Gulfport Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are not just unfortunate; they’re a devastating reality that can shatter lives in an instant. The aftermath of these avoidable tragedies often includes debilitating injuries, emotional trauma, and deep financial burdens.

If you’re seeking justice after a drunk driving accident has left you injured in Mississippi, it’s essential that you understand your rights and know how to navigate the legal process. Partnering with a skilled Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer can make a huge difference in your ability to pursue justice and maximum compensation for your losses.

At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we are here to help you hold these drivers accountable for their actions.

Drunk driving is a serious problem across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving is responsible for nearly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities annually, and nearly 40 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes every day in the United States — that’s an average of about one person every 39 minutes.

In Mississippi, the problem is serious, with many innocent people killed and countless injured because of irresponsible drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.

Auto accidents caused by drunk driving often lead to severe consequences, including:

• Physical Injuries: Some of the most common injuries that result from vehicle accidents include broken bones, head and brain damage, spinal cord trauma, and internal bleeding.
• Emotional Trauma: Crash victims and their families often experience long-term emotional and psychological effects from accident trauma.
• Financial Loss: Unexpected expenses like healthcare bills, property damage costs, lost or reduced wages, and other expenses can quickly add up, draining financial reserves and leaving victims in debt.

Drunk driving accident cases can be complex. While the impaired driver’s responsibility may seem obvious, successfully pursuing a legal claim requires extensive evidence, expert analysis, and negotiation skills.

An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can provide victims and their families services that are essential to their pursuit of justice, including:

• Investigation: A thorough investigation of the accident is critical. Your attorney will collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence.
• Determining Liability: While the impaired driver is typically considered the one at fault, other parties, like a nightclub or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver, might also share responsibility and liability under Mississippi’s dram shop laws.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by diverting blame or downplaying injuries. Your lawyer understands these tactics and can counter them with facts, fighting on your behalf to secure maximum compensation.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be ready to take your case before a judge and jury to fight for your rights.

NHTSA reports that of the 13,524 people who died in alcohol-impaired-driving traffic crashes in 2022:

• 8,012 (59%) were drivers who were alcohol impaired
• 1,684 (12%) were passengers riding with alcohol-impaired drivers
• 2,193 (16%) were occupants of other vehicles
• 1,635 (12%) were nonoccupants

In Mississippi, it is illegal to drive a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers who are under 21, the limit is 0.02%. Commercial vehicle drivers are subject to an even stricter BAC limit of 0.04%.

Those who choose to drive while under the influence can face severe criminal penalties like fines, community service, license suspension, and even jail time.

However, criminal proceedings don’t address the financial and emotional harm that victims suffer. That’s where starting a civil claim comes in. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you and your family can seek the compensation you deserve for your expenses, losses, and suffering.

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a drunk driver in Mississippi, you could be entitled to several types of financial compensation, including reimbursement and coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

• Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: This helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property in the incident.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for any physical pain and emotional distress that you’ve experienced because of the accident.

It’s important to take the proper steps immediately after a vehicle accident, especially one that involves alcohol, as these can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Here’s what you should do:

• Get Medical Attention: Your health and safety should always be your first priority. Even if you don’t think or feel like you’re seriously injured, it’s crucial to be seen by a healthcare professional who can rule out internal injuries or those delayed symptoms that could lead to more severe issues.
• Call the Police: Report the accident and ensure a police report is filed. This documentation can be crucial evidence to support your case, as it may contain proof of the driver’s impairment.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and any relevant signage. Also, be sure to collect complete names and contact information from any witnesses and other parties involved.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to downplay your claim. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlements without consulting a lawyer.
• Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: The sooner you contact an attorney, the smoother things will go. Your lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help determine your damages and protect your rights.

While drunk driving cases often involve clear negligence, several challenges can arise:

• Disputing Liability: The defendant may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. Mississippi liability law follows the rule of pure comparative negligence. This means that your percentage of fault can reduce your compensation.
• Lack of Evidence: Building a case requires substantial evidence, such as BAC test results or eyewitness accounts. Delays in an investigation can make obtaining this evidence harder.
• Insurance Tactics: Insurers may downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that pre-existing conditions contributed to your damages.

An experienced Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer will be ready for these challenges and know the best strategies to overcome them.