Bicycle Accidents in Mississippi: What You Need to Know

October 1, 2024

Bicycling is a popular and eco-friendly mode of transportation in Mississippi, but it comes with inherent risks. Each year, numerous cyclists are injured or killed on Mississippi roads due to collisions with motor vehicles, unsafe road conditions, or distracted drivers. For those who have been involved in a bicycle accident, knowing your legal rights and understanding the steps to take after a collision is crucial for protecting your health and securing fair compensation. In this post, we’ll explore the common causes of bicycle accidents in Mississippi, the state’s laws regarding cycling, and what to do if you’re injured in a bicycle accident.


Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Mississippi

Bicycle accidents can occur for various reasons, often due to the negligence of drivers or unsafe conditions on the road. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Inattention or Distraction

  • Distracted driving is a leading cause of bicycle accidents. Motorists using cell phones, eating, or adjusting the radio may not see cyclists until it’s too late.

Failure to Yield the Right of Way

  • Many drivers fail to recognize that cyclists have the same rights to the road as motor vehicles. Failure to yield at intersections, stop signs, and when making turns is a frequent cause of serious accidents.

Unsafe Passing

  • Mississippi law requires drivers to maintain a safe distance when passing a cyclist. Motorists who pass too closely can cause cyclists to lose control or collide with the vehicle.

Dooring

  • “Dooring” occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This sudden obstruction can cause a cyclist to crash into the door or swerve into traffic.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

  • Speeding drivers have less time to react to cyclists, increasing the likelihood of severe accidents. Reckless driving, such as aggressive lane changes or tailgating, also poses a serious threat.

Poor Road Conditions

  • Potholes, debris, and poorly maintained roadways can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. Municipalities or property owners may be liable if a poorly maintained road contributes to an accident.

Driving Under the Influence

  • Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to collide with cyclists.


Mississippi Bicycle Laws Every Cyclist Should Know

Mississippi has specific laws that govern the rights and responsibilities of cyclists on the road. Understanding these laws can help cyclists stay safe and protect their legal rights in the event of an accident. Key Mississippi bicycle laws include:

Bicycles are Vehicles

  • Under Mississippi law, bicycles are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. This means cyclists must obey traffic signals, stop signs, and all other rules of the road.

Ride on the Right Side of the Road

  • Cyclists must ride as close to the right-hand side of the roadway as safely possible, except when making a left turn, avoiding an obstacle, or riding in a one-way street where it is safe to ride on the left.

Use of Bike Lanes

  • Cyclists should use designated bike lanes when available. However, if it is not safe to use the bike lane due to debris, parked cars, or other obstructions, cyclists may ride in the main lane of traffic.

Helmet Use

  • Although Mississippi does not have a statewide helmet law for cyclists, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety, especially for children and adolescents.

Lights and Reflectors

  • Cyclists riding at night must have a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red light or reflector visible from 600 feet. This helps ensure that cyclists are visible to drivers in low-light conditions.

Riding Two Abreast

  • Cyclists may ride two abreast in a single lane, but they should not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.

Prohibition on Clinging to Vehicles

  • Cyclists are prohibited from attaching themselves or their bicycles to moving vehicles on the road.


What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Mississippi

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do immediately following a collision:

Seek Medical Attention

  • Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.

Call the Police

  • Report the accident to law enforcement. An officer will document the scene and file a report, which can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

Exchange Information

  • Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.

Document the Scene

  • Take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, the vehicle involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions. This documentation can help establish liability and serve as evidence in your claim.

Do Not Admit Fault

  • Be careful not to say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you feel partially responsible. Let the authorities and your attorney determine liability.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance

  • If you have auto insurance or health insurance, report the accident to your provider. They may be able to assist with covering medical expenses and other costs.

Consult with an Experienced Attorney

  • Bicycle accident claims can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies and establishing fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.


Determining Fault and Liability in Bicycle Accidents

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault. Even if a cyclist is partially at fault, they may still recover compensation. However, the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the cyclist. For example, if a cyclist is found to be 30% at fault and the total damages are $50,000, the cyclist would be eligible to receive 70% of the total, or $35,000.


Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: Costs associated with repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other damaged property.


How J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law Can Help

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries and complex legal battles. At J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law, we understand the unique challenges that cyclists face and are dedicated to helping injured victims pursue the compensation they deserve. We can guide you through the legal process, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your rights every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Mississippi, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the legal support you need to get back on the road to recovery.

Person's hands with fingers intertwined, adjusting rings, wearing a pink shirt and black skirt, seated.

What to Do After Being Served With Divorce Papers in Mississippi

October 25, 2025
Served with divorce papers in Mississippi? Learn the essential steps to protect your rights and meet deadlines. J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law helps Greenville residents navigate divorce.
Two-story house with gray siding, garage, and a wet street reflecting the evening sky.

Will Bankruptcy Prevent Foreclosure in Mississippi?

September 24, 2025
Learn how bankruptcy can help prevent foreclosure in Mississippi. J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law assists Greenville residents in exploring Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 options to protect their homes.
A large house with a blue roof and two garage doors is lit up at night.

