Auto Accident Injury Attorneys

Biloxi is a busy place with many motorists constantly on the roads here. Unfortunately, that leads to many car accidents, some of which result in serious injuries that greatly impact victims’ lives.

If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident that was the fault of a negligent third party, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill for your accident injuries or other losses suffered because of your traumatic experience.

Help is at hand with the personal injury and insurance laws in Mississippi, but you may need a car accident attorney to help claim the full amount you deserve.

How can a lawyer help determine the cause of your accident?

Proving negligence and liability in a car accident can get very technical and challenging for someone recovering from accident injuries.

A case that may seem “cut and dry” may be challenged by the other driver. It often requires the skills and experience of a seasoned car accident lawyer to prove what happened.

The car accident lawyers at Rushing & Guice, PLLC, will help you build an accurate picture of the accident. We will conduct investigations, talk with witnesses, and reconstruct what happened to establish negligence.

We may also consult with industry experts, such as auto engineers if it helps to prove liability. Additionally, our lawyers handle all communications with the third-party insurance company and will not settle for anything less than the maximum compensation that you deserve.

Typical causes of car accidents

Most car accidents in Biloxi are due to negligence in one form or another. The most common causes of accidents are:

Driving while intoxicated

Drinking and driving is, unfortunately, common in Biloxi—with the many casinos and nightclubs lining the Gulf Coast attracting so many revelers. If an intoxicated driver causes an accident, a presumption of negligence often means that the driver is held liable for civil damages as well as facing criminal penalties.

Distracted driving

Motorists who don’t pay attention at all times on the road may be breaching the implicit duty of care owed to other road users. Whether the distraction is a phone call, text, passengers or another reason, the driver can be held liable.

Dangerous driving

Recklessness, as well as negligence, can be a reason to hold a driver liable for a car accident in Biloxi. The speed limit on U.S. 90 varies and many drivers are caught out by the 30-45 miles per hour limit in Biloxi. If speeding or another maneuver that ignored the traffic rules causes an accident, the driver may be held liable.

Drowsy driving

Late-night driving or drivers on long-haul trips along U.S. 90 may drive their vehicles while fatigued, increasing the chances of an accident. As inadvisable as this is, it happens. If you are the victim, the driver can be held responsible.

Defective vehicle

If a vehicle is poorly maintained or equipped with defective parts, it is dangerous to drive and can increase the likelihood of an accident. A defective vehicle case can become very technical and negligence may be attributed to multiple parties.

Regardless of the cause, if a collision results from another driver’s negligence or recklessness, the law in Mississippi protects the damaged party. You can claim compensation for economic and non-economic losses and our lawyers are experienced in helping clients claim the maximum permitted.

What to do after a car accident in Biloxi

Few people are prepared for a car accident but knowing what to do after an accident on the roads can help protect victims from suffering unnecessary losses.

The recommended steps after a car accident in Biloxi are as follows:

• Stop the car and find a safe place to exit: it is your legal duty to stop the car and check for damage/injuries even if you believe nobody is hurt.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s): swap contact and insurance details with all the relevant parties.
• Wait at the scene and call the police: report the accident and wait at the scene until the police arrive. The resulting police report will describe what happened and who was to blame based on the evidence available. Get a copy of it for your car accident lawyer.
• Take photos and video: the accident scene provides important evidence to establish liability. Taking pictures and videos can help preserve this evidence.
• Don’t admit any fault: even if you think you were partly at fault for the accident, you may still be able to claim compensation—but never admit any fault until you get to speak to a lawyer.
• Get a medical checkup: even if you don’t feel injured, it’s best to undergo a medical assessment after any car accident. Sometimes, injuries are only felt later after the adrenaline has faded.
• Contact an experienced Biloxi car accident lawyer: handling a car accident personal injury claim can be daunting and is best left to professionals who understand how insurance companies work. Many people who represent themselves end up settling for less than they are due.

How much compensation is available for car accidents in Mississippi?

The damages available in car accident claims in Mississippi are called “special” (or “economic”) damages and “general” (or “noneconomic”) damages.

Economic damages are uncapped, generally easy to calculate, and may include the following:

• Past, present and future medical costs
• Vehicle or other property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Disability
• Disfigurement

Non-economic damages are more complex to calculate because no set monetary figure can be applied. Victims can be compensated for the physical/mental pain and suffering caused and the impact of the car accident on quality of life.

These types of damages are capped at $1 million for most personal injury cases in Mississippi, including car accidents.

In rare cases, where the judicial system wants to punish particularly errant behavior to discourage others, punitive damages may be awarded against a grossly negligent, malicious, fraudulent or reckless party.

What is the statute of limitations for accident injury claims in Mississippi?

It is best to act quickly after a car accident. In most Mississippi personal injury cases, you have only three years to file a lawsuit from the date of injury. While this may sound like plenty of time, insurance companies often delay and “play for time”. Besides, it’s best to begin the process while the evidence is still fresh.

Contact a car accident lawyer at Rushing & Guice, PLLC for legal advice and assistance if you’re in the Biloxi area of Mississippi and you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident.