What Should I Do If My Child Was Injured in a School Bus Accident?

It’s the phone message no parent wants to hear: “There’s been a school bus accident.”

Your chest pounds and your mind races. Whether your child is preschool age or a teenager, as you dash out the door to the crash site, you fear the worst. You may try to remind yourself that school buses are the safest way to transport students. But what if your child is the unlucky statistical outlier who suffers an injury in a school bus crash?

When the dust settles and your child gets the medical treatment he or she needs, your thoughts may turn to holding the at-fault parties accountable for the incident. That’s when an experienced Jackson, MS school bus accident lawyer can help.

Contact Derek Hall P.C. as soon as possible for a free claim review and discussion about your legal options.

Types of School Bus Accidents

School bus accidents include more than just traffic collisions. They can take other forms as well. For instance:

• Falls while getting on or off the bus
• Trips and falls while onboard the bus, perhaps due to a dangerous condition like a defect in the flooring
• A pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a school bus

The reason school buses are so safe compared with other forms of transportation is because they’re the most regulated. In addition, they’re designed with safety features other vehicles don’t have. For this reason, the greatest risk involving a school bus is not while riding the bus. It’s’ when approaching or leaving one.

Can I Sue the School if My Child Was Injured on the School Bus?

The answer may be yes, and it depends on the circumstances. A public school district is considered a government entity. This provides immunity or protection from lawsuits in many instances. In the event of an injury related to a school bus accident, how the crash itself happened will dictate whether you can file a claim against the school district.

In the event that another car or truck hit the bus and your child was injured, the other driver is may be considered at fault depending on what happened. If so, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Statute of Limitations Is Shorter When a Claim Is Against a Government Entity

Most personal injury claims and lawsuits have to be filed within two years of the date of injury. When filing a claim against a government entity, such as a school, the process is different. First, you must file a notice of a claim with an official from the school, usually within 60-90 days. Once you have done that, then a formal personal injury claim can be filed.

There are only certain instances when a claim can become a lawsuit. This occurs if the school denies the claim, or if they fail to take any action within three to six months. The length of time varies from state to state, and even city by city. This is an important consideration.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Child’s Personal Injury Claim?

A school bus accident involving your child can leave you in shock. The first priority is your child’s safety. Focus on obtaining the best medical care for your child. It’s wise to have your child see a doctor, even if there are no apparent injuries right after the incident.

Some injuries may not be visible immediately. Note any symptoms that may need further evaluation.

Make careful notes about all information provided to you by the school district, police department, or other sources. Keep copies of any documents you receive.

As soon as possible, contact a school bus accident attorney for guidance. An attorney can take immediate, high-priority steps to protect your child’s legal rights. This involves investigating the accident scene, evaluating liability and placing parties on notice of injury claims.

Going up against a public school district, government agencies and large insurance companies call for an attorney with relevant experience and solid skills in negotiation. It’s important to hire the right personal injury attorney.

Our Lawyers Are Ready to Help Your Family After a School Bus Accident

Derek L. Hall, PC, has been managing personal injury cases for more than 25 years, with outstanding results for our clients. We’re known for taking on the toughest cases and never backing down.

Accidents that cause serious injuries can make it extremely difficult for your child. In fact, it may have consequences for your whole family. You need an attorney who understands what you and your child are going through and the impact it’s having on your quality of life.

The locals know Derek L. Hall, PC will stand by your side whether the accident occurred in the Jackson area or elsewhere in Mississippi.

We have the resources and the passion to address your child’s immediate and long-term needs, with the goal of making them whole again for the rest of their life. Call now for your free consultation with experienced professionals who care.

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Do Warning Signs Protect Property Owners from Liability?

Premises liability injuries are some of the most common accidents that happen in the United States. Many of these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of property owners, managers, or occupiers.

However, property owners and others often try to shift liability for accidents by displaying warning or disclaimer signs on their land or in their buildings. These signs usually say something to the effect of “Not responsible for accidents or injuries” or “Enter at your own risk.”

Are those warning signs really effective? In most cases, they aren’t.

Just because a property owner puts up a warning sign doesn’t mean that they’re off the hook for any injuries sustained by people who are hurt on their land or in their building. If you’ve been injured due to a fall or some other incident on someone else’s property, it’s important to speak to a premises liability lawyer as soon as possible.

At the law offices of Derek L. Hall, our legal team can examine your case and determine who might be liable for your injuries. We can also gather the evidence needed to prove your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our law practice has more than 20 years of experience handling a wide range of legal claims like those involving falls and other types of premises liability. We’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation.

For your free case review, call us or visit our contact page now.

Is a Warning Sign Required?

Warning signs are not always required on someone’s property, but they are required in certain situations. Cities, states, and the federal government sometimes require warning signs for certain kinds of properties, especially if there’s some kind of potentially dangerous activity happening on the property. For example, many cities and states require swimming pools to display signs that warn children and their parents about the potential dangers involved in using a public pool.

Warning signs are also required in areas where there are potential hazards that could harm visitors or guests to a property. This goes back to the duty of care that property owners and managers have to tenants, guests, and others who visit or use their land. For instance, if a staircase breaks in someone’s store, the store owner has a legal obligation to repair the staircase and to warn visitors of the possible danger from using the stairs while the repairs are underway.

If there is a need for a warning sign and a property owner or manager does not put one up, then they may be liable for any injuries sustained by people injured on the property.

Does a Warning Sign Prevent a Victim from Seeking Compensation?

A warning sign could play some role in determining liability for an accident on a property, but it’s not an automatic guarantee that the property owner is not liable. Whether or not there was a warning sign about any hazards on the property is only one factor in determining liability for premises liability claims.

These claims are based on the legal doctrine of negligence, which states that property owners and managers must exercise reasonable care to protect the safety of those who visit their property. There are four components that a plaintiff (the person or entity filing a lawsuit) must prove when filing a claim against a property owner. Those components are:

• The defendant (the person or entity the lawsuit is filed against) either owned or controlled the property on which the plaintiff’s injuries occurred.
• A hazardous condition existed on the property, such as broken stairs, for example.
• The plaintiff sustained some kind of injury or loss on the premises.
• The hazardous condition on the premises led to the plaintiff’s injuries, plus the plaintiff must provide proof of their injuries and how they’re related to the hazardous condition on the property.

Determining fault in a premises liability claim doesn’t begin and end with warning signs. If a plaintiff can show that a property owner did not meet the standard of care required of them by the law, they can be held liable for compensation – regardless of whether there were any warning signs on the property.

When Can Warning Signs Be Ineffective?

Warning signs must meet certain standards if they’re to be considered effective, and by extension, count as grounds to shift liability away from a property owner. In some cases, these standards are explicitly laid out by state and local laws.

