Mississippi Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyer

Mississippi Bicycle Accident Attorney Representing Cyclists Injured by Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Commercial Vehicles

A bicyclist has almost no physical protection when struck by a motor vehicle. There is no passenger compartment, airbag, seat belt, or steel structure surrounding the rider. When a car, pickup truck, SUV, delivery van, or commercial vehicle hits a bicycle, even a collision at relatively modest speed can cause catastrophic injuries. At highway or arterial-road speeds, the consequences can be fatal.

Bicycle-motor vehicle collisions often occur because drivers fail to recognize that cyclists have lawful rights on Mississippi roadways. A motorist may pass too closely, turn across a bicycle’s path, open a vehicle door into a rider, fail to yield at an intersection, drift into a bicycle’s lane, or simply claim that the cyclist was difficult to see. None of those circumstances automatically excuses negligent driving.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we represent bicyclists injured in collisions throughout Mississippi and families who have lost loved ones in fatal bicycle crashes. Jonathan Barrett investigates how the impact occurred, whether the driver failed to provide adequate passing clearance, whether distraction or speeding contributed, whether the cyclist was visible, whether traffic or roadway conditions played a role, and whether additional parties may share responsibility.

These cases can become contentious because insurance companies often look for ways to blame the cyclist. They may argue that the rider was too far into the lane, was not wearing bright clothing, failed to use appropriate lighting, entered an intersection improperly, or otherwise contributed to the crash. Mississippi law does impose responsibilities on bicyclists, but it also expressly recognizes their roadway rights. A fair investigation must examine the conduct of both parties rather than begin with the assumption that the person riding the bicycle was responsible.

When another driver’s negligence causes serious injury or death, Barrett Law, PLLC works to preserve evidence, establish liability, document the complete damages, and pursue the compensation available under Mississippi law.

Bicyclists Have Legal Rights on Mississippi Roadways

Mississippi law does not treat bicyclists as people who simply use roadways at their own risk. Under Mississippi Code § 63-3-1303, a person riding a bicycle on a roadway generally has the rights and is subject to the duties applicable to drivers of vehicles, except where the bicycle-specific provisions or the nature of a particular rule provide otherwise.

Mississippi Code § 63-3-207 similarly states that people riding bicycles upon highways generally have the rights and duties applicable to drivers of vehicles under the traffic chapter when those provisions can reasonably apply.

This matters because drivers sometimes incorrectly assume that bicycles do not belong on ordinary roads. That misunderstanding can contribute to dangerous passing, aggressive driving, honking, tailgating, and other unsafe conduct.

A bicyclist lawfully using the roadway deserves the same basic respect and attention a motorist would provide to another vehicle. Drivers should account for the cyclist’s slower speed, reduced physical protection, and greater vulnerability when passing, turning, or entering intersections.

Mississippi’s Three-Foot Bicycle Passing Rule

One of the most important bicycle safety laws in Mississippi is the minimum passing-distance requirement.

Mississippi Code § 63-3-1309 provides that a motorist passing a bicyclist on a roadway must leave a safe distance of at least three feet between the motor vehicle and bicycle and must maintain that clearance until safely past the cyclist.

That requirement addresses one of the most dangerous situations cyclists face: a vehicle passing so closely that the rider is struck by a mirror, side panel, trailer, or other part of the vehicle.

Even when there is no direct impact, a dangerously close pass can force a bicyclist from the pavement, into a curb, onto loose gravel, or toward another obstacle. The cyclist may crash while attempting to avoid the passing vehicle.

A motorist therefore should not attempt to squeeze between a bicyclist and opposing traffic when there is insufficient room to provide the legally required clearance. Waiting a few seconds for a safe opportunity to pass is far preferable to creating a life-altering collision.

Close-Passing Bicycle Accidents

Close-passing crashes can be especially difficult to reconstruct because the initial contact may be slight while the resulting fall causes severe injuries.

