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.