Motorcycle riders face serious risks every time they get on their bikes. Head injuries are one of the most common and devastating injuries that can occur in a motorcycle accident. Mississippi has helmet laws in place to help reduce the severity of head injuries, but accidents still happen. If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a motorcycle crash, you may have a right to pursue compensation. Here is some key information on helmet laws, head injuries, and legal claims in Mississippi.
Mississippi Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Mississippi has a universal helmet law that requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle. This applies to operators and passengers. Helmets must meet certain safety standards to be legal for use. The main requirements are that helmets have proper labeling indicating they meet federal standards and are properly secured with a chin strap when worn.
Mississippi’s universal helmet law went into effect in 1968. For decades, studies have shown that helmeted riders have a much lower risk of sustaining a serious head injury or dying in a crash compared to those without helmets. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective at preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% for passengers.
Common Motorcycle Head Injuries
Despite helmet laws, head injuries are still a major risk when riding a motorcycle. Some of the most common head injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Damage to the brain that can result in cognitive deficits, personality changes, impaired senses, and other effects. TBIs can include mild concussion or severe, disabling brain damage.
- Skull Fractures – A crack or break in the skull bone. These may heal on their own but increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, or other complications in the brain.
- Facial Fractures – Broken facial bones, often including fractures of the jaw, nose, cheekbones, eye sockets, or other delicate facial structures. These can require surgery to repair.
- Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to structures in the neck including vertebrae and the spinal cord. This may lead to partial or total paralysis.
Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Claims
If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury or other harm due to a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another party, you have a right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses from initial emergency treatment through long-term care
- Lost income due to being unable to work during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
It is critical to have an experienced Mississippi motorcycle accident lawyer on your side to fully investigate the accident, determine fault, calculate damages, and fight for maximum compensation. The defendant’s insurance company will seek to minimize their payout, but your lawyer is solely focused on getting you justice.
Contact Our Mississippi Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you or someone close to you has sustained head injuries or other harm in a Mississippi motorcycle crash, get your free consultation with Monge & Associates.
We have 32 offices across 19 states, including Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina, and our devoted legal team has obtained millions for injured motorcycle accident victims.
Call us on (888) 477-0597 to schedule your free case review.