What Happens to My House If I File for Bankruptcy in Mississippi?

August 30, 2025
Worried about losing your house if you file for bankruptcy in Mississippi? Learn how exemptions and the type of bankruptcy can help you keep your home. Serving Greenville residents.
A judge 's gavel is sitting on a wooden table next to a person writing on a piece of paper.

How Is Compensation Calculated in a Mississippi Personal Injury Case?

July 30, 2025
Learn how compensation is calculated in a Mississippi personal injury case. Discover how damages, fault, and injury severity affect your claim. Serving Greenville injury victims.
A scale of justice is sitting on a wooden table next to a gavel.

Does Bankruptcy Eliminate Spousal Support Obligations in Mississippi?

June 30, 2025
Filing bankruptcy in Mississippi won’t erase spousal support obligations. Learn how Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 affects alimony and how J. Madison Brooks III, Attorney at Law in Greenville can help.
A man is riding a red motorcycle down a road.

What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Mississippi: A Legal Checklist

May 29, 2025
Injured in a motorcycle accident in Mississippi? Follow this legal checklist to protect your rights and learn how J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law can help Greenville victims seek compensation.
A model house is sitting on a table next to stacks of coins.

Who is Eligible for Foreclosure Defense?

March 13, 2025
Facing foreclosure? Discover who is eligible for foreclosure defense and how you can protect your home with the help of an experienced attorney. Learn about financial hardship, improperly handled processes, and more. Contact J. Madison Brooks III in Greenville, MS, for expert legal assistance.
A pair of scissors is cutting a paper cut out of a family.

What Happens if I Lose My Job and Owe Child Support Payments?

By Christen Everett • February 13, 2025
If you lose your job and are worried about your child support obligations in Mississippi, it's important to know your options. This blog post covers the potential consequences, what you can do to modify your payments, and how an attorney can help.
A dollar bill is laying on the ground in the desert.

What Are the Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

January 16, 2025
Discover the key differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy in this informative guide. Learn about eligibility, the process, and how these two types of bankruptcy can affect your financial future.

Understanding Animal Attack Cases

December 30, 2024
Animal attacks, particularly dog bites, can result in serious physical and emotional trauma. In Greenville, Mississippi, victims of animal attacks have the right to seek compensation for their injuries if the animal’s owner failed to exercise reasonable control. At J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of animal attacks understand their rights and pursue justice.  The Impact of Animal Attacks Animal attacks can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor scratches to severe wounds that require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries include: Puncture Wounds and Lacerations – Deep wounds from bites can cause significant damage to the skin, muscles, and nerves. Infections – Animal bites can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections such as rabies or cellulitis if not treated promptly. Disfigurement and Scarring – Severe attacks may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, requiring surgical intervention. Emotional Trauma – Victims, especially children, may experience lasting psychological effects, including fear and anxiety around animals. Mississippi Law on Animal Attacks Mississippi law addresses the liability of animal owners when their pet injures someone. The state follows a modified “one-bite rule,” meaning that an animal owner may be held liable if: The Owner Knew or Should Have Known the Animal Was Dangerous – If the animal has a history of aggression or has bitten someone before, the owner is responsible for taking precautions to prevent future attacks. The Owner Was Negligent – Even if the animal has no history of aggression, an owner can still be liable if their negligence, such as failing to leash the animal or properly secure it, led to the attack. Proving Liability in Animal Attack Cases To pursue a successful claim, it is crucial to prove that the animal owner was responsible for the attack. Key elements of a case may include: Ownership of the Animal – Establishing that the defendant is the owner of the animal in question. Failure to Control the Animal – Demonstrating that the owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, such as restraining or leashing the animal. Causation and Damages – Showing that the attack directly caused your injuries and resulted in damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Common Defenses Used by Animal Owners Animal owners may use various defenses to avoid liability, such as: Provocation – The owner may argue that the victim provoked the animal, causing the attack. This can be a valid defense if the victim’s actions directly contributed to the animal’s aggressive behavior. Trespassing – If the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the attack, the owner may not be held liable. Assumption of Risk – The owner may claim that the victim assumed the risk of being bitten, particularly if the victim knew the animal was dangerous and chose to interact with it anyway. What to Do If You Are Attacked by an Animal If you or a loved one is attacked by an animal, taking the following steps can strengthen your case: Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the top priority. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if the injuries appear minor, to prevent infections and complications. Report the Incident – Notify local animal control or law enforcement about the attack. This creates an official record of the incident. Document the Attack – Take photographs of your injuries and the location of the attack. Collect contact information from any witnesses who can support your claim. Contact an Attorney – Animal attack cases can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can help you navigate the legal process. How J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law Can Help Our team at J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for victims of animal attacks. Here’s how we can assist: Case Evaluation – We evaluate the details of your case to determine the best course of action and whether you are eligible for compensation. Investigation – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts if necessary to build a strong case on your behalf. Negotiation – We handle all communications with insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Litigation – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights. Seeking Justice for Animal Attack Victims Animal attacks can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At J Madison Brooks III Attorney at Law, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack in Greenville, MS, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.