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Car Accidents
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# Mississippi Car Accident and Car Wreck Attorneys
## Aggressively asserting your rights against powerful auto insurance interests
A car accident can be one of the most traumatic events in a person's life. The actions of one negligent driver can cause irreparable injury to numerous innocent victims. These individuals may face months, years or even a lifetime of physical complications and expensive medical treatment. Further complicating matters, victims must then communicate with insurance companies that are more concerned with protecting company assets than meeting their contractual obligations.
The lawyers of Merkel & Cocke, P.A. proudly take up the fight against unyielding auto insurance companies. Our reputable car crash attorneys commit ourselves to earnestly advocating for the rights of those injured in auto accidents. Whether the crash was caused by a ,  or , we help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
## Comprehensive representation for all types of car crashes
Car accidents can occur under various circumstances. Poor weather conditions may cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle. A distracted driver may not see a  crossing the street. These incidents can result in various , including:
* **Head-on collisions.** These are some of the most traumatic and violent car wrecks, occurring when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the front end of another vehicle. The injuries from these incidents are often severe or .
* **Sideswiping.** This type of car accident generally results when one vehicle operator moves into a lane already occupied by another driver. Life-threatening rollovers can result from sideswipe crashes.
* **Broadside, or “T-****bone” crashes.** When your vehicle is hit from the side, you are not as protected from the impact. The crumple zones are much smaller, and not every vehicle is equipped with side-impact airbags.
* **Rear-end collisions.** These are some of the most common types of collisions, generally resulting from one vehicle following too closely behind another. Rear-end collisions may result in painful whiplash and serious injuries to the chest.
## What information should I ask for after I’ve been in an accident?
After a collision, you should collect certain forms of documentation that can help with your claim. That information should include:
* An official copy of the police report
* Copies of any witness statements given by passengers, the driver or people outside of the cars
* Copies of any photographs or videos of the collision, the damage your car, and any physical bruising or laceration you sustained
* Your medical records
* Copies of any paperwork you had to submit to your place of employment
* Hospital and treatment bills
* Medication expenses
If you are unable to obtain all of this information on your own, your attorney can help you. What you do *not* want to do is agreed to make a recorded statement to the insurance company, or sign any documentation presented to you after the wreck, as this could impact your recovery.
## Obtaining compensation for severe car crash injuries
Car accidents lead to a variety of  with various levels of severity. Our law firm has spent more than 35 years helping car crash victims obtain compensation from auto insurance companies. Some of the cases we have handled involved such injuries as:
* Chest injuries
* Organ and soft-tissue damage
* Permanent vision and/or hearing loss
* Scarring and disfigurement
At , we do not back down from a challenge. Our track record for success includes extremely complex cases against large and powerful insurance companies. We are skilled litigators and the law firm that other attorneys turn to when they need assistance. By consulting with a team of experts, our experienced accident lawyers are able to recreate crashes to get an accurate understanding of the cause and resulting injuries. This detailed information helps us aggressively advocate for our clients, whether in the conference room or the courtroom.
### Call today for a free consultation with an experienced Mississippi car crash attorney
When you are injured in a car accident, your first priority is to secure medical treatment. Your second priority should be to call a seasoned law firm with a reputation for providing excellent legal services. The legal team of Merkel & Cocke is committed to seeking justice for car crash victims throughout Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our home office in Clarkdale. Call us at 662-627-9641 or complete .
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### Find the best office near me OPEN 24/7
**Clarksdale Office**
 30 Delta Avenue
 Clarksdale, MS 38614
 Phone: (662) 627-9641
**Jackson Office**
 2630 Ridgewood Road
 Suite D
 Jackson, MS 39216
 Phone: (601) 653-1103
**Oxford Office**
 2084 Old Taylor Road,
 Suite 110
 Oxford, MS 38655
 Phone: 662-236-0080
**Greenville Office**
 540 Main Street
 ICON Building, Suite 302
 Greenville, MS 38701
 Phone: (662) 592-3110
**Meridian Office**
 406 22nd Avenue
 Suite 205
 Meridian, MS  39301
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Cyclist and Pedestrian
 /  /  /  / Cyclist and Pedestrian
Toliver v. City of Clarksdale
Failure to Diagnose
Gibbs v. Kings Daughter Hospital
Lowndes County
Jackson County
"Five years ago Cindy Mitchell came to my rescue! My uncle had a surgery where the doctor made some major...
"Dear Ted, Thank you so much for all of your assistance closing the property in Clarksdale for Mr. Grant. Everything...
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# Cyclist and Pedestrian
# Mississippi Injury Attorneys Representing Bicyclists and Pedestrians
## Fighting to get justice for injured riders and pedestrians across the Gulf Coast region
On most Mississippi streets, cyclists and pedestrians have just as much right to access the roadways as passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles. From shopping in downtown Tupelo to biking on the streets of Biloxi, pedestrians and bicyclists frequently use the area’s most popular roadways. Unfortunately, when vehicle operators fail to exercise reasonable care, they can cause great injury to vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians. These accidents require strong legal action from a law firm of experienced Mississippi vehicle accident attorneys.
