Mississippi Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

It is estimated that a pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes in this country, bringing the total cases in 2007 to 70,000 casualties, including 4,654 fatalities.http://www.walkinginfo.org/facts/facts.cfm.

The statistics for bicycle accidents are also grim, with 540,000 injuries and 700 fatalities in 2007 http://www.bhsi.org/stats..

A multi-ton vehicle versus a human body is never a fair contest, and the unprotected victim on the ground is always going to lose. When bicyclists, runners, walkers and other pedestrians are hit by a car or truck, it is almost inevitable that the crash will result in severe or disabling injuries to the crash victim. These injuries can include:

• Head or brain damage (traumatic brain injury, or TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal injuries
• Fatal injuries

Insurance companies hate these types of cases, and one of the main mitigating arguments they raise is that of contributory or comparative negligence. This is because accidents are sometimes aggravated by the conduct of the pedestrian, like jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals. It is very important in these instances to hire a lawyer who knows personal injury law, and particularly auto - pedestrian and auto – bike accidents, in order to unearth any negligence by the motorist.

Examples include disregarding crossroad signs or signals, passing or lane-change violations, or failure to yield to a pedestrian who is crossing a road. Witness information is also very important in these instances, as it can determine the level of fault of the motorist. A good lawyer will gather witness statements from everyone possible, and will ensure that your chances of recovery are maximized.

The same principles apply to cyclists, especially concerning wearing a safety helmet. Bicycle cases tend to be complex, and the cause of the accident is not always clear. It is therefore very important for your lawyer to go beyond the police report and get to the issues. While he was a JAG for the Marine Corps, Clarence did most of his own investigation work, and this experience pays off time and again for clients of The Guthrie Firm. Clarence will personally interview every individual who witnessed the incident, and will hire the most qualified bicycle experts, medical experts, and specialists needed to ensure your case is presented in the most effective manner possible.

After a serious incident, both pedestrians and cyclists should seek immediate medical attention. Try to follow these steps if possible:

1. You’ve got to get a police report. No matter how minor it may appear at the time. Get that police report, and make sure it’s accurate.
2. Take pictures of the injured body part immediately after the event.
3. Document your physical condition and ensure that your medical reports include the accident.
4. Preservation of Evidence is key – do not send your bike to be fixed, leave your clothes unwashed.

The first few hours following an accident are crucial, and if you can return to the scene later and take pictures or look for debris that will be useful. Your attorney will require these as proof in order to maximize damages on your behalf.

Bike and pedestrian accidents can turn your life upside down. Insurance companies will be well represented, and will often try to minimize damages, or simply ignore you. This is why it is very important that you hire a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in this specialized area of law. Let Clarence analyze your case, and stop worrying about dealing with insurance companies and medical expenses and focus on recovering from your injuries.

If you would like to discuss your bicycle or pedestrian case with us, please call The Guthrie Firm, PLLC at (601) 991-1099 or contact us online. We are here to help.