Distracted Driving Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
Driving while distracted is among the riskiest things you can do on Mississippi roads. From texting to fiddling with GPS or eating while driving, a split-second distraction can lead to catastrophic accidents and life-altering injuries. The victims of these accidents face medical bills, loss of income, and a challenging recovery process. A Hattiesburg distracted driving accident lawyer from WaideLaw can advocate on your behalf and help you pursue compensation.
Skilled legal guidance allows you to concentrate on healing while your rights and future are protected through the legal system.
Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
At WaideLaw, clients receive representation rooted in values of integrity, resilience, and faith. Daniel Waide, current executive committee chair for the Employment Law Section of the Mississippi Bar, is known for his dedication to justice and his deep ties to the Hattiesburg community.
Growing up on a Mississippi family farm instilled hard work and accountability, principles he carries into every case. Guided by Isaiah 1:17, Daniel remains active in supporting youth sports, public safety programs, and health initiatives that benefit local families.
The Different Types of Distracted Driving
Distraction behind the wheel can take many shapes, but they are usually grouped into three main categories: looking away from the road, taking your hands off the wheel, and losing mental focus. Something as simple as glancing at a phone, eating a snack, or daydreaming can create a split second of danger.
In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,275 deaths in 2023 were linked to distracted driving. These numbers make it clear that divided attention is a serious threat on Mississippi roads.
How WaideLaw Builds a Distracted Driving Case
Determining liability for a distracted driving accident depends on the presentation of evidence. To prove negligence in a distracted driving accident, lawyers analyze cell phone data, interviews, and obtain surveillance footage to demonstrate driver inattention.
In some cases, experts can re-create the accident scene and demonstrate how the crash occurred. At WaideLaw, our attorneys use the tools at our disposal to build a case for the injured party. The quicker we work to preserve evidence, the more likely we will be able to hold the distracted driver accountable and reach a satisfactory outcome through settlement or litigation.
The Impact of Distracted Driving Accidents on Victims
Distracted driving crashes often do far more than inflict property damage. Serious injuries may permanently affect your mobility, your ability to work, or create the need for continuing medical treatment. They may also result in a variety of emotional difficulties, such as the fear or anxiety you may experience when getting behind the wheel.
Lost income and mounting medical expenses can also take their toll. Victims need to seek fair compensation to move forward with their lives.
FAQs
Q: What Types of Damages Are Available After a Distracted Driving Accident?
A: Damages in a distracted driving accident claim may include compensation for medical care, lost income, property repairs, and pain and suffering. In cases involving serious injury, the cost of physical therapy or long-term treatment may also be included. The court may even award damages for emotional distress or loss of quality of life. Every case is unique, and an attorney can help identify all losses that are available for recovery.
Q: What Local Hazards Make Distracted Driving Dangerous in Hattiesburg?
A: Busy intersections, college traffic, and major commuter corridors make distracted driving in Hattiesburg particularly dangerous. Congested areas, such as Hardy Street, U.S. 49, and Interstate 59, are prone to collisions when drivers are inattentive, which could look like taking a look at their cell phone.
The presence of local drivers, mixed with students and visitors, further complicates the issue. Since distractions amplify these risks, legal support can be crucial when accidents happen on Hattiesburg’s roadways.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Claim in Mississippi?
A: The statute of limitations in Mississippi for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
Certain circumstances, like accidents involving minors, may allow for an extension of the time limit. The sooner you file, the better chance you have to preserve evidence and give your lawyer time to build the strongest case for maximum compensation.
Q: How Can I Tell if a Driver Was Distracted During My Accident?
A: Determining whether a driver was distracted is usually a matter of connecting the dots. Cell phone records can indicate text messages or calls, eyewitnesses may have observed reckless driving, and video from traffic or security cameras might capture the moments leading up to the crash. It is important to gather this information as soon as possible in order to prove liability and maximize your potential recovery.
Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Distracted Driving Accident?
A: Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a distracted driving crash, even if you think your injuries are minor. Call the police so that the crash is documented by law enforcement. If you are able to, take photos and get any witnesses’ contact information and insurance information at the scene.
Do not discuss fault or liability with the other driver. Contact an attorney to ensure that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Contact a Hattiesburg Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Distracted driving crashes can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm that lasts a lifetime, but you don’t have to deal with the consequences alone. At WaideLaw, we stand up for injured people and families in Hattiesburg. Daniel Waide’s legal experience has been honed through his childhood on a Mississippi farm and by the words of Isaiah 1:17, which call for seeking justice on behalf of the fatherless and oppressed.
Waide continues to support Hattiesburg through coaching youth sports, public safety programs, and local health initiatives. If you have been injured by a careless driver, don’t hesitate to call today to schedule your consultation and secure your future. Hire a distracted driving accident lawyer today.