There are a few general guidelines that warning signs must meet in order to be considered effective:

• The text on the sign must be large enough for people to read at a distance.
• The sign must be placed in a spot where it’s clearly visible.
• People must be able to see the sign before they encounter the hazard on the property.
• The text of the sign must be in a language that the majority of the people who see it can understand.

If a warning sign does not meet these guidelines — for example, if the sign is in English in an area where most people speak Spanish or if the sign is obscured by a tree — then it likely won’t be considered to be effective. If a sign is not effective, it will likely not shield the property owner from liability for injuries sustained on the property.

Contact a Premises Liability Lawyer at Derek L. Hall, PC

If you’ve been hurt due to a property owner’s negligence, you need to speak to a premises liability lawyer right away. Mississippi law states that you only have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim for damages in personal injury cases. It takes a while to gather all the evidence you’ll need to prove your claim. If you take too long to file your claim, then you’ll miss out on any opportunity to collect compensation for your injuries.

Contact an experienced premises liability attorney before it’s too late. To get started today, call Derek L. Hall, PC or visit our contact page to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Why You Should Take Photos After a Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident in Mississippi, one of the most important things you can do is to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the crash scene, and any injuries you’ve suffered right away. These photos can serve as vital pieces of evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Mississippi law allows car accident victims to pursue compensation from the parties responsible for causing the crash. This means that you will have to prove the other driver’s actions caused your accident to recover the full and fair amount of compensation that you need to pay your medical bills, repair your vehicle, recoup lost wages, account for your pain and suffering, and move on with your life.

In some instances, the other party will accept responsibility for the crash, but this is, unfortunately, not always the case. In many cases, they will deny fault or even try to shift all of the blame onto you. When this happens, you’ll need proof of what happened. Some of the strongest evidence that can support your story can come in the form of photos or videos of the crash scene.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, the Mississippi car accident attorneys at Derek L. Hall, PC, can help use photos and other available evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. Our law firm offers personalized attention for all of our clients, 24/7 access to case updates online, and the benefits of more than 25 years in practice.

For your free initial consultation, call us now or visit our contact page.

Pictures Are an Important Type of Evidence

Proving that the other driver was responsible for the crash is crucial to recover the fair compensation you need and deserve. There are many types of evidence that can be used to support a car accident claim, but pictures are especially important.

While police reports, medical records, and other documents are important pieces of evidence for your injury claim, photos can show what happened in a more powerful, visceral manner. Our experience with injury claims has shown us that it’s different to read about an accident than it is to see photos of the crash’s impact first-hand.

Important details about the traffic collision may fade from your memory over time. Taking pictures of the accident can help keep those details fresh as you proceed through the car accident injury claim process.

What Should I Take Pictures Of After a Car Accident?

The more pictures you take after an auto accident, the better, especially because most modern cellphones can easily store hundreds of pictures.

There are several important things you should make sure to get pictures of, including:

• The damage to your car
• The damage to any other vehicles involved in the accident
• The position of the vehicles after the collision
• Skid marks, debris, and other evidence of the wreck
• Any injuries you sustained in the crash
• Any passengers who were in your vehicle at the time of the crash, as well as their injuries (if applicable)
• Any traffic lights or posted traffic signs near the site of the crash
• Any businesses in the surrounding area (they may have surveillance cameras that can help support your claim)
• Any witnesses who might have seen the crash (get their contact information as well)
• Any adverse weather conditions
• Any road hazards that might have contributed to the crash

Take more pictures than you think you need, and make sure the time and date settings are correct if you’re using a camera other than the one on your phone.

Should I Take Photos of the Other Drivers’ Information?

Two of the most important bits of information to collect after a car accident are the contact information and insurance information of any other drivers who might have been involved. While you could write all of this information down, you might not have a pen or pencil handy after a crash, or you may not have anything to write on.

To avoid this potential issue, use your phone to get the information you need. Take pictures of the other party’s insurance card, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and license plate. This way, you have a clear and easily sharable record of all the information you need.

What If I Am Unable to Take Photos After My Car Accident?

In the case of severe car accidents, you might need emergency medical treatment and may be unable to take pictures of the car accident yourself. If this situation arises, try to get someone else on the scene to take pictures for you. You can also try to get eyewitnesses to take pictures and send them to you as soon as possible after the crash.

While it’s best to take photos of the scene of a car crash as soon as possible, sometimes circumstances make it so that can’t happen immediately. If this is the case, return to the scene as soon as you can to take pictures of nearby traffic signs, any skid marks left after the crash, and whatever else you can document.

A Jackson Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Pursuing the compensation that you need after a serious car accident can be challenging. One way to make it easier on yourself is to hire the dedicated legal team at Derek L. Hall, PC, to assemble and analyze the necessary evidence to prove your claim.

While we’re investigating your claim, we’ll also be talking to the other drivers involved in the accident and their insurers. We’ll make sure that the insurance companies get the documentation they need to approve your claim, along with handling all of the other legal legwork required to get you the money you need to pay your bills and put this accident behind you.

Our team has a proven track record of getting our clients what they deserve, as you can see from some of our recent case results. Get your free case review today by calling us or visiting our contact page.

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5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it may be tempting to allow the insurance providers to handle everything. After all, if you weren’t the cause of a wreck, everything should work out in your favor, right?

While this may seem like a reasonable assumption, car accident cases can get complicated quickly. Expensive recovery bills and conflicting points of view may turn the settlement process into a nightmare. Insurance companies are seldom known for their charity.

Here are five reasons you’re better off hiring a car accident lawyer.

1. 1. Experience Handling Car Crash Cases

      If you decide to represent yourself in a car accident claim, how will you know if a settlement you’re offered is fair? Insurance companies don’t expect you to be an expert, so they have no incentive to explore every opportunity to give you more money. A seasoned car accident lawyer managing your case adds strength to your claim because insurance providers know they are dealing with a professional.

      Unlike most people, car crash attorneys handle accident claims every day. They know what causes them, what their short-term and long-term effects are, and importantly, how much accident claims are worth. Knowing which outcomes are eligible for damages, and how to value those damages, is crucial when seeking compensation. With an auto accident attorney on your side, you can rest assured that no stone will go unturned in the pursuit of the compensation you need to be made whole.

   2. Knowledge of Applicable Laws

      As a victim, you’re probably more concerned with how to heal and move on from the accident than the legal process. However, without a thorough understanding of the law, you may be unaware of all the options you have to pursue a claim. Laws are written to govern everyone under all circumstances, so they are often very detailed and difficult to interpret.

      A skilled and experienced litigator will have a thorough understanding of the law and how to apply them to your case. Your attorney will be able to investigate your accident and identify negligence on the part of the other driver. This is crucial in proving liability, or fault, before an insurance provider or court of law. It’s also important to know and observe the statute of limitations, or time limit to bring a claim in your state. Filing outside of this timeframe will likely lead to your case being dismissed.

