According to the laws of Pascagoula, bicycles are classified as vehicles. Bicycles are required to use the roadway in the same manner as vehicles but should travel on the far right-hand side of the road. Bicycles are required to follow all traffic signals and use hand signaling or other maneuvers to indicate to vehicles where they’re going in traffic.
Since cyclists are intended to ride on the roadway, this subjects them to traffic hazards. Cyclists move at a greater rate of speed than pedestrians, yet do not have the same four-wall protection of an automobile, and so any cyclist in an accident is more prone to serious injury or death. Pascagoula bicycle accident cases can become quite complicated, and so it is best to retain the services of a seasoned attorney. A diligent bicycle accident attorney could help you navigate through the legal elements of your case and help you get the compensation you need.
Bicycles are considered vehicles for purposes of traffic laws. Therefore, bicycles must be considered as automobiles or motorcycles in the normal lane of traffic. Usually in Mississippi cyclists are traveling slower than motor vehicles, and so a vehicle must give three feet worth of buffer to the cyclist as it passes. This is known as the “3 feet law.”
Cyclists must obey all traffic rules, including speed limits, lights, and any other signage on the roadway, just like a normal car. Cyclists also must yield to pedestrians when they cross. However, a cyclist must realize that they are in a precarious position on the roadway and must use all reasonable efforts to alert the public that they are using the roadway. There is no requirement that cyclists use any kind of lighting or high visibility clothing during the daytime. However, they will be required to have a rear red light and a forward-facing white light if cycling is done during the evening time. Cycling at night can be dangerous and is not advised.
Bicycle accidents and motorcycle crashes are actually quite similar. Rarely will a cyclist have to obey or be in violation of any speed limits, whereas motorcyclists need to be more wary of speed limits. With regard to protective apparel, motorcyclists must wear protective headgear, while cyclists are not required to do so. Motorcyclists will have operating lights, turn signals, and all other equipment to notify the public of stopping, turning, or lighting up the roadway, whereas a cyclist usually only has their arms and small lights for night riding.
Cyclists and motorcyclists should be aware of the dangers involved and use the roadways cautiously. Ultimately, drivers must also be aware of the dangers of these users of the roadway and must use appropriate caution when using the roadway to be aware of motorcyclists and cyclists.
The most common accidents usually involve distracted driving and inattentive behaviors. For example, if a motorist is texting while driving, they can cause a severe accident. The vehicle operator simply is not paying attention to their surroundings and may not be expecting cyclists on the roadway, even where there is a cycling path. This has resulted in a tragic number of fatalities involving cyclists in our community.
Another common cycling accident occurs when a cyclist is operating their bicycle in a normal manner on a roadway, and a vehicle simply fails to yield the right away to the cyclist. This is usually at a stop sign, and the driver just pulls out in front of the cyclist or simply disobeys signage, and collides with the cyclist.
In most cases, the vehicle operator is at-fault for the collision. However, there will be cases where the bicycle rider was operating their bicycle in a negligent manner. The attorney will have to take that into account accordingly, and gather appropriate evidence such as witness testimony to help determine who was responsible for the accident.
It is extremely common to have deaths result from bicycle accidents. Cyclists are extremely prone to serious injury and death. Bicyclists can even sustain severe injuries in instances where the speeds of the motor vehicle are not very high. The most common type of injuries a bicyclist could sustain includes:
A local attorney could prove the severity of an individual’s injuries in court to help them get the compensation they need.
Those who do not frequently ride bicycles, primarily motorists more used to driving, do not seriously appreciate the risk that cyclists face riding next to them on the roadways. . Bicyclists can sustain severe injuries in a collision with an automobile. If a bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle, they could hold the negligent party accountable for damages. It’s extremely important to have the case handled appropriately so that your story can be told to those who need to hear it. A knowledgeable attorney is the best start to helping you fight your case. Schedule a consultation today to learn about the unique aspects of a Pascagoula bicycle accident case.