Auto accidents have the potential to negatively impact your job, your family, your health and your quality of life. Even an apparently minor traffic accident may result in serious injuries. If you have been hurt because someone was negligent, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, and lost income. Bossier & Associates, PLLC, has vast experience successfully representing clients injured in auto accidents throughout Mississippi and Nationwide.
If you have been injured in a car, motorcycle, truck, ATV, boat or pedestrian-related accident, we can help.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Personal Injury Claims in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim following a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you have been injured in a car accident, you must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident date, or you risk losing your right to pursue compensation. This time limit applies to most car accident cases involving bodily injury.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the accident involved a government entity or public employee, different rules may apply, and the filing deadline could be significantly shorter. Additionally, in cases where the injury is not immediately apparent, such as in some catastrophic injuries, the clock may not start ticking until the injury is discovered.
It is crucial to act promptly after a car accident to preserve evidence, gather witness statements, and ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate time frame. At Bossier & Associates, PLLC, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you meet all deadlines related to your claim.
Comparative Fault in Mississippi Car Accident Claims
Mississippi follows a modified comparative fault rule in car accident claims, which can significantly impact the amount of compensation a victim is entitled to receive. Under this rule, if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%, meaning you would receive $80,000.
It’s important to note that under Mississippi law, you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Determining fault in a car accident can be complex, and insurance companies often try to assign a higher degree of fault to minimize payouts. At Bossier & Associates PLLC, our skilled attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to challenge any unfair fault determinations and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
Mississippi’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
In Mississippi, drivers are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance coverage to protect others in the event of a car accident. The state’s minimum insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident (if multiple people are injured)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These minimums are intended to ensure that victims of car accidents can recover compensation for their injuries and property damage. However, it’s important to understand that these minimums may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of damages in more serious accidents. If the at-fault driver has only the minimum required insurance, their policy may not fully compensate you for your losses.
At Bossier & Associates, PLLC, we understand the challenges accident victims face when dealing with insurance companies. We can help you explore all potential sources of compensation, including underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, to ensure that you receive the financial recovery you need.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi
While car accidents seem to be a universal and unavoidable hardship at times, it is important to understand the reasons why most accidents happen so we can do our best to stay safe and avoid wrecks.
Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more frequent than others. The most common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road.
- Speeding – Driving above the legal speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Drunk driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reflexes.
- Reckless driving – Aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights.
- Weather conditions – Rain, fog, and ice can make roads dangerous and reduce visibility and control.
- Design defects – Mechanical failures or flaws in vehicle design that contribute to accidents.
At Bossier & Associates, PLLC, our experienced attorneys are equipped to advocate for you after an auto accident, regardless of the cause, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
What Can You Be Compensated For After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Mississippi, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case. Car accidents often result in physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress, all of which can take a heavy toll on victims and their families. Here are the common forms of compensation that you may be eligible to receive:
- Medical Expenses – Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any other necessary medical care.
- Lost Wages – This includes not only your regular salary or hourly wages but also any bonuses or promotions you may have missed out on while you were unable to work as well as loss of vacation time or sick leave.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for pain and suffering addresses these non-economic damages.
- Vehicle Repairs – Compensation can cover the cost of repairing your car, or if the vehicle is totaled, you may be entitled to the fair market value of the car before the accident.
- Loss of Earning Potential – This form of compensation is intended to account for the wages you would have earned in the future if you had not been injured.
Why Choose Bossier & Associates, PLLC
At Bossier & Associates PLLC, we understand how life-changing a car accident can be. From physical injuries to financial burdens, the impact of an accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. That’s why our firm is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to each of our clients.
When you choose Bossier & Associates PLLC, you’re choosing a legal team that will stand by your side every step of the way. We’re here to listen, advocate, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward after a car accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let us show you how we can help.