      Additionally, laws change. What might have been true when your friend wrecked her car last year might not be true today. A lawyer bases their advice on the most up-to-date version of the law.

   3. Help Prove Liability and Discover All Sources of Coverage

      The state of Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system for determining recovery outcomes. This means that if your accident claim ends up in court, the amount of compensation you receive could be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault.

      To make sure you have the strongest possible claim, a car accident lawyer will conduct investigations and gather evidence to support your case. This may include:

      • Tracking down and interviewing witnesses of the accident
      • Consulting expert witnesses for accident reconstruction or medical evaluations
      • Requesting accident reports from local law enforcement
      • Gathering photos or video footage of the wreck
      • Researching road and weather conditions surrounding the accident
      • Evaluating vehicles to locate any possible defects
      • Issuing spoilation letters to preserve short-lived evidence

   4. Dealing with Insurance Companies

      Your lawyer will handle all communications with an insurance provider on your behalf. This can include speaking for you over the phone or helping you create a written statement to ensure your words are recorded exactly. Clients whose lawyers speak or write for them are less likely to accidentally hurt their own claims or have their words twisted and taken out of context later on. A level playing field means that you have the best shot to recover quickly and get back to living your life.

      Like all businesses, insurance companies exist to turn a profit. Their job is easier when they get to decide how much to pay for your claim. However, when you involve an injury attorney, an insurer’s job stops being easy. If an insurance provider tries to put their own interests ahead of your needs by undervaluing your claim, a dedicated lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and fight in court for what is rightfully yours.

   5. Negotiating a Settlement

      One of the most important aspects of a car accident case is the resulting settlement, and the most crucial aspect of a settlement is how it is valued. When you understand exactly how much your claim is worth, you’re better equipped to handle the long and expensive process of recovery.

      Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you seek damages for things like:

      • Any bills you incurred from medical treatment
      • Any medical bills you may expect to have in the future as a result of the accident, including those for therapy or rehabilitation costs
      • Any wages you lose as a result of being unable to work
      • Any potential future income you’re prevented from earning as a result of the accident
      • Any current or future consequences of the wreck and your resulting injuries, such as pain and suffering or PTSD
      • Vehicle or other property damage

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

Perhaps the most compelling reason to hire a car accident lawyer is simply peace of mind. While seeking legal representation may not erase all your troubles, it can provide comfort in the knowledge that someone will look out for your best interests. That’s something only your lawyer will do – not the insurance company, not the police, and not the courts.

The attorneys of Derek L. Hall, PC are committed to fighting for the rights of Jackson car accident victims for more than 25 years. We provide our clients with unbiased and practical legal advice, and we’re quick to respond to any questions, emails, or phone calls.

Contact us today online or by phone to find out more about how we can help you.

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5 Reasons to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a semi-truck and are looking for a truck accident attorney to represent you, you should contact a firm that understands the unique aspects of truck accident claims.

There are special regulations that govern truckers and the trucking industry. Truck crashes are often more serious than ordinary car accidents.

The law firm of Derek L. Hall, P.C., is here to stand up for your rights after a truck accident. You can set up your free initial consultation by calling us or reaching out online.

Here are the top five reasons to hire a truck accident lawyer to handle your claim.

1. The trucking industry has special rules and regulations.

   Federal regulatory agencies and state agencies both have specific rules governing trucking companies and truck driver behavior. These rules cover all manner of subjects, from how long drivers can go between breaks to who can be held liable in the event of an accident.

   Knowing these rules and laws is essential if you want to put together the strongest claim possible against the truck driver, their employer, and anyone else who might be liable for damages. Not all accident attorneys are familiar with these complex regulations, however. But the truck accident attorneys at the law firm of Derek L. Hall, P.C., are well-versed in all the relevant statutes surrounding truck accident claims, which means we’re best positioned to handle your claim.

2. Multiple parties could be held liable.

   The most obvious parties who could be held liable for damages in a truck accident claim are the driver and the trucking company they work for, right? However, depending on the circumstances of your accident, there may be additional parties who are liable for your injuries. To make sure everyone who may be liable for your injuries is held accountable, you want a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who will thoroughly investigate your claim.

   In addition to the driver and the trucking company, other potentially liable parties may include the owner of the truck and trailer, the owner of the cargo, the shipping company, the truck maintenance company, an equipment manufacturer, among others.

3. The insurance company might not offer you enough compensation.

   It’s important to remember that in a truck accident claim, the insurance company isn’t looking out for your best interest. They want to protect their bottom line and minimize any potential liability for the driver or the company they work for. To that end, they will likely do whatever they can to try and deflect liability to avoid paying you for the full extent of your losses.

   A truck accident attorney is essential if you want pursue the best settlement possible. An attorney can help demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and the resulting damages. This includes both economic damages (lost wages, medical bills, etc.) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.).

4. You need the appropriate legal strategy.

   Just as car accidents are different from truck accidents, not all truck accidents are the same. There’s no one magic formula for proving a successful truck accident claim. It requires patience, the right legal skill set, and specialized knowledge.

   You want an attorney who will craft the right strategy for your specific claim, not one who will plug your case into a predetermined blueprint. That means hiring a truck accident lawyer who understands the nuances of these cases and is ready to put in the work to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.

5. An attorney can handle complex negotiations.

   Truck accident claims are a time-consuming, rigorous legal process. There are many legal issues to deal with, paperwork to be done, and lots of lawyers and insurance agents to talk to. If you’ve recently been involved in a truck accident, you’re likely not in any condition to handle these complex proceedings. You need to focus on healing and getting back to normal, as best you can.

   As you’re recovering, your truck accident attorney can handle all the necessary legal communication, gathering evidence, performing legal research, and negotiating a possible settlement, while preparing your case for trial (should that become necessary). They’ll keep you informed while you recuperate, and they can answer any questions you might have along the way.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, hiring an attorney should be one of your top priorities. The sooner you hire a truck accident lawyer, the sooner they can get to work on your case, and the sooner you could get the compensation you’re due.

We have more than 25 years of experience at the law firm of Derek L. Hall, P.C., and we have a proven record of success in truck accident claims. We’re well-known throughout Mississippi for our straightforward approach and aggressive representation of our clients. We’re here to fight for your legal rights and help you get back on your feet.

To set up your free initial consultation, call us or visit our contact page.

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5 Defensive Driving Tips from a Car Accident Lawyer in Jackson, MS

As a responsible driver, you follow all of the rules of the road to keep you and others safe. Unfortunately, even the safest driver could become the victim of a serious car accident if others on the road do not exercise the same care and caution.

Although you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can reduce the chances of getting into an accident by using defensive driving techniques and strategies. Defensive driving means remaining alert and prepared for whatever may happen on the road.

