A Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer can help you build a civil case against an intoxicated driver who caused an accident and injured you in Mississippi. They can take on these cases regardless of the outcome of a criminal trial against the at-fault driver.
Let a skilled DUI accident attorney from Morris Bart, LTD review your case for free. We can help you understand your rights and the legal options you may have for pursuing the compensation you may be entitled to in your case. Contact our office to get started.
Understanding Criminal Versus Civil Drunk Driving Cases
When many people think about drunk driving cases, they likely imagine the police arresting the driver, leading to possible jail time. However, those who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause an accident may face two types of cases:
- A criminal case
- A civil case
Criminal Drunk Driving Cases
Per Mississippi Code § 63-11-30, a person who drives or otherwise operates a vehicle while intoxicated may face criminal charges. The law extends to:
- Someone who is intoxicated because of drinking.
- Someone who is under the influence of a controlled substance that is illegal in Mississippi.
- Someone whose ability to drive is impaired by another substance.
- Someone whose blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit based on their age.
If convicted of a criminal charge, the intoxicated driver could face consequences including a license suspension, fines, community service, and jail time. However, this criminal statute has little effect on the accident victims who suffered injuries. This is where a civil case comes in.
Civil Drunk Driving Cases
Mississippi civil law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit you, regardless of the outcome of their criminal case. If you can prove their negligence caused your accident, you can hold them accountable and may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can help you possibly secure a payout without going to civil court by negotiating a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
While a criminal court may hold the driver responsible for breaking the law, civil court allows you to hold them responsible for their reckless behavior, as well as your injuries and losses. The team from the Morris Bart law firm can help you with your drunk driving accident case. Contact us to get started with a free initial case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving Gulfport, call 800-537-8185
Let Morris Bart, LTD Work on Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
A Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer can provide representation, guidance, and support after you have received injuries. We understand the emotions you may be feeling after this type of accident, as it is only natural to feel mad or frustrated after an incident that was no fault of your own.
Whether or not the evidence exists to prove drunk driving, you may still be able to prove the other motorist caused your accident because of their reckless or careless behavior. This may be enough to hold them responsible and recover a payout you may be entitled to for your losses. If there is a guilty verdict in criminal court, it could also help your case. Our dedicated Gulfport DUI attorneys can:
Gather Evidence
The legal team at Morris Bart, LTD can compile evidence to prove fault and establish damages in your DUI accident injury claim. Evidence we may use includes:
- Police reports, including documented field sobriety tests
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) records
- Videos and photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements and expert testimony
- Medical bills and other proof of medical expenses
Our Gulfport personal injury attorneys aim to ensure the best chance for maximum compensation for your DUI accident injuries.
Handle Correspondence
While you recover, you do not need the stress of responding to calls, letters, and emails from the drunk driver’s insurance carrier or attorneys. We will handle all communication concerning your DUI accident injuries, so you can focus on getting better.
Negotiate Financial Compensation
Our skilled DUI accident attorneys in Gulfport know how to handle complex drunk driving cases. Morris Bart, LTD’s dedicated team has experience facing stubborn insurance companies and pushy legal teams. We can defend your rights at the negotiating table and in court to seek the best possible payout for your injuries.
File a Civil Lawsuit Against the Drunk Driver
While many personal injury cases settle out of court, any civil case can go to trial. Our team prepares every case for trial from the beginning. We file civil lawsuits early in the legal process to ensure you are within the statute of limitations.
Recovering Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case
Working with a Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer, you may be able to build a case strong enough to negotiate a fair settlement. However, should you be unable to successfully settle, your attorney will be able to protect your rights to fair compensation by taking the case to court for judgment. However, most auto accident cases are resolved before you ever reach court.
This process may allow you to recover several different damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses for accident injuries
- Lost wages and reduced capacity to earn
- Property damages, including vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Other non-economic damages
- Wrongful death damages after a fatal accident, recoverable by surviving family members
Click to contact our Gulfport Car Accident Attorney today
Deadlines for Taking Legal Action in a Gulfport Car Accident
Mississippi only gives personal injury victims three years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49. While there are exceptions to this rule, it is imperative that you act before the deadline arrives or you may lose leverage to negotiate a settlement, or even the right to take the case to court.
Consider calling a lawyer as soon as you are able after your drunk driving accident. You do not need to wait for the outcome of the criminal case against the drunk driver. A lawyer can review your case as soon as your injuries are stable, and may be able to begin gathering evidence within days or weeks of your accident.
Talk to a Member of the Morris Bart, LTD Team
A Gulfport drunk driving accident lawyer can help you seek and recover the compensation you may be entitled to for the damages you suffered. The team from the Morris Bart law firm can provide you with a way to ensure the drunk driver is held accountable, regardless of what happens in their criminal case for driving under the influence.
In addition to our Gulfport office, the Morris Bart law firm has 15 offices. We serve many parts of the Gulf South, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Contact us today for your free case review with a skilled Gulfport DUI lawyer. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not have to pay for our services out of pocket if you hire us. We only collect fees if and when we win your case.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
