Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle crashes may cause you to miss an extended period of time at work, not be able to participate in the activities you enjoy, need a new motorcycle or motorcycle repairs, and suffer a lot of physical and emotional pain. When the accident is not your fault, you should not have to pay for your damages.
The law supports this perspective and allows accident victims to seek financial damages with the help of a personal injury attorney. An experienced Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer could stand by your side and help you pursue compensation from the parties that caused the accident and your injuries.
The Effects of Comparative Negligence for Motorcyclists
It is important for victims of bike crashes to know that if they failed to wear a helmet or other protective gear, they still may be able to file a lawsuit and are not necessarily barred from recovery. However, although not wearing a helmet cannot cause an accident, it could potentially make a victim’s injuries more severe.
During a court trial, a judge or jury could evaluate the facts and circumstances of an accident to determine how much the plaintiff’s negligence in not wearing a helmet or other protective gear contributed to his or her damages. Plaintiff negligence does not bar recovery, but it does decrease the amount of damages a plaintiff is eligible to receive by the proportion of liability he or she bears, as per Mississippi Code § 11-7-15.
This legal concept is known as comparative negligence and directly compares the negligence of the defendants with the negligence of the plaintiff. For instance, if the court determines that a plaintiff is 10 percent liable for his or her damages, he or she would only be able to recover for 90 percent of his or her total damages. A Gulfport motorcycle wreck attorney could work on a plaintiff’s behalf to minimize comparative fault and maximize recoverable compensation.
Motorcycle Crash Damages in Gulfport
“Damages” is the legal term for the losses or inconveniences suffered by an accident victim that directly resulted from that accident. A civil lawsuit is a formal way of seeking compensation for these damages from the parties that caused the accident.
In addition to property damages for their motorcycle or other equipment, plaintiffs may be able to work with motorcycle accident lawyers in Gulfport to request compensation for:
- Past and potential future lost wages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety, depression or emotional distress
- Inconvenience
Seasoned legal counsel could help a plaintiff document all of his or her damages to help ensure he or she is fully compensated for his or her injuries. They could also help show a court how the injuries sustained in the accident have negatively impacted the plaintiff’s life.
How a Gulfport Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
Rightful compensation for a victim’s suffering is the ultimate goal of any qualified Gulfport motorcycle accident lawyer. By keeping track of relevant documents, keeping you informed about information or documentation needed from you, and preparing a settlement offer and/or representing you at trial, your attorney could ease the burdens you face throughout every step of the civil litigation process.
Waiting too long to consult with a lawyer can compromise the integrity of your case. Stop waiting around for insurance companies to pay you and contact a motorcycle attorney today. Consultations with Van Cleave Law are always free.