Although you can learn defensive driving in greater detail by taking a state-approved course, there are a few defensive driving tips that every driver should know and practice to help make the roads a safer place.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving involves operating a motor vehicle in a way that uses safe driving strategies to allow you to anticipate and address hazards on the road. Defensive driving goes beyond simply following traffic laws and basic tips for operating a vehicle.

It includes developing skills that allow drivers to anticipate situations and make well-informed decisions, based on the road, traffic, and environmental conditions. Defensive driving allows a motorist to reduce their risk of getting into an accident in spite of the conditions and other drivers around them.

5 Essential Defensive Driving Tips

Drivers can learn about defensive driving by taking a defensive driving class. Classes are offered through various media, including in-person, through correspondence, or increasingly online. Completing a defensive driving class can have a number of benefits, including reduced insurance rates, guaranteed insurance rates that won’t increase, or a reduction of license points.

Below are some of the most important defensive driving tips you should remember any time you get behind the wheel:

1. Plan Ahead

   • It can often seem natural for new and inexperienced drivers to simply look directly in front of their vehicle. However, proper defensive driving requires you to look as far ahead as possible down the road for details or other signs that indicate a hazard or a potential hazard that may develop.
   • You should also begin to think about where you are going and what maneuvers you will need to make, such as changing lanes, getting off a highway exit, or making a left or right turn, long before you are only mere feet from making that maneuver. This may mean, for example, shifting over into the lane you need to be in 2-3 miles before you need to be in that lane, simply because there is a safe opportunity to do so.
   • Finally, planning ahead also means having an escape plan at all times. What can you do and what maneuvers can you make if an emergency situation were to develop in front of your vehicle, like a pedestrian or animal running out in front of your car or another vehicle on the road spinning out of control?

2. Watch Your Speed

   • It may seem like a cliché to say that “speed kills,” but experience often shows that accidents and serious injuries happen more frequently in accidents where at least one of the vehicles involved was speeding. The faster you go, the longer it will take your vehicle to stop, if necessary, and the greater the force of the impact if you do get into a collision.

      

   • Of course, you should also follow along with the flow of traffic, so long as it doesn’t exceed posted limits. Traveling slower than the flow of traffic, especially outside the rightmost lane, means you pose a risk of a rear-end collision or another accident as traffic traveling faster than you must move to avoid you.

3. Maintain a Proper Following Distance

   • You should always ensure that you have sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to safely stop, even if the vehicle in front suddenly makes an emergency stop. You should keep in mind the type and size of your vehicle and the type and size of the vehicle in front of you. If you have a motorcycle in front of you, for example, you should remember that a motorcycle can stop in a much shorter distance for the same speed than a car, truck, or SUV can.

4. Expect the Unexpected

   • Even when you are traveling down the highway in steady traffic, you should never let your guard down. You never know when an emergency may arise around you on the road. Another vehicle may experience a tire blowout. Another driver may suddenly try to merge or change lanes without signaling. An object may fall onto the roadway from a truck or other vehicle. A person or animal may run out into the road. You should always remain alert for any emergencies to arise and always have a plan of what you will do if those emergencies do arise.

5. Avoid Distractions

   • Many of us are glued to our cell phones, even when we get behind the wheel. However, when you are driving, you need to avoid letting yourself be distracted by anything that may take your attention off the road and the operation of your vehicle, such as a text or phone call, using your car’s radio or infotainment system, eating, setting a destination into navigation, or interacting with other occupants of your vehicle.

      

   • Every moment you take your focus off the road is a moment when an emergency can arise, and you cannot respond to that emergency. By the time you do put your focus back on the road, it may be too late to safely respond.

Contact Derek L. Hall, P.C., an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident in Mississippi through no fault of your own, contact the experienced attorneys at Derek L. Hall, P.C. to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Talk to us about your case and learn more about your legal rights and options and how our knowledgeable car accident lawyers can help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses. We can get you more.

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Derek L. Hall, P.C. Launches New Personal Injury Website

In an effort to make their services easily accessible to everyone in Mississippi who needs them, Derek L. Hall, P.C. has launched a new personal injury website! This new site allows people who have suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness to connect directly with attorneys at the firm for experienced legal representation in Jackson and surrounding areas.

About Derek L. Hall, P.C.

Before Derek L. Hall founded his firm, he worked as a therapist helping youth with drug and alcohol addictions. He became a lawyer in order to assist people who need help in more direct ways. After he experienced a serious car wreck in 2017, Mr. Hall gained new, personal knowledge, of the pain and suffering negligent drivers cause their victims.

Over the past 25 years, he’s found that his work in personal injury law has an immediate positive effect on his clients and their families. When you’ve been hurt in a car crash, truck accident, or slip and fall accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the person or business who caused your injury.

Beginning that process can be intimidating for some people. That’s why Derek L Hall, P.C. has worked so hard to make the law firm’s new website accessible, easy to understand, and comprehensive.

We want both existing and potential clients to think of us as a resource.

Injured people shouldn’t be required to read complicated insurance contracts or understand Mississippi state statutes. Instead, our personal injury attorneys can translate that legalese into plain English so that you understand how your case may work and what to expect.

We’ve even made a series of videos answering frequently asked questions.

Legal Services

Derek L. Hall, P.C. has built a reputation as a fierce fighter for injured Mississippians. If you’ve been hurt by someone due to negligence or recklessness, we’ll work hard to seek the compensation you need for your treatment, your lost wages or salary, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

We represent clients who’ve been hurt in cases involving, for example:

• Bicycle accidents
• Car accidents
• Dog bites
• Faulty products
• Insurance bad faith
• Medical malpractice
• Motorcycle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Truck accidents
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Wrongful death

While our firm has extensive experience handling personal injury claims, we also represent clients in disability appeals, family law (including child support and divorce), and VA disability appeals and malpractice.

Case Results

The new website also features a section about the successful results we’ve gotten for our clients. Depending on the details of your injury, you may be owed significant financial compensation.

Some of the results from our dedicated personal injury attorneys include:

• $6 million for a birth injury in a medical malpractice case
• $1.56 million for wrongful death at a construction site
• $1.5 million for a bad drug settlement in a product liability case
• $1.26 million for a vehicle rollover product liability case
• $700,000 for a fall from a defective railing for a premises liability case

Every case is different, so we can’t say how much you may be owed without a full evaluation of the facts. Our lawyers at Derek L. Hall, P.C. are prepared to do everything in our power to pursue a fair settlement or verdict for your injury

What Our Clients Say

You don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients are on the record about how happy they are with our representation and how Derek L. Hall helped them in their hour of need.

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Justine Luzzi calls Mr. Hall “One of the best personal injury attorneys in Mississippi.” After her case, she says he’s “Highly recommended!”

