After a car accident you may be dealing with serious injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one. You may have concerns about how you’ll pay for medical bills and the costs to repair your vehicle. The Jackson, Mississippi, car wreck attorneys at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., can help you get the financial compensation you deserve for your auto accident injuries.
Our auto accident attorneys are here to answer your questions. Call our office at 601-988-8888 for a FREE case evaluation. We don’t get paid unless you get paid!
Jackson Car Accident Statistics
Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other sources reveal key trends in car accidents in Jackson, Mississippi. The following statistics highlight the increase in both fatalities and serious injuries:
- Rise in Traffic Fatalities: Between 2019 and 2022, car accident fatalities in Mississippi increased by 8%, reflecting a continued rise in traffic-related deaths despite a decrease in vehicle travel during the pandemic. In 2022, the total number of fatalities exceeded 700 statewide. (TRIP) (NHTSA)
- Increased Fatality Rate: The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) rose significantly, climbing from 1.11 in 2019 to 1.35 in 2022. This mirrors the national trend, where the rate of fatalities increased by 22%.(TRIP) (NHTSA)
- Serious Injuries: In 2022, serious injuries resulting from car accidents remained high, with over 3,600 injuries reported, maintaining the dramatic increase observed in 2020. .(Mississippi Today)(TRIP)
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities: From 2019 to 2022, pedestrian fatalities rose by 18%, and cyclist fatalities surged by 26%, highlighting the dangers to vulnerable road users in Jackson and the broader Mississippi area..(TRIP) (Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe PLLC)
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help raise awareness and potentially reduce the risk of being involved in one. Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents include:
Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio divert attention from the road, leading to collisions.
Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, or disregarding traffic laws are frequent contributors to accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making drivers more likely to cause an accident.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals can result in dangerous T-bone collisions, often at intersections.
Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads make driving conditions hazardous and often lead to accidents when drivers don’t adjust their speed or actions accordingly.
Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving is a leading cause of accidents, especially during late hours when attention and reflexes diminish.
Common Car Accident-Related Injuries
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the collision. Some injuries may be immediately apparent, while others might take days or even weeks to manifest. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with car accidents:
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Cuts and Bruises
- Internal Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Psychological Trauma
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, we urge you to seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first. An experienced car accident attorney can help ensure that all of your medical needs—both current and future—are taken into account when pursuing compensation.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney simplifies the entire claims process. Without legal representation, insurance companies may take advantage of accident victims. Dealing with insurance negotiations alone is an overwhelming process.
It’s often in your best interest to consult with an attorney familiar with insurance company’s tactics. Our attorneys will assess both current and future costs from the accident, working to secure the best possible settlement for your claim.
Consult an Attorney Before Speaking with Insurance
It's important to consult with an attorney before discussing your car accident with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies may not always have your best interests in mind and could attempt to use your statements against you. Your attorney will ensure that the insurance company acts in good faith and does not take advantage of your situation.
Handling Blame from the Other Driver After an Accident
If the other driver is attempting to blame you for the accident, an attorney from Richard Schwartz & Associates can step in to protect your rights. With extensive experience in these situations, our legal team knows the importance of gathering strong evidence to ensure a favorable outcome.
Our attorneys collaborate with accident recreation teams and other professionals to identify all liable parties, even those not mentioned in the accident report. Letting an attorney handle this complex and time-consuming process ensures your case is thoroughly investigated.
Examples of possible negligence include:
- Distracted driving, including texting and driving
- Disobeying traffic rules and regulations
- Speeding and driving recklessly
- Driving a vehicle that isn’t properly maintained
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Equipping a vehicle with defective parts
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
If you are in a car accident, try to stay calm, assess the scene, and check yourself and any other passengers for injuries. You or someone with you should take the following steps immediately so you can provide accurate details about the crash.
1. Stop your car
- Turn your car off before getting out of your vehicle. Failing to turn the car off can lead to severe injuries and damage.
- Try to stay calm. Panicking could lead to careless mistakes.
2. Report that the accident occurred
- Call 911 right away to notify the police and emergency services.
- Provide a comprehensive account of the accident to the police on the scene.
- Unless you need emergency medical care, you must stay at the location until the police finish their investigation.
- If you leave a crash scene before police arrive, you could face criminal charges.
3. Look for Signs of Intoxication
- If you suspect another driver is intoxicated, look for these signs: slurred speech, unusual smells, and bloodshot eyes.
4. Don’t admit fault
- Law enforcement will complete a police report with each party’s version of events. The insurance company will review this information, among other things, to make their liability decision. Do not take the blame or let the other party blame you.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company.
5. Exchange insurance information
- Ensure you get the insurance and contact information for all drivers involved in the accident. Provide your insurance information to the police and other drivers.
- Record the contact information for all individuals who witnessed the accident. Their account of the accident might be crucial evidence, especially if there are conflicting reports.
6. Note all injuries
- Keep track of all physical injuries and pain, even if they seem minimal. Then, make sure you have them checked out by a doctor. Not all injuries show up immediately. For example, pain and soreness usually increase 48 to 72 hours after a car accident.
