Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss Bicycling Accidents

A Tennessee cyclist got struck by a hit-and-run driver in an SUV while he was riding on Natchez Trace Parkway. Fortunately, the man did not get any life-threatening injuries although he did get hurt in the crash. The driver of the SUV got charged with failing to immediately notify of an accident, failure to render aid, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless endangerment. Additional federal charges might also get brought against the driver if authorities decide to do so.

Many cyclists enjoy riding on the Natchez Trace Parkway because it is a designated bike route. The man who got hit was riding with a friend near the north end of the Parkway when the collision occurred. The man who did not get hit was wearing a camera and caught the entire, scary incident on video, which he provided to authorities so they could use it in their investigation.

Traffic laws for bicycle riders vary from state to state. Both drivers and cyclists should know the rules of the road in the states where they will be riding or driving so they know what it means in that state to “share the road.” The aforementioned collision happened in Mississippi, where bicyclists are allowed to use the full lane of traffic to ride in when that is necessary. Federal regulations require bicyclists to ride single file. People who ride bicycles should, whenever possible, move to the right to let motor vehicles pass.

The man who got hit by an SUV in the crash above is fortunate that he did not receive more serious injuries. Accidents involving motor vehicles that hit cyclists often leave the cyclist dead or with life-threatening injuries. Cyclists and motorists are allowed to use the same roads, so it is imperative that they learn how to share the roads with each other safely.

The single most important thing that drivers can do to avoid hitting a cyclist with their vehicle is to be aware of their surroundings. There are several ways that drivers can increase their awareness of what is going on around them. For example, obeying the posted speed limit gives a driver time to see what is around them, which can help them to avoid collisions with cyclists, animals, other vehicles, and objects. Also, avoiding cell phone use and other distractions helps a driver to keep their focus on what is happening around their vehicle instead of inside it. Passing safely also helps reduce the risk of a collision. If you are driving and you come upon a cyclist that you want to pass, make your pass slowly while allowing at least three feet of space between them and your vehicle as you pass.

Cyclists can share the road safely by making themselves visible and following the rules of the road.  Wearing brightly colored clothing is a good idea during both daytime and evening hours, as is mounting lights on both the front and rear of your bike. Rear view mirrors designed for cyclists can help you see vehicles that are approaching you from behind. If you are riding with a group, ride single file. Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet to reduce the risk of injury from a fall and increase your chance of survival in a collision.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Caring Assistance for Mississippi Cycling Accident Victims

The Mississippi Personal Injury Attorneys of Barrett Law PLLC have helped many plaintiffs and their families pursue claims for damages or losses in connection with accidents of all kinds. Call our office today, at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule a free, initial consultation.

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Tragic Bicycle Accidents Reminder of Danger to Mississippi Cyclists

Mississippi’s Natchez Trace has emerged as one of the most popular locations for recreational cycling.  The area provides hundreds of miles of picturesque scenery and well-maintained asphalt.  Bikers across the U.S. enjoy exploring this stretch of federal park land.  However, caution and prudence are important when navigating “The Trace” by bicycle.  The distraction of scenic vistas along with a narrow roadway constitute a potentially deadly combination of risk factors.  Distracted drivers of car, trucks, and SUVs who are distracted by the scenic views can present an extremely serious hazard for bicyclists.  Natchez Trace has been the scene of injuries and deaths for a number of cyclists.

Hundreds of bicyclists are killed annually in the U.S. in bicycle collisions, and tens of thousands more suffer injury in bicycle crashes.  While only about a third of all bicycle accidents involve a collision with a motor vehicle, these types of bicycle accidents account for the vast majority or catastrophic cycling injuries and wrongful deaths.  Tragically, almost half of those who suffer serious injury or wrongful death in bicycle accidents are children under the age of 16.

Bicyclists often are injured even when in protected areas like bicycle lanes by drivers who do not respect a cyclist right to share Mississippi roadways.  There are a wide variety of factors that contribute to a typical bicycle accident, including but not limited to the following:

  • Inattentive Motorists: Drivers who are not focused on the road because they are engaged in other activities, including using a cell phone, talking with vehicle passengers, or other distracted driving practices.  Inattentive drivers are a leading cause of motor vehicle collisions with bicycles.
  • Drunk Drivers: Driver who are impaired by drugs or alcohol also constitute a common cause of many types of motor vehicle accidents that include crashes involving bicycles.  Drivers who are intoxicated experience impaired judgement, poor reaction time, slow braking response, and distorted perception, which often causes bicycle accidents.
  • Dangerous Roadways: Frequently, roadways are constructed or maintained in a fashion that makes them unsafe, such as: traffic signal malfunctions, overgrown foliage obscuring visibility, potholes, or uneven pavement that disrupts balance.
  • Motorists Violating Traffic Safety Laws: Many drivers simply refuse to obey traffic safety laws that are designed to keep our roadways safe for cyclists.  Drivers who are speeding or fail to respect traffic signals frequently put cyclists at risk of serious injury.

