Gulfport Bicycle Accident Attorney
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Bicyclists possess many of the same rights and privileges as drivers on the road but are unfortunately more prone to severe injuries in the event of an accident. Many of these collisions result from the actions of negligent drivers and motorcyclists. If you suffered traumatic injuries from a bicycle accident, you know how costly they can be. In addition to growing debt due to these expenses, you may be dealing with limited mobility or permanent injuries that have forever changed your way of life. It’s vital to receive the compensation you deserve so you and your family can move forward after such a devastating experience. Read on to learn more about bicycle accidents and what damages you may be entitled to recover with the help of an experienced Gulfport bicycle accident attorney.
Getting hit while riding your bike is terrifying—and the pain, stress, and bills that follow can feel overwhelming. You deserve support, not silence.
Common Causes of Gulfport Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists take a risk when riding their bikes on public roads. Accidents commonly result from a variety of different factors, usually driver-related. The most common causes of bicycle accidents include the following:
- Distracted driving. Drivers paying attention to their phones, GPS, or other passengers can easily miss a bicyclist and cause an accident.
- Speeding. Drivers speeding have less time to react to sudden changing situations, which cause serious collisions.
- Failure to yield. Drivers must yield to bicyclists in intersections, crosswalks, bike lanes, and other locations. Failing to do so often results in accidents.
- Dooring. Dooring occurs when a driver fails to look for bicyclists before opening their car door, and a bicyclist collides with the door.
While these are the most common causes of bicycle accidents, other situations may lead to collisions that result in serious injuries. Speak to a Gulfport bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible so they can begin investigating the cause of your accident.
Common Injuries You May Need a Gulfport Bicycle Accident Attorney For
While drivers enjoy a layer of steel to protect them in a collision, bicyclists are fully exposed. As a result, bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries for the bicyclist. The most common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include the following:
- Internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and rib and bone fractures.
- Brain injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, brain contusions, spinal cord injuries, vestibular injuries, and peripheral nerve injuries.
- External injuries include broken bones, scrapes, deep lacerations, and broken bones.
Injuries resulting from bicycle accidents often require lengthy rehabilitation and immediate medical attention. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Gulfport utilizes their resources to get you the medical attention you need while building a solid case on your behalf.
Let’s Talk About Your Bicycle Accident—Your Recovery Starts Here
Proving Liability in Gulfport Bicycle Accidents
Prevailing on a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident usually requires establishing the liable party’s negligence. A Gulfport bicycle accident attorney knows what’s needed to prove the four required elements of a negligence claim.
- Duty of care. Drivers and motorcyclists have a legal duty to operate their vehicles and motorcycles in a reasonably safe manner to protect others from harm, including bicyclists.
- Breach. When motorcyclists or drivers fail to behave reasonably, they breach this duty of care. An example is when a driver fails to yield to a bicyclist and causes a crash.
- Causation. The driver’s breach must have caused your injuries and losses.
- Damages. You must show that you suffered injuries and other damages from the accident. Medical records, bills, and photographs work to satisfy this element.
Though the elements of a negligence claim are straightforward, effectively proving the existence of these elements in your claim is more difficult than you think. A bicycle accident lawyer in Gulfport knows that proving negligence makes the difference between prevailing or losing out on the compensation you need.
What Is Contributory Negligence?
Mississippi operates under the theory of pure contributory negligence. Contributory negligence permits an injured bicyclist to recover compensation for damages even if the court finds the cyclist shared responsibility for causing the collision. However, the court will deduct the victim’s percentage from the total compensatory damages award. Having skilled bicycle accident lawyers on your side can help you avoid having your settlement or judgment reduced.
Maximize Recoverable Damages with a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Mississippi law permits injured victims to recover compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages intend to make a vMississippi law permits injured victims to recover compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages intend to make a victim whole due to their injury and include special and general damages.
Special damages represent direct financial losses resulting from the accident. These damages include the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earnings, and
- Property damage.
A Gulfport bicycle accident attorney uses documentation like invoices, medical records, and pay stubs to support your demand for special damages.
General damages are more difficult to prove due to their subjective nature. These losses relate to intangible harm suffered from your accident, including the following:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of consortium,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Permanent disability and disfigurement.
Compensation for general damages is vital to a personal injury claim but can be challenging to prove without a Gulfport bicycle accident attorney. These damages provide payment for the personal side of a bicycle accident case and acknowledge the subjective losses and lifestyle changes that go beyond straight financial losses.
Compared to compensatory damages, punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant and deter others from behaving similarly. While it’s rare to receive punitive damages in Mississippi, a bicycle accident attorney in Gulfport may suggest pursuing them in special cases.
Insurance companies may try to shift the blame—but the law is clear: cyclists have rights, and we’re here to protect them.
Choosing a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
When you’re injured in a bicycle accident, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we take pride in being a trusted name for individuals seeking justice after a serious injury. Our dedicated team of Gulfport injury lawyers has the skill, experience, and drive needed to navigate the complexities of your personal injury case and secure the compensation you deserve.
Results-Driven
Why choose Smith & Holder, PLLC? First, our firm is known for delivering results. We’ve built a reputation for winning cases by combining creative and dynamic legal strategies with a relentless commitment to our clients. Whether in trial or on appeal, our attorneys have the expertise to handle even the toughest cases.
Personalized Attention
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we understand the importance of personalized attention. When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, honest assessments, and a legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. We begin every case with a thorough investigation, working diligently to uncover the causes of your accident and identify the parties responsible for your injuries. This attention to detail ensures we’re prepared to build a strong case on your behalf.
Genuine Compassion
Most importantly, we care about your future. Bicycle accident injuries can be life-altering, and you need a legal team that prioritizes your needs at every step. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we’re here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
When searching for a bicycle accident lawyer near me, trust the proven expertise, experience, and dedication of Smith & Holder, PLLC. Let us help you protect your claim and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
We’ve helped injured cyclists across Gulfport get the compensation they need to recover and move forward—you can be next.
Contact a Gulfport Bicycle Accident Attorney
Smith & Holder, PLLC is a trial and appellate law firm known for taking on and winning cases. We focus on providing excellent service to our clients through close communication and effective strategy. Every client receives the full benefit of our legal experience and personal attention. Since our firm’s founding, we’ve earned a reputation for providing intelligent, creative, and dynamic representation and obtaining outstanding results for our clients when they need it most. We provide our clients with honest assessments of their cases, their rights, and their options and how to proceed to get the best possible results. Contact us today by phone or email for a free case evaluation to learn how Smith & Holder, PLLC can help you.