Bicycle Accidents

Bicycles have been a means of transportation and recreation for many Mississippians over the years. The attorneys at Coxwell & Associates are no different. Managing partner Merrida Coxwell is an avid mountain biker and has navigated the Ridgeland Trails and other mountain bike trails across the nation for over 35 years. 

Even some of the Coxwell & Associates staff ride their bikes to our office located at 500 North State Street in the heart of downtown Jackson, Mississippi.

Rules of the Road

Mississippi Bicycle Accident Guide: Know Your Cyclist Rights

While we love riding our bikes throughout Mississippi, sometimes accidents can happen. That’s why it’s crucial that you know your rights as a cyclist here in Mississippi. Here are a few rules of the road:

ESSENTIAL CYCLING LAWS IN MISSISSIPPI FOR ROAD SAFETY 

1. As a cyclist you are entitled to all the rights and duties a driver of a vehicle would have. This means you must obey all traffic laws and come to a complete stop at stop signs. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-207; Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1303)
2. If you chose to ride your bicycle on the road, make sure you don’t ride more than two cyclists across unless the road you are on allows you to do so. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-603)
3. When riding on the road at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic, make sure you ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. However, there are times when you may not be able to do this. The law in Mississippi has determined you do not have to ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway when:
   1. When it is unsafe to do so;
   2. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
   3. When preparing for or making a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
   4. When proceeding straight in a place where right turns are permitted; and
   5. When necessary to avoid hazardous conditions, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or a lane of substandard width that makes it unsafe to continue along the right portion of the way. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1307)
4. When riding on the road, you are required to exercise due care when passing or overtaking a vehicle that is standing or proceeding in the same direction. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1307)
5. When riding on the road, make sure your bicycle has a reflective light and a lighted white lamp so other vehicles can see you. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-13)
6. Motorists are not allowed to harass you by throwing objects at or near you while you are riding on the road. They can be subjected to a fine for their behavior. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1313)
7. Motorists are required to give you at least three (3) feet of space when they pass you in Mississippi. They cannot make a right in front of you at any intersection or highway unless it is safe for them to do so. (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-3-1309)

Steps to Take after a Bicycle Accident in Mississippi

If you or your loved one is ever involved in a bicycle accident with another cyclist or motorist, make sure you act immediately. After the accident occurs, do the following in order to properly and accurately document the scene as it was that day:

1. No matter how slight your damage to your person or your bicycle may be, call the police immediately and have an accident report made. 
2. Take pictures of your injuries and the damage done to your bicycle equipment 
3. Make sure to get the names and contact information for any witnesses that saw the accident. 
4. Document your medical condition after the accident using a journal. Take pictures of your injuries as they heal.