A driver’s side mirror may strike the rider’s shoulder, arm, head, or handlebars. A larger truck or trailer may sideswipe the cyclist. The aerodynamic forces from a large commercial vehicle passing at close range can also destabilize a bicycle, particularly at higher speeds.

The bicyclist may then fall into the roadway, strike a curb, collide with another vehicle, or be run over by the passing vehicle or following traffic.

Evidence can include damage to the bicycle, paint transfer, damage to the vehicle’s mirror or body, witness statements, helmet-camera footage, dashboard cameras, nearby surveillance video, and physical marks on the roadway.

Because the driver may claim the cyclist swerved unexpectedly, preserving objective evidence can become extremely important.

Drivers Turning Right Across a Bicycle’s Path

A driver passing a bicycle and then immediately turning right can create what cyclists often describe as a “right-hook” collision.

The motorist may overtake the bicycle only to turn across the cyclist’s path into a driveway, parking lot, side street, or intersection. The rider may have nowhere to go and may strike the side of the turning vehicle or become trapped beneath it.

Drivers should recognize that passing a cyclist does not give them the right to immediately cut across the bicycle’s path. A motorist should make sure the cyclist has been safely cleared before beginning the turn.

These cases often require close examination of vehicle positions, turning signals, witnesses, video footage, and the location of impact.

Commercial trucks can create particularly dangerous right-turn situations because the trailer may swing across a cyclist’s path even when the cab initially appears to have passed safely.

Left-Turn Collisions With Bicyclists

Drivers making left turns may fail to recognize an approaching cyclist or misjudge the bicycle’s speed and distance.

Mississippi Code § 63-3-803 requires a driver intending to turn left within an intersection to yield to approaching traffic that is within the intersection or sufficiently close to constitute an immediate hazard.

Because bicyclists generally have roadway rights under Mississippi law, a driver should not ignore an approaching cyclist merely because the bicycle is smaller or moving more slowly than a car.

Left-turn crashes can produce direct frontal or side impacts that throw the cyclist onto the hood, windshield, pavement, or another vehicle.

The driver may later say the bicycle “came out of nowhere,” making visibility, lighting, sight distance, traffic conditions, and witness evidence important.

Drivers Pulling Out of Parking Lots and Driveways

Many bicycle crashes occur when a motorist enters a roadway from a driveway, shopping center, gas station, apartment complex, or business entrance.

Drivers frequently focus on larger vehicles and may fail to recognize a cyclist approaching along the roadway.

A motorist who begins moving from a stopped or parked position should first determine that the movement can be made with reasonable safety. Mississippi Code § 63-3-701 specifically provides that a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle should not begin moving until it can do so safely.

The same basic principle applies when a driver exits a parking space or enters active traffic. Cyclists can be difficult to see if drivers are not actively looking for them.

Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses may be especially useful in these cases because they can show whether the bicyclist was visible before the motorist moved.

Intersection Bicycle Accidents

Intersections combine turning vehicles, traffic signals, crosswalks, lane changes, and several competing traffic movements. For cyclists, they can be among the most dangerous parts of a trip.

A driver may fail to yield while turning, run a red light, fail to stop at a stop sign, or misjudge the cyclist’s location. Conversely, an insurer may allege that the cyclist violated a traffic signal or entered the intersection unexpectedly.

Mississippi’s bicycle laws generally give cyclists the rights and duties applicable to motorists, which means signal compliance and right-of-way rules may become important to determining fault.

Video evidence can be particularly valuable at intersections. Traffic cameras, businesses, homes, dashboard cameras, and even other cyclists may have recorded the crash.

Timing matters because many systems automatically overwrite recordings.

Distracted Drivers and Bicycle Crashes

Bicycles are already smaller and less visually prominent than passenger vehicles, making distracted driving particularly dangerous.

A motorist looking at a phone may fail to recognize a cyclist traveling ahead, approaching an intersection, or occupying part of the roadway. A driver may drift toward the shoulder or bicycle lane while texting or interacting with a navigation system.

