Mississippi
Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Sharing Mississippi roads means drivers must watch for cyclists. Sadly, accidents still happen often, sometimes leaving riders with severe injuries and a damaged bike. If a driver’s carelessness caused your wreck, a Mississippi bicycle accident lawyer can explain your rights and help you seek compensation for your injuries. 

TopDog Law connects injured cyclists with experienced local attorneys throughout Mississippi. Call (769) 247-5049 today to discuss your case.

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Your Guide to Bicycle Accident in Mississippi

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Understanding Your Rights After a Mississippi Bicycle Accident

Mississippi law generally gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles. This means you have the right to use the road, and drivers need to provide a safe passing distance. They must yield the right of way when required, just like they would for another car.

Unfortunately, many bike crashes happen because drivers don’t follow these rules. 

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Mississippi include:

  • Drivers don’t see the cyclist
  • Drivers turning in front of cyclists
  • Drivers opening car doors without looking (dooring)
  • Distracted driving (texting, eating, etc.)
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failing to yield at intersections or stop signs

If a driver broke a traffic law and caused your accident, they were likely negligent. This negligence is often the basis for a personal injury claim, and a Mississippi bicycle accident lawyer can help you get started.

Proving Fault in a Mississippi Bike Crash

To get compensation, your lawyer generally needs to show that someone else was negligent and that their actions caused your injuries. This is called proving fault or liability.

Gathering Evidence

Building a strong case requires evidence. Important pieces of evidence often include:

  • The official police accident report
  • Photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your bike and the vehicle
  • Statements from anyone who witnessed the accident
  • Your medical records detailing your injuries and treatment
  • Proof of lost wages from your employer

A bicycle accident attorney in Mississippi can gather and organize this evidence. They understand what’s needed to demonstrate how the accident happened and who was responsible.

Mississippi’s Negligence Rule

Mississippi uses a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Personal bicycle accident image involving traffic.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Mississippi Bicycle Accident

If someone else’s carelessness caused your bicycle accident injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. This payment, often called damages, aims to cover the different ways the accident has impacted your life. 

Compensation can include payment for various losses, such as:

  • Medical Bills: Your past and future medical costs, including hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medication, and medical devices

  • Lost Income: The income you lost because you couldn’t work

  • Future Earning Capacity: Reduction in your ability to earn money in the future due to your injuries

  • Damaged Property: The cost to repair or replace your damaged bicycle, helmet, and any other personal property 

  • Pain and Suffering: Your physical pain, emotional suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and injuries

An experienced bicycle wreck attorney in Mississippi can identify all potential areas of compensation. They work to ensure that any settlement or award fully reflects the harm you’ve suffered. 

Let a Mississippi Bicycle Accident Lawyer Deal With the Insurance Company

Soon after the accident, you’ll likely hear from the driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster might seem friendly, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. They want to settle claims for the lowest amount possible.

Be cautious when speaking with adjusters. Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents without first getting legal advice. Anything you say could be used against you later to downplay your injuries or suggest you were at fault. 

Adjusters might offer a quick, low settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Accepting such an offer usually means you give up your right to seek further compensation, even if your condition worsens. 

Let a Mississippi bicycle accident lawyer handle communications with the insurance company for you. Your attorney can negotiate a settlement or take the case to court if necessary.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Bicycle Accidents

How Long Do I Have To File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Mississippi?

The time limit in Mississippi, known as the statute of limitations, for filing most personal injury lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to sue for damages.

There can be exceptions, especially if a government entity is involved, which might require notice much sooner. Seek legal help immediately to avoid missing out on compensation.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover After a Bicycle Crash in Mississippi?

Compensation can include money for:

  • Past and future medical expenses (hospital stays, therapy, medication)
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Damage to your bicycle and other personal property
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The specific amount depends on the details of your case, including injury severity and the clarity of fault. An attorney can calculate damages and negotiate a fair settlement.

What if the Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured or Didn’t Have Enough Insurance?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, you might still have options. You may be able to make a claim under your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

A bicycle crash attorney in Mississippi can review your policies and explore all possible sources of recovery.

Secure the Support You Need To Move Forward

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Mississippi Office

317 E Capitol St suite 200C
Jackson, MS 39201

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