Car accidents threaten motorists across the country, but nowhere more so than in Mississippi. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Mississippi has the highest fatality rate from motor vehicle crashes in the entire country at 23.9 per 100,000 people. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reported that 703 people were killed in car crashes in 2022, and another 3,344 people were seriously injured in the Magnolia State.
Far too often, these accidents are caused by another driver’s reckless or negligent actions. Whether you suffered a serious injury in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, someone not paying attention to the road, someone recklessly weaving through traffic, or any other reason, you may be able to take legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, our car crash attorneys have spent decades fighting for the rights of injured victims throughout Mississippi and are committed to providing the experienced and passionate representation you need.
Reach out to our Gulfport car accident lawyer to find out how we can assist with your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi
Countless factors could be at play when determining why a collision occurs. In most cases, there are multiple reasons that resulted in the accident, but some of the most common include:
- Reckless driving
- Poor road conditions
- Drowsy driving
- Dangerous weather conditions
The vast majority of fatal car crashes in Mississippi occur on rural roads, according to the IIHS. Sixty-seven percent of all accident-related fatalities occurred on rural roads in 2022. This is considerably higher than the national average of 41% and can be partially attributed to the poor quality of rural roads throughout the state.
In situations where a crash is caused by poorly maintained or damaged roads, you may be able to take legal action against the government or organization responsible for maintaining those roads. If the accident involved a rideshare vehicle, then liability may rest with the driver and their employer, such as Uber or Lyft.
Mississippi Is an At-Fault State
Depending on the state you are in, insurance claims are handled differently. Mississippi is what is known as an at-fault state or a tort state — this means that whoever is deemed responsible for a crash is also responsible for covering the damages.
However, Mississippi also uses a comparative fault rule when determining how much someone can recover. This means that regardless of who is ruled at fault, it is still possible to recover compensation based on what percentage you are deemed at fault.
Effectively, this means that if you are found to be 40% at fault for a crash, you can still recover 60% of the awarded damages.
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to hire a Gulfport car accident attorney you can trust. Understanding how to prove that you were not at fault for the crash is vital to securing the maximum compensation possible.
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What Should You Do After a Car Crash?
Ending up in a car crash often leads to shock and disorientation. While it can be difficult to remember a step-by-step plan in the immediate aftermath, it can be a considerable help to understand the most important steps you can take to keep yourself as safe as possible. Some key steps you can take immediately after a car accident include:
- Check yourself for injuries. Making sure you’re safe is the most important step. If you don’t feel confident that you can safely move without causing further injuries, do not move until you receive the necessary assistance.
- If possible, move your vehicle out of oncoming traffic. If your vehicle can be moved out of the way of oncoming traffic, do so to prevent further collisions or danger.
- Call 911 for medical assistance and the police. Police reports can be invaluable when arguing your case with insurance companies and in the courtroom. In some cases, it can be the vital document you need to prove that the other driver or drivers were at fault. Getting a medical checkup is also important, as it can help you document exactly what injuries were directly caused by the crash.
- Exchange information with the other driver or drivers. Exchanging contact and insurance information with anyone else involved in the crash is important to starting the claims process and ensuring that you can get in contact with them if you choose to pursue legal action.
- Document the scene. Taking pictures, writing down notes of what led up to the crash, and any other forms of documentation can prove key pieces of evidence that help you fight for your case with insurers and when arguing your case in court or at the negotiation table.
- File a claim with your insurance company. Regardless of fault, starting the claims process as soon as possible is key to securing the compensation you need to cover medical bills, car repairs, and other damages you may have suffered in the crash. However, it’s important not to sign any agreements with your insurance company before speaking with an attorney — in far too many situations, your insurer will attempt to underpay your claim, leaving you on the hook for costs that should have been covered.
- Hire an experienced Gulfport car accident lawyer. Seeking the right legal representation is one of the most important steps you can take when you decide to file a claim. They will be able to help you navigate the post-accident process and put you in the best position to recover the maximum compensation possible.
No matter what, you mustn’t admit fault. While it can feel polite or kind to apologize in some way, that moment of kindness can quickly be twisted into a weapon that can be used against you. It’s also important to not to talk about your injuries following the crash. Leave that to the medical professionals giving you a checkup after your crash.
Some of these steps can prove to be invaluable if you choose to take legal action. By documenting as much as possible in the immediate aftermath of an accident, your legal representation will have a stronger position when they begin their own investigation and start to build your legal case.
A Gulfport Car Accident Lawyer Is Ready to Fight for You
If you were seriously injured in a car crash, finding the right legal representation is one of the most important steps you can take. At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, our car accident legal team has spent decades fighting for the rights of injured victims in Gulfport and throughout Mississippi.
When your accident and subsequent injuries were the result of someone else’s reckless or negligent actions, you deserve the chance to secure the compensation you need to cover any medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other damages caused by the collision.
Send us the details of your case through our online form so that you can schedule a case evaluation with our Gulfport car accident lawyer.