Mississippi Average Car Accident Settlement Amount

Understanding potential settlements is crucial for accident victims seeking compensation in the wake of a car accident.

In this post, the knowledgeable attorneys at Brown, Bass & Jeter highlight the average car accident settlement amount in Mississippi, touching on factors that influence settlements and viable legal strategies for maximizing compensation.

What Is a Typical Car Accident Settlement in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, where car accidents tragically claim hundreds of lives and cause many more severe injuries every year, having an idea of average car accident settlement amounts can be a great help to victims seeking necessary financial support.

With an average of nearly 700 fatalities recorded each year — a rate of nearly 22.2 deaths per 100,000 people — Mississippi has the highest per-capita car accident death rate in the United States.

The average car settlement in Mississippi is around $21,000, offering a baseline for compensation negotiations. However, settlement figures can vary significantly, from approximately $7,000 for minor injuries to approximately $1,500,000 for severe injuries. This variability reflects the diverse nature of car accident claims and their associated damages.

In 2023, the average settlement amount for bodily injury across the U.S. was $26,123, while the average settlement payout with no injury was $5,520.

Factors Affecting the Size of Car Accident Settlements

Several factors combine to determine the amount awarded in motor vehicle accident settlements, each influencing the final payout.

Injury Severity

The severity of injuries is a primary determinant — serious and permanent injuries garner higher settlements than minor soft-tissue injuries.

Shared Fault

Mississippi’s pure comparative negligence system allows individuals to file claims even if they’re partially at fault for an accident, although a jury may reduce the settlement amount proportionally.

Auto Policy Limits

Mississippi auto policy limits, which are set at a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, may fall short of covering severe injury claims.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is required in Mississippi. It provides recourse for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.

Multiple Claimants

Moreover, the number of claimants and the venue of the case can also impact the final settlement amount, with certain district courts historically awarding larger sums.

Punitive Damages

Though rare, punitive damages may be considered in cases of extreme negligence or malice. That said, Mississippi law limits the amount that can be awarded based on the defendant’s financial condition.

How Is a Settlement Amount Calculated After an Accident?

As you can see, accident personal injury settlements are based on several factors. The underlying goal is to compensate the injured party fairly for their losses and damages.

Calculating a settlement after a car accident involves making a multifaceted assessment of various factors to determine fair compensation for the injured party. This may include non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life as well as economic damages like medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

Here’s more information on the types of damages commonly available and the factors that determine when and whether they’re awarded.

Medical Bills

First, lawyers will tally up the total cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation fees, and any future medical care needs. These expenses form the bigger part of the economic damages.

Lost Wages

If the injury resulted in missed work days or reduced earning capacity, the lost income is calculated based on the individual’s salary or wages. Lawyers may also account for future lost earning potential if the injury impacts the victim’s long-term employment prospects.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are more challenging to quantify but are nonetheless important components of a settlement.

Factors like the severity of the injury, duration of recovery, and impact on daily life are considered as part of this assessment.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the accident results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or impairment, the settlement should reflect the victim’s diminished quality of life and future earning potential.

Loss of Consortium

In cases where the accident affects the victim’s relationships or ability to provide companionship or support to their spouse or family members, the settlement may include compensation for loss of consortium.

Punitive Damages

In certain personal injury cases involving egregious misconduct or recklessness, a jury may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and warn against similar behavior in the future.

Punitive damages are relatively rare and are typically reserved for cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm.

Insurance Policy Limits

The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits play a crucial role in determining the maximum settlement amount. If the victim’s calculated losses exceed these limits, they may seek additional compensation through other means, such as personal assets or underinsured motorist coverage.

Comparative Negligence

In states like Mississippi that have comparative negligence laws, the degree of fault assigned to each party can impact the final settlement amount. A settlement may be reduced by a proportionate amount if the injured party is deemed partially at fault for the original accident.

Car accident claims are intended to remunerate accident victims for the losses and hardships they’ve suffered. An experienced car accident attorney will consider all relevant factors when determining an appropriate settlement amount.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

As with compensation, the duration of a car accident lawsuit depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the victim’s injuries, and the legal procedures involved.

According to data from Martindale-Nolo, the average time it takes car accident victims to receive a settlement in the U.S. is 11.4 months.

In Mississippi, the process typically begins with the victim filing a complaint and progresses through discovery, settlement negotiations, and potential trial. While some cases may be resolved relatively quickly through settlement, others can extend for months or even years, especially if they involve contested liability or significant damages.

It’s essential for the parties involved to be prepared for potential delays and to work closely with their legal counsel to navigate the process efficiently.

How Do I Claim the Money After I Settle?

Once you’ve reached a settlement agreement in your car accident case, claiming the money involves several additional steps.

1. Compile the Necessary Documentation

First, you must ensure that all paperwork related to the settlement is in order. This may include a release form, settlement agreement, and any other documents your attorney or auto insurance company has provided.

2. Review and Sign Your Documents

Carefully review the settlement documents with your attorney to verify that the terms align with the agreement reached. Once you’re satisfied, sign the necessary paperwork to finalize the settlement.

3. Submit Your Paperwork

Send the signed documents back to the appropriate parties (typically your car accident lawyer or the insurance company handling the personal injury claim). They’ll process them and take the necessary steps to release the funds.

4. Await Issuance of Payment

Upon receiving the signed documents, the insurance company or responsible party will issue payment according to the settlement agreement terms. This may entail a lump-sum payment or a series of structured payments over time, depending on the details of the agreement.

5. Receive the Funds

You’ll receive the settlement funds after the payment has been processed. Per your arrangements, these funds may arrive in the form of a check sent via mail or a direct deposit into your bank account.

6. Account for Liens and Expenses

Before disbursing the settlement funds to you, your attorney may need to account for any outstanding liens or expenses related to the case. This might include medical liens, attorney fees, and other costs associated with pursuing the claim.

7. Make Important Tax Considerations

Depending on the nature of the settlement, some or all of the funds may be subject to taxation. It’s recommended that you consult a tax advisor to understand any potential tax implications stemming from the settlement.

8. Get Closure

With the receipt of the settlement funds, your car accident case is officially closed. Make it a point to keep records of the settlement documents and any correspondence related to the case for future reference.

Car Accident Settlement Amounts Brown, Bass & Jeter Has Obtained

As you now understand, the potential settlement figure for your personal injury case hinges on a multitude of variables.

Our Mississippi car accident lawyers boast a commendable history of procuring sizable settlements, with numerous multimillion-dollar awards.

Here are some recent car accident settlements our personal injury law firm has negotiated:

• $250,000 for a pedestrian hit by a car while crossing the street.
• $125,000 for a minor passenger who fractured her pelvis in a car accident.
• $100,000 for a plaintiff who was rear-ended and sustained back injuries.

We’re confident we can achieve a similar favorable outcome for your case.

View more: Recent car accident verdicts and settlements

Find Out How Much Your Car Accident Settlement Is Worth

To ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The dedicated car accident attorneys at Brown, Bass & Jeter are here to help you file your personal injury lawsuit and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and let us assist you in pursuing your personal injury settlement.