Car Accident Attorney in Hattiesburg

Motor vehicle accidents can be some of the most severe and deadly events a person will face. For those injured in an accident, their world can be turned upside down in an instant. Faced with mounting doctor and hospital bills, missing work for several weeks or even months, and enduring physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, a serious accident can take a major toll on injury victims and their families. When car accidents are caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another party, those responsible should be held fully accountable for the harm they inflict.

The immediate aftermath of a collision is often chaotic and confusing. You may be dealing with pain, insurance adjusters calling constantly, and uncertainty about the future. It is during this difficult time that having reliable legal guidance is most important. We are here to help bring order to that chaos and offer a clear path forward toward recovery and justice. We commit to supporting you and your family through every step of this demanding process.

Forty Years of Dedication to Accident Victims

For four decades, Gardner Law Group has successfully represented car accident victims in Hattiesburg and communities throughout southern Mississippi. Our lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, specifically focusing on the complex issues that arise in auto accident claims. Over our many years of practice, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives.

Our long history is built on a foundation of commitment to justice for the injured. We understand the hardships accident injury victims have to endure, and we do everything possible to make the legal process smooth and seamless for them. Our primary goal is always to secure a favorable outcome while ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout the duration of your case. We work diligently to prepare every case for the possibility of trial, which often strengthens our position when negotiating a settlement on your behalf.

The True Cost of Motor Vehicle Accidents

A car crash involves more than just damage to a vehicle. The costs of a serious accident reach far into every aspect of a victim’s life. Understanding the full extent of these damages is crucial to seeking fair compensation.

Physical and Medical Injuries Injuries from a crash can range from whiplash and broken bones to severe brain or spinal cord trauma. These injuries require immediate and often long-term medical care, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medication. The future medical needs of an injury victim must be carefully calculated, as they can continue for years after the initial incident.

Financial and Economic Hardship When you are recovering from an injury, you cannot work. This leads to lost wages and a reduced ability to earn a living in the future, especially if the injury results in a permanent disability. Add to this the overwhelming medical bills, and a family’s financial stability can collapse quickly. We work to quantify all your economic losses, ensuring the compensation sought covers every bill and every paycheck you missed.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma The impact of a crash is not limited to physical pain. Many victims suffer from pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, fear of driving, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While these damages are non-economic, they profoundly affect the quality of life. We are dedicated to presenting a complete picture of your suffering to the court or the insurance company to secure the full and fair amount you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi

Most serious car accidents are not accidents at all; they are the foreseeable result of someone’s negligence. When a driver fails to uphold their duty to operate a vehicle safely, they can be held accountable. Some of the most common forms of driver error and negligence we address include:

• Distracted Driving: This is a leading cause of collisions today. Actions like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or tending to passengers take a driver’s focus off the road, even for a split second, which can have devastating consequences.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly slows reaction time and impairs judgment, making catastrophic crashes much more likely.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted limit reduces the time a driver has to react to hazards and increases the force of impact in a crash, leading to more severe injuries.
• Fatigued Driving: Drivers who are drowsy or falling asleep at the wheel can be just as dangerous as those driving while intoxicated. This is particularly common in commercial trucking cases.
• Reckless Driving: Actions like aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals show a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road.

We commit to a thorough evaluation of the crash scene and all available evidence to identify the exact cause and the party responsible for your injuries.

How We Approach Your Car Accident Claim in Mississippi

We work closely with our clients, taking the time needed to thoroughly evaluate every detail of their case. This careful preparation allows us to develop the most practical and effective path toward a favorable resolution, whether through negotiation or trial.

1. Comprehensive Case Review and Investigation Our first step is to launch a detailed investigation. This includes gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, collecting medical records, and working with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. We focus on establishing clear evidence of the other driver’s fault and the extent of your injuries.
2. Valuation of Damages We carefully calculate the total value of your claim, including current and future medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. This ensures we pursue a number that accurately reflects the total harm you have sustained.
3. Negotiation with Insurance Companies Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing their payout. We take on all communication with them, protecting you from their tactics and presenting a strong, well-documented case for maximum settlement. We are capable of handling complex negotiations to achieve the compensation you need without the delay and stress of going to court.
4. Litigation and Trial While many cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount. Our history of success in the courtroom demonstrates our readiness to fight for our clients’ rights before a judge and jury.

