Were you the victim of a serious car crash in Mississippi, resulting in injuries and property damage? Did a loved one suffer the fatal consequences of another motorist’s negligence?
If you sustained a preventable auto accident injury caused by driver negligence, a Jackson car accident lawyer from Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC is the legal advocate you need.
Our attorneys understand how complex car accident claims can be. We are ready to use our 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law to help you and your family move forward. From dealing with the insurance company to negotiating a fair settlement award, we handle every step of the legal process with understanding and professionalism.
Those injured in Jackson, MS, Hinds County, or the greater state of Mississippi are welcome to contact our law office for a free consultation. You’ll be paired with one of the most trusted, reputable, and experienced car accident attorneys in the region.
How Can an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Legal claims involving car accident injuries are known for their complexity. The auto accident attorneys at Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC will guide and advocate for you at every step. This gives you the freedom to focus on your health, healing, and those most important to you.
On your behalf, we can:
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters
- Investigate how and why the crash occurred
- Analyze all federal and Mississippi laws applicable to your case
- Gather evidence to prove liability
- Calculate the extent of your economic and noneconomic damages
- Determine a full and fair settlement amount
- Negotiate with the insurance company to help you obtain maximum compensation
- Expertly litigate your case in court if an out-of-court settlement can’t be reached
When Do I Need To Contact a Lawyer After a Collision?
If you’re wondering when to contact an accident lawyer after your car crash, the short answer is: the sooner, the better. Mississippi car accident claims take time to prepare, and our state has a strict statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you won’t have a chance to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, no matter how much your medical bills and other losses cost you.
If you form an attorney-client relationship with a trusted lawyer promptly after your motor vehicle collision, you should have plenty of time to pursue compensation. The last thing you want is to put yourself in a situation in which you don’t have enough time to put together a solid claim—and risk losing out on your rightful settlement award.
The cost of another party’s negligence shouldn’t come out of your own pocket. Don’t let an expired statute of limitations stand between you and justice.
Is Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC the Right Firm for My Case?
There are a lot of Mississippi car accident lawyers in the Jackson metropolitan area. How can you make sure you choose the right personal injury lawyer to represent you?
Seeking justice and financial compensation through an auto accident claim is a very personal experience. At Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we believe you should only go through this process with a legal advocate you trust completely.
That’s why we never take a case unless we first sit down and have a meaningful conversation with a potential client and their loved ones. During this free consultation, you can ask us anything you want. We want to learn about you. But we also want you to get to know who we are and the values we represent as a Jackson, Mississippi law firm.
If we mutually agree to work together on your car wreck case, we will prioritize your recovery and wellbeing in everything we do.
But we also look at the bigger picture. Taking legal action against a dangerous motorist is a brave decision. A lawsuit sends a powerful message.
Take the example of a drunk driving crash. A successful lawsuit can force the driver (and others) to rethink their behavior and never drive drunk again. The same can be said of a negligent manufacturing company. If a manufacturer produced a faulty product that led to your accident and injuries, a lawsuit may force those cars off the market.
In this way, thousands of lives can be saved.
Lawsuits often speak louder than words. The lawyers at Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC are ready to speak on your behalf and allow your voice to be heard.
Mississippi Car Accident Facts and Statistics
Traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of injury and death in our nation. Advanced technology and safety features have not stopped deadly collisions from happening every day in Mississippi. That’s because most car accidents are still caused by the same thing—driver error.
We’ll discuss more about the common causes of car accidents below. First, take a look at the numbers that put the scope of the problem into perspective:
- In 2020, Mississippi had more traffic deaths than any other state in the nation based on population, according to NHTSA data.
- 752 people died in car crashes in Mississippi that year.
- Crash data gathered by the federal DOT shows that Mississippi rates of serious injuries suffered in car crashes have risen dramatically—from 633 in 2014 to 1,618 in 2019.
What Causes Most Car Accidents?
Looking at the statistics above, the number of traffic injuries and fatalities that happen in Mississippi can be jarring. What factors lead to so many car accident cases?
Some factors are unavoidable, such as adverse weather conditions. But most causes are within our control.
