Moss Point Car Accident Lawyers
Have you been in a vehicle crash in Moss Point? If so, you may have questions regarding how the laws will impact your property damage and personal injury case. Irrespective of whether you were riding, driving, or walking when the accident occurred, you are entitled to seek compensatory damages from a negligent motorist.
Auto crashes cause various physical injuries with different degrees of severity. At Gardner Law Firm, we have a proven track record helping auto wreck victims acquire full and fair compensation from vehicle insurance companies. We have successfully handled cases involving injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain trauma
- Organ and soft-tissue damage
- Burn injuries
- Fractured bones
- Chest injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limb
- Permanent vision and/or hearing loss
The skilled Moss Point car accident attorneys at Gardner Law Firm do not back down from challenging situations. We have a successful track record, which includes winning complicated cases against large and uncaring insurance companies.
Our team consults with experts to recreate accident scenarios to obtain an understanding of the reason for the crash and consequent injuries. This comprehensive information assists us to advocate aggressively for our clients, whether in the courtroom or in the conference room.
Types of Vehicle Crash Claims We Handle
Mississippi’s roadways, from the bustling intersections of Jackson to the long stretches of I-55, present unique hazards to drivers every day. When an accident occurs, the legal path forward depends heavily on the specific circumstances of the collision. Due to our extensive experience in personal injury law, our Mississippi car crash attorneys possess the specialized knowledge required to handle a wide array of complex cases.
Below is a detailed look at the specific types of vehicle crash claims we handle and the legal challenges associated with each.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents in the Magnolia State. Whether it is texting, adjusting a GPS, or eating, any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road or hands off the wheel is considered negligence. Mississippi law strictly prohibits texting while driving, and we work diligently to secure cell phone records and witness statements to prove the at-fault driver was distracted at the moment of impact.
Drunk Driving (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense that often leads to devastating civil claims. In Mississippi, a driver with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally impaired. We help victims pursue not only compensatory damages for medical bills and lost wages but also punitive damages, which are intended to punish the offender and deter others from such reckless behavior.
Speeding and Negligent Driving
Speed limits are designed for safety, yet speeding remains a factor in a significant percentage of Mississippi road fatalities. Negligent driving also encompasses tailgating, failing to signal, and aggressive “road rage” behaviors. We utilize accident reconstruction experts to determine the speed of the vehicles involved and establish how the defendant’s failure to exercise reasonable care led to the crash.
Rear-End Collisions
While often dismissed as “fender benders,” rear-end collisions frequently result in significant soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries. In Mississippi, there is a general legal presumption that the trailing driver is at fault for failing to maintain a safe following distance, though we also investigate whether brake light failure or sudden, illegal stops by the lead vehicle played a role.
Merge and Lane Change Collisions
These accidents are common on high-speed highways. They usually occur when a driver fails to check blind spots or neglects to use a turn signal. Determining liability in these cases requires a careful analysis of the “right of way” and the point of impact on the vehicles involved.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most lethal types of accidents. They often occur due to “wrong-way” driving on one-way streets or divided highways, frequently involving impairment or extreme fatigue. The force of impact is doubled because of the opposing speeds, making these claims high-stakes cases that require aggressive representation to cover long-term care needs.
Passenger Injuries
Passengers are almost never at fault for an accident, yet they often face hurdles when seeking compensation from a friend, family member, or a third party. We represent passengers in claims against the insurance policies of both the driver of the vehicle they were in and any other negligent drivers involved.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are particularly common with SUVs and commercial trucks. These crashes often involve complex product liability issues, such as roof crush failures or defective tires. Our team investigates whether the vehicle’s design or a driver’s high-speed maneuver caused the stability failure.
Fatigued Driving
Particularly prevalent among long-haul truck drivers, fatigued driving can be as dangerous as driving drunk. We analyze “hours of service” logs and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to see if commercial or private drivers exceeded safe driving limits before the crash.
Side-Impact/T-Bone Collisions
These often occur at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign. Because the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, T-bone collisions often result in crushed limbs, broken ribs, and internal organ damage.