Perry H., a veteran, used Derek L. Hall, P.C. to get the benefits he was owed for his service. After winning these “long overdue benefits,” he was “very happy with the work they did for me.” He recommends our firm “to anyone who needs assistance with their disability claim.”

Cassie needed help with her child custody case. She stated she was “very pleased with my results. I would recommend this guy to anyone.”

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We strive to give all of our clients’ consistent service and open communication. In our experience, providing clients with a full picture helps them understand the personal injury claim process. With that understanding, our clients know what we need from them so that we can seek the results they deserve.

Ultimately, Derek L. Hall cares about his clients as whole people – people with families, jobs, and lives to get back to. A successful personal injury claim is all about that. An injury shouldn’t overtake the rest of your life.

As one of our clients said, “I would recommend Derek in a heartbeat. He is the man. He gave me a better outlook on the situation and how to overcome the whole, entire incident. You don’t have to worry about anything. You just let him know what happened, give it to him, and he’s got you from there.”

Contact Derek L. Hall, P.C.

Don’t wait until it is too late to seek the full and fair compensation that you deserve! You may not have much time before the statute of limitations – a deadline which can prevent you from obtaining the full, fair compensation you deserve – expires.

When you call the personal injury attorneys at Derek L. Hall, P.C., our conversations are always confidential and there’s no obligation to begin a case.

Contact Derek L. Hall, P.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation. Call us now or fill out our form for a case review.

The post Derek L. Hall, P.C. Launches New Personal Injury Website appeared first on .

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Mississippi Pileups

A seven-vehicle pileup in McComb claimed the lives of two people one September day, and sent several patients to nearby hospitals.  The effects of the tragedy will be long-lasting and costly for families who are faced with the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath of the collision.  If you become the4 victim of such an accident, having a heavy hitting legal team fighting for your rights can improve outcomes significantly.

A Frequent and Persistent Issue in Mississippi

The fact of the matter is, Mississippi has more than its fair share of multi-vehicle accidents.  Consider just a handful of recent cases:

• As emergency workers addressed a smoking vehicle in Blue Springs, a five-car pileup at the scene took their attention. Immediately thereafter, a six-vehicle pileup occurred in the same area, this one involving two big rigs. That led to yet another vehicle trying to avoid the whole mess, and driving down the median, ultimately crashing into the cable barrier.  Then an SUV and a semi-truck collided on the Blue Springs Bridge.  At the end of the day, fourteen vehicles were damaged,  and three people hospitalized.
• One woman died early one morning in Pascagoula after being involved in a nine-vehicle pileup. Several others were injured.
• One fatality and nearly 20 injuries resulted from a pileup in Prairieville one evening. The incident involved an 18-wheeler that careened into a line of stopped vehicles, causing a domino of crashes.

Causes of Pileups 

A number of issues can contribute to pile ups on Mississippi roadways, not the least of which is human error.  Drivers who take to the road when under the influence of debilitating prescriptions, illegal drugs, or alcohol have poor reasoning and slower reaction times than sober drivers.  On the other hand, even someone who hasn’t used mind-altering substances put others at risk when they are not fully focused on the road. It takes only an instant for a tragedy to occur.  Particular conditions make driver concentration particularly important:

• Weather conditions that result in slick or icy roadways;
• Poor visibility due to fog, precipitation, darkness, or smoke;
• Emergency lights at the scene of a problem that causes traffic to slow as drivers eye the situation;
• Reckless driving at speeds that challenge current conditions;
• Following other drivers too closely, putting your front end at risk in the event of quick or unexpected brake lights.

Have you been Injured in a Pileup? 

If a careless or reckless driver has caused a pileup that has resulted in substantial injury to you or a loved one, the Jackson car accident attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, P.C., can help.  Contact our office to discuss your situation today.

 

Resource:

wbrz.com/news/pileup-on-interstate-55-in-south-mississippi-leaves-two-dead/

wtva.com/content/news/MHP-provides-update-on-Interstate-22-wrecks–512648561.html

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/distracted-driving-costs-lives/

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Conversations Worth Having Before Marriage To Ward off Divorce

Many couples undertake marriage with a certain degree of naiveté.  They anticipate a magnificent life together of wedded bliss, only to discover that marriage is complicated.  As a less-than-fairy-tale experience unfolds, some couples realize that they really are not meant to be together, and seek a way out of an unsatisfying relationship.  If this sounds familiar, a local divorce attorney may be worth visiting.

Preventing a Mismatch

Therapists suggest that many couples could avoid disappointment by endeavoring to have important conversations before making a marriage commitment.  It would help couples to enter matrimony with more realistic expectations, and without the hopes that one partner will be able to reshape the other into compliance. What are topics of high importance?  Anyone who’s already married will not be surprised by the list:

1. Strategies to Handle Disagreements:  How do you, as a couple, deal with conflict?   If disagreements before the wedding are exhaustive and emotional, don’t expect things to change after you tie the knot.  If your partner engages in name-calling, blaming, leaving you feeling beaten down, it should be a real red flag.  On the other hand, those who avoid disagreements at all costs tend to allow issues to fester and poison the relationship. Or what if your partner is simply unable to accept constructive criticisms, and resorts to pouting, or, worse, listing all of your shortcomings dating back from the beginning of time?  Finally, if you have a partner who resorts to physical violence when frustrated, disappointed, or angry, things will not improve after the wedding. Developing healthy strategies to address conflict before marriage—such as listening, speaking in a calm tone, and working together as a team to resolve issues—can help you to tackle future problems  together.
2. Money:  Finances are one of the most commonly fraught issues in a marriage.  It would behoove couples to have clear expectations about earnings, responsibilities, and spending practices.  Being on the same page about saving for big-ticket items, as well as regarding weekly expenditures, can be crucial.
3. Intimacy:  Do you and your partner share similar feelings about sex and intimacy?  Problems in the bedroom can  lead to all kinds of issues between couples, so discussions about libido and compatibility are essential to a healthy relationship.
4. Extended Family:  Those jokes about mothers-in-law are not very funny when the issues are in your own family.  Discussing the frequency and depth of interaction with extended family before you tie the knot can alleviate hurt feelings later.  Besides the day-to-day interactions, discussions about holidays and other key events need to be had.

If Things Just Aren’t Working

If, despite your best efforts, your marriage simply is not making you happy and you’ve decided on a split, having the Jackson divorce attorneys at the law office of Derek P. Hall, P.C. can help.  Schedule a free, confidential consultation in our office today.

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/ensure-protection-with-a-good-divorce-attorney/

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Extrication from a Vehicle following a Collision

The Jaws of Life: a dramatic name for a critical life-saving tool used when people suffer collisions and become trapped in their vehicles. First responders have been trained in the most safe and efficient manner to perform these rescue operations for good reason; minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

Injuries Associated with Various Types of Collision 

It’s not difficult to imagine that when people are trapped in a wrecked vehicle, a variety of injuries may cause imminent danger.  This is one key factor that puts the pressure on rescue teams to get to victims quickly.  Any accident has the potential to cause a variety of damage to the human body. Nonetheless, particular types of injuries are frequently associated with certain kinds of accidents:

Front end Crashes

• Fractures in the hips, legs, and feet;
• Injuries to the abdominal region;
• Chest injuries;
• Damage to the spinal cord;
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Broadsides

• Shoulder dislocations;
• Breathing problems;
• Injuries to the spine;
• Internal injuries;
• Fractured pelvis;
• Blunt trauma;
• Head injuries.

Rear end Collisions

• Damage to the cervical spine;
• Lacerations to the face and head;
• Lumbar trauma;
• Trauma to the chest of the driver;

Rollovers

• Lacerations;
• Trauma to the trunk;
• Crushing wounds;
• Unconsciousness;
• Breathing issues.

Increased Risks 

The time element associated with a vehicle extraction is logically connected to a greater chance of negative outcomes in the aftermath of a serious accident.  The World Health Organization outlines key concerns after a serious collision:

• Fire erupting following the crash;
• Hazardous material leaks;
• Delay in performing a thorough medical assessment and providing appropriate interventions;
• Difficulties in stabilizing injuries before, during, and after extraction;
• Potential impacts of drugs or alcohol on victims.

What to Expect in an Extrication

If you or a loved one is trapped in a vehicle, be assured that first responders have clear guidelines they follow in order to promote the safety of all involved:

They will stabilize the vehicle, and then disconnect the battery.  Airbags will be disengaged if they have not yet been deployed.  Then rescue workers will determine what structural issues are impacting the victim’s inability to be removed from the vehicle, and will work to create a path to the victim.  That may entail removing a door, cutting through a rooftop, or other maneuvers.  In the event a victim is pinned, more cutting, spreading, pushing and pulling may ensue. All of this commotion may be alarming to someone who is trapped, but it is an essential part of the rescue process. Ultimately, extrication will occur, and initial medical attention will be focused on stabilizing the patient until they reach a hospital.

Recovering from the Trauma

A serious accident that traps a person can be terrifying in ways other accidents are not.  If you or a loved one is struggling through the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of such an accident, the Jackson auto accident attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, P.C. can help.  We will go after the negligent or reckless driver who put this scenario in motion.  Contact us in our Jackson office for a free, confidential consultation today.

 

Resource:

iuv.sdis86.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/vehicle-extrication-manual.pdf

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/distracted-driving-costs-lives/

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Protect your Marriage from Coronavirus

We’ve all heard the advice on how to protect ourselves from coronavirus:  wash hands for 20 seconds multiple times daily, cough into your elbow, avoid touching your face, participate in social distancing that limits your contacts with others.  But how many of us realize that there’s another front that needs a substantial defense:  our marriages!  That’s right!  If the statistics related to coronavirus and divorce in Mississippi in any way parallel those in China, where the first cases of coronavirus emerged, we could be looking at a sharp rise in divorce.

The Coronavirus-Divorce Connection

According to the Global Times, the number of requests for divorce since February have skyrocketed in China.  In one office alone, over 300 requests have been made.  Researchers wonder if time spent quarantined has impacted couples’ desire to stay together. As we all know, stress can bring out the worst in people.  The efforts of mitigating coronavirus have led to widespread fear and anxiety.  While here in Mississippi we haven’t experienced the level of draconian controls the Chinese have, we are nonetheless suffering substantial disruptions to our lives.  Social distancing, school and work closures, and cancellations related to sports and other large venues have had real impacts on our daily lives.  Stress levels are rising among many, and, if epidemiologists are right, things will get worse before they get better.  How can couples head off relationship issues when so much anxiety is upon us, especially if we find ourselves spending inordinate amounts of time together?

 Buffering the Stress 

It’s important to acknowledge that stress is contagious.  Nipping it early is key to preventing serious issues related to it.  The good news is, we know how to do this:

• Pay attention to stress: Sometimes we don’t realize how stressed we are until we explode, or seek comfort from alcohol or food.  Check your feelings, and those of your spouse, before things get out of hand.
• Handle things gently: If you have concerns about behaviors, approach your spouse lovingly to discuss what you’re seeing and how you’re feeling.
• Be a good listener: You don’t have to solve everything, but you do have to listen attentively to worries and fears.
• Provide comfort: Reinforce in your partner that you’ll handle problems as a team.
• Look for solutions: When things are calmer, try to control the things you can, and make a plan for future issues.
• Reduce stress: Plan time together doing things that bring you joy, like exercising, playing board games, or doing puzzles.
• Find alone time: Give yourself permission to take that long bubble bath, meditate for a few minutes, or lose yourself in a book.
• Monitor moods: Regularly check in with one another and provide reassurance as needed.
• Be a caregiver: View your role as that of taking care of your spouse, rather than focusing on what they can do for you.  It will undoubtedly make you both feel better.

Sticking Together 

In troubling times, it becomes more important for couples, families, and communities to be able to rely on one another for compassion, love, and support.  As we face the challenges of coronavirus, our Jackson divorce attorneys at the law office of Derek L. Hall, P.C. wish good health and harmony to you and yours.

 

Resource:

businessinsider.com/covid-19-peak-divorce-rate-chinese-cities-2020-3

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/divorce-and-the-irs/

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Most Common Kinds of Collisions

If you drive more than a few minutes on any given route these days, it seems likely that at some point in your week, you’ll come across a traffic collision.  Hopefully, it’ll be a collision that doesn’t result in serious injuries or fatalities, and, more importantly, it’ll be a collision that doesn’t involve you in any way.  But in the event you are the one harmed by another driver’s carelessness or recklessness, one of the first things you should consider is getting an experienced local personal injury attorney to help you with the aftermath of the collision.

Collision Statistics

The tragic fact is, more than 2 million injuries and deaths occur annually due to motor vehicle collisions.  Here in Florida, over 400,000 collisions involved nearly 700,000 individuals in 2017 alone. That’s an average of over 1,000 collisions every single day!  The numbers related to those collisions are tragic:

• 3,116 people lost their lives;
• 254,310 people were hospitalized;
• 20,380 people suffered incapacitating harm.

Sadly, many people who are injured in such wrecks were not at fault in the collisions.  What are the most likely types of collisions one might encounter?

Rear-Enders:  When another driver is distracted, it’s all too easy to crash into the rear of another vehicle. While this often occurs in heavy stop-and-go traffic, it can also happen on busy highways at high speeds.

T-Bone Collisions:  The most likely place to experience this type of crash is in an intersection.  Drivers who plow through red lights and stop signs are often at fault. It is important for motorists to take extra caution when approaching busy intersections.