At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we know how to get the results you need. For more than three decades, our lawyers have fought for the rights of injury victims. We have the resources and knowledge to thoroughly research cyclist and pedestrian accidents to build compelling legal cases. We have obtained considerable verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, including a six-figure settlement for a , who sustained permanent brain damage.
## Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are on the rise
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that  – about 16% of the total number of traffic fatalities for that year. Based on their estimates, Mississippi saw a 42% increase in pedestrian deaths between 2017 and 2018, the 6th highest increase in the nation.
The majority of these fatal collisions occurred at night, and 32% of pedestrians involved in a fatal collision were legally drunk.
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2016 (the most recent year available), there were  across the U.S. This is a 1.3% increase from 2015. Unlike with pedestrian crashes, most fatal bicycle accidents occurred during the day, and 21% of all the fatal accidents involved a cyclist who was at or over the legal limit.
## Why pedestrians and bike riders are getting hurt
The majority of bicycle and pedestrian accidents are a result of driver negligence, but riders and walkers are also engaging in some harmful behaviors, which could be linked to the increase in fatalities. Some of the reasons why pedestrians and cyclists are getting hurt can be traced back to:
* **People being distracted**. “Distracted walking” is a real thing, and it’s leading to people getting hurt. Because we use our smartphones for everything – GPS, online shopping, browsing the web, Facetime conversations, etc. – we are less engaged with our surroundings. Drivers and pedestrians alike need to put the phone away.
* **Music putting you in danger**. Lot of Mississippians listen to music in the car, but when you are on a bike or walking, you have to use headphones. Because today’s headphones (like Air pods) fit tightly in the ear, we can miss noise cues, like a honking horn, that would normally indicate we need to pay attention.
* **Unsafe walkways and roads**. If you live in an area without any bike paths or sidewalks, the dangers of walking and cycling are obvious. The same is true, however, of more urban areas where street lights are broken, or where there is a lot of construction.
### Special concerns for college and university students
Our attorneys have had multiple conversations with students from Ole Miss and Mississippi State, as well as Jackson State, Belhaven, Coahoma Community College, and other schools about incidents that take place on campus, and around local campus haunts. During the warmer months, students are far more likely to be out and about on their bikes, or walking along campus, which means they are at a greater risk of being injured. Some of the leading causes of injury for student bike riders and pedestrians include:
* Drunk or drugged drivers
* Reckless drivers
* Poorly lit parking lots or pathways
* E-scooters being left on walkways
* Unmarked construction or other types of work being done on campus
* Cyclists riding against traffic, or in a group as opposed to in a line
* Pedestrians taking up an entire sidewalk, rather than walking single-file
If you are a college or university student who has sustained injuries while walking or riding your bike, a  from Merkel & Cocke, P.A. may be able to help you.
## Common injuries in bicycle and pedestrian accidents
While many Mississippi localities have made strides towards promoting bike safety on the roadways, cyclists are still at risk of serious injury. This is because car and truck drivers all too often fail to exercise care, particularly when driving distracted or intoxicated. When bicyclists or pedestrians are struck by vehicles, the resulting injuries are often severe, including such harms as:
* Back injuries
* Organ damage
* Permanent scarring
Our skilled  has seen numerous injury cases. We understand how fast medical bills can accumulate, with necessary treatments, rehabilitation, and lasting psychological challenges. These financial difficulties are further complicated when a victim is no longer able to work. That is why we fight to get you a fair settlement or verdict.
## Popular paths for hiking, walking, and riding your bike
While Mississippi’s more urban areas may not be ideal for a walk or a bike ride, there are a number of beautiful trails located throughout the state. Bike Walk Mississippi has a , and you can find safe areas to walk or ride in:
* Natchez Trace Parkway
* Tanglefoot Trail
* Longleaf Trace
* DeSoto National Forest Bethel Bike Trails
* Couch Bike Trail
* Briar Patch Bike Trail
* Badlands Bike Trail
* Paul’s Loop Bike Trail
* Tombigbee National Forest
* Delta National Forest
* Bienville National Forest
You can also find information through the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian program:
Lindsey N. Killebrew, Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
lkillebrew@mdot.ms.gov
P.O. Box 1850
Jackson, MS 39215
601.359.7685
### Call us today to discuss your legal options after a Mississippi bike or pedestrian accident
If you were injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, you are going to need help. Contact the legal team of Merkel & Cocke, P.A. for reliable legal guidance from reputable Mississippi injury lawyers. We serve clients throughout the state from our offices in Jackson, Oxford and Clarksdale. We also handle vehicle accident cases in Tennessee and Arkansas. Call us today at 662-627-9641 or complete our online . Your first consultation is free.
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30 Delta Avenue
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Phone: (662) 627-9641
2630 Ridgewood Road
Suite D
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 653-1103
2084 Old Taylor Road,
Suite 110
Oxford, MS 38655
Phone: 662-236-0080
540 Main Street
ICON Building, Suite 302
Greenville, MS 38701
Phone: (662) 592-3110
406 22nd Avenue
Suite 205
Meridian, MS  39301
!!!!! ]