Biloxi Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Biloxi is a city full of charm, with attractions that draw residents and tourists to explore its streets on foot. From the iconic Biloxi Lighthouse to the scenic views of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, the city offers many pedestrian-friendly spots, making it an ideal destination for walking.
A Biloxi pedestrian accident attorney can provide the legal support needed to pursue fair compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident.
Whether you’re enjoying the scenic beauty of Beach Boulevard or visiting the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, the risk of pedestrian accidents in busy areas remains a concern. A knowledgeable Maloney-Lyons Law Firm attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Exactly Is a Pedestrian?
A pedestrian is any person who travels on foot, whether walking, running, or standing in a public space. This typically includes individuals navigating sidewalks, crosswalks, public streets, or highways.
According to the law, pedestrians also include those using assistive devices like wheelchairs or motorized scooters, as long as they are on footpaths or roadways intended for pedestrian use.
Pedestrians have specific legal rights and responsibilities when sharing public spaces with vehicles. They must follow traffic signals and use designated crosswalks where available.
However, drivers must yield to pedestrians in many situations, particularly in marked crosswalks or heavily trafficked pedestrian areas like Biloxi’s famous Beach Boulevard or downtown streets.
Understanding who qualifies as a pedestrian is vital in determining liability in a pedestrian accident case. Whether you’re simply walking to a local Biloxi attraction or crossing a busy street, both pedestrians and drivers play a role in maintaining road safety.
Knowing these definitions helps clarify who is at fault and what legal steps should be taken if an accident occurs.
Pedestrian Accident Types and Causes
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways, often leading to severe or life-altering injuries. Understanding the common types and their causes can help prevent these incidents and hold responsible parties accountable. These accidents can have devastating consequences due to driver negligence, poor road conditions, or risky behaviors.
Here are some of the most common types of pedestrian accidents:
- Crosswalk Accidents
These occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Even though pedestrians have the legal right to cross, distracted or speeding drivers often don’t stop in time, leading to dangerous collisions. In some cases, drivers may even try to swerve around pedestrians, creating further hazards.
- Intersection Accidents
Busy intersections are hotspots for pedestrian accidents, especially when drivers make improper turns without checking for people crossing the street. Inattentive driving or ignoring traffic signals can lead to dangerous collisions, mainly when vehicles turn left across a pedestrian’s path.
- Back-Up Accidents
Drivers reversing out of parking spots or driveways without checking their surroundings can easily hit a pedestrian walking behind them. These accidents often occur in parking lots, near schools, or in residential areas where drivers may assume there is less foot traffic. Children are especially vulnerable in these situations.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
Some drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian, leaving the victim without immediate assistance. These cases are particularly devastating, as they complicate seeking justice and compensation. Hit-and-run accidents are not only traumatic but also unlawful, increasing the severity of legal consequences for the driver.
Pedestrian Accident Causes
Several factors can contribute to these accidents, including:
- Driver Distraction
Texting, using a GPS, eating, or talking on the phone can divert a driver’s attention, leading to accidents. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have catastrophic results for pedestrians.
- Speeding
Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to stop in time, increasing the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian. Pedestrians are often less visible to drivers when cars are speeding through crosswalks or intersections, making these accidents more likely to occur.
- Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents frequently happen at night or in poorly lit areas. Drivers may fail to notice pedestrians walking along the roadside or crossing the street, particularly if the pedestrian is wearing dark clothing. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, can reduce visibility, contributing to accidents.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Drivers who run red lights, disregard stop signs, or fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks create dangerous situations. Pedestrians relying on drivers to follow traffic laws can be caught off guard when vehicles disobey these rules, leading to severe injuries.
By understanding these common accident types and their causes, pedestrians and drivers can proactively avoid dangerous situations and prevent unnecessary harm.
Who Is At Fault in a Mississippi Pedestrian Accident?
Determining fault in a Mississippi pedestrian accident depends on the circumstances of the incident. In many cases, the driver is held liable, particularly if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk or intersection.
Mississippi law requires drivers to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians, particularly in areas where foot traffic is expected, like crosswalks or school zones.
However, pedestrians are also expected to follow the rules of the road. If a pedestrian crosses outside a designated crosswalk, ignores traffic signals, or walks into traffic unexpectedly, they may share responsibility for the accident.
Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning the pedestrian and the driver can be found partially at fault. In these cases, compensation for injuries may be reduced based on the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.
Establishing fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any evidence of reckless or negligent behavior.
Working with an experienced Biloxi pedestrian accident attorney can help clarify faults and hold the responsible party accountable. This is crucial for securing the compensation necessary to cover medical expenses and other damages.
Biloxi Crosswalk Laws: Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way?
