Cycling is a popular method of both recreation and transportation and has been well-loved for decades. Many people resort to bicycles as a cheaper method of transportation. However, bicycles sharing the road with motor vehicles may lead to disputes, conflicts, and even accidents on the road. As cyclers are much smaller and less protected than motorists, these kinds of accidents can be especially harmful to the cyclist. This disparity is exacerbated when considering bicycle accidents without helmets.
If you or your loved ones have experienced bicycle accidents without helmets, an experienced personal injury attorney from Lott Law may be able to help ensure proper compensation. For more information, consider scheduling a consultation by calling the office at (228) 215-2787.
Mississippi Helmet Laws and Bicycle Traffic Laws
In general, cyclists on the road are subject to all of the same laws as motor vehicles, with several notable additions specific to how the bicycle uses space on the road. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, bicycles are subject to all regular traffic laws, except those that are irrelevant due to the nature of the vehicle.
This does include signaling, even though bicycles do not come equipped with signals. Cyclists may be liable for accidents if they fail to properly use hand signals and inform other drivers of their turn. In addition, cyclists are expected to keep as far to the right as reasonably possible in the lane. Drivers are required to give cyclists 3 ft of buffer when passing.
However, despite these other regulations, Mississippi does not require cyclists to wear helmets on the road. While some of its neighboring states have legislature enforcing helmet use for individuals under the age of sixteen to prevent bicycle accidents without helmets, it is perfectly legal to ride without a helmet in Mississippi. However, some municipalities such as Jackson or Starkville may have specific requirements, especially for parents cycling with children or allowing children to ride bicycles.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents without helmets may have various causes, as every roadway and driver differs. However, several common themes seem to lead to cycling accidents. The primary cause of bicycle accidents without helmets is distracted driving, especially when blind spots are considered. However, dooring injuries and injuries from motorists not providing enough space for the cyclist are also common.
Due to the speed and size of most bicycles, cyclists may find themselves in the blind spot of a motor vehicle. This can lead to an accident if either the cyclist or the driver is not paying careful attention. Sometimes, this can lead to a motorist crashing into a cyclist, but this may also result in the motorist simply not providing space for the cyclist and causing them to crash into other objects in their surroundings.
One form of injury unique to bicycle accidents, including bicycle accidents without helmets, is called dooring. This occurs when a motorist opens the door of their vehicle unexpectedly, either causing the cyclist to collide with the door or forcing them to avoid the door and crash into something else.
For more information on the various kinds of cycling injuries, consider speaking with a seasoned personal injury attorney from Lott Law.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents without helmets can often have very serious consequences, especially considering that many cyclists share the road with large motor vehicles. These collisions often end up much worse for the cyclist than the motorist, which is one of the reasons wearing a helmet is so important. Wearing a helmet can help protect against the worst effects of bicycle accidents without helmets.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be incredibly devastating to a cyclist. TBIs are a broad category of injuries that generally encompass any injury that does significant damage to the brain. This can include injuries such as concussions, contusions, brain bleeds, and more. In extreme circumstances, sometimes the skull may be pierced by foreign objects that may harm the brain, such as glass, metal, or bone fragments. Traumatic brain injuries can be very severe for bikers, and it is generally recommended to seek medical treatment immediately if one suspects a TBI and pay attention to delayed symptoms.
Fractured Bones
In addition, bicycle accidents without helmets may lead to fractured or broken bones. This can occur as a result of a collision with a moving vehicle, as the momentum and weight of the vehicle are much greater than that of the cyclist. However, this can also occur if a motor vehicle acts in such a way that the biker is driven off the road or into an obstacle beside the road.
Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash
While generally not as severe or lasting as fractured bones or traumatic brain injuries, cuts, bruises, road rash, and other soft tissue injuries can also be incredibly painful. Scrapes, cuts, and bruises can often occur when cyclists are knocked off their bicycle. These are often the most common injuries in a bicycle accident without a helmet, as the soft tissue is the most easily damaged.
Differences Between Helmeted and Unhelmeted Accidents
The primary difference between bicycle accidents without helmets and with helmets is the risk to the biker. Helmets can often help protect against the most severe of cycling injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. Riding a bicycle on the road without a helmet is never recommended, due to safety concerns. However, there may also be legal complications from cycling without a helmet.
Liability For Accidents When Cyclist Does Not Wear a Helmet
Generally, if the accident is understood to be the fault of the motorist, the cyclist should be compensated properly. However, Mississippi ascribes to the principles of pure comparative negligence. This means that parties involved in the accident are liable to the degree that they were responsible for the accident.
Therefore, if the cyclist is 25% responsible and the motorist is 75% responsible, the cyclist may receive 25% less compensation than if the accident were entirely the motorist’s fault. If a cyclist is seeking reparations for an injury that could have been prevented by wearing a helmet, this may hurt the cyclist’s chances of compensation.
Contact a Pascagoula, Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyer
Bicycle accidents without helmets can be scary, stressful situations. In addition, seeking compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering of an accident can be incredibly taxing to someone who has been injured. Being aware of the Mississippi laws surrounding bicycle accidents can help the process of seeking compensation go smoothly and without further incident. For more information on compensation for bicycle accidents without helmets, a skilled Pascagoula personal injury attorney from Lott Law can help clarify the process and explain the legal complexities. Consider scheduling a consultation by calling the office at (228) 215-2787.