If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Greenville, you need a trusted advocate who will fight for the compensation you deserve. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our Car Accident Lawyer team understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be—from mounting medical bills to lost wages and dealing with insurance companies. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence and clarity. Call us today at (601) 327-4024 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
What Greenville Drivers Should Know About Car Accident Laws in Mississippi
Car accidents can happen in an instant, but the consequences often last far longer. Whether you’ve just been in a collision or want to be prepared, knowing how Mississippi car accident laws work is crucial. If you live in Greenville or anywhere in Washington County, understanding these laws can help you protect your rights and take the right steps after a crash.
Mississippi is a Fault-Based State
Mississippi follows a fault-based, or “tort,” system when it comes to car accidents. This means the driver who is legally at fault for the accident is responsible for covering the damages. If you were hurt in a crash caused by another driver, you can pursue compensation by:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Filing a claim with your own insurer (which may then seek reimbursement)
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver
In fault-based states like Mississippi, determining who was responsible for the crash becomes a central issue. If you share some of the blame, that brings us to the next important point.
Pure Comparative Negligence Applies
Mississippi uses a pure comparative negligence system. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident—but your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, you would still receive $80,000. Even if you were 90% responsible, you could technically still collect 10% of the total damages.
This law often comes into play during insurance negotiations and lawsuits. Insurance companies may try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their payout. Having legal representation can help protect you from unfair fault assignments.
Mandatory Auto Insurance Requirements
Mississippi law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. As of 2025, the required limits are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These limits are designed to provide basic protection, but in serious accidents, damages often exceed them. That’s why some drivers choose to carry higher policy limits or additional coverage types, like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.
If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough, recovering compensation becomes more difficult—especially without legal help.
You Have a Time Limit to File a Claim
One of the most important things to know is Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for injuries or property damage.
If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely. This rule applies even if your injuries didn’t seem serious at first but worsened over time.
It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash to make sure all deadlines are met and your case is properly documented from the start.
Reporting a Car Accident in Mississippi
In Mississippi, you must report a car accident to law enforcement if:
- There are any injuries or fatalities
- Property damage exceeds $500
- The accident involves an uninsured driver
Most crashes that involve injuries or serious vehicle damage meet these criteria. In Greenville, you’ll typically contact the Greenville Police Department or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to file a report.
Always call 911 after a crash, even if it seems minor. Having an official accident report on file can be extremely helpful if you later need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
What You Should Do After a Crash
What you do in the moments and days after a car accident can make a big difference in your claim. Here are a few key steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911 – Prioritize safety first. Even if injuries seem minor, they should be documented.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance info, and license plate number.
- Take photos and videos – Capture the scene, damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Talk to witnesses – Get contact info from anyone who saw what happened.
- Get medical attention – Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Injuries can appear later.
- Notify your insurance company – Let them know an accident occurred, but avoid going into too much detail until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- Call a personal injury lawyer – If there are injuries or significant damage, legal help can ensure you’re treated fairly.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Greenville Car Accident
If you’re injured in a car accident, you may be facing medical bills, time off work, and ongoing pain. An experienced personal injury lawyer can take on the legal burden while you focus on healing.
At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we help accident victims in Greenville understand their rights and fight for full compensation. Our legal team can:
- Investigate the accident to determine fault
- Collect evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if needed
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than what you’re truly owed. With a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field and increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Get the Help You Deserve from a Car Accident Lawyer in Greenville
When you’re facing the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a car accident, you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Brown, Bass & Jeter is here to provide the legal support you need to pursue justice and full compensation. As a car accident lawyer in Greenville, we are committed to protecting your rights and holding negligent drivers accountable. Don’t wait to get the help you need—call us today at (601) 327-4024 to schedule your free consultation and let us start fighting for you.
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(601) 487-8448