Key Mississippi Laws You Should Know

It is important to understand two key principles of Mississippi personal injury law that may affect your case:

The Statute of Limitations Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that if you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, you generally have only three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover any compensation at all. It is always best to get in contact with us sooner rather than later.

Comparative Negligence Mississippi operates under a doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This rule allows an injured party to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident, though the compensation awarded will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 20%. Our work involves presenting compelling evidence to minimize any assignment of fault to you.

Taking the Next Step and Protecting Your Future

Our initial consultations are always free and come with no obligation. We provide frequent updates on the progress of the case, so you are always kept informed. We also accept all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you are never forced to pay upfront attorney fees to receive the comprehensive and personalized representation you need and deserve. We only get paid if and when we recover money for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is time to seek legal advice. We will thoroughly analyze the specific circumstances of your case and help you make an informed decision regarding your next legal steps. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today by sending a confidential message, calling us at 601-582-4300, or visiting our Hattiesburg office on Hardy Street.

Common Types of Auto Accidents in Mississippi

The roads of Mississippi, from the bustling highways around Jackson to the scenic routes along the Gulf Coast, unfortunately witness a variety of auto accidents. These incidents, often leading to significant personal injury and financial hardship, underscore the critical importance of understanding common accident types.

A car accident attorney in Hattiesburg, MS, from the Gardner Law Group, possesses the legal knowledge and experience to help you after an MS motor vehicle incident. Your car accident attorney in Hattiesburg, MS can provide vital legal support in the state. The Gardner Law Group has extensive knowledge of a wide range of vehicular collisions in MS, each presenting unique challenges and legal considerations.

Car Accidents in MS

Car accidents remain the most prevalent type of vehicular collision in Mississippi, reflecting the sheer volume of passenger vehicles on the road. These accidents can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-ups. They frequently occur due to driver negligence, including distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving, especially common in urban centers like Biloxi and Tupelo), speeding, driving under the influence, and aggressive driving.

The impact of car accidents can be severe, leading to a wide array of injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, and significant pain and suffering. Determining fault in car accidents often involves investigating factors like traffic light violations, failure to yield, and improper lane changes.

For instance, a common scenario in bustling areas like the I-55 corridor near Jackson involves rear-end collisions, often a direct result of distracted driving or following too closely. Conversely, in more rural parts of Mississippi, such as the Delta region, accidents on less-trafficked roads can still lead to severe outcomes due to higher speeds and less immediate emergency response.

Pickup Truck Accidents in Mississippi

Pickup trucks are incredibly popular in Mississippi, owing to their versatility for both work and leisure, particularly in agricultural areas and for recreational activities along the many lakes and rivers. While robust, their size and weight can contribute to more severe outcomes in accidents compared to passenger cars. Pickup truck accidents often involve unique factors. Their higher center of gravity can make them more prone to rollovers, especially during evasive maneuvers or on sharp curves, which can be found in abundance in the hilly terrains of northeast Mississippi.

Furthermore, these accidents can involve cargo spills if loads are not properly secured, creating additional hazards for other motorists. The sheer mass of a pickup truck means that collisions can result in greater force of impact, leading to more extensive vehicle damage and more serious injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles. Issues such as improper towing, overloaded beds, or insufficient tire maintenance can also be contributing factors, making accident reconstruction and liability determination more complex. For example, a work truck accident in a logging community near Natchez could involve issues related to commercial vehicle regulations, even if the truck is privately owned.

Mississippi Bus Accidents

Bus accidents, while less frequent than car or pickup truck accidents, have the potential for widespread devastation due to the large number of passengers typically involved. These incidents can encompass public transit buses in cities like Jackson and Gulfport, school buses transporting children across the state, and charter buses used for long-distance travel or tours.

