Experienced Car Accident Attorney In Columbia, MS
A Columbia car accident lawyer assists injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users in seeking financial recovery after a crash. Even a collision that lasts only a few seconds can result in ongoing medical treatment, missed work, vehicle damage, and other unexpected hardships. Insurance claims, liability, and compensation questions often come up shortly after an accident happens.
Understanding how Mississippi law applies to a particular situation can help accident victims make informed decisions about their next steps. The seasoned Columbia personal injury lawyer at WaideLaw helps injured people throughout the area who have been harmed in preventable motor vehicle accidents.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
WaideLaw maintains strong ties to the communities it serves. Daniel Waide actively supports local youth sports programs and community initiatives that benefit Mississippi families. His involvement extends beyond legal practice, including contributions to public safety efforts and participation in charitable events that promote community health and well-being.
By remaining engaged with local organizations and residents, WaideLaw stays connected to the challenges and concerns that affect Mississippi communities every day.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but a high number of collisions involve driver behavior that presents unnecessary risk on the road. Distracted driving, speeding, driving while impaired, and violations of traffic laws can all factor into crashes. Collisions can also happen when drivers follow too closely, change lanes unsafely, or fail to yield the right-of-way.
These situations can happen on roadways across Columbia, including on heavily traveled roadways like U.S. Highway 98 and Mississippi Highway 13. Weather conditions, roadway hazards, and defects in vehicles may also be factors in some situations. Pinpointing the cause of a collision can be a critical part of evaluating liability and the circumstances of the crash.
How Mississippi’s Comparative Fault Law Applies to Car Accident Claims
Mississippi operates under a pure comparative fault rule according to Mississippi Code § 11-7-15. This means that even if an injured person was partially at fault for an accident, that person can still recover damages for his or her injuries, with any recovery being reduced by his or her percentage of fault.
For example, if the injured person was 20% at fault for causing a crash, then that person’s award for damages may be reduced by 20%. Comparative fault is often raised in cases where the drivers provide different stories about how the crash happened.
Accident reports, witness statements, photos, and other documents may all be useful in proving how the parties’ comparative fault should be assessed.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
Insurance companies usually start investigating a car accident claim within days of a crash. Part of the claims process may include accident reports being reviewed, vehicle damage being inspected, medical records being requested, and drivers and witnesses being interviewed by adjusters. It’s not uncommon, however, for disputes to emerge over responsibility, the seriousness of injuries, or the assessed value of damages.
Keeping records of medical treatment, repair bills, lost income, and other losses that result from a car accident may help support a claim. As insurance claims often involve extensive paperwork and communications, many people choose to learn more about the process before making decisions about a potential settlement.
FAQs
How Common Are Serious Traffic Injuries in Mississippi?
Serious traffic injuries are common in Mississippi traffic accidents. The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety FY24 Annual Report reports that there were 3,205 people seriously injured in Mississippi traffic crashes in 2023.
Serious injuries can involve significant physical harm that requires hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical treatment. The number of reported serious injuries is an indicator that many crashes have consequences far beyond vehicle damage.
How Many Occupants Used Seat Belts in Mississippi?
Seat belt usage remains an important traffic safety issue in Mississippi. The Mississippi Office of Highway Safety FY24 Annual Report reported an observed statewide seat belt use rate of 84.4% in 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that seat belt use rates across the United States ranged from 68.2% to 90% or higher that year. Seat belt use can help reduce the risk of serious injury in many crashes.
Can I Pursue a Claim if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
A motorist who does not have car insurance may pose extra problems after a crash, but an injured party still may have legal options. In certain situations, recovery may be available from uninsured motorist coverage, other insurance policies, or claims against other responsible parties. Whether recovery is possible will often depend on the particular facts of the accident, the insurance coverage at issue, and the losses of the injured party.
What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident?
Information exchanged after a car accident can be used to create a record of the parties involved in the collision. Exchanging names, contact information, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and insurance information is common after a car accident.
Photographs of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and identifying information can also be used to preserve important details. Accurate information at the scene of a car accident can make it easier to handle insurance and legal matters that occur later.
Why Is a Police Report Important After a Car Accident?
A police report may give you an official account of the information obtained by a responding officer at the scene of a car crash. The report may contain information about the drivers, roadway conditions, vehicle damage, witness statements, and the responding officer’s observations.
Insurance companies may review the information in the report as part of the claims process, and the report may be helpful in determining contested facts. A police report does not automatically establish liability.
Contact a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents can result in medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and other unforeseen struggles. The costs of a collision typically extend far beyond the day of the accident itself.
Insurance records, accident reports, medical documentation, and other evidence can all play an important role in evaluating a car accident claim. The outcome of your case may ultimately hinge on available evidence, as well as the extent of the losses you have suffered as the injured party.
Representing accident victims throughout Mississippi, WaideLaw can help you understand the laws that may impact a car accident claim and your options following a collision. Schedule a consultation today to hire a car accident lawyer.
