Auto Accident Injury in Gulfport, MS
The bustling roads in Gulfport are a part of daily life, and the risk of accidents is ever-present. Understanding how the law deals with their emotional and financial toll is crucial for any motorist.
The stress of an auto accident injury should not overwhelm you. Read on to discover how hiring a local Gulfport attorney can ease your journey to recovery.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Gulfport, Mississippi
Traffic accidents are a significant concern, reflecting a broader issue in Gulfport and the state. According to recent statistics, Mississippi experiences a notably high rate of traffic fatalities. Consequently, it consistently ranks among the highest in the nation per capita. These accidents often result from a combination of factors, including impaired driving and speeding.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no injuries occurred, it’s essential to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, take note of their names and badge numbers. Answer their questions honestly, but avoid sharing unrequested information, particularly your opinion about what happened or who was at fault. Be sure to ask for the police report number and inquire about when and where you can obtain a copy, as well as any associated costs.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Mississippi
Liability Laws for Gulfport
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
In Gulfport, auto accident liability uses an at-fault system. This doctrine means the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. This state also follows the pure comparative negligence rule, which allows a damaged party to recover even if they are 99% at fault.
Statute of Limitations in Gulfport
Each state has its tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to an auto accident is three years. This time frame applies to both personal injury and property damage claims from Gulfport.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Gulfport, MS
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Mississippi state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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