Head-on Collisions:  The deadliest of collisions, direct crashes into other vehicles, objects, or animals occur with alarming frequency, and are often related to weather, distractions, or driver error.

Contact at Low Speeds:  All too often, people think that because they are moving slowly, nothing bad can happen. That makes neighborhood roads where speed limits are 25 mph a place where many allow themselves minor distractions, making the possibility of a collision a real threat.  Another danger zone can be parking lots.  These can be particularly treacherous because there are often a number of obstacles and other drivers maneuvering in tight places.  Additionally, many drivers neglect to wear seatbelts at these lower speeds, making the possibility of injury substantial.  The fact is, even at slow speeds, the human body is vulnerable to extreme trauma when confronted with another vehicle.

In the Aftermath…

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a collision due to no fault of your own, you want heavy hitting Jackson personal injury attorneys fighting for justice on your behalf.  At the office of Derek L. Hall, P.C., you’ll get nothing less.  Contact us to discuss an aggressive strategy to provide relief to you and your family today.

 

Resource:

allnationinsurance.com/common-types-car-crashes/

seminolechiropracticcenter.com/florida-car-crash-statistics-infographic

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/deadly-mississippi-collisions/

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Ensure Protection with a Good Divorce Attorney

Anyone thinking about filing for divorce has probably spent some time on the Internet looking at alternatives to hiring a local attorney.  They may be hoping to save a few bucks by avoiding attorney’s fees, but are actually being a bit shortsighted.  The fact of the matter is, a good divorce attorney can save you both money and time.

Benefits of Legal Counsel

There are scores of advantages to having your own divorce attorney, as opposed to representing yourself, but we’ll highlight some of the most important here:

Protection:    Your attorney has your best interests in mind.  That means the aim is to protect you: your assets, your custody rights, your future.  Without your own attorney, you can never know for sure if you are getting a fair settlement.

Time:  Divorce takes time, pure and simple.  But your attorney has negotiating skills, knowledge, and contacts that can expedite matters to your advantage.

Emotions:  Even the most stoic among us experiences some confusing emotions associated with a divorce.  Most people experience a concoction of rage, confusion, desperation, and sadness.  Many seesaw between feelings of extreme vengeance and total antipathy.  But your lawyer, although sympathetic to your emotional rollercoaster, is clear-headed with an eye toward getting you the best deal possible.  If you need to be dissuaded from pursuing a battle over some menial detail, or if you need to be psyched up to fight for your rights, your attorney is there for you.  With an understanding of the law as a lever, your heavy hitting attorney keeps an eye on the prize.

Options:  There are generally a plethora of issues that need to be resolved in the course of a divorce.  While Mississippi laws guide one on the basics, the details of every divorce can be negotiated.  Rather than battling it out with your ex on your own, your experienced attorney goes to the table with your interests in mind, and all the legal tools in the tool bag to devise the deal you need. There is more than one way to achieve your goals, and your attorney knows those routes.

Paperwork:  Why hassle with the many forms and deadlines that are required when your able attorney can take care of it on your behalf?  Remember, if you’re representing yourself in court, the expectations for your performance are no more lenient than they are for any attorney.  Honest mistakes might be regarded as simple carelessness or as efforts at deception.  Neither benefits you.

Get Things Moving

If it’s time to start thinking about divorce and get the ball rolling, having the Jackson divorce attorneys at Derek L. Hall, P.C. on your team is the first move you should make.  With experience and dexterity, we will fight aggressively to achieve your desired outcomes.  Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/what-men-need-to-know-about-divorce/

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Understanding Social Security Benefits in 2020

If you receive Social Security benefits, or if you’re about to, you’re in for some good news.  2020 looks brighter with the annual changes that have been announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the coming year.  If you need help understanding your benefits, speaking to an attorney who focuses on such matters could be a great idea!

Rate Increase 

If you’re one of the 67 million recipients of Social Security, you’ll be happy to know that your monthly check will go up by nearly three percent in 2020.  That’s right, the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) rose by 2.8 percent, for an average increase of nearly $40 per month.  It’s no landslide, but every dollar helps, right?  For those collecting Social Security Disability benefits, there has also been an increase of between $40-$70 per month, depending on circumstances.

At What Age Should I Start Collecting Benefits?

When it comes to when to start collecting a Social Security check, there are a number of factors to consider.  Depending on the year in which you were born, the age at which you have the option to collect is different.  The absolute youngest some people can collect partial benefits is age 62.  For individuals living on a shoestring, that income is desperately needed and it may be a good idea to file for benefits immediately, even though the eligible amount will be less for the duration of the benefit (70 percent of the sum provided at full retirement age). Waiting until full retirement age will produce a significantly higher benefit.  It’s important to note that if you can afford to wait to collect benefits even longer, until age 70, the monthly benefits are over 75 percent higher.  It’s something to consider.

Currently, individuals who turned 62 during 2019 cannot fully retire until they become 66 and four months old. The retirement age increases by two months for every year after that, making retirement at age 67 for those born in 1960 or later.

Can I Continue to Work and Collect Social Security Benefits?

If you are just reaching full retirement age in 2019, and you are continuing to work, it’s worth noting the restrictions on earnings. While you can continue to be employed while collecting Social Security, there are limits on potential earnings. For individuals who earn just under $47,000, there is no penalty.  But for every $3 over the earnings limit that is earned prior to reaching full retirement age in that year, there is a corresponding $1 reduction in Social Security benefits.  After full retirement age, benefits will resume to the normal amount.

Are You Confused?

If thinking about Social Security gives you a headache, you’re not alone.  The SSA is a huge, unwieldy organization, and figuring out the best path forward can be a daunting task.  That’s why the Jackson Social Security benefits attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, P.C. are here to help.  Let us walk you through the maze of the SSA and get you the benefits you deserve.  Contact our Jackson office today for a free, confidential consultation.

 

Resource:

investopedia.com/retirement/social-security-changes/

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/are-you-facing-a-social-security-disability-denial/

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Divorce and the IRS

One of the last things that you might be thinking about as you contemplate divorce is the implication the split will have on your taxes.  But the truth of the matter is, things are going to change, and knowing the basics puts you in a much better position as you negotiate the terms of the divorce.  Having a savvy divorce attorney by your side will make the whole process much easier.  So what exactly are the tax issues of which you need to be aware?

How to File

You really don’t have a choice as to whether to file as single or married.  The IRS says it all depends on the date your divorce was finalized.  Anything prior to December 31^st means you must file as single, even if you’ve been living as a couple for the majority of the year.  On the other hand, if the divorce becomes final on January 1^st or later, you can still file as married, even if you lived separately the entire year!

Head of Household 

As a rule, the custodial parent gets to claim head of household. However, that status may be transferred to the noncustodial parent with form 8332.  Another option for couples whose divorce was finalized before the end of the calendar year would be for an individual to file as head of household if you physically separated before June 1 and continued to pay 51 percent of the expenses related to home maintenance.