Uber and Lyft (Rideshare) Drivers
Rideshare accidents involve a unique “three-period” insurance structure. Depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or had a passenger in the car, different insurance limits apply (ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000). We navigate the complexities of these corporate insurance policies to ensure victims are fully covered.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claims
Mississippi has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. If you are hit by someone without insurance, or whose limits are too low to cover your catastrophic injuries, we help you file a claim against your own insurance policy’s UM/UIM coverage to bridge the financial gap.
No matter how your accident occurred, our goal is to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation allowed under Mississippi law.
How Our Attorneys Can Help After a Vehicle Crash in Moss Point?
Our lawyers at Gardner Law Firm will take your accident as seriously as you do. As soon as we take on your case, we will plan and implement a strategic approach to pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf. We will undertake the following:
Investigate your accident
We understand how to determine why auto accidents occur and how to identify the parties liable for collisions. We will inspect the crash site, interview witnesses, and collect and analyze all other evidence, such as mobile phone records, black box data, and chemical test results.
Assess your losses
We will gather and evaluate your medical records to establish the nature and level of your injuries and the medical expenses that you will face as you move forward. Also, we will determine how your car crash injuries have impacted your employment and ability to enjoy a normal life.
Pursue a settlement
Insurance companies are aware that we are able and willing to take cases to trial. We can use our case preparation as leverage when pursuing full and fair compensatory damages for you. We are skilled negotiators who will not settle for less than our clients deserve.
Take the case to trial if necessary
If the insurance provider challenges the liability and/or damages, we will fight hard for you in the courtroom. During the course of your case, we will ensure that you remain updated. We will address any questions you may have and thoroughly address your concerns. Clients are our top priority.
‘Fault’ and ‘Pure Comparative Fault’ Laws in Mississippi
Accident victims in Mississippi will have to show that another motorist was responsible for your injuries as the state uses the ‘fault’ system for insurance claims. Fortunately for motorists who are partially responsible for their injuries, Mississippi uses the rule of ‘pure comparative negligence.’
Under this rule, the court can award damages to parties as long as they are less than 100 percent responsible for the accident. For instance, if a motorist suffered $100,000 in damages but is determined to be 80 percent responsible for the crash, the court can still award that motorist $20,000.
Types of Damages
Compensatory damages can be separated into two different general categories, economic and non-economic. The costs that tend to accumulate due to an auto accident are typically classified as economic damages and include car replacement or repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and other related expenses.
The loss of companionship, pain, and suffering, ad emotional trauma that you might experience are called “non-economic” damages and are more challenging to quantify in terms of a dollar figure.
Some examples of noneconomic damages you might face include the following:
- Immediate medical expenses such as hospitalization
- Future medical bills due to long-term injuries and pain
- Vehicular damage
- Lost income due to your injury or lack of transportation
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Disfigurement or disability
- Punitive damages due to the other motorist’s recklessness
If you sustain injuries in a vehicle crash that was not your fault, you deserve the representation of a qualified lawyer. The auto accident lawyers at Gardner Law Firm in Moss Point have handled countless vehicle crash cases. Schedule a free consultation today.
No-Fault Car Insurance in Mississippi
MS law does not prescribe no-fault insurance but prescribes liability insurance. A motorist can file a claim under their own insurance plan, seek compensation from the other motorist’s insurer, and/or file a case against the other motorist.
Statute of Limitations
For property damage and personal injury claims, Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations. This implies that if a motorist, passenger, or passerby sustains injuries or property damage due to the actions of a negligent driver, the victim can bring a case against them within three years.
Injured in An Auto Accident in Moss Point? Speak to a Seasoned Attorney
Together, Mississippi’s fault system and the pure comparative fault rule leave enough room for you to recover compensation for your injuries, even if you were partially responsible for a vehicle accident. However, the state-imposed damage ceiling on non-economic damages, such as disfigurement or pain and suffering, make it challenging to estimate the validity and value of your claim.
The MS Gulf Coast attorneys at Gardner Law Firm will advocate forcefully for your best interests. Our auto accident lawyers are client-focused and work tirelessly for those injured in car crashes. To schedule your free consultation, call today at (228) 436-6555.