Gulfport Bike Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can often be serious, and even fatal. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. There are many factors that need to be considered in a Gulfport bicycle accident claim, including who was at fault, the severity of the injuries, and whether there was any property damage. A qualified bicycle accident lawyer in Gulfport will be able to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, contact Haug, Farrar, & Franco PLLC today to schedule a free consultation.

Table of Contents

• Why Hire Haug, Farrar & Franco? 
• Common Causes of Bike Accidents
• How To Prove Liability in Bike Accidents
• Statute of Limitations in Mississippi 
• Contact Us Today 

Why Hire Haug, Farrar & Franco, PLLC For Your Bicycle Accident Claim?

No matter what type of legal issue you’re facing, it’s important to hire a lawyer who specializes in that area of law. Our Gulfport personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling bicycle accident claims. Here’s why you should hire us: 

• Our law firm has a proven track record of success. We have successfully represented many clients and have obtained the compensation they deserved.  
• We care about our clients and their well-being. We will do everything we can to help you win your case.
• Our law firm has a no-risk policy, so you don’t have to pay us anything unless we win your case and get you the compensation you deserve. This way, you can be assured that we will work hard to win your case and get you the money you deserve. 

Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycle accident statistics can be quite alarming. Consider the following:

• Nearly 1,000 bicyclists lose their lives and over 130,000 sustain injuries due to road crashes in the United States each year. 
• The annual cost of bicycle injuries and fatalities from crashes typically surpasses $23 billion in the United States. This massive cost encompasses spending on healthcare, lost work productivity, and estimated costs for diminished quality of life and lost lives. 
• Bicyclists between the ages of 55 and 69 experience the highest rates of fatalities. Adolescents, teens, and young adults have the highest frequency of bicycle-related injuries that necessitate treatment in emergency departments. 
• Individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 account for approximately one-third of all bicycle-related injuries treated in US emergency departments. 
• Male bicyclists face death rates that are six times higher and injury rates that are five times higher compared to their female counterparts. 
• The majority of bicyclist deaths, about 64%, occur in urban areas.
• Approximately 27% of bicyclist deaths take place at intersections. 
• In about one-third of the crashes resulting in a bicyclist’s death, alcohol involvement is detected either in the motor vehicle driver or the bicyclist.

These figures underline why it’s vital for you to take precautions when biking and understand your legal rights if involved in an accident.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can often be serious, and in some cases even deadly. If you or a loved one have been in a bicycle accident, you might be wondering what caused it. Here are some of the most common reasons for bicycle accidents in Gulfport.

Poor Road Conditions 

Bicycles are much more vulnerable to road conditions than motor vehicles are. A road that is smooth and even for a car can be full of small holes, cracks, and other obstacles for a bicyclist. This is why it is so important to always be aware of your surroundings while riding and to avoid any areas that seem dangerous.

Distracted Drivers 

With the prevalence of cell phones, it’s no surprise that distracted driving has become a leading cause of car accidents in Gulfport and elsewhere in the country. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a second, they put everyone around them in danger. This includes bicyclists. If you were hit by a driver who was texting or otherwise not paying attention, they may be held liable for your injuries.

Dooring 

“Dooring” occurs when a driver opens their door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. This can result in serious injuries for the bicyclist, as they can be knocked off their bike and into traffic. If you were doored while riding, the driver of the motor vehicle may be at fault if they did not take proper precautions to ensure your safety. 

Common Injuries Caused by Bicycle Wrecks in Gulfport

An unfortunate reality of cycling is that you are more vulnerable when you share the road with much larger and heavier vehicles. Vehicle collisions can result in a variety of injuries, depending on the severity of the crash. Common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:

• Head injuries: These are often the most serious kind of injury from bicycle accidents. You might sustain a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other significant trauma to the brain. Symptoms range from mild impairment like dizziness, nausea, and confusion to severe issues such as loss of consciousness or amnesia. It’s essential to wear a properly fitting helmet whenever you cycle to protect against these injuries.
• Bone fractures: Bicycle accidents often lead to broken bones and fractures. When you fall or hit something, areas like your arms, legs, collarbones, or wrists may break because of the impact or the way you fall. This can cause a lot of pain, swelling around the affected area, and difficulty moving. Wearing protective gear, such as gloves and knee/elbow pads, can help minimize the risk of injury.
• Spinal cord injuries: In severe bicycle accidents, the spinal cord can be damaged leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and intense pain below the injury site. If you’ve experienced a spinal cord injury, contact our Gulfport spinal cord injury attorneys.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries are when you hurt your muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries often include sprains and muscle strains and tears.
• Overuse Injuries: Bicycle overuse injuries usually occur due to the repetitive motions of cycling, often affecting those who bike for long distances or periods regularly. This often includes:
  • Knee pain: This is relatively common among cyclists and results from continuous pedaling, sometimes due to improper bike setup.
  • Back pain: Spending a lot of time riding and hunched over the handlebars can put a strain on the lower back.
  • Hand numbness or wrist pain: Hand numbness and wrist pain is another common injury linked to biking. This mainly happens because when you grip the handlebars of your bike, a lot of your body weight rests on your hands. Over time, this pressure can cause numbness or discomfort in both the hands and wrists.

How To Show Liability in Bicycle Accidents?

To prove liability in a bicycle accident, you must be able to show that the other negligent party was at fault. There are many ways to do this, but it will require some investigation on your part and your lawyer’s part. 

The first thing you need to do is gather evidence. This can include taking photos of the scene of the accident, getting the contact information of any witnesses, obtaining any video footage, and requesting a copy of the police report. You should also keep track of any medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident, as well as any lost wages if you are unable to work.

Once you have gathered all the evidence, you will need to start building your case. This will involve determining what exactly happened and who is at fault. Was the other party speeding? Did they run a red light? Were they simply not paying attention? All these factors will play a role in proving liability. If you can show that the other party was negligent, then you will have a strong case.

The next step is to determine what damages you have suffered as a result of the accident. This includes both economic damages (medical expenses, lost income, etc.) and noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.). 

Statute of Limitations in Mississippi

In the state of Mississippi, there is a time limit for filing bicycle injury lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. This time limit is three years from the date of the injury. 

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured party is a minor, they have longer to file a lawsuit. If the defendant is a government entity, the deadline is one year. 

Contact Our Gulfport Bicycle Accident Lawyers 

Mississippi bicycle accidents can lead to personal injuries, and seeking immediate medical care is crucial. A law firm with experienced Gulfport bike accident attorneys can be your guiding light, helping you navigate the legal process and deal with insurance companies.

They’ll determine the liable party in a bike accident and hold them accountable, ensuring you get the compensation you need for your recovery. Like a skilled navigator, our legal team will support you every step of the way. Remember, you don’t have to face the challenges alone; seek the help you need and focus on your health and well-being.

Being involved in a bicycle accident can be tragic and financially costly. Trust the experienced Gulfport bike accident lawyers at Haug Farrar & Franco to handle your claim to the best of their abilities. We will fight for your well deserved compensation.

If you need help with a bicycle accident claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.