You Have Questions. Mama Justice Has Answers.

If you were injured in a car wreck in Jackson, Mississippi, your world has likely been turned upside down. You are dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and insurance adjusters who see you as a claim number rather than a person. It is overwhelming, and it is natural to feel lost.

At Mama Justice, we believe that confusion is the enemy of justice. We are here to clear the path for you. We don’t just act as your attorneys; we stand by you like family. We fight like a mother to protect your rights, your future, and your peace of mind.

Below, we have compiled the most comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding auto accidents in Jackson and Hinds County. These answers are designed to give you clarity right now.

Don’t see your question? Don’t guess, call Mama. Call 601-453-4715 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Car Accidents in Jackson, MS - Mama Justice

Immediate Steps After a Wreck in Jackson

What is the first thing I should do after a car accident in Jackson?

The Short Answer: Prioritize safety immediately. Call 911 to dispatch the Jackson Police Department (JPD) or Mississippi Highway Patrol. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Gather evidence at the scene (photos and witness info), and call Mama Justice before you speak to the insurance company.

Detailed Explanation: The moments immediately following a crash are chaotic, but they are crucial for your future legal case.

  1. Check for Injuries: Do not move if you are severely injured unless staying put puts you in greater danger (e.g., a car fire).
  2. Call 911: In Jackson, waiting for the police can sometimes take time due to high call volumes. However, obtaining an official police report is vital. If the accident happened on I-55, I-20, or Hwy 49, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) might respond. If it was on city streets like State Street or Meadowbrook Road, it would likely be JPD responding.
  3. Document the Scene: Use your phone. Take wide shots of the intersection and close-ups of the damage. Photograph skid marks, debris, and traffic signals. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers immediately because they often leave before police arrive.
  4. Silence is Golden: Exchange insurance info with the other driver, but do not discuss the issue of fault. Do not say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” These statements can be used against you later.

Do I have to call the police for a minor fender bender in Mississippi?

The Short Answer: Yes, it is highly recommended. Mississippi law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.

Detailed Explanation: Many people in Jackson try to “settle it without the cops” to save time. This is a mistake. Without a police report, it becomes your word against theirs. The other driver might admit fault at the scene but change their story once they talk to their insurance company. A police report created by the Jackson Police Department serves as an objective record of the event. If the police absolutely cannot come to the scene (which sometimes happens during severe weather or high crime volume periods), you must file a written accident report with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety within 10 days.

How do I get a copy of my accident report from the Jackson Police Department?

The Short Answer: You can usually obtain your report 3 to 5 business days after the crash. You can pick it up in person at the JPD Records Division or, in many cases, order it online through third-party services like ReportBeam or BuyCrash.

Detailed Explanation: Getting the report can sometimes be a hassle in Hinds County.

  • In-Person: You can visit the Jackson Police Department Records Division. Be sure to bring your case number (which the officer should have given you at the scene) and a valid ID. Call ahead to ensure the report is ready.
  • Online: Mississippi law enforcement agencies are increasingly moving to digital systems. Using a service like Mississippi DPS Crash Reports online allows you to pay a small fee to download the PDF instantly.
  • Let Us Do It: If you hire Mama Justice, you don’t have to run around town. We will pull the police report, analyze it for errors, and use it to build your claim immediately.

Should I go to the ER even if I feel fine?

The Short Answer: Yes. Adrenaline often masks pain. Serious injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions may not show symptoms for days. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record linking your injury to the crash.

Detailed Explanation: Insurance companies love it when you skip the doctor. If you wait two weeks to see a physician, the insurance adjuster will argue, “If you were really hurt, you would have gone to the hospital immediately.” They may even claim you hurt yourself doing something else (like lifting boxes or playing sports) in the time between the crash and your doctor’s visit. Go to a local ER like UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center), St. Dominic, or Mississippi Baptist Medical Center immediately. If not the ER, visit an urgent care clinic. This establishes a “chain of evidence” regarding your physical condition.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

The other driver’s insurance is calling me—should I answer?