The causes of bus accidents can be varied, including driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, driver distraction, or other motorists’ negligence. Due to the significant capacity of buses, a single accident can result in numerous injuries, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to severe, life-altering trauma for multiple individuals. Legal complexities in bus accidents often involve multiple parties, including the bus driver, the bus company, and potentially governmental entities responsible for public transit. The investigation frequently examines driver qualifications, adherence to federal and state transportation regulations, and vehicle inspection records. A tragic school bus accident in a rural county, for instance, could bring into question school district safety protocols and driver training.

Commercial Trucking Accidents in MS

Commercial trucking accidents, involving tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large freight vehicles, are among the most dangerous types of collisions on Mississippi’s highways, such as I-20 and I-59. The immense size and weight of these vehicles mean that even low-speed impacts can be catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

Common causes of commercial trucking accidents include driver fatigue due to demanding schedules, improper loading of cargo, inadequate vehicle maintenance, aggressive driving, or driving under the influence. Federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry are extensive and complex, often playing a crucial role in determining liability. Investigations into these accidents frequently involve analyzing driver logbooks, vehicle black boxes, maintenance records, and company policies. The devastating consequences often lead to highly contested legal battles, as trucking companies and their insurers are often well-resourced. An accident involving an 18-wheeler on a major artery like I-55, for example, often causes significant traffic delays in addition to the severe personal injuries, highlighting the broader impact of these incidents.

Motorcycle Accidents in Mississippi

Motorcycle accidents in Mississippi often result in disproportionately severe injuries due to the limited protection afforded to riders. While motorcycles offer freedom and fuel efficiency, their smaller size can make them less visible to other drivers, leading to accidents when motorists fail to see them. Common causes include drivers turning left in front of a motorcycle, lane changes without proper observation, and aggressive driving by other vehicles.

Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to road hazards such as potholes, gravel, or debris, which can cause them to lose control. Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are frequently severe, including road rash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. Legal cases involving motorcycle accidents often focus on proving the other driver’s negligence and overcoming biases that sometimes exist against motorcyclists. For instance, a collision on a scenic route like the Natchez Trace Parkway could involve unique factors related to road design and visibility.

MS Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents, while seemingly less common than car accidents, are a serious concern, particularly in areas with increasing cycling infrastructure or recreational biking, such as the university towns like Oxford or coastal areas like Ocean Springs. Cyclists, like pedestrians, are entirely unprotected in a collision with a motor vehicle, leading to significant injuries.

These accidents frequently occur due to drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, distracted driving, opening car doors into the path of cyclists, or simply not seeing cyclists. Injuries can range from scrapes and bruises to severe head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries. Legal cases in bicycle accidents often involve demonstrating driver negligence and establishing the cyclist’s right to share the road. The lack of helmet use, while not always a bar to recovery, can impact the extent of damages awarded. An accident involving a recreational cyclist on a bike path in a city park, for example, could involve municipal liability in addition to driver negligence.

Pedestrian Accidents in Biloxi

Pedestrian accidents are among the most tragic types of auto accidents, as pedestrians have no protection whatsoever against the force of a motor vehicle. These incidents often occur in urban areas with high foot traffic, such as downtown Jackson or college campuses, but can also happen on rural roads where pedestrians may be less visible.

Common causes include drivers failing to yield at crosswalks, distracted driving (including drivers using cell phones or being otherwise inattentive), speeding, or driving under the influence.

Injuries sustained by pedestrians in these collisions are almost always severe, often leading to catastrophic consequences, including severe head injuries, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and fatalities.

Legal claims in pedestrian accidents typically center on proving the driver’s failure to exercise due care and attention, and the severity of injuries often leads to substantial medical expenses and long-term care needs. A particularly dangerous scenario involves pedestrians attempting to cross busy thoroughfares that lack adequate crosswalks, a common issue in some rapidly developing areas of the state.

The Gardner Law Group’s knowledge of these diverse accident types throughout Mississippi underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding motor vehicle collisions. We are dedicated in helping victims navigate these challenges, so that they may seek justice make a better recovery after an accident.

