Car accidents can result in severe injuries that dramatically impact your life. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident in Mississippi, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Our Mississippi personal injury lawyers at Mama Justice Law Firm help you navigate the complexities of your legal case. Call us today at (833)-626-2587. Victims need not feel intimidated handling the daunting legal machine against major trucking insurance corporations.
Get Medical Attention and Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
The most critical priority after a severe car accident is to get medical help right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, some car crash injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care is vital for your health and documents your injuries for future legal claims. Keep detailed records of doctor visits, treatments, medications, and how your injuries impact your daily life. This evidence will be essential when working with a car accident lawyer in Mississippi to pursue compensation.
Report the Car Accident and Gather Evidence
Mississippi law requires reporting any car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage over $500. Call 911 to report the crash to law enforcement. The responding officer will create an official accident report that may be valuable evidence in your case.
If you are able, document the accident scene thoroughly:
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries
Get names and contact info of the other driver and any eyewitnesses
Write down the make, model, and license plate of other vehicles
Note the exact time and location of the crash
Avoid admitting any fault or apologizing to the other driver
Your car accident attorney in Mississippi can use this evidence to build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Even small details can make a big difference in proving liability and damages.
Understand Mississippi Car Insurance Laws
To get compensation after a serious car accident, knowing Mississippi’s insurance requirements and laws is important. Mississippi requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:
$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage
However, more than these minimums may be needed to cover severe or catastrophic injuries. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. But you may need to turn to your insurance if they carry minimum coverage.
Mississippi car owners can also purchase optional insurance coverage such as:
Collision covers repairs to your car after an accident
Comprehensive pays for non-crash damage like theft or weather
Medical payments (Med Pay) cover medical bills for you and your passengers
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Mississippi can identify all potential sources of compensation, including your Med Pay and UM coverage.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
After a severe car crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may quickly offer you a settlement. It can be tempting to accept fast cash when facing mounting medical bills. However, initial offers are often far less than your case is worth.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that want to minimize payouts. They do not have your best interests in mind. A first offer will likely not account for your future medical expenses, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Instead of accepting any settlement, consult with a Mississippi car accident lawyer who can assess the full value of your claim. Your attorney can negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies and fight for a settlement that covers all your damages. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, a good personal injury lawyer will be ready to take your case to court.
File Your Claim Before the Deadline
Mississippi has a strict statute of limitations for car accident injury lawsuits. Under Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49, you must file a civil action within three years of the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you’ll lose your right to compensation.
While three years may seem like a long time, severe car accident cases can be complex. Your car accident lawyer will need time to investigate the crash, gather evidence, consult with professionals, and build a compelling case. So, it’s best to contact a car accident attorney in Mississippi as soon as possible after the accident. Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.
FAQs About Mississippi Car Accident Claims
How Much Compensation Can I Get For A Severe Car Accident In Mississippi?
The value of your car accident claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Mississippi has no cap on compensatory damages for car crash injury cases.
What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the driver who caused your crash is uninsured or underinsured, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have UM coverage. A Mississippi car accident lawyer can help determine all possible sources of compensation.
How Long Does A Car Accident Injury Claim Take In Mississippi?
The timeline for resolving a car accident case varies. Some claims may settle in a few months, while others could take a year or more. More severe injuries and higher damages often mean longer, more complex claims processes. Your car accident lawyer in Mississippi can estimate how long your case may take.
Do I Need A Car Accident Lawyer For A Car Accident Claim In Mississippi?
It’s strongly recommended to consult with a Mississippi personal injury attorney if you’ve been severely injured in a car crash. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and personal injury lawyers fighting to pay out as little as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect your rights and advocate for maximum compensation.
What If I’m Partly At Fault For The Car Accident?
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule for car accidents. That means you can still recover damages if you are found partly to blame for the crash, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. A car accident attorney can help prove the other driver’s liability.
6. How long do you have to file an accident report in Mississippi?
Consult with your personal injury lawyer as it can vary.
7. What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Mississippi?
Mississippi Code § 15-1-49 establishes the statute of limitations for personal injury cases at three years from the date of injury or the date when the injury was or should have reasonably been discovered.
Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney in Mississippi
If you or a family member has suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident, selecting the right car accident lawyer is critical. At Mama Justice Law Firm, our car accident attorneys have a track record of successfully handling major car crash cases throughout Mississippi. We combine the experience of a large firm with the compassionate, individualized attention of a small practice. Our team thoroughly investigates each case, consults with accident reconstruction and medical experts, and develops effective legal strategies to pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Injured by a driver’s carelessness in Mississippi? Mama Justice Law Firm offers a free consultation to discuss your legal options for fair financial recovery. Call us today at (833)-626-2587.
