Gulfport Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself in a bike accident in Gulfport, what comes next can be complicated, but at Giddens Law Firm, our Gulfport bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You have the right to hold the person responsible for the accident accountable for their actions.
Drivers are expected to be cautious and aware of everyone on the road, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers don’t see bicyclists, leading to accidents and severe injuries. Our legal team will work with you to gather evidence, build a strong case, and ensure you recover compensation and receive the justice you need to recover from your injuries.
Do I Need a Gulfport Bicycle Accident Attorney?
Although hiring a legal representative after a bicycle accident is not mandatory, we highly recommend you do so. A specialized Gulfport bicycle accident attorney can provide you with several benefits, including:
- Negotiating with the insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Conducting a thorough investigation of your bicycle accident case to collect all the necessary evidence and build a strong case in your favor.
- Ensuring you meet all deadlines and correctly submit all paperwork, avoiding unnecessary delays or complications.
- Representing you in court, if necessary, and fighting for your rights and interests.
Hiring a skilled and experienced Gulfport bicycle accident lawyer can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for damages, injuries, and other losses from a bicycle accident. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
What Are the Major Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
There are several major causes of bicycle accidents in Gulfport, MS, including distracted driving, driving under the influence, failure to yield, and reckless driving.
Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, quite common. Like car and truck accidents, they can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. It is important for both drivers and cyclists to be aware of the most common causes so they can take steps to prevent accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that alcohol was involved in 36% of all fatal bicycle accidents in 2021. Even though it’s against the law, drunk driving is still a big issue. When someone drives while they’re drunk, it can make them slower to react if there’s an emergency on the road. For example, if a person riding a bicycle is in front of a drunk driver, the driver might not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them.
Failure to Yield
Under state bicycle laws, bicyclists have the right of way, but many drivers ignore this fact, causing bicycle accident numbers to rise. They try to either cut off the bicyclist or speed around them. In turn, the bike rider may be unable to stop and hit the car head-on. You need to remember that bicyclists have the same rights and privileges as those driving a vehicle, and when a driver fails to yield to a cyclist, a dangerous situation occurs.
Dooring Accidents
Sometimes, accidents occur because the driver doesn’t see the bicyclist until too late. If a cyclist is riding along a line of parallel-parked cars, a motorist may open their door in front of the cyclist’s path. The bicyclist may not be able to avoid striking the door, being thrown over the open door, and sustaining severe injuries.
Distracted Driving
Gulfport drivers texting, changing the radio station, or trying to see where their GPS is telling them to turn next can easily miss seeing a cyclist on the road. But distracted driving isn’t only a driving issue but also a bicycling problem. Bike riders may also be texting or picking the next song on their phone rather than paying attention to the road.
Reckless Driving
When motor vehicles try to pass a bicyclist on the road, they may not realize how close their vehicle may be to the cyclist. The law states that drivers must give at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist, but not all drivers follow this law. Additionally, speeding can put everyone on the road at risk. The faster you go, the harder it will be to stop if something gets in your path, like a bicyclist turning in front of you.
What Are the Common Injuries of a Bike Crash?
Bike accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence that can lead to a range of injuries for the bicycle accident victim. Bike rider’s injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. The most commonly reported injuries from a bike wreck include:
- cuts
- bruises
- sprains and strains
- broken bones
- head injuries
- neck and spine injuries
- internal injuries
In the most extreme cases, bike accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death, which can be devastating for bike riders and their family. To minimize the risk of injury while cycling, it is crucial to adhere to traffic laws and safety guidelines and always wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet.
How Is Liability Determined in a Bicycle Accident in Gulfport, MS?
Liability is determined by proving that the person who caused the accident was negligent. Various factors, such as reckless drivers, defective bicycle parts, or poor road conditions, can cause bicycle accidents in Gulfport. If you get injured in a bike accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for your damages.
To prove negligence, you need to show that the other party was responsible for keeping you safe but failed to do so, which caused your injuries. These damages can be physical or financial. To hold the negligent party accountable, you can seek the help of a Gulfport personal injury attorney.
If you have been in a bicycle accident in Gulfport, our experienced lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve. It’s important to speak with a bike accident lawyer before making any decisions about your case.
What Compensation is Available After a Bicycle Accident?
When someone gets injured in an accident, two types of damages are available to them – economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to any financial losses. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective and relate to the emotional and psychological impact.
Common types of damages you may receive include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
During your free initial consultation, our legal team will carefully review the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
How a Gulfport Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and have suffered damages, injuries, or other losses, it is essential to seek the assistance of a skilled and experienced Gulfport personal injury lawyer at Giddens Law Firm. A professional bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, understand your rights, and fight for your best interests. With our knowledge and expertise, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses, which can help you recover and move forward from the accident. Call or chat today for a free consultation with our bike accident attorneys.
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An unexpected and unfortunate accident can lead to difficult hurdles and challenges that you are unprepared to overcome on your own. You’ll be facing a huge financial debt and may not be able to work for a long time. Chances are the insurance company is not going to give you a settlement that will pay all the expenses. You may feel overwhelmed and stressed. What can you do to get the compensation needed to recover?
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