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we handle all types of motorcycle accidents, including the following:

  • Head-on-collisions
  • Broadside accidents
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Multiple-vehicle accidents
  • Accidents due to dangerous road conditions
  • Collisions with open doors
  • Intersection accidents
  • Accidents when riding in groups

What are the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Mississippi?

Our Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyers work with the police, our own investigators, motorcycle product safety experts, and others to help show the cause of your accident and who is responsible. We also thoroughly question everyone who has knowledge of the accident during the discovery phase of your case.

Some of the reasons motorcycle accidents happen in Mississippi include the following:

  • Drivers fail to respect the right of motorcycle operators to be on the road
  • Drivers fail to respond appropriately when they see a motorcycle
  • Drivers fail to see a motorcycle until it's too late due to driver distraction, drunk driving, or other causes
  • Speeding, driving too fast for traffic conditions, or driving too fast for weather conditions
  • Lane splitting
  • Lack of education by the motorcycle rider
  • Improper maintenance of the motorcycle
  • The failure to ride through curves correctly
  • Dangerous road conditions including gravel, potholes, and roadkill
  • Left-hand turn accidents
  • Bad weather conditions that can make it hard for a motorcycle rider to see and keep control of their motorcycle
  • Dooring accidents, where a driver who parked on the side of the road opens their door in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, causing a crash

What types of injuries do motorcycle accidents cause?

Many motorcycle accident victims suffer catastrophic, permanent, or chronic injuries. Even when injuries heal, the victims usually require extensive medical treatment.

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we handle all types of serious injuries when motorcycle accidents happen, including the following:

What laws govern motorcycle riding in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety states that motorcycles have the same right to use the roads as any other vehicle. Motorcycle operators need to obtain a state motorcycle license. A standard driver’s license, used for driving cars, is not sufficient.

Mississippi encourages riders to complete education/safety courses that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers. There are courses for beginners and experienced riders.

Motorcycle operators are required to wear motorcycle helmets. Across America, May is “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”

Motorcycle owners and operators should also ensure that their motorcycles have the correct equipment and should regularly inspect their motorcycles to ensure the equipment is in good working order.

Who is liable for motorcycle accidents in Mississippi?

Many different people may be liable if you are injured or a loved one dies in a motorcycle accident in Mississippi. Our Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyers file claims against everyone responsible for your accident. The defendants may include:

  • A driver of a car, truck, or other large vehicle
  • A driver of another motorcycle
  • A driver of the motorcycle on which you are a passenger
  • The employer of the driver
  • The owner of the motorcycle if the motorcycle owner and driver are different
  • A seller of alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated who later causes your accident
  • The Mississippi Department of Transportation or other governmental agencies/entities
  • The manufacturers of defective motorcycle parts, such as throttles, clutches, brakes, or electrical systems

What compensation can you recover?

Our Mississippi personal injury lawyers demand compensation for all your current and future damages. We work with your doctors, employers, motorcycle mechanics, and others to properly determine the amount of those damages. Your damage claim includes all your:

  • Medical bills. These include emergency care, hospitalizations, physician care, rehabilitative care, assistive technology/devices, medications and other medical expenses.
  • Income loss. This amount includes your lost wages, benefits, business income, and long-term disability compensation.
  • Physical pain and suffering. We demand compensation for all the times you experience pain, agony, itching, anxiety, depression, or any other physical or emotional trauma.
  • Property damage. This amount should compensate you for the cost to repair or replace your motorcycle, depending on the amount of damage.
  • Other damages. These include the loss of bodily function, inability to enjoy life’s pleasures, loss of consortium, and any scars or disfigurement.

Our Mississippi wrongful death lawyers seek wrongful death damages for the family members. These damages include the funeral and burial expenses, the loss of financial support your loved one would have provided, and the loss of personal support (love, comfort, education, and society) your loved one would have provided.

Next steps after a crash

Many people ask themselves “What do I do?” after a motorcycle accident. They are scared, hurt and anxious about the future. They worry about how they will pay their bills, or take care of their families, or afford the treatments they need. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand these feelings, and the challenges that arise when you make a claim for your injuries. That is why we commit ourselves to seeking justice for injury victims. If you have sustained an injury in a motorcycle crash and you do not know what to do, call a Mississippi motorcycle accident attorney; we can offer you honest, practical advice about what you can do, and what rights you have. Our attorneys can also help you through your insurance claim, and let you know if it’s in your best interests to pursue a lawsuit.

Why choose Merkel & Cocke for your case?

Merkel & Cocke has a history of securing major verdicts and settlements for our clients through the combination of hard work, a collaborative team approach, and more than 40 years of legal experience. Our attorneys examine every case from multiple angles, using cutting-edge technology to streamline preparation and improve outcomes. We’re proud of the work we do, and the results we’ve achieved for our clients.

Mississippi motorcycle crash FAQs

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to common queries motorcycle crash victims may have for a motorcycle wreck lawyer in Mississippi:

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

Mississippi’s statute of limitations allows injury victims three years to file their claims. However, it’s best not to wait too long to speak to an attorney. The sooner you seek legal advice the better position you will be in to collect evidence and seek witness accounts that can help you build a strong case.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Mississippi does require the use of a helmet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t collect damages if you didn’t wear one. You might, however, have your damages reduced based on your share of fault if your injuries were worse because of the lack of a helmet.

Should I accept a settlement offer from the insurance company?

You should discuss any offer with an attorney before you accept. Once you’ve formally agreed to a settlement, you can’t renegotiate. Oftentimes, insurers will make settlement offers far below the true value of your claim. Be cautious before agreeing to anything.

Do you have a Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Merkel & Cocke, P.A. meets motorcycle accident victims and families at the following Mississippi offices:

  • Jackson Office (Hinds County): 2630 Ridgewood Road, Suite D. Jackson, MS 39216
  • Clarksdale Office (Coahoma County): 30 Delta Avenue. Clarksdale, MS 38614
  • Greenville Office (Washington County). 540 Main Street, ICON Building, Suite 302. Greenville, MS 38701
  • Oxford Office (Lafayette County): 2084 Old Taylor Road, Suite 110. Oxford, MS 38655
  • Meridian Office (Lauderdale County): Regions Bank Building, Suite 205, 406 22nd Avenue. Meridian, MS 39301

 

If your motorcycle injuries prevent you from traveling, our lawyers will make arrangements to meet you at your home or a nearby healthcare facility. Our team also consults with clients by phone and through online video conversations.

We’re prepared to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process.

Get help from our Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyers now

Contact Merkel & Cocke, P.A. to assert your right to compensation after an accident. We anticipate and contest the arguments that insurance companies often try to use to deny your claim or reduce your damages, such as that you were partially responsible, that your injuries aren’t that severe, or their reliance on motorcycle bias. We settle many personal injury cases because of our thorough preparation, our strong advocacy skills, and our reputation in the courtroom. We’re always ready to try your case before a jury.

We represent clients across Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. Call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Mississippi.