Distracted Driving Is A Growing Problem

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert the vehicle driver’s attention away from driving which can cause accidents and unfortunately, sometimes loss of life. A distraction while driving can be visual, manual or cognitive. A few examples are texting, reading, talking on the phone, eating, an uncaged or unharnessed pet and putting on makeup while you are driving. All distractions endanger the driver and compromise the safety of the passenger(s) and bystander(s) and those in other vehicles.

In the state of Mississippi there are currently three primary laws regarding distractions while driving. A primary law means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. The three laws are as follows:

1. Ban on all cell phones use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers
2. Ban on texting for bus drivers.
3. Ban on texting for novice drivers. Mississippi defines novice drivers as drivers with a learner’s permit or provisional license.

Distracted driving is a growing problem and is responsible for many injuries and deaths that could otherwise be prevented. According to the website www.distraction.gov in 2012, alone 3,328 were killed in distracted driving crashes. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver; this was a nine percent increase from the estimated 387,000 people injured in 2011.

We urge you to educate yourself on the dangers of distracted driving. To practice safe driving habits and to speak out if the driver in your vehicle is distracted. The life you save could be yours.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a distracted driver you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C and we will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation.

Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we defend your interests and protect your legal rights. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer our clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

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Premises Liability Injury?

Premises liability law covers claims that result where an injury was caused by some type of unsafe or defective condition on someone's property. They can take place at private residences, commercial property or commercial buildings. Some of the more common places where there are cases involving premises liability are in casinos and large retail stores including grocery, discount and malls due to the large volume of people that enter their places of business.

If you have sustained a personal injury due to the property owner’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. This may include compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If a loved one has died due to premise liability you may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Among the top reasons people file premises liability claims are:

• Falling Object
• Trip and falls
• Slip and fall either inside or outside of the building
• Fires
• Dog Bites
• Inadequate fencing of swimming pools
• Failed maintenance – loose guardrails, collapsed ceiling, hole in the floor, dangerous sidewalks or other hazardous conditions.
• Crime committed on the business owner’s property against the employee or customer 

The insurance company for the property where the accident occurred may try to quickly contact anyone injured as a result of the accident and attempt to settle any claims before the injured person has consulted an attorney. If you or a loved one are involved in a premises liability or other accident we strongly recommend that you do not talk to the insurance company for the property owner before you consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

Depend on Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. to quickly and thoroughly investigate your claim and move your case toward a successful resolution, be it through a favorable settlement or verdict. Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced premises liability attorney today.

With more than 68 years of combined legal experience, our team at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.  To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

Tips To Remember After An Accident

With spring on the horizon, we felt it would be an appropriate time to send a reminder of things to do should you or a loved one be involved in an auto accident. The actions that occur in the moments immediately following the accident could have a tremendous impact in the outcome of your accident claim.

Assess Injuries
First and foremost, the health and safety of yourself and others takes precedence. Take a moment to assess the injuries of those involved. Realize that some injuries may take days or weeks before they are noticeable.

Move Yourself and Others to Safety
Once you have assessed the situation, move everyone to safety out of traffic. If cars are drivable, they should be moved to the side of the road. If they are not mobile, mark them as disable as best as possible using flares or hazard lights and remove all people from the disabled vehicles. If there are serious injuries, do not move the injured persons unless you are trained to do so or if they are in danger. Moving an injured person could cause additional injury.

Contact Authorities
Local authorities should then be contacted about the accident, especially if there are injuries involved. If there are no injuries, depending upon the location of the accident, this step may be skipped due to local laws.

Exchange Information
Obtain the insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number for every vehicle involved from the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.

Take Photos of the Scene
 Nearly all cell phones have cameras on them, use it to help document the accident scene. Be sure to take pictures of the vehicles involved as well as things like sight lines, skid marks, wet pavement, debris field and even the drivers themselves. This will help paint the picture of how the accident may have occurred.

Seek Medical Attention
Many brain and spine injury symptom develop in the days and weeks after an accident. You should seek medical attention even if you do not believe you have been injured. 

Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies
It is possible a representative from an insurance company will arrive to help expedite the claims process. If an insurance rep shows up do not talk to them, even if they are form your insurance provider. The police will take statements from those involved and make it official record. Making multiple statements may create conflicting information that could be used against you.

Contact an Attorney
After you or a loved one is involved in an accident, consider hiring an attorney. This is especially if you have been injured or have been offered a settlement by and insurance company.

If you are in need of legal counsel due to an automobile accident, contact the team at Hopkins, Barvie and Hopkins, PLLC. Our team has the skills and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve!