According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were a total of 597 fatal collisions in 2018 in Mississippi, which caused over 660 deaths.
If you or someone you love is hurt or was killed in a car accident in or around Pass Christian, you have the right to hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions. The team at the Morris Bart law firm, is here to help.
Our Pass Christian car accident lawyers offer a no-risk, no-obligation consultation for car accident victims. We also work on a contingency fee basis only, which means that if you retain our services we do not ask for any money upfront or out of pocket. We are only paid if we are successful with your case, which means that there is no risk to you. To speak with a member of our team, contact the Morris Bart law firm at (228) 357-9621.
Causes of Car Accidents
There are many ways in which another driver can behave negligently and cause a car accident. Some of these behaviors include:
Drowsy Driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 6,000 fatal car accidents happen annually as a result of drowsy driving. When a driver is drowsy, they are less capable of making good decisions behind the wheel, experience slower reaction time, and have a harder time focusing on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another extremely dangerous behavior and includes activities that pull your attention away from the road, including texting, making a phone call, using the radio, talking to passengers, or eating behind the wheel. According to the CDC, distractions can be:
- Cognitive: Where the focus is off the road.
- Physical: Where the hands are off the wheel.
- Visual: Where the eyes are off the road—using a cell phone while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
In 2016, 18% of all car accident fatalities in Mississippi were caused by drunk driving, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). According to the CDC, a blood-alcohol concentration of .08% impacts perception, causes short-term memory loss, impairs the driver’s concentration and speed control, and reduces their ability to process information, such as traffic signals.
Speeding
Speeding has always been a problem in the U.S. and is motivated by many factors, including heavy traffic, running late, or a general disregard for the safety of others. When drivers speed, they reduce their ability to maintain control of the vehicle in all circumstances. It also increases the length of time they require to stop if traffic suddenly comes to a halt. Speeding increases the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries if a crash occurs.
These are just a few of the possible behaviors that could lead to a Pass Christian car accident. If you or your loved one was injured by someone’s negligent behavior, you have the right to hold the other party responsible for their actions. Contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (228) 357-9621 for a free review of your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Car Accident lawyer serving Pass Christian, call 800-537-8185
Laws That Could Impact Your Claim
There are two laws you should be aware of in the state of Mississippi:
Statute of Limitations
Every state places a limit on the amount of time that you have to pursue damages after a car accident. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, such as car accidents, is three years, according to MS Code Ann. § 15-1-49.
If you fail to file your car accident claim within three years of the date of the accident, you are generally barred from recovering compensation. The same applies if the victim died as a result of someone else’s negligence. In that case, you have three years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.
Pure Comparative Fault
Mississippi is also a pure comparative fault state with a fault threshold of 100%. Comparative fault is a rule that allocates damages when both parties involved in an accident are at least somewhat at fault, according to MS Code § 11-7-15.
Because Mississippi has a fault threshold of 100%, you could technically recover compensation even if you are 99% at fault for the accident. However, it stands to reason that you would not recover a significant amount. The higher degree at which you are liable for the accident, the less compensation you will receive. That means if you are 25% responsible, you will only recover 75% of the total awarded compensation.
Pass Christian Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Recoverable Damages After a Pass Christian Car Accident
While we cannot estimate your damages without first evaluating the details of your case, some common types of damages include:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage
Click to contact our Pass Christian Personal Injury Lawyers today
How a Pass Christian Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident, you are likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin with the process of pursuing compensation. You are not alone, though.
We can help by investigating your accident, gathering evidence to build a strong case, and pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. We can calculate the total value of your case, including the cost of your pain and suffering. We can also negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyers to pursue a fair settlement for your case.
For a free, no-risk case evaluation, speak with a Pass Christian car accident lawyer with the Morris Bart law firm, today at (228) 357-9621.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