Rear-end bicycle collisions can be especially severe because the cyclist may never see the approaching vehicle.

Evidence of distraction can include cellphone records, witness testimony, dashcam footage, driver admissions, or the absence of braking and evasive action before impact.

When the circumstances suggest distraction, prompt preservation of electronic evidence can become important.

Speeding Makes Bicycle Collisions More Severe

Vehicle speed has an enormous effect on the severity of injuries suffered by a cyclist.

A driver traveling too fast has less time to notice the bicycle, more difficulty stopping or avoiding the cyclist, and creates greater impact forces when a collision occurs.

Speed may be especially dangerous on rural Mississippi roads where motorists travel at highway speeds and may encounter cyclists with little warning.

A driver may be within the numerical speed limit yet still be traveling too fast for curves, darkness, rain, heavy traffic, limited sight distance, or other conditions.

Mississippi’s careless-driving statute requires drivers to account for traffic, roadway geometry, and other attendant circumstances when operating a vehicle.

Commercial Truck and Delivery Vehicle Bicycle Accidents

Commercial vehicles can create extraordinary risks for cyclists because of their size, blind areas, wide turns, and weight.

A truck driver may fail to recognize a bicyclist beside the vehicle before changing lanes or turning right. A trailer may sweep into the cyclist’s path. Delivery drivers repeatedly entering and leaving curbside areas may also come into conflict with bicyclists.

When a commercial vehicle causes a crash, responsibility may extend beyond the individual driver depending upon the employment relationship and circumstances.

The company may possess GPS data, onboard video, telematics information, driver records, dispatch communications, and safety procedures relevant to the accident.

Commercial insurance policies may also provide greater available coverage than a personal automobile policy, which can become especially important when the cyclist has catastrophic injuries.

Bicycle Crashes Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

Drivers changing lanes should make sure the movement can be completed safely. Mississippi law governing qualifying multilane roads generally requires vehicles to remain within a single lane as nearly as practical and not move from that lane until the driver has ascertained that the movement can be made safely.

A cyclist riding lawfully near the right side of the roadway or within a bicycle lane may be struck when a driver drifts laterally or changes lanes without adequate observation.

Blind-spot claims should be examined carefully. A driver who says a bicyclist was in a blind spot may actually be acknowledging that the lane change occurred without adequate confirmation that the area was clear.

Dooring Accidents

A bicycle crash can occur even when the motor vehicle is parked.

Drivers and passengers sometimes open vehicle doors directly into the path of an approaching cyclist. The bicyclist may strike the door itself, swerve into moving traffic, or be thrown into another vehicle.

These collisions can cause severe facial injuries, fractures, head trauma, shoulder injuries, and spinal damage.

Dooring cases may depend on where the vehicle was parked, the cyclist’s position, visibility, and whether the person opening the door exercised reasonable care.

Nearby business and residential cameras can provide important evidence in urban or commercial areas.

Dangerous Road Conditions Can Contribute to Bicycle Accidents

Road defects can affect bicyclists much more severely than motorists.

Potholes, broken pavement, loose gravel, drainage grates, debris, uneven shoulders, standing water, construction zones, and poorly maintained bicycle lanes can destabilize a bicycle and force the rider into traffic.

Sometimes the cyclist is struck by a vehicle after swerving around an unexpected hazard. In other cases, the dangerous roadway condition itself causes the fall.

Potential responsibility may extend to contractors, governmental entities, utilities, property owners, or other parties depending upon who created or controlled the condition.

Claims involving Mississippi governmental entities can have special procedural and immunity rules, making early investigation important.

Bicyclists Also Have Duties Under Mississippi Law

Mississippi bicycle law grants cyclists important rights, but those rights come with responsibilities.

Mississippi Code § 63-3-1307 provides, among other things, that bicyclists must exercise due care when passing or overtaking a vehicle proceeding in the same direction and generally may not ride more than two abreast on a roadway, except on areas set aside exclusively for bicycles.