Most Jackson, Mississippi Car Accidents Are Caused by Driver Error
Driver error is a broad umbrella term. It can cover any type of motorist behavior that causes an accident that could have (and should have) been prevented. This can include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs (including prescription medications)
- Distracted driving (including texting and driving and cell phone use)
- Driving when overly fatigued
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Failing to check blind spots
- Failing to use turn signals
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Reckless or aggressive driving
Other factors which may play a role in why a crash happens include driver inexperience, weather, road and highway conditions, visibility, road debris, and vehicle malfunctions.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to look at multiple factors which may have contributed to the crash. We’ll determine how every factor may complicate or ease the settlement process.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Jackson, MS?
A 2020 study using data collected by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) ranked Jackson, MS as having the 10th worst roads of any mid-size urban area in the United States. The research found that 36.2% of all major roads in Jackson were in “poor condition,” compared to the national average of 26.4%.
There are a few high-crash roads and intersections where accidents happen in Mississippi and in the City of Jackson. Practice extra caution when navigating these areas of Jackson, MS, and anywhere else where traffic is heavy or unpredictable:
- Interstate-55 (I-55)
- Lakeland Drive
- Mississippi State Road 25 (at I-55)
- Northside Drive
- The curve where S. Gallatin Street turns into McDowell Road
- Robinson Road
- E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
- State Street
- E. University Drive
- N. Jefferson Street
What Types of Car Accidents Are Most Common in Mississippi?
A car wreck is classified by the way the vehicles impact with one another or another object. Your insurance company will need to know what type of car accident you were involved in. This is important because certain types of collisions can suggest the actions of involved drivers prior to the car crash.
For example, a rear-end collision can indicate that the motorist who crashed into the back of your vehicle was engaged in distracted driving at the moment of impact. Head-on collisions can be indicative of drunk driving, as an intoxicated motorist may swerve across the double line and into oncoming traffic.
Here are some of the most common motor vehicle wrecks seen by the Mississippi car accident lawyers at our law firm.
Car vs. Car Collisions
- T-bone collisions (also called broadside or side-impact collisions)
- Rear-end crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents caused by road debris, a faulty auto part, or other factors
- Multi-vehicle collisions
Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcyclist struck by a larger vehicle can also be the victim of serious injuries in a Jackson motor vehicle collision. Our personal injury attorneys handle insurance company claims and lawsuits for those involved in a serious traffic collision while riding a motorcycle.
Car vs. Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver is negligent and their car hits a pedestrian, they can be held liable for damages. Legal action in a car wreck involving a pedestrian injury or fatality is handled somewhat differently, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you were injured in an auto accident while on foot, bring your case to our office for a free evaluation by an experienced auto accident attorney.
Commercial Truck Accidents
If you were injured in a car accident involving a large truck, it’s imperative that you seek legal guidance from an experienced lawyer immediately. We can answer questions about the legal process of seeking compensation after a truck-involved motor vehicle collision.
We Can Handle All Types of Jackson Motor Vehicle Collisions
Regardless of the type of collision, car accident victims have a fearless advocate in Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC. If you suffered severe injuries in an accident that never should have happened, we will defend your rights.
Personal injury claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with life-altering injuries. And insurance adjusters can be aggressive, taking advantage of the fact that it is a vulnerable time in your life. You should be focused on your medical treatment, not on communicating with insurance companies.
Let an experienced car accident attorney from Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC do for you what we do best—win car accident cases. Insurance companies know you mean business when you hire an attorney from our team to represent you.
What Should I Do After a Jackson, MS Car Accident?
Our car wreck attorneys recommend taking certain measures following a car accident. These steps help prioritize your health and safety and safeguard your right to compensation.
Many car accident victims panic and make choices they regret later, like not taking pictures when the accident scene is fresh. It’s natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic experience. Memorizing these steps can help you keep a level head and act rationally in the aftermath of an auto accident.
- Move to safety, out of the way of traffic if possible
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
- Call 911 if there are any injuries
- Don’t move any person with a potential spinal cord injury
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Communicate with the police and obtain a copy of the police report
- Take pictures of the crash site and surrounding conditions
- Seek medical attention and document evidence of your injuries
- Contact your insurance company
- Set up a consultation with a car accident attorney
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Car wrecks result in a wide range of significant injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Bruises, lacerations, and abrasions
- Internal organ damage
- Psychological injury
The medical expenses associated with the cost of care for these injuries is much higher than most people can reasonably afford. However, we advise you not to shun medical attention for fear of the medical bills you may incur. If your accident occurred because of the negligence of another motorist, our injury lawyers can help you recover fair compensation through the other driver’s insurance company.
