Many of our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys are biking enthusiasts. We understand the harrowing experiences that the typical bicyclist experiences on a daily basis, including rude and insensitive motorists, lunging unrestrained dogs and shoddily maintained roadways. We understand that the streets can be extremely unsafe for bicycle riders. While the roads would be safer if the typical motorist was more sensitive to the vulnerability of bike riders, the reality is that many drivers consider bicyclists an annoying and unnecessary disruption to the flow of traffic. Mississippi law provides that cyclists have the same rights to use our streets and roads as those driving cars, trucks and SUVs. However, anyone who spends any time biking to work or for pleasure throughout Mississippi knows that many drivers are not the least bit concerned about bicycle and motor vehicle safety rules.
Bicyclists Are Extremely Vulnerable to Injury in Mississippi Bicycling Accident
A bicyclist is uniquely exposed to catastrophic injury and even death when they are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle in Mississippi. Bicycles while good for the environment and your health provide absolutely no protection when you are involved in a collision with a motor vehicle weighing two tons or more. Although estimates vary widely, bicycle accident data suggests that someone who rides a bicycle is in excess of ten times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident than someone who is driving a passenger vehicle. More than forty-four thousand people have died in bicycle accidents in the United States during the last seventy years.
We understand the staggering financial, emotional and physical challenges associated with bicycle accidents that may result in debilitating injuries and have an adverse impact on every aspect of a bicycle accident victim’s life. Because bicyclists lack the structural protection that a motor vehicle offers, the risk of catastrophic injuries is extremely high.
How Do Most Mississippi Bike Accidents Occur?
Bicycles are subject to Mississippi laws that govern traffic rules for all motor vehicles. These traffic safety rules provide right-of-way principles and other safety rules designed to keep drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and everyone sharing the roadways safe. The lion’s share of serious bicycle accidents occurs when motorists disregard these rules of the road. Some of the most common causes of serious Mississippi bicycle accidents that our law firm handles include the following:
- Drivers that suddenly pull out in front of bicyclist and cut them off
- Failure of dog owners to keep their dog on a leash to prevent them from lunging at bicyclists
- Failing to check blind spots when moving into an adjacent lane
- Drowsy drivers
- Motorists driving while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications
- Drivers that fail to obey stop signs and stoplights
- Drivers distracted by iPods, cell phones, grooming, eating, drinking and any other type of driver inattention
- Failure to allow a reasonable distance between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist
- Motorists who do not look both directions before proceeding through an intersection
- Product defects in bicycles
Our experienced Mississippi bicycle accident lawyers at Barrett Law provide the type of exemplary legal services that has helped us develop a reputation for effective and tenacious legal representation. We make sure that insurance defense lawyers are on notice that we are prepared to seek a trial verdict unless the insurance carrier offers appropriate compensation for all of our client’s losses to provide a foundation for a high quality of life. At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi. Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.