Car Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
Affectionately known as the “Hub City,” Hattiesburg is host to a great deal of heavy traffic. From driving to cheer on the Southern Miss Golden Eagles to commuting to work on busy roads like Interstate 59 or Hardy Street, car accidents can quickly become a reality for many residents and visitors to the area. These sudden incidents can change everything about your life. When a car wreck injures you due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a Hattiesburg car accident lawyer who can fight for you.
Guided by the proven and enduring wisdom of Isaiah 1:17, WaideLaw can do just that. Daniel Waide wants to fight hard for the people of Hattiesburg, protecting them when they’ve suffered through no fault of their own. His practice is not just a profession but a commitment to seeking justice for the oppressed.
When you are injured in a car accident due to the negligent, reckless, or wrongful behavior of another party, WaideLaw can fight in your stead and pursue all that you deserve for your losses. From drunk drivers to individuals operating their vehicles while distracted, there are many negligent parties who cause harm to innocent people. WaideLaw can stand as your stalwart champion, securing the compensation and justice you need.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Hattiesburg, MS
In 2022, there were over 700 traffic-related deaths in Mississippi. These accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but most can be traced back to some type of fault. At WaideLaw, Daniel Waide can review the details of your car accident and determine its cause. Then, our firm can expose the liable party and make sure they answer for their negligent actions that resulted in your injuries.
In Hattiesburg, the most common causes of car accidents include the following:
Drunk Driving
In Mississippi, it is illegal to drive a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.08% or higher. Getting behind the wheel of a car or truck when impaired by alcohol is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. Oftentimes, these drivers are unable to fully control their vehicles. They will also have a slower reaction speed to events happening around them, which can easily result in accidents occurring.
Distracted Driving
The leading cause of car accidents in Mississippi is distracted driving. This act of negligence kills thousands of people. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 3,275 deaths nationwide. The most common distractions include:
- Using a mobile device while driving
- Interacting with passengers
- Reaching for something inside the vehicle
- Eating
- Drinking
- Grooming
- Interacting with the radio or other controls
Speeding
Driving well above the speed limit may help you get to work or your child’s soccer game on time, but it is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Hattiesburg. Speeding, whether you are traveling at excessive speeds or not, can be dangerous and lead to severe injuries for all parties involved. It is vital that you keep your speed in check; otherwise, you risk serious injuries and even death.
Reckless Driving
Several types of actions can be considered reckless driving. This can, in turn, heighten your risk of unnecessary accidents. It is important that you remain calm and think critically when you are driving. That way, you can avoid these kinds of incidents. The Hattiesburg roadways are not places to cut corners or cause other drivers to feel unsafe. Travel at a safe speed, and avoid tailgating or cutting off others.
Neglecting Traffic Lights
In Mississippi, a red light signals that you must stop your vehicle at that location. When a driver neglects to obey this signal, they heighten their risk of crashing into other vehicles, causing horrific accidents. Do not rush to get to your destination. Rather, pay attention to the road around you as well as the traffic lights, signals, and posted signage.
Wrong-Way Driving
When a driver operates their vehicle in the wrong direction on the roadway, they can cause some of the most catastrophic accidents. Oncoming traffic does not anticipate these drivers, and they may not be able to react in time to avoid the accident. The consequences of wrong-way driving can often be catastrophic and even deadly, so it is important that you remain vigilant and make sure you are driving in the right direction.
Driving at Night
Driving at night, while perfectly legal, can increase your risk of becoming involved in a roadway accident. It is more difficult to see other vehicles around you when it is dark, especially in cases where you or another driver forgets to turn on the vehicle’s headlights. Nighttime driving requires vigilance, awareness, and attention to distinguish the edges of the road and obstacles.
Poor Weather Conditions
Mississippi sees plenty of harsh weather. From heavy winds to torrential downpours of rain, weather can be a common cause of car accidents. Slippery and wet roads can create dangerous conditions, which can often lead to accidents and injuries. Do not risk speeding in these conditions, and only proceed while exercising extreme caution. One wrong move can see you suffering injuries or causing injuries to other drivers around you.
It is a fact of life that accidents happen; there is simply no way around them. However, many accidents could have been avoided if the at-fault driver had made better decisions or proceeded with better judgment and safer driving practices. If you have been injured in a Hattiesburg car accident due to the negligent driving of another party, WaideLaw can fight for the full scope of the compensation you deserve in your claim.
Potential Compensatory Damages in a Hattiesburg Car Accident
When you are left in the wreckage of a car accident in Hattiesburg, you might feel as if there is no way you will ever recover. From dealing with lost wages to experiencing extreme amounts of medical debt, the costs associated with injuries from a car accident can quickly see you facing unjust financial burdens. Thankfully, in a car accident injury claim, you can recover some of these losses to help cover the costs. These damages can include:
Medical Costs
After suffering a car accident in Hattiesburg, you may suffer several injuries that will require medical intervention. These can include bills for:
- Emergency medical care
- Ambulance transportation
- Treatments
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Hospital stays
Lost Wages
In a serious car accident, you have likely suffered injuries that will prevent you from returning to work, either temporarily or indefinitely. If your injury causes you to miss work or leave your job, you can seek compensation for past, current, and even future lost wages.
Property Damage
If your car has suffered damage in an accident or other items of personal property have been damaged, such as a personal laptop or cellphone, you can seek financial compensation for these losses. WaideLaw can make sure you get compensation for all the economic, or fixed-price, damages you have sustained.
Pain and Suffering
The pain of an injury, along with the emotional and mental trauma you suffered from the incident, can last for years after your accident. It can disrupt your daily life and quality of living. The emotional effects of an accident are considered non-economic or intangible losses, as it is more difficult to assign them a specific dollar value. These typically include mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic pain.
Punitive Damages
Though these are rarely awarded, punitive damages can greatly increase your overall settlement value. Punitive damages are often pursued and awarded in cases where the liable party acted with particularly egregious negligence or malice, such as in road rage cases. These damages seek to punish the liable party and deter them from taking similar actions in the future.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one in a Hattiesburg car accident, you have the right to seek compensation for wrongful death damages. This can help cover the medical care costs your loved one experienced, along with any funeral or burial costs that were incurred after their death from their injuries.
Meet Your Champion: Daniel Waide
When you are injured in a Hattiesburg car accident due to the negligent actions of another driver, you deserve a champion who is ready and willing to fight in your stead. Inspired by his uncle Jim Waide, “the patron saint of lost causes,” Daniel Waide can be that champion for you. He has dedicated his entire legal career to fighting and defending the oppressed. He advocates for individuals who may not be able to afford legal representation.
Currently, Mr. Waide serves as the executive committee chair for the employment law section of the Mississippi Bar. This gives him unique insights when he takes on personal injury cases, including claims that result from car accidents. Daniel Waide is not just another attorney; he is a steadfast supporter of the Hattiesburg community, committing to the residents beyond his duties in the courtroom. He supports local sporting events and the police force.
Growing up on a generational family farm, Mr. Waide understands the value of hard work, integrity, and accountability, and he is passionate about implementing those principles into his legal practice. Transitioning from the football fields of Mississippi College to the courtroom, his life is marked by resilience and a passion for nothing short of excellence. Clients come to him for both his commitment to keeping his word and for delivering results.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Hattiesburg, let WaideLaw fight for you. Called to defend the vulnerable at a young age, Daniel Waide can make sure his clients receive both the justice and the compensation they deserve.
FAQs
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Hattiesburg, MS?
In Mississippi, there is a deadline for filing a car accident or personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it is currently set at three years. If you do not file your claim within three years of your accident, you will most likely lose out on your chances to recover compensation. A seasoned attorney can manage this and other deadlines for you throughout your case.
What Injuries Are Most Common in a Mississippi Car Accident?
Several kinds of injuries can occur during a car accident in Mississippi. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Internal organ damage
- Head injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- Concussions
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Internal bleeding
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Car Accident Claim?
Depending on the exact circumstances of your accident, several parties could be held liable for a car accident in Hattiesburg. These can include:
- Other negligent drivers
- The employers of these drivers
- The manufacturers or designers of faulty or malfunctioning car components
- The local municipalities in charge of keeping up the roads
What Should I Do After Suffering a Car Accident in MS?
If you suffer a car accident in Mississippi, there are several actions you should take if you are physically capable of doing so. First, move yourself to a place of safety and dial 911. Even if you do not feel physically injured, it is wise to seek medical attention, and it is crucial for the police to arrive on the scene. You will also want to take photos and videos of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage.
Speak to a Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer Who Can Fight for You
A car accident can be a catastrophic experience. If you were injured or have lost a loved one in a Hattiesburg car accident, WaideLaw can fight for both justice and compensation in your personal injury claim. He can listen to every detail of your case and work hard to provide you with the ending you deserve. Contact the offices of WaideLaw today to schedule your initial consultation.
