Car Accidents

Gulfport Attorney Helping People Injured in Car Accidents

The roads and highways along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast are heavily traveled by residents, tourists, and commercial drivers alike. It is not surprising, therefore, that car accidents are a common occurrence throughout the region. While some collisions are minor, many result in serious injuries that disrupt lives and leave victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain. If you were injured in a car accident in Mississippi, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. J. Michael Parsons of Parsons Law Group is a trusted Mississippi car accident attorney who is adept at helping parties harmed in car accidents seek recourse for their damages, and if you hire him, he can assist you in pursuing a just outcome. Mr. Parsons regularly represents individuals injured in automobile accidents throughout Mississippi, including in Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Pascagoula, and surrounding communities, as well as in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most car accidents are caused by unsafe driving behaviors. Distracted driving, particularly involving the use of cell phones or onboard technology, is one of the most common contributing factors. Other frequent causes include speeding, following too closely, failure to yield, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In many cases, reckless or negligent conduct is the central issue, but accidents can also occur due to external factors, such as poorly maintained roads, mechanical failures, or defective auto parts. Regardless of the cause, accident victims may have legal recourse under Mississippi law to pursue compensation for their injuries and related losses.

Elements of a Mississippi Car Accident Lawsuit 

While many scenarios can lead to a crash, the core cause of most collisions is carelessness. As such, a plaintiff seeking damages for the harm caused by a car accident will usually allege a negligence claim against the defendant. In Mississippi, a party alleging negligence must establish that the defendant had a duty to act with reasonable care under the circumstances, but that the defendant acted in a manner that constitutes a breach of the duty. For example, following another vehicle too closely may be considered a departure from the standard of care. The plaintiff must also prove that the defendant’s actions or failure to act caused the plaintiff to suffer quantifiable harm. 

While the defendant’s behavior does not have to be the sole cause of a collision, it must be a primary factor in bringing it about in order for the defendant to be deemed liable. Additionally, the plaintiff must show that the collision would not have happened if the defendant had complied with their duties. Frequently, a defendant will try to avoid liability by arguing that the plaintiff was at fault for the accident. In Mississippi, however, even if a plaintiff is found to be negligent, it will only reduce the damages awarded to the plaintiff; it will not bar the plaintiff from recovering compensation entirely.  

Damages Recoverable in a Lawsuit Arising out of a Car Accident

In addition to proving liability, a plaintiff must prove the damages they sustained due to an accident. Typically, this requires the plaintiff to establish the financial harm they suffered, such as the cost of medical treatment, wages lost due to an inability to work, and out-of-pocket expenses. A plaintiff who successfully proves economic damages may be reimbursed for their losses. Additionally, a plaintiff may be awarded compensation for the intangible impairments caused by a crash, such as mental anguish, suffering, pain, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, if the plaintiff was married when the accident occurred, the plaintiff’s spouse may be awarded damages as well for the loss of the plaintiff’s services and companionship.  

Meet With a Skillful Gulfport Car Accident Attorney 

Although car accidents frequently happen throughout Mississippi, they generally could be avoided if everyone involved in the accident drove carefully, and people who drive recklessly should be held accountable for the harm they cause. If you were injured in a collision, Attorney J. Michael Parsons of Parsons Law Group can assist you in seeking any damages you may be owed by developing compelling arguments in favor of your recovery. Mr. Parsons has an office in Gulfport and regularly represents people in car accident lawsuits in Gulfport,  Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, Pascagoula, and in other cities throughout Mississippi, as well as in New Orleans, Louisiana. You can contact our firm via the online form or by calling (228) 687-0011 to schedule a confidential and free consultation.