Whether in the city or out in nature, bicycles are more popular than ever. Unfortunately, some drivers do not share the road well, leading to devasting bicycle accidents.
Fortunately, an experienced Mississippi bicycle accident attorney can help you recover compensation from the driver that injured you. Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons, but there are steps that you can take that can be incredibly helpful to your case. Bicycle accident victims will have several options to pursue damages, but a lawsuit will almost always be the best way to hold a driver responsible for their negligence.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys can help recover damages for your injuries. Contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Mississippi
Bicycle accidents can, unfortunately, occur anywhere cyclists share the road with drivers. Many roads throughout Mississippi have bike lanes that run alongside the traffic lanes, putting cyclists close to other drivers. Most bicycle accidents result from negligent driving, which you can be compensated for if you are injured. Our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys can help you regardless of how your bicycle accident injuries were caused.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents in Mississippi. With technological advances, there are more distractions in front of a driver than ever before. Texting while driving or checking GPS instead of the road are just a few common ways distracted drivers can cause an accident.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating bicycle accidents. Intoxicated drivers will have difficulty reacting in time to a cyclist before it is too late. If you were injured by someone driving under the influence, you can recover compensation in civil court regardless of what happens in their criminal case.
Speeding
Many bicycle accidents are the result of speeding drivers. Speeding vehicles can impact cyclists with incredible force, often causing serious injuries. A speeding driver might not have the time to react quickly enough to avoid an accident once they encounter a bicycle on the road.
Other Traffic Violations
Drivers are required to follow the rules of the road and treat bikes with the same care as they would other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, some drivers are indifferent to cyclists or are outright hostile to their presence. If drivers do not respect a bicycle’s right to ride on the road, they could cause an accident trying to get around them. For instance, many accidents occur when drivers make an illegal turn in front of a bicycle or improperly change lanes. Our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys can help you recover the compensation you deserve if a careless driver injured you.
Recovering Compensation for a Mississippi Bicycle Accident
Victims injured in a bicycle accident will have a few options to pursue compensation after being injured in a Mississippi accident. Mississippi is an at-fault state, meaning you can recover compensation from the negligent party that injured you. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could choose to file an insurance claim against the negligent party for damages. However, filing a lawsuit will be the best option to ensure you recover what you are entitled to.
You must prove that the driver caused your injuries regardless of your chosen route. Fortunately, our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys will be able to help you with either process. In a lawsuit, however, our firm can obtain a greater range of evidence to prove your claim. We can also question witnesses under oath before trial if settlement negotiations do not progress. Our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys are here to ensure you are treated fairly and ready to go to trial if necessary.
Steps You Can Take After Being Injured in a Mississippi Bicycle Accident
There are several steps you can take following a bicycle accident in Mississippi to help protect your case for the future. Your first concern, of course, is your health. Once you are safe, the police should immediately be called to the scene. After you have received medical care, contact our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys to review your case to determine how the driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Call 911
It is crucial to contact the police after being involved in a bicycle accident. The police report from an accident can be crucial evidence in any case, especially a bicycle accident. Police reports will contain the information needed to sue the other driver and indicate how they were negligent.
Exchange Information
If you can, exchange insurance information with the driver who hit you. You will need their personal information, like name and address, to file a lawsuit and their insurance information if you decide to file a claim. However, do not engage with a driver if they seem hostile or unwilling to provide their information. If a driver refuses to cooperate with you, wait for the police to arrive and investigate the accident.
Document the Scene
If your injuries allow, document as much of the scene as possible. Many insurance companies will argue that the cyclist was at fault for the accident, but photos can indicate how an accident actually occurred. Be sure to take photos of your injuries to preserve how they were at the time of the accident.
Seek Medical Care
It is important to get medical attention for your injuries, even if you do not believe you were that hurt. You could have injuries that you are not aware of yet, and you will also begin documenting your injuries for your recovery efforts later.
Speak with Our Mississippi Bicycle Accident Attorneys
After receiving the proper treatment, reach out to our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys to determine what steps to take next. Our firm can help you calculate your damages and fight for every penny of compensation you deserve.
Our Mississippi Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you were injured while riding your bike, our Mississippi bicycle accident attorneys can help you hold the driver that injured you accountable. For a free case review, call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
