Ridgeland Bicycle Accident Attorney

Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Ridgeland, Mississippi

The Hamilton Law Firm: Defending the Rights of Injured Cyclists

The League of American Bicyclists has designated Ridgeland as a Certified Bicycle-Friendly Community since the year 2006. Despite this fact, unfortunately, many drivers still mistakenly believe that bicycles have no place on the road, often leading to negligence in sharing the roadway with cyclists. However, cyclists are fully entitled to use the road, whether or not a bike path is available. They are protected by the same laws and rights as those operating motor vehicles. At The Hamilton Law Firm, we are committed to advocating for injured cyclists and their families. Our experienced team of bicycle accident attorneys in Ridgeland is dedicated to securing the compensation and justice you deserve.

Understanding Cyclists’ Rights and Motorists’ Obligations in Mississippi

In Mississippi, cyclists have the legal right to use the roads, and motorists are required by law to respect that right and drive responsibly. This is reinforced by the “John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act,” enacted in 2010, which honors John Paul Frerer, an 18-year-old triathlete who tragically lost his life in a biking accident just before his senior year of high school. The Act encompasses several laws designed to protect cyclists on the road.

Call The Hamilton Law Firm To Talk With A Bicycle Injury Attorney – (601) 974-5900

Key Laws Protecting Cyclists in Mississippi

Mississippi has several important statutes aimed at ensuring the safety of cyclists:

  • Cyclists’ Right to the Road: According to Mississippi Code § 63-3-1309, cyclists are permitted to use the roads, except on interstate highways, and motorists are obligated to exercise caution to avoid accidents with bicyclists.
  • The Three Foot Rule: Mississippi Code § 63-3-1307 mandates that drivers must keep a minimum distance of three feet when overtaking a cyclist and maintain this clearance until they can safely pass. This law is essential for cyclist safety.
  • Use of Bike Paths: Cyclists are not required to use bike paths; they have the right to share the road with motor vehicles as long as they adhere to traffic laws.
  • Yielding to Bicycles: Mississippi Code § 63-3-1305 requires that drivers yield to cyclists in bike lanes and prohibits vehicles from blocking these lanes.
  • Protection from Harassment: State law forbids harassing, taunting, or throwing objects at cyclists.
  • Helmet Use: While helmets are strongly recommended for safety, there is no legal requirement in Mississippi to wear one. Not wearing a helmet does not affect an injured cyclist’s right to seek compensation.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, such as:

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

Proving Fault in Bicycle Accidents in Ridgeland

To win a bicycle accident case in Ridgeland, it’s crucial to establish that the driver or another party was at least partially responsible. Mississippi operates under a “comparative fault” system, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault. The seasoned attorneys at The Hamilton Law Firm will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, expert testimony, photographs, and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.

Exactly how much financial recovery an injured cyclist can get in a lawsuit can vary based on the facts and circumstances of your case and your lawyer. While no amount of money can take away your suffering, monetary recovery for your losses can be crucial for the physical, emotional, and financial recovery for you and your family. To maximize your recovery, you need a skilled and experienced bicycle injury lawyer to handle your case.

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Cyclist safety remains a significant concern both locally and nationally. In Mississippi, numerous cyclists are injured or killed in road accidents each year. Nationally, the statistics are equally alarming:

  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 800 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2019.
  • Over 70 percent of bicycle deaths occur in urban areas, such as within the city limits of Ridgeland. However, approximately 30 percent occur in more rural areas such as parts of Madison
  • County or along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
  • Intersections are a particularly dangerous area for bicyclists although bike crashes can also occur in residential areas, regular roadways, and even in bike lanes.
  • Bicycle wrecks accounted for 1.2 percent of all Mississippi traffic-related fatalities in 2020 with 9 cyclists dying in the state that year. The nationwide cyclist traffic death count for 2020 was 938 which was a considerable 9 percent increase from the year before. Countless more people were injured – many of them critically – as a result of car versus bike incidents.

Dealing with Uninsured Drivers or Hit-and-Run Incidents

Even though driving without insurance is illegal in Mississippi, it still occurs, as do hit-and-run accidents. The experienced lawyers at The Hamilton Law Firm can help determine your options for recovery, even when the other driver is uninsured or if a driver caused your injuries and then fled the scene. We explore all avenues to help find insurance coverage for your injury, and our years of experience help us to uncover sources of recovery even when it initially appears that there are none.

Contact Our Ridgeland Bicycle Accident Attorney

Every cyclist deserves to feel safe on Ridgeland’s roads. When that safety is compromised due to negligence, The Hamilton Law Firm is ready to support you. Contact us today to begin your journey toward recovery and justice.