The Short Answer: No. Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance adjuster until you have spoken to a lawyer. Tell them: “Please direct all questions to my attorney at Mama Justice.”

Detailed Explanation: Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. They are not your friends. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may ask you for a recorded statement.

  • The Trap: They will ask “friendly” questions like, “How are you feeling today?” If you say, “I’m fine,” out of politeness, they will use that soundbite to argue you aren’t injured.
  • The Trick: They may try to get you to admit you were distracted or slightly at fault. Let Mama Justice handle communication with the insurance adjusters. We know their tricks, and we know how to shut them down.

What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

The Short Answer: This is a common problem in Mississippi. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, your own policy will pay for your damages. Using this coverage generally does not raise your rates if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Detailed Explanation: Mississippi has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. We see this constantly in Jackson.

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This kicks in if the at-fault driver has zero insurance. It steps into the shoes of the other driver and pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: This kicks in if the other driver has the state minimum coverage ($25,000) but your medical bills are $50,000. UIM pays the difference. We highly recommend every driver in Mississippi carry high limits of UM/UIM coverage. If you aren’t sure what your limits are, bring your “Declarations Page” to Mama Justice, and we will review it for free.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

The Short Answer: Generally, no if the accident was not your fault. Mississippi law prohibits insurers from raising premiums solely for filing a claim under your Uninsured Motorist or MedPay coverage when you were not the cause of the accident.

Detailed Explanation: Many clients are afraid to use the insurance they paid for because they fear a rate hike. Do not let this fear stop you from getting the medical care you need. You paid premiums for years for this exact protection. If an insurance company tries to unfairly raise your rates or drop you after a not-at-fault accident, that is a bad faith practice, and Mama Justice can help you fight back.

Legal Process, Compensation & Time Limits

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Mississippi?

The Short Answer: The general statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are critical exceptions that can shorten this to as little as 90 days.

Detailed Explanation: While three years sounds like a long time, evidence disappears quickly. Furthermore, the “clock” is different depending on who hit you:

  • Standard Driver: 3 Years.
  • City/State Vehicle (e.g., JATRAN bus, Police car, Garbage truck): You must file a “Notice of Claim” under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act within one year, and sometimes notice requirements are as short as 90 days.
  • Minors: If a child was injured, the statute of limitations may not start running until they turn 21, but this is complex legal territory. Do not wait. If you miss a deadline by even one day, you are forever barred from recovering compensation.

Can I still get paid if I was partially at fault for the crash?

The Short Answer: Yes. Mississippi follows a “Pure Comparative Negligence” rule. You can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of blame.

Detailed Explanation: This is one of the most important laws to understand.

  • Example: You are speeding (20% at fault), but another driver runs a red light and hits you (80% at fault).
  • Result: If your total damages are $100,000, the court reduces your award by your 20% fault. You will receive $80,000. The insurance company will always try to pin more of the fault on you to save money. They will argue you were 50% or 60% at fault to reduce  your settlement. Mama Justice fights to prove the other driver was the primary cause, ensuring you keep the maximum amount of money possible.

How much is my Jackson car accident settlement worth?

The Short Answer: It depends on the “damages.” We look at current medical bills, future medical needs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Detailed Explanation: Beware of any lawyer or online calculator that guarantees a specific dollar amount without seeing your medical records. A fair settlement is calculated by adding up:

  1. Economic Damages: Tangible costs. Ambulance fees, ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, lost income from missing work, and property damage.
  2. Non-Economic Damages: Intangible losses. Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring/disfigurement.
  3. Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving drunk drivers or extreme recklessness, the court may award extra money to punish the wrongdoer.

At Mama Justice, we don’t just add up the bills you have today. We work with medical experts to calculate the bills you will have tomorrow and 10 years from now to ensure you aren’t left paying out of pocket later.

Who pays for my medical bills while I’m waiting for a settlement?

