Meridian Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle Injury Attorneys in Meridian, Mississippi

The Hamilton Law Firm Advocates for Injured Cyclists

Some motorists incorrectly and unfairly believe bicycles do not belong on the roads and can be negligent in sharing the road with cyclists. The fact of the matter is that cyclists are entitled to use the road, regardless of whether there is an available bicycle path, and enjoy all the same freedoms and protections under the law as those who are operating motor vehicles. At The Hamilton Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured cyclists and their families. Our Meridian bike wreck lawyers have the skill, experience, and a proven track record to ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Mississippi Cyclist Rights and Motorist Responsibilities

In Mississippi, Mississippi law mandates that motorists must respect the presence of cyclists and share the road responsibly, since cyclists enjoying the same rights to the road as motorists. This is in part thanks to the “John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act,” which was enacted by the Mississippi legislature in 2010 and named after John Paul Frerer, an 18-year-old triathlete tragically killed while riding his bike the day before what should have been his senior year of high school. The Act includes numerous laws intended to promote cyclist safety.

Call The Hamilton Law Firm at (601) 693-5548 to talk with a bicycle injury attorney.

Laws Related to Bicycle Riders and Drivers’ Duties Related to Cyclists

Key Mississippi statutes and laws related to cyclist safety include:

  • Cyclists’ Rights and Motorists’ Duty of Care: Mississippi Code § 63-3-1309 makes clear that outside of interstate highways, cyclists are entitled to use Mississippi roadways and that motorists must exercise due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists.
  • The Three Foot Rule: Mississippi Code § 63-3-1307 requires motorists to maintain a minimum distance of three feet clearance when passing a cyclist on the road. This rule is crucial for ensuring the safety of cyclists and reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, motorists must maintain such clearance until they can safely pass the bicycle.
  • Do Mississippi cyclists have to use a bike path? No. As long as the cyclist follows the rules of the road and bike laws, cyclists are equally entitled to all rights of the road just as anyone driving a motor vehicle. In other words, bicyclists may use designated bike paths but are not required to do so.
  • Cars Must Yield to Bikes: Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 63-3-1305, Motorists must yield to cyclists in the bicycle lane, and motor vehicles may not block the bicycle lane.
  • No Harassing Cyclists: Mississippi law also prohibits harassing, taunting, or maliciously throwing any object at or in the direction of a person riding a bicycle.
  • Are Helmets Required? While cyclists should always wear a helmet when riding a bike for their own protection, there is no Mississippi law requiring them to do so. Furthermore, failing to wear a helmet will not impact an injured cyclist’s right to recovery.

Common Injuries from Bicycle Accidents

Due to the unique nature of bicycle accidents, severe injuries can result, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • Concussion
  • Head, Neck, and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Broken Bones and Fractures
  • Internal Injuries and Bleeding
  • Soft Tissue Damage
  • Lacerations and Road Rash
  • Cuts and Bruises
  • Psychological Trauma

What Is Fault, and What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Fault in Meridian Bike Wrecks

Winning your Meridian bicycle accident case requires proving the automobile driver or other party was at least partially at fault. Mississippi is what is called a “comparative fault” state, meaning an injured bicyclist can still recover for injuries even if he or she was partly to blame. In order to provide sufficient evidence, the seasoned Meridian bicycle injury attorneys at The Hamilton Law Firm will investigate the incident and gather the police report, eyewitness statements, expert testimony, photographs, cell phone records, medical records, and other information and evidence to help you recover for your damages.

What if the Driver was Uninsured or if it was a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without insurance in Mississippi, but it does happen as do hit-and-run incidents. In such cases, the injured cyclist’s own insurance may still apply even though they were on a bike. The experienced Meridian bicycle wreck lawyers at The Hamilton Law Firm can help assess the evidence and figure out what insurance or other recovery may be available for your bike crash injuries even if the other driver is uninsured.

Contact Our Meridian Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cyclists have every right to feel safe on the roads of Meridian. When negligence disrupts that safety, The Hamilton Law Firm is here to stand by your side. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards recovery and justice.