At 24.9%, Mississippi has the highest percentage of car fatalities per 100,000 people in the country. That’s based on the most recent information gathered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it is a sobering reminder that Mississippi drivers need to be fully aware of their surroundings when driving.
Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons, from speeding to distracted driving.
Unfamiliarity with the roads can also contribute to a driver losing control. When an accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the injured are entitled to seek a remedy.
An experienced Biloxi car accident lawyer can help file the initial claim. That begins with conducting a thorough investigation of where and why the accident happened.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Mississippi
The major interstate highways that run through Mississippi are the I-55, I-20, I-10, and I-59.
Those are just part of the 78,000 miles of highways and roads that cross through the state. Some of these roads are more dangerous than others.
Here in Biloxi, Bienville Blvd/US-90 is one of the most popular scenic routes that runs the length of the coast. It is also a route where 4,209 crashes happened over a four-year period.
These are the other roads and highways that have experienced a high number of crashes:
- US-98/Hardy Street, Hattiesburg
- MS-25/Lakeland Drive, Jackson
- MS-302/Goodman Road, Memphis
- US-45, Meridian
- US-49, Hattiesburg
- US-51, Jackson
Rural Roads and High-speed Risks
According to IIHS data, rural roads are generally more dangerous than urban roads.
These roads account for 40-60% of all fatal accidents, even though only 20% of the population lives there.
Here are some of the common reasons why accidents frequently occur on rural roads:
- Speed: Some drivers perceive rural roads as having less traffic and less law enforcement. That leads to more instances of speeding, which can result in head-on collisions and rollover accidents.
- Infrastructure Hazards: Rural roads tend to have narrower lanes and sharper curves. There are also fewer traffic signals and limited lighting. There are also more instances of wildlife crossing the roads.
- Driver Behavior: According to data collected by the Department of Transportation, seat belt usage rates are lower on rural roads.
Intersections: The Most Dangerous Points of Travel
Intersections are inherently dangerous due to multiple traffic streams. In addition to all manner of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are navigating through the intersections.
Over 60% of the intersection accidents occur when drivers are making left-hand turns.
This happens because the drivers often misjudge their speed or distance as they approach oncoming traffic.
Limited visibility is also a contributing factor to intersection accidents. These occur when blind spots are created by large trucks or parked cars. Reckless driving is another reason why accidents happen at intersections.
That includes running red lights and driving while texting.
Why Proximity to Home Increases Accident Risk
How many miles do you drive each day? The more time you spend on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident. It is also important to note that most fatal car accidents happen within 25 miles of the driver’s home. This often occurs because the closer a driver gets to home, the more likely they might go on “autopilot” and not pay attention to the road ahead.
There are also more temptations to be distracted by calls and texts being made to the home. You also have to consider driver fatigue. Even though they are close to home, a driver can be drowsy after a long day at work.
Parking Lots and Low-Speed Collision Zones
Parking lots are high-risk but low-speed collision zones. This is also where approximately 20% of all crashes occur. Parking lots involve a lot of driving in reverse and cell phone use, which contribute to accidents.
Mississippi applies a pure comparative fault for personal injury claims. That means that both drivers involved in the accident can share the fault. This can happen when one car is backing out of a parking space while another car is speeding up the lane.
Because of the crowded spaces and multiple blind spots, the risk of pedestrians being struck by cars increases in parking lots.
Legal Steps to Take Regardless of the Location
No matter where your accident occurs, the steps you take immediately afterward can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. It is vital to prioritize safety by moving off the road. You also need to seek medical attention. Even if you are able to “walk away” from the accident, you should see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident.
It is also crucial to take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. Before you leave the scene, you also want to gather witness information and request a copy of the police report.
The day after the accident, you’ll be assessing your injuries and property damage. You’ll also need to contact your insurance agency to inform them of the accident. You also need to determine if your initial claim will be with your insurance carrier or the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. This is when things tend to get complicated and when you need to speak with the legal team at Owen, Owen & Smith.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients involved in serious car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a crash anywhere in the Gulfport or Biloxi area, speaking with our team can provide you with the information you need to decide what should happen next in your pursuit of compensation.
Call to schedule a talk today.