Mississippi bicycle accident victims tend to suffer serious injuries, including head injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones or fractures, and internal organ damage.  These injures are often debilitating and frequently result in disability from work as well as permanent loss of mental or physical functioning.  Cyclist that experience head injuries account for the majority of catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.  This means that wearing a helmet when bicycling in The Trace, Jackson or elsewhere throughout Mississippi is imperative.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Mississippi, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries.  The Mississippi Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC are committed to helping bicycle accident victims accidents by handling insurance headaches and legal issues.  We tenaciously pursue financial compensation for our clients, so contact us today at 800.707.9577 to schedule your free consultation. 

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Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys Remind Drivers to Watch Out for Bicycles

Drivers must always be aware of many different things while they are driving along the road so that they do not have an accident. There are many different types of automobile accidents, from accidents involving other passenger vehicles, to accidents involving motorcycles, animals, stationary objects, pedestrians, and people on bicycles. All of these people and things can be found on or near any roadway at any time, so driving safely requires maintaining a constant awareness of one’s surroundings. Unfortunately, a split second of inattention is all it takes for an accident to occur.

When an automobile collides with a bicycle, the bicyclist is often killed or seriously injured. The reason for this is obvious – people on bicycles are not surrounded by anything that can protect them from the direct force of the impact, and a bicycle helmet, if the person is wearing one, only protects the head. Fortunately, many motor vehicle collisions with bicycle riders can be prevented, if drivers and riders each work to decrease the risk of accident.

Overall, the risk of accident can be dramatically reduced by avoiding distractions like cell phone use while driving. Abiding by the posted speed limits is another way to greatly reduce the risk of an automobile-bicycle collision. State and local laws regarding how to drive when sharing the road with bicycles vary from place to place, but each set of rules is designed to promote safe road sharing. Both drivers and people who ride bicycles on roads can reduce the likelihood of an accident just by knowing what to do in specific situations, which includes using proper turn signals and being visible at night.  Accordingly, people who ride bicycles on or near roads can protect themselves by wearing brightly colored clothing and using lights for riding at dawn or dusk, or after dark, so that drivers can see them easily. As an additional safety measure, rear view mirrors can be mounted on a bike or on a pair of glasses to enable bicycle riders to see vehicles and other bicycles as they approach from the rear. While a bicycle helmet will not prevent a collision, it is essential that people who ride bicycles on or near roadways wear a properly-fitting helmet at all times to protect their heads in the event of a fall or a collision.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Superior Legal Representation for Mississippi Car Accident Victims  

Accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles often result in serious injury or death. If you have been injured, or if you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi automobile accident, the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC are here to help you. You deserve the very best in legal representation, and we are dedicated to pursuing the results that our clients deserve. Call the knowledgeable Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.

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Helmets Prevent Bicycle Related Injuries in Mississippi

One of the best pieces of advice that our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys can offer to bicyclists is to always wear a helmet. Unfortunately, the failure to wear a helmet substantially increases a bicyclist’s chances of suffering from traumatic brain injuries and other serious and sometimes fatal conditions. Oftentimes, we notice bicyclists frequenting the many gorgeous areas of our State who consistently ignore this advice, putting themselves at risk for severe injury and even death. It often makes us wonder why these people continue to risk their lives by not taking such a simple step to ensure their safety.

A poll conducted by the British Medical Journal clarifies our uncertainty in this regard. Specifically, the poll established that most individuals believe state mandated helmet laws are overly paternalistic and as a result, discouraging to cyclists. Otherwise stated, laws that require people to take safety measures often backfire and encourage them to do just the opposite. In this view, the poll found that over 65% of individuals who participated in the evaluation reported that they greatly oppose mandatory helmet laws. Moreover, the majority of these individuals felt that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that wearing a helmet significantly protects bicyclists from sustaining injuries should they be involved in an accident. Specifically, those polled believe that mandatory bike helmet laws wrongfully give the impression that biking is an abnormally dangerous activity. Accordingly, they feel that it greatly discourages people from engaging in this extremely healthy activity.

