Do you know what to do after a car accident on Highway 49 in Hattiesburg, MS? A crash can cause a surge of adrenaline, fear, and physical pain that can make it difficult to understand your next steps. By learning about what immediate actions you can take and your legal options after a crash, you can take logical steps to support your recovery.
Understanding Why Accidents Are So Common on Highway 49
Unfortunately, car accidents in Hattiesburg are frequent and often deadly. Mississippi’s traffic fatality rate is 1.79 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled, the highest rate in the country.
The risk of an accident is elevated on Highway 49 for many reasons, including:
- High speeds
- Heavy traffic
- A high volume of commercial trucks
- Dangerous intersections, such as those with US-98
- Poor conditions during rainfall
With the high speeds, crashes on Highway 49 are often more severe than on other roads. Speeding is a contributing factor in 29% of accident fatalities. With higher speeds comes more force and a greater likelihood of catastrophic injuries or irreparable vehicle damage in a car accident case.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Crash
Right after the crash, you should prioritize your personal safety. Move to a location away from traffic, check yourself and others for injuries, contact the police, and receive medical treatment. By focusing on your immediate safety, you can minimize the risk of additional traffic accidents and worsening your injuries.
Once you are safe, exchange information with the other driver. This information is essential to filing a claim under Mississippi’s car accident laws. Collect information such as their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Vehicle information, such as the license plate, make, model, color, and year
Next, gather evidence from the accident scene. Evidence can be used to prove who is at fault for the accident and what damages you have suffered, which is essential for filing a claim. It becomes more difficult to collect evidence as time passes, so gathering as much evidence as you can soon after the crash is a good idea. You can:
- Take photos of the accident scene and the vehicle damage.
- Take photos of any visible injuries.
- Document the names and contact information for witnesses.
- Write down the exact location, time, and date of the accident.
- Write down the names and badge numbers for responding police officers.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
As soon as you can after a crash, hire a car accident lawyer. A Hattiesburg car accident attorney can help you collect evidence and communicate with the police officers and other drivers. Then, they can begin preparing a claim against the at-fault driver to help you recover damages from the crash.
A lawyer’s guidance can reduce the fear and anxiety you may feel. A lawyer can represent you while you focus on your physical and mental recovery.
How Can Filing a Claim Support Your Recovery?
After a crash, you are likely suffering from a variety of damages. By filing a claim, you can pursue compensation to make up for your losses and help you maintain financial security throughout your recovery. Compensation can cover damages, such as:
- Economic damages: These damages are the quantifiable, financial losses you have suffered. They can include the cost of vehicle repairs, lost wages, and medical bills.
- Non-economic damages: These damages are the intangible non-financial losses you have faced. Pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and psychological disorders are all non-economic damages that can increase your compensation.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are included in your compensation to punish an at-fault driver, rather than specific damages you have suffered. These damages are only available in cases where the at-fault driver was extremely negligent, such as if they were drinking and driving.
FAQs
Is Mississippi an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Yes, Mississippi is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means the car accident laws allow victims to file a claim against the at-fault driver, rather than through their own insurance. At-fault claims can be complex, as they require proving the other driver’s negligence. A Hattiesburg car accident attorney can analyze and present evidence to establish the at-fault driver’s liability in your claim.
What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, there are certain things you should avoid saying that could harm your ability to file a claim or receive compensation. In general, avoid apologizing, admitting fault, lying, or misrepresenting your damages by under- or over-exaggerating them. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can communicate on your behalf to minimize the risk of making these errors.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, most accidents must be reported to law enforcement within 10 days. If a police officer responds to the accident, they can file a report. Otherwise, you must submit a report. Accidents on Highway 49 often require an emergency response, whether for severe property damage, injuries, or death, meaning the police will likely file the report. A car accident claim has a three-year statute of limitations, though this initial report must still be filed.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, you should move to a safe location, contact the police, and receive medical care. Then, contact a lawyer. Your lawyer and the police can investigate to identify the at-fault driver’s identity, such as by using surveillance footage, witness testimonies, or vehicle debris. Even if the driver’s identity cannot be determined, your lawyer can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Reach Out to WaideLaw After a Crash: Available 24/7
With a background in farm work and football, Daniel Waide founded his legal practice on the same principles of dedication, hard work, and the wisdom of Isaiah 1:17. With this mindset, he works tirelessly to bring justice and compensation to accident victims in need.
From the moment the crash happens to receiving your compensation, Daniel Waide’s guidance is invaluable. Contact our personal injury lawyer at WaideLaw to learn how compassionate guidance and skilled legal advice can help you navigate what to do after a car accident on Highway 49 in Hattiesburg, MS.