In Biloxi, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in designated crosswalks, but Mississippi law includes specific rules to ensure driver and pedestrian safety.
According to Mississippi crosswalk laws, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at intersections. This means that vehicles must stop and allow you to cross safely if you walk across the street in a designated area.
However, pedestrians also have responsibilities.
They must obey traffic signals and avoid suddenly stepping into the path of an oncoming vehicle, making it impossible for the driver to stop in time.
Pedestrians should only cross at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible, as crossing outside these areas could lead to a shared fault in an accident.
It’s important to remember that while pedestrians often have the right-of-way, this is not absolute. Both drivers and pedestrians must exercise caution to prevent accidents.
“Hit-and-Run” Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians are particularly devastating in Biloxi, as they often leave victims without immediate help or the responsible party being held accountable.
These incidents occur when a driver strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene without assistance or exchanging information. Hit-and-runs can happen for a variety of reasons, such as fear of legal consequences, driving under the influence, or even a lack of insurance.
Unfortunately, when a driver flees, the pedestrian is injured and vulnerable, complicating seeking justice.
Under Mississippi law, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. If a driver is involved in an accident that causes injury or death, they are legally required to stop, render aid, and provide their contact and insurance information.
Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including fines, loss of driving privileges, and even imprisonment.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Biloxi, it’s important to contact law enforcement immediately. An experienced Biloxi pedestrian accident attorney can also help by investigating the incident, identifying the responsible party, and ensuring you seek compensation for your injuries.
Holding drivers accountable is crucial to both your recovery and preventing future accidents.
Tips For Parents On How To Keep Your Kids Safe
Children are among the most vulnerable pedestrians, especially in busy areas like Biloxi, where traffic can be unpredictable. Teaching kids the basics of pedestrian safety is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring their safety when walking near roads. Here are some crucial tips for parents to help keep their children safe as pedestrians.
Teach Your Kids to Use Crosswalks and Follow Signals
First, always teach your kids to use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Ensure they know to wait for the green light or the “walk” signal before crossing and always look both ways, even if the light is in their favor. Practicing these habits consistently will help your child understand the importance of obeying road rules.
Emphasize Eye Contact and Visibility
Ensure your children understand they should never assume drivers will see them. Encourage them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, especially in parking lots or near driveways, where cars may suddenly back up. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions, can also increase visibility.
Walk with Your Child and Plan Safe Routes
Always walk with your child, particularly in busy areas. As they grow older and start walking alone or with friends, ensure they know the safest routes to school or other locations, avoiding high-traffic streets whenever possible.
Eliminate Distractions
Reinforce the importance of paying attention to their surroundings. Teach them to avoid distractions like headphones or phones when walking. By consistently practicing these tips, you can help ensure that your child becomes a more alert and cautious pedestrian, reducing the risk of accidents.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi, Mississippi, is a vibrant coastal city known for its walkable attractions and bustling atmosphere, drawing in residents and tourists year-round.
With its rich cultural history, beautiful waterfront areas, and world-class casinos, Biloxi offers plenty of reasons for pedestrians to explore the city on foot. Whether strolling through the downtown area or along the beaches, pedestrians can easily immerse themselves in the city’s local charm.
However, navigating Biloxi’s busy streets and intersections, particularly along U.S. Highway 90 and other high-traffic zones, can present a severe risk to pedestrians due to the combination of foot traffic and fast-moving vehicles.
Biloxi’s Popular Attractions
One of Biloxi’s most iconic landmarks is the Biloxi Lighthouse, symbolizing the city’s resilience and history. This attraction draws visitors to explore its scenic views and rich heritage near the Gulf Coast. Another popular spot for locals and tourists is the Margaritaville Resort, where foot traffic increases around its casinos, restaurants, and entertainment areas.
For those seeking a more scenic walk, the Biloxi Bay Bridge offers stunning water views while connecting Biloxi to nearby Ocean Springs. It’s a favorite for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Art enthusiasts often find themselves exploring the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, which showcases the works of local artists and provides a cultural hub within the city.
While these attractions highlight Biloxi’s appeal, they also underscore the importance of pedestrian safety in busy areas. With the constant flow of tourists and residents on foot, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases, particularly in areas where cars and pedestrians frequently intersect.
Contact Maloney-Lyons Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Biloxi, the experienced and dedicated team at Maloney-Lyons Law Firm is here to help. Attorneys David J. Maloney and T. Randall Lyons have years of experience advocating for pedestrian accident victims, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation their clients deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Their unwavering dedication to protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable makes them a trusted choice for legal representation throughout Mississippi.
Don’t face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Maloney-Lyons Law Firm is committed to providing personalized legal guidance and strong representation to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.