While the above mentioned poll may be meritorious to some degree or another, our experienced Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys cannot underscore the importance of wearing a helmet. Contrary to the belief of many of the majority of those polled, bicycling is in fact a highly dangerous activity and leads to serious and sometimes fatal injuries across the State of Mississippi and nationwide. While many streets are designed to accommodate bicyclists, they nonetheless face the threat of drivers who often have difficulty seeing them. Other bicycle accidents are caused by intoxicated and distracted drivers who are impaired to the point where they are not able to anticipate bicyclists on the road. Moreover, it goes without saying that for any bicycle accident involving an automobile or truck, wearing a helmet likely saved lives.

For more information, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your legal options. We will take the time to evaluate your case and help maximize your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We look forward to providing you with excellent representation.

 

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Automobiles and Bicycles: Establishing The Fault Line of Accidents

Transportation is a major portion of our lives, which we rely heavily on each and every day. Whether we are riding our bicycles to class, driving to work, or flying to another location we have a variety of transportation methods in our world today, which go hand in hand with our responsibilities, and even our regional location. Today, many individuals bicycle recreationally as well as individuals using them for short distance travel such as to school, or in large urban areas. While we have increased safety measures and methods for bicyclists who are actually at fault when an automobile accident occurs with a bicyclists involved?

Do You “Get The Picture” of Roadway Safety?

When we envision in our minds seeing an accident occur that involves that of an automobile and a bicycle we ourselves jump to conclusions about who is solely responsible for it. Many times, automobiles are the ones who are assumed to be the one that caused, and are responsible for the accident-taking place. However, that is not always the case especially in this day and age. Today, many individuals are bicycling for multiple reasons whether it is to get healthier, or they simply are trying to cut down on spending, which a motor vehicle can easily add up.

Looking At Safety And Accidents From More Than A Driver’s Perspective

However, studies and reports are starting to show that bicyclists are now not staying on the paths and areas of the road that are specifically outlined for their safety and driving, and operating their bicycles with sporadic patterns. Unfortunately, this puts them in immediate danger from multiple motor vehicle drivers’ who are simply following the rules of the road.  Although bicyclists are at equal fault of accidents occurring as automobile drivers are, drivers should make sure to display extreme regards to roadway safety, and keep a safe distance away from any paths, trails, or bicyclists out on roads, or highways.

Always remember that part of understanding safety is practicing it in multiple aspects whether as bicyclists, or a motor vehicle operator. Make sure to keep an eye out for others no matter what vehicle you are operating on the road.

If you suffer any of these serious injuries because of an anesthesia mistake, our experienced Mississippi anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers are committed to assisting victims of substandard medical care obtain the financial compensation to rebuild their lives.  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.

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The Reality of Bicycle Accidents

There are more than five hundred bicycle fatalities and 50,000 injuries resulting from a collision between a bicycle and an automobile each year. In fact, the fear of colliding with an automobile is perhaps the single greatest barrier to getting more people riding bicycles. Many people want to ride their bike but just feel like they are extremely vulnerable to injury or death. In truth, a large number of bicycle accidents don’t involve an automobile but are solo accidents which are caused by a defect in the bicycle itself or an unexpected road hazard.

Further, many bicycle victims are children who perhaps have not learned the appropriate safety rules before sharing the road with automobiles. Whether the bicycle accident is a solo accident or there is an automobile involved, there is generally negligence involved. The negligence may be on the part of the driver who was distracted or reckless or on the part of the bicyclist who was taking excessive risks in traffic. Should the driver be deemed to be negligent, the bicyclist has the legal right to be compensated for injuries and damages.

Driver Distraction as a Cause of Bicycle Accidents

Driver distraction is a huge cause of accidents, both in vehicle/vehicle as well as vehicle/bicycle or motorcycle. Drivers today tend to view the inside of their automobile as if it were their office. They will change radio stations, eat and drink, apply makeup, try to read a map, watch the billboards at the side of the road, turn around to discipline the children, chat with passengers, talk on their cell phone, text, and even read a book in traffic. All of these behaviors can lead to an accident with potentially fatal consequences.

Getting Medical Attention

When a bicyclist is hit by an automobile they should always be checked out at the emergency room even if they think they are “okay.” In many cases serious injuries can manifest once the adrenaline rush from the accident wears off. Minor injuries can morph into serious or permanent injuries at a time later on when it is too late to identify the negligent or distracted driver. If you are able, take photographs at the scene and try to identify any potential witnesses. Particularly if the driver who hit you drove off before you could obtain any information from them, your description of the scene may allow the police to find the driver and make them pay for your injuries.

