Legal Considerations When Children Are Involved in Car Crashes in Mississippi

Car crashes are always stressful, but they are particularly difficult when children are involved—the unique risks they face can make crash outcomes much worse. In Mississippi, it’s important for parents to understand their rights and obligations when their little ones are involved in collisions. Our team can help.

If your child has been injured in a car crash, you have options—don’t let the insurance company decide how much your losses are worth. Call Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555 to set up a time to meet with our team.

Mississippi Car Accident Laws

Mississippi has clear laws for handling car accidents. When kids are involved, these laws take on added importance. Mississippi uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means that even if you’re partially at fault for a crash, you can still recover compensation. Parents should know that this rule applies even when kids are in the car.

Consider how this may affect your case—for example, it’s not uncommon for parents to be involved in a crash because they were distracted by their kids, handing back snacks, or otherwise trying to keep everyone in the car calm. Even if you’re determined to be partially at fault, compensation may be on the table.

Liability and Fault in Car Crashes

Determining fault in a car crash can be complex, but it’s a crucial part of figuring out how much your claim is worth. In most cases, the fault lies with one or both drivers. While there are completely unpreventable accidents that have no element of human error, these are fairly rare. Most accidents are the result of one or more poor choices made by drivers, passengers, manufacturers, or other parties.

Unique Costs Related to Children

When your child is involved in a crash, you may have different compensation needs than an adult involved in a crash. For example, your child doesn’t have lost wages to account for in a settlement, but if they are unable to go to school and one parent needs to spend time away from work caring for them or taking them to appointments, that is a financial loss to consider. Additionally, children often have unusual medical care needs due to the fact that they are still growing, and that specialized care comes at a cost.

Steps to Take After an Accident

Immediately after an accident, the first thing you should do is check if your child is hurt and seek medical help right away. Make sure to call 911 if needed. Once everyone is safe, gather important information. This includes the other driver’s insurance details, contact information, and license plate number. Taking photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions, can be very helpful later.

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. This evidence can be essential when dealing with insurance claims or legal issues. Keeping a detailed record of any medical treatments and expenses for your child is also essential. This can help when seeking compensation for medical bills and other costs.

Protecting Your Child’s Rights

In the wake of a car accident involving your child, protecting their rights and well-being is a priority. This starts with making sure they receive the medical care they need. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any ongoing needs your child might have.

This documentation can be crucial when seeking compensation. It’s also important to communicate effectively with insurance companies. Be clear and thorough in your communications to avoid misunderstandings that could affect your claim. If an insurance company tries to offer a settlement, make sure it truly covers all your child’s needs, both immediate and long-term.

Your child may be feeling a lot of stress and anxiety during this time, so don’t be afraid to get them extra support and assistance if they need it. Counseling, particularly in the form of art or play therapy, may be helpful.

Explore Your Legal Options with Gardner Law Group

Our team is here to support you as you navigate your legal options after a car accident. Let’s talk—set up a consultation right away by calling us at 228-436-6555 or sending us a message online.