Mississippi’s broader statutory framework also generally applies ordinary traffic duties to bicyclists when those rules are capable of applying.

Insurance companies may investigate whether the cyclist obeyed traffic signals, used appropriate lighting, maintained lane position, or otherwise complied with applicable law.

But a cyclist’s alleged violation does not automatically excuse negligent conduct by a motorist. Mississippi comparative negligence principles may allow responsibility to be allocated among multiple parties when both contributed.

Comparative Negligence in Mississippi Bicycle Accident Claims

Mississippi follows pure comparative negligence under Miss. Code § 11-7-15. That means an injured bicyclist’s own negligence does not necessarily eliminate the claim, although compensation can be reduced according to the percentage of responsibility assigned.

This rule matters because bicycle cases often produce aggressive blame-shifting by insurers.

A carrier may argue the cyclist was too far into the road, failed to signal, lacked adequate lighting, crossed improperly, or should have avoided the vehicle.

Those allegations should be supported by evidence.

Vehicle damage, bicycle damage, witness statements, video, roadway markings, electronic data, and reconstruction can help establish what actually happened and prevent unsupported assumptions from controlling the claim.

Severe Injuries Caused by Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions

Bicycle accident victims frequently suffer multiple injuries in a single collision.

The initial vehicle impact may cause fractures, internal trauma, or head injury. The cyclist may then strike the pavement, curb, windshield, or another object.

Traumatic brain injuries can affect memory, concentration, speech, personality, and independence. Even helmeted cyclists can suffer serious brain trauma.

Spinal injuries may result in chronic pain, nerve damage, mobility limitations, or paralysis. Fractures involving the arms, wrists, legs, pelvis, shoulders, and ribs may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Road rash can involve deep tissue damage, infections, skin grafts, scarring, and disfigurement.

Internal bleeding and organ damage can become life-threatening.

The medical and financial consequences may continue for years after the collision.

Children Injured in Bicycle Accidents

Children often use bicycles for recreation, transportation, and independence, but they may be particularly vulnerable to traffic hazards.

Drivers should exercise appropriate care when children are present in residential neighborhoods, near schools, parks, and other areas where young cyclists are reasonably expected.

A child may also have different abilities to judge speed, distance, and traffic danger than an adult rider.

When a child suffers serious injuries, the damages analysis should consider long-term development, future medical needs, educational consequences, physical limitations, scarring, and future earning capacity.

A severe childhood brain or spinal injury can affect decades of life, making early settlement before the prognosis is clear especially concerning.

Insurance Issues After a Bicycle Crash

The at-fault driver’s automobile liability coverage is often an important source of compensation after a bicycle-motor vehicle collision.

When the responsible driver has insufficient coverage, additional insurance questions may arise depending upon the circumstances and policies available to the injured person.

Commercial vehicle crashes may involve business liability policies. Hit-and-run incidents may raise uninsured motorist issues depending upon applicable coverage and facts.

Identifying all available insurance can become particularly important when injuries are catastrophic and medical and lifetime losses exceed the limits of an ordinary personal automobile policy.

Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents

Drivers sometimes leave the scene after striking a cyclist or causing a rider to crash.

A fleeing vehicle may leave behind physical evidence such as paint transfer, broken mirrors, lights, or other components. Witnesses may remember the color, make, model, or license plate.

Traffic cameras, home security systems, business surveillance footage, and dashcams may help identify the vehicle.

If the driver cannot be located, potential uninsured motorist coverage may require evaluation depending upon the policy and circumstances.

Promptly reporting the collision and preserving evidence can improve the likelihood of identifying the responsible driver.

Compensation Available After a Mississippi Bicycle Accident

The compensation available depends upon the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the crash.

Medical damages may include emergency transportation, hospital care, surgery, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, future treatment, assistive devices, and other healthcare costs.