There are many ways that a car crash can happen, such as:

• Side-Impact Collisions: Commonly known as a broadside or T-bone collision, side-impact accidents occur when the front or rear of one vehicle collides with the side of the other. Drivers and passengers in the vehicle in which the side is struck usually sustain the most serious injuries with this type of collision.
• Rear-End Collisions: These are among the most common types of car accidents on the roadways. Rear-end collisions occur when the front of one vehicle collides into the rear of the other. Since the driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended is usually not aware of an impending collision, those in this vehicle typically bear the brunt of the injuries.
• Sideswipe Collisions: These collisions usually occur when two vehicles driving side by side touch and swipe each other. Sideswipes can be fairly minor. Combined with other factors such as poor weather, however, these collisions can cause one or both drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions: A head-on collision is when the front ends of two motor vehicle crach into each other. Depending on the speed in which the vehicles were traveling, size and weight of the vehicles and other factors, these types of accidents can often result in severe injuries and fatalities.
• Rollovers: Another very hazardous type of auto accident is a rollover. This happens when the vehicle flips over onto its side or its roof. Rollovers can occur with any vehicle, but they are more common with vehicles that have a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs.
• Single Vehicle Accidents: These are accidents with just one vehicle involved. Examples include when a vehicle strikes a tree, lamppost, fire hydrant, the median in the road, or an individual who is close by. This type of accident often results in extensive property damage and personal injury to nearby individuals, such as bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Some accidents involve more than two vehicles, the most common is called a multi-car pileup. With multi-car pileups, vehicles are often struck several times, increasing the risk of serious and catastrophic injuries. Explosions and fires are another common hazard at the scene of the pile-up.

There are many reasons motor vehicle accidents occur. Some are due to uncontrollable circumstances such as bad weather (e.g., heavy rain, slippery roads, etc.). Sadly, most accidents are due to negligent or reckless actions on the part of motorists.

For example, many individuals routinely exceed the speed limit and do not exercise caution in hazardous areas like construction and school zones. Drunk driving is still a common problem as well, with numerous motorists driving their vehicles while intoxicated, especially on nights and weekends. Distracted driving is an emerging problem that has worsened with the increased use of smartphones. Too many drivers do not understand the dangers of activities such as texting while driving until it is too late. Other common reasons for car accidents include driver fatigue, road rage, and vehicle product defects.

Auto accidents can result in severe injuries. These include:

• Head and Brain Injuries
• Whiplash and other Spinal Cord Injuries
• Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
• Burn Injuries
• Internal Bleeding
• Arm and Leg Injuries
• Fractures
• Herniated Disc
• Wrongful Death

What to Do After a Car Accident in Hattiesburg

An auto accident can be a very unsettling experience. When this occurs, there are some actions you should take as soon as possible:

• First and foremost, call 911 and seek medical attention for your injuries and for whomever else is hurt. Even if you don’t feel like you are hurt, it is still important to get medical help, because some serious injuries (such as internal bleeding) are not easy to detect;
• Call the police and file a report;
• Take as many photos as you can of the accident scene;
• Obtain the contact information of the other driver(s) as well as their insurance information;
• Obtain the contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident;
• Write down as much detail as you can remember while the incident is fresh in your mind;
• Do NOT admit any fault for the accident;
• Contact one of our seasoned car accident attorneys right away.

Our lawyers will work with you to successfully navigate the complicated and often confusing claims process. We will handle all aspects of the process, from dealing with your insurance adjuster to negotiating compensation to pursuing litigation (when necessary).

We have dealt with countless cases like yours in the past four decades, and most of the representatives for the other side are familiar with us. They know that if your claim goes to trial, it is likely to cost them a lot more than if they settle. Whenever possible, we try to negotiate a favorable settlement without the need for litigation, but if the other side is not willing to cooperate, we are ready and able to aggressively advocate on your behalf in the courtroom.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Hattiesburg Car Accident Lawyer  

Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is best to get in contact with us sooner rather than later. We will thoroughly analyze the specific circumstances of your case and help you make an informed decision regarding your next legal steps. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today by sending a confidential message, calling us at 601-582-4300 or visiting our Hattiesburg office on Hardy Street.