Gulfport Car Accident Attorneys
Automobile Accidents in Mississippi
After a serious car accident, there are several things you should do to protect yourself and your rights. Seek immediate medical attention, report the accident to the police, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You should also avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company and never agree to a settlement until you’ve discussed your case with an attorney first.
If you were injured in a car accident in Gulfport or any of the surrounding areas, reach out to Mike Slocumb Law Firm right away. Our experienced attorneys can help you file apersonal injury claim and fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed. We encourage you to act quickly, as you only have three years to sue after a car accident in Mississippi (in most cases).
Get in touch with our Gulfport car accident lawyers today and request a free consultation; call (228) 206-6286 or contact us online. Hablamos español.
Is Mississippi a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
In no-fault states, auto accident victims can file personal injury protection (PIP) claims with their own insurance providers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. In other words, people in no-fault car insurance states don’t have to prove that someone else was at fault for the accident to recover compensation for their damages. This is not necessarily the case in states that follow a fault-based, or “tort,” system.
Mississippi is not a no-fault state. Instead, under Mississippi’s traditional fault-based car insurance system, you’ll need to prove that another person or party was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries to recover compensation for your damages.
Proving fault typically involves identifying the cause of the crash. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Mississippi include:
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a cellphone while driving
- Speeding, including reckless speeding and street racing
- Impaired driving/driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Disobeying traffic control devices, such as red lights and stop signs
- Failing to yield the right of way to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Fatigued/drowsy driving and falling asleep at the wheel
- Following too closely (“tailgating”) and cutting off other drivers
- Unsafe or illegal turns, lane changes, and passing
Sometimes, third-party factors play a role in serious accidents. Examples include poorly maintained roadways and auto defects, such as defective brakes, airbags, seatbelts, tires, or engine components. At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we evaluate all possible causes using the assistance of accident reconstructionists and other industry experts. This allows us to identify all liable parties and pursue every avenue of compensation on your behalf.