Lost wages may be available when the cyclist cannot work. Permanent injuries may also reduce future earning capacity.

Non-economic damages may address physical pain, emotional suffering, permanent impairment, disfigurement, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.

The bicycle and other damaged property may also be part of the claim.

A serious case should not be valued solely from the bills accumulated during the first few weeks. Long-term medical needs and vocational effects should be considered before settlement.

Fatal Mississippi Bicycle Crashes and Wrongful Death Claims

A bicycle rider has little chance of surviving certain high-speed impacts, particularly those involving commercial trucks or distracted drivers.

Mississippi’s wrongful death statute may permit qualifying family members or the appropriate representative to pursue a claim when actionable wrongful conduct causes death.

Damages may involve medical expenses before death, funeral and burial costs, lost financial contributions, and other legally recognized losses suffered by the decedent and family.

Fatal bicycle cases should be investigated promptly because the victim cannot provide an account of the collision and objective evidence can disappear quickly.

Video, witness testimony, vehicle data, cellphone information, roadway evidence, and commercial records may therefore become especially important.

What Insurance Companies May Argue After a Bicycle Crash

Insurance companies may attempt to characterize bicyclists as unpredictable or suggest that riders should not have been using the roadway.

Mississippi law does not support treating lawful bicyclists as second-class roadway users. Cyclists generally have vehicle-related rights and duties under state law, and motorists must provide the minimum passing clearance required by § 63-3-1309.

Carriers may also argue that the cyclist was difficult to see, was traveling too slowly, lacked appropriate equipment, or suddenly moved into traffic.

Every one of those claims should be measured against physical and objective evidence.

The insurer may further challenge medical treatment, future disability, lost earnings, or the relationship between the crash and the injuries.

Building a strong case therefore requires proving both liability and damages.

How Barrett Law, PLLC Investigates Mississippi Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions

At Barrett Law, PLLC, we investigate these crashes with particular attention to the differences between bicycles and motor vehicles.

We may examine vehicle damage, bicycle damage, roadway markings, passing distance, photographs, witnesses, dashboard cameras, helmet cameras, surveillance footage, cellphone activity, traffic controls, and electronic vehicle information.

When a commercial vehicle is involved, we may investigate GPS information, onboard video, driver records, company policies, dispatch information, and other commercial evidence.

We also focus closely on the client’s medical and financial losses. Serious bicycle injuries can interfere with employment, mobility, independence, exercise, family responsibilities, and ordinary activities.

Our goal is to develop the full story of both how the collision occurred and how it changed the client’s life.

Why Choose Barrett Law, PLLC After a Mississippi Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle collision cases can become difficult because some drivers and insurers begin with unfair assumptions about cyclists.

Jonathan Barrett represents seriously injured people and families throughout Mississippi. Barrett Law, PLLC focuses on the evidence rather than stereotypes.

We investigate whether the driver provided adequate clearance, maintained a proper lookout, yielded appropriately, avoided unsafe turns and lane changes, and complied with Mississippi traffic law.

We also identify available insurance coverage, document serious injuries and future losses, challenge efforts to improperly blame the cyclist, and prepare the case for litigation when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions

Are Bicyclists Allowed to Ride on Mississippi Roads?

Generally, yes. Mississippi Code §§ 63-3-207 and 63-3-1303 provide that bicyclists using roadways generally have the rights and duties applicable to vehicle drivers, except for provisions that cannot reasonably apply or where bicycle-specific rules provide otherwise.

How Much Space Must a Driver Give a Bicyclist When Passing?

Mississippi Code § 63-3-1309 requires motorists passing bicyclists on roadways to leave a safe distance of at least three feet and maintain that clearance until safely past the bicycle. A driver who attempts to squeeze past without adequate clearance may create substantial risk of direct impact or forcing the cyclist from the roadway.

Can I Have a Claim if the Vehicle Never Actually Hit My Bicycle?