7. Take photos
- Create a visual record of the accident by taking pictures or videos of the scene. Try to capture all of the damages and any visible injuries.
- Don’t post the photos on social media. Insurance companies and the other driver’s lawyers could use images and comments you post on social media against you. Therefore, do not talk about or post pictures of your accident on social media.
- Write down what happened. You might not remember all of the details about the accident later.
8. Obtain a copy of the police report
- Share the accident report with your attorney. The information will help our Jackson, Mississippi, car accident lawyers determine if another driver’s negligence caused the accident during their investigation.
9. Save all documents
- Save copies of medical treatment, reports, receipts for medical expenses, and any other information associated with your rear-end accident case. Having all the documents from the beginning of your experience will help you and your lawyer tell the whole story to the insurance company.
- The paperwork will also make it easier to calculate your settlement amount.
10. Call Richard Schwartz & Associates to Start Your Claim
- Schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
- Our car accident attorneys know the laws in Mississippi and can deal with insurance companies, bill collectors, and lawyers on your behalf. Insurance companies are trying to make the most profit possible and want to pay out as little as possible.
- Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company and don’t accept a low offer from any insurance company. Instead, speak to one of our lawyers to learn about your legal rights first.
No Upfront Costs for Legal Representation
There is no upfront cost to hire a lawyer at Richard Schwartz & Associates. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe nothing unless we win or settle your case. Following an accident, any injured accident victim may seek justice — not just those who can afford it. Don’t hesitate to call for a FREE legal consultation after a car accident. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Even If the Accident Wasn’t Your Fault
Every car accident is different, but anyone injured in a car crash needs to hire an attorney. Even if you’re not at fault, even if the insurance company is being cooperative. Why? A car accident attorney will fight to protect your rights and ensure that you get the best possible settlement or verdict.
There are several reasons why car crash victims should always have a car accident lawyer represent them in car accidents that were not their fault. The most important reason is that car accident lawyers know the law and understand how to handle car insurance companies.
Auto insurance companies are notoriously difficult, and victims may not have the knowledge, experience, or time to deal with them independently. Many car accidents that seem like they were the fault of another driver end up being caused by a car accident victim’s car malfunctioning.
Contact Our Jackson Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Hiring the right car wreck attorney can make a big difference in your car accident claim. Our car accident attorneys have been helping Mississippi car accident victims for over 40 years. We have the experience necessary to maximize your claim and minimize your headaches.
When you have injuries from a motor vehicle accident, it’s critical to have someone on your side who will fight for all of the compensation you are entitled to—not simply what the insurance company thinks you deserve. With a track record of success and thousands of happy clients, you can count on our Mississippi automobile wreck attorneys in Jackson. Call us at 601-988-8888.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon After a Car Accident Should I Contact a Lawyer?
After a car accident, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will ensure that you don’t miss any critical deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. Your attorney will work swiftly to meet these deadlines and protect your rights to compensation.
Will I Receive More Money For Personal Injury Claims If I Hire a Lawyer?
An experienced Jackson car accident lawyer knows what you are entitled to and will help you get the maximum settlement possible. Lawyers know how to build a case to show the insurance company and a judge, if necessary, how much money you need to recover.
In addition, they aren’t afraid to stand up to large insurance companies, and they will fight to make sure all of your medical costs are considered — both now and in the future.
What if I’m the Passenger in an Accident?
A car accident lawyer will fight for passengers injured during an accident. A passenger in a car accident can contact a qualified car wreck attorney who will consult with them and determine if a lawsuit for compensation from the insurance company is appropriate.
We defend the interests of the passengers while offering the necessary legal representation in a possible lawsuit where the driver at fault is not appropriately insured as required by law.
What If My Car Accident Injuries Are Minor?
You should still contact an experienced car accident lawyer if you have minor injuries after an auto accident. Even minor injuries can be chronic and affect your ability to enjoy the activities you participated in before the accident. In addition, medical care is expensive, and medical bills can add up quickly.
Insurance companies will work hard to minimize payouts for people who have suffered minor injuries in a car wreck. Make sure you hire the legal counsel you need to fight for what you need and deserve. This amount may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
Although it is illegal to not carry insurance, there are still individuals on the road who do not have automobile insurance. Therefore, if you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, gather as much information as possible.
Make sure you write down the other driver’s license plate number and get their contact information. If they’re uninsured, they may withhold personal details when asked. This is another reason why having the police present to take a thorough report is important.
What if It Was a Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Accident?
If you’re in a hit-and-run car crash, the first thing you should do is call the police. Even if the other driver has already left the scene, it’s essential to have a formal report filed. The report will help your insurance company determine who is at fault for the accident.
If a hit-and-run driver hits you, your insurance company will likely investigate the accident. If the at-fault driver isn’t found, it can be challenging to get compensation for your injuries. That’s where a car accident attorney comes in. An attorney can help you file a claim with your insurance company, whether the at-fault driver can be located or not.
