Have you been injured as a bicyclist in Jackson, Mississippi? Did a careless driver hit and hurt you while you were on your bike? If so, the Jackson bicycle accident attorneys of Derek L. Hall, PC are here to help. Let us put our legal skills and resources to work on your case.
At Derek L. Hall, PC, we believe that everyone on the road should respect the rights of cyclists. When a motorist’s conduct harms a cyclist, we’ll be ready to hold the motorist accountable.
We have over 25 years of experience and a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements. We are ready to get you the results you need and deserve. That’s why so many people who’ve been hurt in Jackson have turned to us for qualified legal assistance.
Call Derek L. Hall, PC, or reach out online to set up a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bike Crashes in Mississippi
While the vast majority of cycling accidents happen in urban settings, an accident can occur anywhere and at any time.
Consider these bicycle accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- 71 percent of bicycling fatalities happen in urban areas, while 29 percent occur in rural areas.
- About 30 percent of bicycle accidents happen at intersections.
- Another 58 percent of bike crashes happen outside of intersections.
- Four percent of bike accidents actually happen in bike lanes.
Common causes of bicycle crashes include:
- Distracted driving. This falls on both drivers and cyclists. Drivers distracted by talking on the phone, texting, eating, or looking at directions can easily miss seeing a cyclist on the road. The same can go for bikers, as they look down at a phone or adjust headphones. Even a second of distraction can mean taking eyes off the road and missing a car, pothole, or other danger.
- Speeding. Speeding cars put everyone on the road at risk, especially bikers. The effects of speeding can be worsened by the terrain, weather conditions, road hazards, and the amount of traffic in the area.
- Riding too close to a lane. Accidents are hard to avoid when vehicles try to pass too closely to a cyclist. Under Mississippi law, drivers are required when passing cyclists to give at least three feet of space.
- Dooring. Mississippi law also requires that drivers not open their car doors unless it can be done safely and without interfering with traffic. This law is meant to help prevent what is known as “dooring” accidents. Dooring accidents occur when an unaware driver opens a car door and hits a bicyclist or causes the bike rider to run into the door or another vehicle.
Serious Injuries Suffered in Bicycle Accidents
When it is just you and your bike versus a driver in a vehicle, a bike-car collision can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. Common injuries in a bike-car collision include:
- Concussion
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Fractured bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Road rash
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding
Mississippi Bicycle Traffic Laws
Mississippi has numerous laws that pertain to bicycle safety on its roads. Besides the safe passing and the dooring regulations, Mississippi law (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 63-3-103; 63-3-1303) considers bicycles to be vehicles. That means drivers must respect the rights of cyclists on the road.
It also means that all cyclists must follow all traffic laws and duties that a driver of a car must follow. Those laws include stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic signals. It also means that cyclists are prohibited from riding under the influence of drugs or other controlled substances.
Bicyclists should always protect themselves by using a helmet. However, Mississippi does not have a specific helmet law for bicyclists.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Bicycle Accidents in Mississippi?
Not all bike accidents are the same. Slightly different circumstances can make a world of difference when deciding who is at fault. At Derek L. Hall, PC, we gather all the facts surrounding a bicycle accident. We help you determine which parties are liable in any bicycle crash involving another vehicle.
Mississippi is known as a “comparative fault” state. That means an injured bicyclist may recover compensation for an accident, even if the biker was partly to blame. However, this also means that any compensation the biker recovers may be reduced by the percentage to which he or she was responsible for the accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Bike Accidents
If a driver isn’t insured, it’s against the law for that motorist to drive on Mississippi roads. Unfortunately, that does not stop some motorists from driving without insurance. A lack of insurance coverage may also come into play when bicyclists are involved in hit-and-run accidents.
When you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist, how do you get the compensation you deserve? If you carry an auto insurance policy, it may be possible to file a claim with your carrier.
It’s difficult to sort out claims against uninsured motorists, but the law firm of Derek L. Hall, PC can help. Our seasoned team of bicycle accident attorneys can review the evidence in your case. We can show you the best options for getting the compensation you deserve.
Talk to Our Jackson Bike Accident Lawyers Now for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a bicycle accident, know that you’re not alone. Help is here. The Jackson bike accident attorneys at Derek L. Hall, PC can help you get the full and fair compensation that you deserve.
Honest, straightforward legal advice is only a phone call away. Call us at 601-202-2222 now or contact us online for a free review of your case.
