Riding a bicycle can be a great way to commute to work, get daily exercise, or enjoy the outside. Despite the continuing improvements in bike safety over the years, bicyclists remain extremely vulnerable to motor vehicle collisions.
If you or a loved one were injured while riding a bike, a George County bicycle accident lawyer could help you seek compensation from the responsible party. By consulting with a seasoned personal injury attorney, you may better understand your legal rights and how they may be enforced. With a dedicated legal ally by your side, you may be able to fight for those rights and achieve a more positive outcome to your case.
Mississippi law requires that bicyclists must operate their bike at or less than the speed of traffic and ride as close as practicable to the right-hand lane per Mississippi Code Annotated §63-3-1307. However, there are many exceptions, such as the rules when overtaking another bicyclist, when making a left turn, when riding straight in a right-hand turn-permitted area, and when avoiding hazards conditions on the road.
Due to the many exceptions rule and the uniqueness of each case, a bicyclist who has been in a bike crash should consult with a George County bicycle accident attorney to see which of these laws may be applicable to their claim.
Bicycles are treated in the same manner as vehicles. In other words, a bicyclist must obey all the same rules of the road they would adhere to if they were driving a motor vehicle.
Under Mississippi law, there are no specific codes that require a bicyclist to either wear a helmet or that prohibits a bicycle from being ridden on the sidewalk. Furthermore, motorists are required to leave a distance of at least three feet between their vehicle and a bike while passing a cyclist per Miss. Code Ann. §63-3-1309.
In any personal injury case, determining which party is at fault for an accident is in question. The State of Mississippi follows the rules of pure comparative fault. Comparative fault is a legal defense for allocating fault. The plaintiff may be eligible to recover compensation even if they are 99 percent at fault for an accident. Their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
It is best to speak to a diligent George County bicycle accident lawyer to learn about the rules of comparative fault.
A bicycle accident can be a devastating incident that could leave a bicyclist with significant medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning potential, and psychological trauma. A George County bicycle accident lawyer could calculate all of your losses and help you seek compensation that covers the full value of your damages.
Let an experienced attorney help you seek the compensation you need to move forward. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case and legal options.