Child Support

Whether you paid child support or received it, there is no impact on your tax burden.  It cannot be deducted by the payer, and needn’t be claimed by the recipient.

Spousal Support

The rules for alimony depend on when the divorce was finalized.  For anyone who divorced prior to the conclusion of 2018, the payer may deduct alimony, while the recipient must claim it.  For divorces that occurred after 2018, payments are neither deducted nor claimed.

Claiming Dependents

The important rule here is that no child can be claimed by both parents at the same time.  If you have a disagreement as to who gets to claim a child, and you both decide to do it, you are simply asking for an IRS audit. Unless otherwise specified in your divorce decree, the IRS will likely allow the custodial parent to claim the child, assuming one parent has the child for more than half of the time in a given year.

Think Ahead 

It really is essential to consider all of the tax repercussions on the divorce before signing on the dotted line.  The issues discussed here, and others, will impact your finances for years to come.  That’s just one reason it’s so important to have the experienced Jackson divorce attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, P.C. working on your behalf. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Jackson office today.

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/what-men-need-to-know-about-divorce/

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Dangers of ATVs

ATVs are a popular source of recreation these days, and for good reason.  These vehicles provide individuals and families the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a variety of settings.  Tragically, ATV accidents are not uncommon, leading to serious injuries, and even deaths in the worst cases.  If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the recklessness or negligence of an ATV driver or manufacturer, a local personal injury attorney may be able to help.

Where do ATV Accidents Occur?

Because ATVs can access so many kinds of terrain, accidents can occur virtually anywhere.  Statistically speaking,the majority of issues—nearly one-third—occur on pavement.  Unpaved roads, pastures and fields, woodlands, and even sand dunes all see their fair share of ATV accidents, as well.

ATV Accident Statistics 

Inexperienced riders are 13 times more likely to be involved in an accident than an experienced peer.  There are over 100,000 injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms due to ATV accidents annually.  Roughly a quarter of them involve children under the age of 16.  What kinds of injuries are we talking about?

• More than 31,000 involve injuries to the hands and arms;
• Over 30,000 relate to rider’s head or neck;
• Foot and leg injuries plague over 20,000.

The Mississippi numbers are heartbreaking: injury rates are moving up for children in the state (50 per 100,000), and are virtually double the injury rates for adults (25 per 100,000).

Injuries are bad enough.  Unfortunately, there are hundreds of ATV related fatalities nationwide every year, as well.  Over one in ten deaths involves a child under the age of 16.

In Mississippi, 43 percent of fatalities related to ATVs involve individuals under age 22.  Males account for 80 percent of Mississippi ATV fatalities; 

What Makes ATVs so Dangerous? 

Because ATVs are motorized and can travel at speeds as high as 65 mph or faster, and because adult vehicles weigh as much as 600 pounds, the machines can be deadly if they overturn or crash into trees or other objects.  Accidents may be the result of machine malfunction, excessive speed for the conditions, or individuals riding a machine that is simply too big for them to handle. Safety tips include:

• Wear proper protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, boots, and clothing that covers your body completely;
• Get proper training before taking charge of an ATV;
• Only permit the number of riders for which the machine was designed;
• Do not allow young children to ride a machine designed for adults;
• Avoid riding on paved roads;
• Provide proper supervision for young or inexperienced riders;
• Avoid attempting daredevil stunts;
• Perform regular maintenance tasks and safety inspections.

Following a Serious Accident

If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries or death as a result of an ATV accident, it may be possible to recover damages from responsible parties.  Now more than ever, you need a heavy hitting attorney.  Contact the aggressive Jackson personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Derek L. Hall, PC for a free, confidential consultation today.

 

Resource:

msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/3777.pdf

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/deadly-mississippi-collisions/

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Motorist Behavior that Endangers Big Rigs and Everyone Else

There’s likely not a driver among us who hasn’t felt a twinge of impatience while navigating Mississippi’s highways when traffic is heavy, or when construction cones force vehicles to merge into fewer lanes than necessary for maximum speeds.  All too frequently, driver frustration leads to menacing behaviors behind the wheel, like weaving quickly between vehicles, tailgating, and racing forward only to have to suddenly lay on the brakes.  This unpredictable behavior on the road can be incredibly dangerous. Driver impatience, which often turns into a form of road rage that is characterized by recklessness, can turn an otherwise uneventful commute into a tragedy, particularly when road rage with a big rig six or seven times a typical passenger vehicle’s weight occurs. Often the raging driver escapes without a dent, while  sadly, neighboring motorists and truck drivers suffer unspeakable harm.  Surely, every commuter is entitled to a safe and courteous experience on Mississippi roadways.  The same is true for drivers of eighteen-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles.  When your safety is put at risk by the recklessness of an impatient motorist, it might be a good idea to discuss the incident with a local personal injury attorney.

Motorists can be Oblivious 

According to truckers across the country, the idea of displaying courtesy toward a big rig is a thing of the past.  Every single day, these big rigs are forced to deal with motorists who zigzag around them, often failing to signal their intent.  When forced to merge, passenger vehicles frequently zoom to get ahead of these massive trucks, compelling truck drivers to slam on their brakes instead of peacefully taking their turn with other merging vehicles.  This can lead to serious problems:

• As the big rig makes a sudden slow down or swerves to avoid a passenger vehicle, it may experience a shifting load. When the imbalance is severe enough, the rig might actually overturn;
• It may be impossible for a truck driver to control the several tons of rigging behind him or her, which could mean the rig jackknifes, rolls, or collides into neighboring vehicles or obstacles;
• The braking system may not be able to handle such sudden extreme requirements, leading to long skids that are out of control.

It’s a Whole Other Animal

The problem is, these big rigs are more than just larger, heavier vehicles.  Driving them is not just a modification of typical driving.  It takes significantly longer for them to slow down; drivers have much more limited vision behind and to the sides; and accidents can occur with much less provocation and can result in much more serious consequences, all because of the size and mass of the rigs.  Motorists should be courteous in all driving situations, but particularly in the face of the extreme challenges of tractor-trailers, eighteen-wheelers,  and other huge commercial trucks.

Contact an Attorney Today for Help

If a combination of recklessness and a big rig has led to an accident with serious injuries, you need a heavy hitter fighting for justice on your behalf.  Contact the Jackson 18-wheeler accident attorneys at the office of Derek L. Hall, PC today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

 

Resource:

jacksonville.com/news/2017-01-01/truckers-road-rage-getting-worse-not-better

https://www.dlhattorneys.com/18-wheelers-involved-in-serious-accidents/

from Motorist Behavior that Endangers Big Rigs and Everyone Else https://www.dlhattorneys.com/motorist-behavior-that-endangers-big-rigs-and-everyone-else/
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