The Short Answer: The at-fault driver’s insurance does not pay bills as they come in; they only pay at the very end in a lump sum. In the meantime, you can use your own health insurance or “MedPay” coverage.

Detailed Explanation: This is a major source of stress for our clients.

  • MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage): If you have this on your auto policy, it pays your medical bills immediately, regardless of fault, up to your limit (usually $1,000 to $10,000).
  • Health Insurance: You should use your health insurance to treat injuries. However, your health insurer may place a “lien” on your final settlement to ensure that they get paid back.
  • Letters of Protection: If you have no insurance, Mama Justice can sometimes help you find doctors who will treat you on a “lien basis,” meaning they agree to wait to be paid until your case settles.

Local to Jackson, MS 

What are the most dangerous intersections in Jackson, MS?

The Short Answer: Jackson has several high-risk areas due to congestion, construction, and traffic flow, particularly around the “Stack” and major arteries like State Street.

Detailed Explanation: Based on local crash data and our experience handling claims, be extra vigilant in these areas:

  • The I-55 / I-20 Interchange (“The Stack”): Confusion where lanes merge coupled with high speeds lead to frequent sideswipes and rear-end collisions.
  • Woodrow Wilson Avenue: Heavy traffic near the medical centers often leads to crashes.
  • County Line Road: The mix of retail traffic, turning vehicles, and congestion makes this a hotspot for fender benders.
  • Highway 80: Poor lighting and varying speed limits can contribute to severe accidents.

Knowing where accidents happen helps us investigate your crash. We know the traffic patterns, the signal timing, and the common hazards on these specific roads.

How long do car accident cases usually take to settle in Hinds County?

The Short Answer: Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 3 to 6 months. Cases involving severe injuries, where fault is disputed, or involving litigation can take 1 to 2 years.

Detailed Explanation: We always aim to resolve your case efficiently, but we never rush if it means leaving money on the table.

  • The Treatment Phase: We cannot demand a settlement until you have finished medical treatment and reached “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI). If we settle before you are healed, you can’t come back for more money later.
  • The Negotiation Phase: Once we send the demand letter, negotiations can take weeks or months.
  • The Litigation Phase: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, we file a lawsuit. In Hinds County courts, the docket can be crowded, which may extend the timeline, but filing suit often pressures the insurer to pay up.

Hiring Mama Justice

How much does Mama Justice charge to handle my case?

The Short Answer: $0.00 upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Detailed Explanation: We know you are likely facing financial stress after a wreck. You shouldn’t have to worry about paying a lawyer, too.

  • Free Consultation: Your first meeting with us is completely free. We review your case and give you honest advice.
  • No Retainer Fees: You never write us a check to get started.
  • We Advance Costs: We pay for the filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigation costs.
  • We Only Get Paid When You Do: Our fee comes out of the settlement check at the very end. If we don’t recover money for you, our services are free. It’s that simple. We take the risk, so you don’t have to.

Why should I choose Mama Justice over a billboard lawyer?

The Short Answer: Because you aren’t just a number to us. We are local, we are fierce, and we treat our clients like family.

Detailed Explanation: Many big “billboard firms” operate like settlement mills. They want to get you in, get a quick (low) settlement, and get you out.

  • The Mama Difference: Missy “Mama Justice” Wigginton built this firm on the principle of empathy. We listen to your story. We will give you our cell phone numbers. We help you with the little things,like finding a rental car or fixing property damage,that other lawyers ignore.
  • We Litigate: Insurance companies know which lawyers settle cheaply and which ones are willing to go to court. They know Mama Justice prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. This reputation forces them to offer fair settlements.

Ready to Get Answers Specific to Your Case?

Reading FAQs is a great start, but every accident is unique. The best way to know your rights is to speak directly to a legal professional who knows Mississippi law inside and out.

At Mama Justice, we are ready to listen. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.

Don’t face the insurance giants alone. Call Mama Justice now at 601-453-4715 or contact us online for your free consultation.