Rear-End Car Accidents in Mississippi: What You Need to Know

By their very nature, rear-end car accidents will almost always catch you off guard, giving you no time to react or brace for the impending impact. Not only can these collisions cause significant damage to your vehicle, but victims can also suffer serious injuries such as broken bones, whiplash, and brain trauma.

If you were struck from behind, or rear-ended another motorist, you may be wondering whether you can recover compensation for your damages. Read on for advice on what to do in this scenario:

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In most cases, the tailing driver is responsible. However, there are situations where the motorist in front is to blame. For instance, he or she may have failed to signal before turning or slammed the brakes when there was no reason to do so.

Mississippi is what is known as a comparative fault state. As such, drivers in an accident can both be held partially at fault for causing the wreck. In such situations, the plaintiff’s financial award would be reduced by a percentage reflecting their degree of fault. For instance, if a tailing driver collides with a vehicle in front of them, but it emerges that the other vehicle’s brake lights were not working, a jury might find that the leading vehicle was the more negligent party.

As such, it’s important not to admit fault after an accident. While it may seem clear that you are to blame for the wreck because you rear-ended the other driver, it’s possible for fault to be reapportioned. A skilled personal injury attorney may be able to gather evidence and build a convincing case to show that the other driver breached their duty of care by operating their vehicle in a negligent manner.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help with My Rear-End Car Accident Claim?

If you were seriously injured in a rear-end collision, it may be in your best interests to speak to an attorney. While it’s possible to handle your claim on your own, navigating proceedings can be a taxing and time-consuming undertaking.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can oversee the logistics of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Let’s take a look at a few more ways our legal team may be able to assist with your case:

• Track Your Damages: A car accident attorney can help ensure that you don’t overlook any losses that could be factored into your claim. In the state, recoverable damages include lost earnings, medical costs, property repairs, replacement services, domestic help, home and vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment in life.

• Identify the Liable Parties: You may think that a rear-end accident only involves two parties: You and the other driver. However, it’s possible that other individuals and entities might also be liable for some of your damages. For instance, if you collided with a commercial truck, the driver, his or her employer, and their respective insurers might all be partially responsible for compensating you for your medical bills, property repairs, and other damages. A resourceful personal injury attorney can investigate the wreck and gather evidence to determine who is liable for your losses.

• Oversee Settlement Negotiations: Your attorney can handle all dialogue with the insurer and other opposing parties. Speaking to the claims adjuster directly puts you at risk of saying something that could be used to dispute aspects of your case.

• Guide You Through Proceedings: When you hire one of our attorneys to handle your claim, we will make ourselves available to answer your questions, explain your role at each step of the proceedings, and help you navigate the claims process.

Discuss Your Case with a Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer in Mississippi

Whether you rear-ended a motorist or were struck by another vehicle from behind, the legal team at Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC can help you determine how to proceed with your claim. Contact us today at 601-487-8448 or switch over to our Contact Page to pencil in a free case review with a rear-end car accident lawyer in Jackson.

Katrina S. Brown

co‑founder

Katrina Brown is a highly sought-after trial attorney, known for her courageous spirit and genuine desire to seek justi[...]