Keeping Meticulous Records

Keep a detailed journal of every single detail you can think of that could be important down the line should a lawsuit be necessary to make the driver pay for your injuries and damages. You will want to carefully record all your physical symptoms and document through photos and notes the damage done to your bike as well. Never communicate with the insurance company prior to speaking with a highly experienced personal injury attorney. While they may sound like they want to help you, it is more likely they are simply gathering information to use against you later to deny your compensation. What you may see as an attempt to be honest could be turned on you later.

Finding an Attorney to Help With Your Bicycle Accident

Your attorney needs to have a thorough understanding of bicycle traffic laws, the prevailing prejudices against cyclists by motorists and how to best negotiate your bicycle accident case with the insurance company. Let your attorney advocate for your rights while you concentrate on healing your injuries.

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Dangerous Driver Conduct Which Leads to Serious Bicycle Accidents

Although bicycle riders are not all that uncommon, particularly in cities, many automobile drivers give them little thought other than to view them as an annoyance. The truth is a bicyclist is extremely vulnerable to serious or fatal injury when hit by a car. Although any act of negligence by a driver can lead to a grave accident, there are several behaviors exhibited by drivers which can be particularly dangerous to bicyclists. Many times auto drivers may become so impatient at an intersection they will turn in front of the bicyclist.

If they are making a left-hand turn the bicyclist’s path is effectively blocked, causing them to collide with the vehicle while if the automobile is making a left-hand turn they may knock the bicyclist completely over. Drivers should always ensure the bicyclist has cleared the intersection before attempting to turn and should dial down the impatience level in order to avoid injuring or killing a bicyclist who has every legal right to share the roadways.

Other Dangerous Behaviors

Drivers oftentimes will pass a bicyclist much too closely, either forcing them off the road or striking them with the side mirror. Many times a driver parked on the side of a street will open their door without even looking to see if anyone is coming. This is a primary way both motorcycle riders and bicyclists are injured or maimed. Drivers are also guilty of overestimating the braking ability of bicycles—bicycle brakes are not nearly as effective as car brakes. Added to this, a bicyclist who brakes suddenly may find themselves flying over the handlebars. Drivers also tend to underestimate the speed of a bicycle rider, causing them to make a turn or open a car door with little regard for the bicycle coming up close to them quickly.

The Negligence of Bicyclists

Bicycle riders can also ignore the rules of the road and end up actually being responsible for the accident in which they are hit by a car. Because it takes a fair amount of effort for a bicyclist to come to a complete stop at stop signs or intersections with traffic lights many are guilty of glancing both ways and going right on through. A stop sign and red light are meant for the bicyclist in exactly the same way they are meant for a driver. Bicyclists are often guilty of passing a line of stopped cars, however if the cyclist reaches the intersection at the same time the front car makes an unexpected right-hand turn, the consequences can be deadly. In some cases bicyclists ride at unsafe speeds, perhaps while going downhill or on a straight road. This can be dangerous, however, should the bicyclist lose control or encounter a road hazards and be unable to stop safely.

Safety Measures

All bicyclists should wear helmets, and children should be fully schooled in bicycle safety before they are allowed out on their own. Children rarely appreciate the risks of riding in an area where cars drive and may not fully understand the rules of the road as well. Children are also much more likely to be showing off for friends while on their bicycle, creating some special safety hazards. Bicyclists who have been injured by being hit by a driver who was driving unsafely should contact an attorney who has significant experience in bicycle accidents. Because there is a statute of limitations in bicycle accidents it’s important that you consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

 

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The Dangers Facing Mississippi Bicyclists with Summer Upon Us

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.

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Study Reveals that Motorists Cause Most Adult Bicycle Collisions

A common factor in many bicycle accidents is the lack of respect and courtesy shown by drivers of motor vehicles like cars, trucks and SUVs.  For many motorists, a bicycle is really nothing more than an annoying obstruction to the flow of traffic.  Although bicyclists have the same rights to share Mississippi roadways equally with motor vehicles, they frequently are not treated that way by drivers.  Many drivers even presume that it is careless conduct by cyclists that causes the majority of bicycle accidents.

Insurance companies routinely defend Mississippi bicycle accidents by trying to shift blame to the cyclists for not stopping at red lights or stop signs, failing to wear visible bright clothing, wearing ear buds, or not using lights at night and other similar factors.  Despite this common tactic by insurance companies and assumption by many drivers, studies reveal that in most cases adult bicyclists are not responsible for their own injuries.  A study conducted in England found that while these factors do play a role in a small number of bicycle accident, they are very minor factors.  The study indicates the following frequency for such factors in bicycle collisions with motor vehicles:

Lack of visible clothing:                                                      2.5 %

Cyclist violations of stop signs and red lights:              2.0%

Failure to use lights:                                                            2.0%

The study revealed that some form of driver negligence was involved in bicycle accidents  between 60-75 percent of the time when the cyclist was an adult rider.  The study makes clear the importance of carefully supervising children when riding bikes.  The rate at which children commit an error and get injured in a bicycle accident is far greater than for adults.  When a child bicyclists is involved in a collision their riding behavior may be a significant contributing factor to a bicycle crash almost 75 percent of the time.