How Do I File a Car Accident Claim in Jackson?
Filing a successful claim starts with a thorough investigation. We’ll review any materials you provide us with, like:
- Photographs of the collision scene
- Medical records
- A police report of the accident
- Eyewitness statements
We will use that information in conjunction with our own investigation to determine how the wreck happened. Then, we’ll use our knowledge of the law and extensive resources to build a claim that proves fault. Insurance companies won’t give your claim the respect it deserves unless you provide compelling evidence. We’ll work hard to make sure the insurance company has no way to deny or undervalue your claim.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most auto accident claims resolve through negotiations. We’ll calculate what you’re owed and work to come to an agreement with the insurance companies, so your case won’t have to go to trial.
Only a small percentage of cases can’t be settled out of court. If the insurance company won’t agree to a satisfactory settlement offer, we’re prepared to take your case before a judge. Our injury lawyers have years of experience in Hinds County courtrooms. We are well-positioned to give you the best legal representation in court if needed.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in Jackson?
Under Mississippi law, there may be more than one party at fault for a vehicle accident.
The Other Driver
Most car crashes are caused by some form of driver negligence, whether that be distracted driving, speeding, or recklessness. If this is the case, your Jackson car accident attorneys will communicate with your and the at-fault driver’s insurance companies to make sure the liable party is held financially responsible.
Another Party
In some instances, the driver may not be at fault. Other parties who may be liable include:
- Vehicle manufacturers and auto parts manufacturers
- The vehicle owner (if the driver is not the owner)
- A state or municipal movement body responsible for the roadways
What Are Mississippi’s Auto Insurance Requirements?
Mississippi vehicle owners are required to carry at least the minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage:
- Bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage: $25,000 per accident
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
The state minimums are just that—minimums. It is advisable to boost your policy with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This protects you if the other motorist is uninsured or you suffer personal injuries that exceed the other driver’s policy limits.
When processing your insurance claims, your car wreck lawyer from Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC will examine both your insurance policy and the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. We’ll use our expertise in auto insurance matters to ensure your injury claim gives you the best chance of obtaining maximum compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Claim in Mississippi?
Do not wait to file your case. The sooner you file your claim after the accident, the better your chances are of receiving the full amount of compensation you need to recover. The statute of limitations in Mississippi for filing a claim is three years. In the event that deadline is missed, you are rendered ineligible for compensation.
Types of Compensation for Car Accident Injuries
Crash-related expenses add up quickly. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can easily cost a person thousands of dollars and more.
When calculating the compensation you’re owed, your injury lawyers will take current and future damages into consideration. We consider facts like whether the crash resulted in disfigurement or disability, and whether you’re able to return to your previous position of employment.
Damages to compensate for these losses are called compensatory damages. They can be broken into two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages.
Economic Damages
These cover financial losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of future income and benefits if you can’t return to the same earning level
- Property damage
Noneconomic Damages
You may also have suffered non-financial losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Mental anguish and psychological trauma
Punitive Damages
Most damages address what has been taken from you. But another category of damages exists as a way to punish behavior that is malicious, fraudulent, or exhibits a willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of others. These are called punitive damages. They are rare in personal injury cases, but your car accident attorney will advise if they apply to your case.
Legal Options if a Loved One Was Killed in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Mississippi law allows family members or a personal representative to pursue justice on behalf of a lost loved one. This is a vital way for grieving families to hold the at-fault party accountable for causing the death of another person. It can also make sure families aren’t left to deal with the financial consequences of another’s wrongdoing. Damages recoverable in a wrongful death claim include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship, love, care, and guidance
- Loss of consortium
Can I Afford To Hire Legal Representation?
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Jackson? When you’re looking at seemingly endless medical expenses, this is an important question to ask. We can’t speak for other law firms, but we are proud to take most cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means your Jackson car accident lawyer from Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC won’t take any payment until your case is won. Then, we’ll take a small percentage of your award amount as our attorney’s fees. Taking cases on a contingency fee basis allows our clients to afford the best legal counsel in Jackson, Mississippi, no matter their current financial state.
Legal Guidance From Jackson Car Accident Lawyers With Experience
At Pittman Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, we take pride in helping our clients gain peace of mind. From your free consultation all the way to the day you are awarded your settlement money, you’ll find that you never have to worry that your case is in the best hands.
To learn about how we can help with your personal injury claim, contact our office today. We’ll start by scheduling your free consultation.
