Is Mississippi a No Fault State?
Drivers causing accidents in Mississippi must pay damages to affected parties through their insurance coverage. If you got injured, under Mississippi car accident laws, one can claim total compensation from drivers who caused the accident, and their insurance providers will pay for:
- Lost earnings and wages both in the past and in the future;
- Resources to seek medical attention;
- Change or lost quality of life;
- Suffering and pain as a result of the accident;
- Funeral/burial expenses if one dies from the Mississippi fatal car accident.
In case of injury and you need a car accident lawyer in Mississippi, call or visit us at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC in Canton, Mississippi, for legal assistance and consultation.
Mississippi is an At Fault State
Mississippi is not a no-fault state, it is an “at-fault state”.
What does it mean?
When a driver causes a car accident in Mississippi, the driver is at fault for the accident unless they can prove that someone else was responsible for the accident. If a driver is at fault for causing an accident, they will be responsible for paying damages (i.e. medical bills, lost wages, insurance, etc.) to another involved party in the accident.
Mississippi Car Accident Laws
About the Mississippi Code Section 63-3-411, drivers of vehicles involved in an accident must immediately or as fast as possible report the incident if:
- The total property damage exceeds $500 or more.
- Death or injury to person(s) due to an accident.
If the accident occurs within an incorporated municipality, the driver must inform the local police department about the accident. Nevertheless, if the crush happens outside an incorporated city, report it to the nearest Mississippi Highway Patrol station or sheriff’s office.
Liability Insurance Coverage
On January 1, 2001, the law in Mississippi requires all drivers to have liability insurance and a card showing the same kept inside their vehicles at all times. Liability coverage compensates for injuries inflicted on another person or damaged property due to an accident in which you are the cause. A person who incurs any loss or damage to property or suffers any bodily harm can proceed to:
- Fill a third-party claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver directly.
- Fill a claim with their insurer, assuming the liability falls under the insured’s policy.
- Lounge a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court of law against the driver at fault.
An automobile liability insurance under Mississippi requires minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 liability coverage for damaged property done by the driver or the owner of the vehicle insured.
- $50,000 liability coverage for death or total bodily harm caused by the insured vehicle.
- $25,000 liability coverage for a Mississippi fatal car accident or bodily injury of one person from the accident occasioned by either the driver or the owner of the vehicle insured.
It is worth noting that vehicle owners in Mississippi can post a bond in identical amounts, deposit security, or make an equal monetary deposit to ascertain financial responsibility.
Liability coverage, however, does not apply to one’s own damage to property or injuries to oneself after the accident; one will need to cover for the same.
Driving without any proof of insurance could lead to a fine, suspension of a driving license for up to a year or until one is appropriately insured, or even charged in court.
How an Attorney Can Help
Flowood car accident attorney around can represent either of the parties involved in an accident. Here are how we can help:
- Negotiate and lead to an award of settlement;
- Negotiate for the best results in your accident claim;
- Organize and analyze essential records and evidence;
- Offer a network of experts and investigative aid to strengthen your case;
- Communicate with insurers;
- Organize medical bills and documents;
- Arrange your claim holder or on your chance to reduce the amount of those liens.
You should be conversant with different laws governing your state. In case of an accident, you would need a reasonable attorney who will be able to represent you well for a better outcome in your circumstances.
You should get what you deserve when compensation is due. If you or your loved ones get caught up in a situation and need a Flowood car accident attorney or in any other location in Mississippi, — kindly reach us at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, Canton, Mississippi.