Whether you are a child or an adult that is involved in a bicycle accident, the insurance company for the driver will usually point to actions that the you took or failed to take that a reasonably prudent person would have to protect oneself.  This legal concept is referred to a comparative negligence.  It is important to keep in mind that even if the police report indicates that you were the primary or secondary cause of a bicycle accident this does not necessarily preclude you from recovering compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.  Under Mississippi personal injury law, a bicyclist may recover damages for injuries and loss even if the cyclist is 99% responsible for the bike accident and the driver is 1% responsible.  However, the cyclist measure of compensation will be reduced in proportion to the cyclist degree of fault.

If you or a loved one is injured or a family member dies in a Mississippi bicycle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries regardless of whether you partially the cause of the accident.  Drivers of passenger vehicles are the cause of most injuries to cyclists, particularly adult riders.  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.

 

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Mississippi Bicycle Accident Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Bicycles have long been a way for families to enjoy a fun excursion but cycling has increased in popularity as more people become concerned with expanding waistlines and cardiovascular health issues.  Tragically, urban planners have not kept up with the increased presence of bicycles, often placing cyclists at risk of being hit by careless or inattentive motorists.  Bicyclists enjoy the same rights to share roadways as cars, trucks and SUVs, but some motorists consider slower moving bicycles to be unreasonable obstructions and fail to treat cyclists with the same courtesy that they would extend to drivers of passenger vehicles.  When drivers of motor vehicles do not take reasonable care to obey traffic safety rules and pay adequate attention to their driving, the result can be devastating life-altering injuries.  We receive many inquiries from Mississippi cyclists that are involved in bicycle collisions that have questions about their legal right to seek financial compensation so we have provided some basic answers in this Mississippi bicycle FAQ.

What are the most common causes of Mississippi bicycle accidents?

While the vast majority of Mississippi bicycle accidents are caused by driving errors made by cyclists, bicycle accidents in Mississippi may also be caused by defective bicycle parts, such as chains that jam and brakes that malfunction or roads that are not properly maintained.  When riding a bicycle, a pothole or other road imperfection that may be unnoticeable to the driver of a motor vehicle can cause cyclists to lose control of their bike.  The most common causes of Mississippi bicycle accidents include the following:

  • Drunken drivers
  • Driver that fail to pay attention
  • Failure to check vehicle blind spots
  • Illegal left turns into cyclists
  • Potholes and other pavement defects
  • Vehicles that do not allow cyclists enough room
  • Speeding motorists
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Red light runners
  • Bicycle product defects

How does the new bicycle passing law work?

The new law (SB 3014) requires drivers of motor vehicles to allow sufficient room when passing bicycles with the minimum distance being three (3) feet.

What special accident risks are posed to cyclists?

A bicycle is more likely to be involved in a collision with a motor vehicle because they are small and harder to see than other vehicles, and they are unstable because of their two wheel design.  Because bicycles offer no structural protection or other safety features, cyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injury when struck by a motor vehicle in a Mississippi bicycle accident.

What is the legal impact of a bicycle helmet in Mississippi?

While some states have mandatory bicycle helmet laws for children, Mississippi has no mandatory bicycle helmet law.  However, bicycle helmets can provide vital protection to a cyclist head that may prevent traumatic brain injury.  Bicycle helmet use may also impact damages in a Mississippi bicycle accident claim because the insurance company for the driver may argue that a cyclist’s failure to wear a helmet was a form of comparative negligence.  This may be a factor in reducing a bicycle accident victim’s damages by the percentage of fault assigned to the cyclist.  The failure to wear a helmet would not be relevant if the victim’s injuries are not head injuries.

What types of compensation may a Mississippi bicycle accident victim seek for one’s injuries?

If you are injured in a bicycle accident you may seek both tangible economic losses as well as less tangible losses like pain and suffering.  Some of the damages you may have a right to seek if you are injured in a bicycle accident in Mississippi include medical expenses, lost past and future income, pain and suffering, impaired quality of life and marital relations and other damages.

While this article may answer some of your questions about Mississippi bicycle accidents, the best way to get more detailed information is to speak to an experienced Mississippi bicycle accident lawyer at Barrett Law.  The experienced Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing aggressive representation to Mississippi bicycle accident victims for over 75 years.  We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.

 

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