Potentially. A motorist may make a dangerously close pass, unsafe lane change, or turn that forces a cyclist to crash while avoiding impact. These cases may be harder to prove because there is no physical contact between the vehicles. Witnesses, cameras, road evidence, and other objective information can therefore become particularly valuable.

What if the Driver Says They Did Not See Me?

Failure to see a cyclist does not automatically excuse negligence. Drivers have an obligation to observe lawful roadway users before turning, passing, entering traffic, or changing lanes. The investigation may examine lighting, sight distance, the cyclist’s position, vehicle design, traffic conditions, and how long the cyclist should have been visible.

Can a Driver Be Responsible for Passing Too Closely?

Yes. Mississippi has a statutory three-foot minimum passing requirement under § 63-3-1309. Evidence of a close pass may come from witnesses, cameras, damage patterns, physical roadway evidence, or statements from the driver and cyclist.

What if I Was Partially at Fault?

Mississippi’s comparative-negligence rule may allow recovery even when the cyclist bears some responsibility, although damages can be reduced according to the assigned percentage of fault. Insurers often attempt to exaggerate cyclist fault, making objective evidence especially important.

What if a Commercial Truck Hit Me?

A commercial bicycle crash may involve potential responsibility beyond the individual driver. A motor carrier, employer, vehicle owner, or other entity may become relevant depending upon the circumstances. Commercial defendants may also possess GPS data, onboard cameras, driver records, and other evidence that should be preserved promptly.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Depending upon the case, damages may include current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, diminished earning capacity, physical pain, emotional suffering, permanent disability, scarring, bicycle damage, and other legally recoverable losses.

Can Children Recover Compensation After Bicycle Accidents?

Yes, when another party is legally responsible. Childhood injuries can create unique damages involving future medical care, developmental consequences, educational needs, permanent physical limitations, and future earning ability. Settlements involving minors may also require additional legal procedures.

What if I Was Hit by a Car That Fled?

Report the crash promptly and preserve as much identifying information as possible. Witnesses, surveillance systems, cameras, and physical vehicle debris may help identify the driver. Depending upon the insurance policies and circumstances, uninsured motorist coverage may also warrant investigation.

Can My Family File a Claim if a Loved One Was Killed While Cycling?

Potentially. Mississippi wrongful death law permits qualifying claims when actionable conduct causes death. Fatal bicycle cases often require immediate evidence preservation because the cyclist cannot provide an account and video, electronic information, or vehicle evidence may disappear.

How Soon Should I Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Prompt investigation can be important. Surveillance video can be overwritten, witnesses can become difficult to locate, vehicles and bicycles can be repaired, commercial records can disappear, and road conditions can change. Early legal involvement can help preserve potentially critical evidence.

Barrett Law, PLLC Represents Bicycle Accident Victims Throughout Mississippi

Barrett Law, PLLC represents injured cyclists and families throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Central Mississippi, Southern Mississippi, and Northern Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Tupelo, Meridian, Pearl, Madison, Greenville, Oxford, Clinton, Horn Lake, Brandon, and surrounding communities.

Whether the collision involved a close pass, unsafe turn, distracted driver, commercial truck, dangerous lane change, hit-and-run driver, or intersection crash, our focus is determining why the collision happened and what evidence establishes responsibility.

Injured in a Mississippi Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collision? Call Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365

A bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle may face surgery, rehabilitation, lost income, permanent disability, and an insurance company attempting to place responsibility on the rider. You deserve an investigation based on evidence and Mississippi law rather than assumptions about cyclists.

Barrett Law, PLLC investigates bicycle crashes, preserves video and electronic evidence, evaluates Mississippi’s bicycle-passing and roadway rules, identifies commercial and other responsible parties, documents serious injuries and future losses, and prepares cases for litigation when insurers refuse to provide fair compensation.

Call Mississippi attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for your FREE consultation.

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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 (601) 790-1505 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 (601)790-1505 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 (601) 790-1505 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

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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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