If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident in Starkville, Mississippi, you need a dedicated and experienced legal advocate. At Harris Law Firm, our Starkville bicycle accident attorney understands the challenges and complexities that arise from bicycle accidents. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Experienced Starkville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Our firm specializes in handling bicycle accident cases, and our experienced team of attorneys is well-versed in the local laws and regulations regarding bicycle accidents. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in many bicycle accident cases, from minor collisions to severe accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Why Choose Us As Your Bicycle Accident Attorney in Starkville, MS?
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a bicycle accident can take on you and your family. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to guide you through this difficult time.
In-Depth Knowledge
As leading bicycle accident lawyers in Starkville, Mississippi, we understand the relevant laws and regulations specific to bicycle accidents. This knowledge enables us to build a strong case and pursue the best possible outcome.
Proven Track Record
Our past successes in handling these types of cases speak for themselves. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them recover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Personalized Attention
At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, we believe in providing personalized attention to each client. We will listen to your unique circumstances, assess your case, and develop a strategy tailored to your needs and goals.
Our Bicycle Accident Practice Areas in Starkville, MS
There are several types of bicycle accidents, and some tend to be more severe than others.
- Bicycle accidents with motor vehicles. If you were hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle while cycling, we can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Bicycle-pedestrian collisions. In cases involving pedestrian negligence or road crossing accidents, we will fight to protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
- Bicycle defects and malfunctions. If a defective bicycle component caused or contributed to your accident, we can pursue claims against manufacturers or distributors.
- Hit-and-run bicycle accidents. If the driver fled the scene after hitting you, we can assist in locating the responsible party and seeking appropriate compensation.
This is not an exhaustive list. So contact us if your bicycle accident fits any of these or other scenarios.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in injuries that range from minor to severe. The severity of the injuries often depends on factors such as the speed of the collision, the use of safety gear, the type of impact, and the vulnerability of the cyclist. Some common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Road rash,
- Fractures,
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions,
- Spinal injuries and paralysis,
- Facial injuries,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Internal bleeding,
- Nerve damage,
- Emotional trauma, and
- Wrongful death.
It’s essential for cyclists to take safety precautions, including wearing helmets and reflective clothing and following traffic laws to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
How to Prove a Bicycle Accident Case
In a bicycle accident case in Mississippi, a plaintiff (the injured party) must establish certain elements to prove their claim and seek compensation for their injuries and damages. These elements generally apply to personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents. To succeed in a bicycle accident case, the plaintiff must typically prove the following.
Duty of Care
The plaintiff must show that the defendant (usually the at-fault party, such as a negligent driver) owed a duty of care to exercise reasonable caution and follow traffic laws while operating their vehicle. All motorists have a legal obligation to drive safely and avoid causing harm to others, including cyclists.
Breach of Duty
The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care. In the context of a bicycle accident, this could include actions such as speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving), running a red light or stop sign, failure to yield the right-of-way to the cyclist, or any other negligent behavior that led to the accident.
Causation
The plaintiff must establish a causal link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the bicycle accident. In other words, they must show that the defendant’s negligent actions directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
Damages
The plaintiff must provide evidence of actual damages suffered due to the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage (e.g., damage to the bicycle), pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Contributory Negligence
Mississippi follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if the plaintiff is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault for the accident and their total damages amount to $10,000, they would receive $8,000 (80% of $10,000) after the reduction for their fault.
To prove these elements, the plaintiff will typically gather evidence such as:
- Police report and accident scene investigations;
- Eyewitness testimonies;
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene;
- Medical records and expert medical testimony regarding injuries and treatment;
- Expert accident reconstruction analysis, if needed; and
- Any other relevant evidence that helps establish liability and damages
Given the complexities of establishing these elements, a plaintiff should seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide them through the process, build a strong case, and protect their right to pursue fair compensation.
Starkville Bicycle Accident Attorney
At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims seek the compensation they deserve for injuries caused by someone else. Contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation.