Holiday Accident Claims in Mississippi

The holiday season along the Mississippi Gulf Coast should be a time of celebration, family gatherings, and enjoying community traditions. Yet, the festive rush, combined with increased traffic and unpredictable weather, can transform our roads into hazardous environments. A moment of distraction in a busy shopping center parking lot in Gulfport or a slick patch of road on Highway 90 can result in a devastating car accident, instantly turning a season of joy into one of stress and uncertainty.

When a holiday celebration is interrupted by the screech of tires and the impact of a collision, victims are often left to navigate a complex legal and insurance landscape during what is already a hectic time of year – holiday accident claims.

Why Do Car Accidents Increase During the Holidays in the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

The period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day consistently sees a spike in traffic accidents and holiday accident claims across the country, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast is no exception. Several factors converge during this time to create a perfect storm for collisions on major thoroughfares like I-10 and local streets in Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula.

Increased Traffic Volume: Local residents are out shopping, attending events, and visiting family. At the same time, our coastal region is a popular destination for holiday tourists, adding thousands of out-of-state drivers to our roads who may be unfamiliar with the area. This congestion alone raises the risk of accidents.
Impaired Driving: Holiday parties and social gatherings often involve alcohol. Despite widespread public awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a significant cause of serious and fatal accidents. A driver leaving a party after having too much to drink poses a threat to everyone on the road.
Distracted Driving: The pressures of the season can lead to significant driver distraction. People may be checking shopping lists, using their GPS in unfamiliar areas, or making calls to coordinate holiday plans, all while behind the wheel. This cognitive and visual distraction can easily lead to a rear-end collision or a failure to yield.
Driver Fatigue: Long-distance travel to visit family, late-night shopping, and the general exhaustion of the holiday season can result in drowsy driving. A fatigued driver has slower reaction times and impaired judgment, similar to an intoxicated driver.

What Unique Road Hazards Does Winter Bring to Coastal Mississippi?

While we may not contend with the blizzards and icy roads of northern states, the winter season on the Gulf Coast presents its own unique set of dangerous driving conditions. Drivers must remain vigilant for weather-related hazards that can cause a vehicle to lose control.

Heavy Rain and Hydroplaning: Winter is often one of our rainiest seasons. Heavy downpours can reduce visibility and create slick road surfaces, leading to hydroplaning—a dangerous situation where tires lose contact with the road. This is especially common at highway speeds on I-10.
Dense Fog: The combination of cool air and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico can create thick, dense fog, particularly during the early morning hours. This fog can drastically reduce visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles, traffic signals, or hazards on the road ahead.
“Black Ice” on Bridges: Although rare, when temperatures dip near freezing overnight, bridges and overpasses can develop thin, transparent layers of ice known as black ice. Because the cold air circulates both above and below the bridge, these surfaces freeze much faster than the road itself. A driver may hit a patch of black ice without warning, leading to a complete loss of vehicle control.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Holiday Accident?

Establishing liability in holiday accident claims is the foundation of any personal injury claim. In Mississippi, the person or entity whose negligence caused the accident is responsible for the resulting damages. While this is often another driver, other parties could also be held accountable.

The Negligent Driver: This is the most common scenario. A driver who was texting, speeding, or driving under the influence can be held liable for the harm they caused.
A Bar or Restaurant (Dram Shop Liability): Mississippi’s dram shop laws state that a business that sells alcohol to a “visibly intoxicated” person can be held liable if that person then causes a drunk driving accident. This is particularly relevant with the increase in holiday parties at bars and restaurants.
A Social Host: In some limited circumstances, a private individual hosting a party could potentially face liability if they knowingly serve alcohol to a minor who then causes a crash.
The Vehicle Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the specific part could be held responsible.

Contact Our Mississippi Gulf Coast Car Accident Attorneys

The aftermath of holiday accident claims is disorienting and stressful, particularly when it disrupts the holiday season. You should not have to face the complexities of an insurance claim while focusing on your physical and emotional recovery. An experienced attorney can handle the investigation, communicate with the insurance companies, and work to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you are owed.

If you have been injured in a car wreck this holiday season in Mississippi, we invite you to contact Gardner Law Group. Our team is committed to helping accident victims on the Gulf Coast stand up for their rights. Call us at (228) 436-6555 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.