The Gulfport accident attorneys at Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC have committed their practice to handling personal injury cases on behalf of accident victims and their families. We have developed a strong reputation for aggressively pursuing accountability in accident cases and put your needs first. Contact us today for your free consultation.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Gulfport?
Few people realize that Gulfport is Mississippi’s second-largest city with a population of nearly 68,000 residents. When you include the surrounding areas, the population of this region is impressive, but this also means that we struggle with the congestion issues experienced in larger cities.
Gulfport is one of two county seats in Harrison County Mississippi, which happens to have one of the highest motor vehicle fatality rates in the state. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, 139 people died on Harrison County roads between 2011-2015, following only Hinds County with 167 deaths.
The Gulfport Police Department reports annually on total crashes, but not injuries or deaths. According to its most recent report, there were 3,482 motor vehicle crashes in the city limits in 2017, and this figure has been steadily increasing since 2013.
Gulfport itself sits along some busy and dangerous roads. Some of the common areas that contribute to fatal car wrecks in the Gulfport area include I-10, US-49, and US-90.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gulfport
There are many different reasons that car accidents occur, but some might be specific to Mississippi and Gulfport. According to the MDOT, 18% of total traffic deaths in Mississippi are due to drunk driving. While thousands of people live in this area, it is also a popular vacation destination, and impaired driving is a real concern.
Another is distracted driving, which is a rising cause of car and truck crashes throughout the state. Sending a text message while operating a vehicle can cause a driver to miss seeing up to half of their driving environment.
Other common causes of collisions on Gulfport’s roads include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving on the wrong side of the street
- Failure to use caution in poor weather conditions
The underlying cause of your accident is important, because it will be a determining factor in your case. If someone else was to blame for your crash and injuries, they should be held financially responsible for your damages.
Car Accident Compensation
Some car crashes are minor and result in a few cuts and scrapes. Others lead to significant injuries and other damages. You may have been whisked away from the accident scene by paramedics, or you might not have felt any pain or discomfort until hours or days later.
Adrenaline can play a significant role in masking the symptoms of a serious injury, so it’s vital that you seek medical attention immediately even if you think you’re unharmed. Some common car accident injuries that we see in clients include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and emotional trauma.
Car crashes can not only be physically and emotionally damaging but also financially devastating. One moment, you’re on your way to work or someplace else, and the next you’re faced with catastrophic property damage, medical bills, and lost wages.
If another party was to blame for your accident, you shouldn’t have to shoulder this financial burden on your own. They should be held entirely accountable for your injuries, and you have the right to seek full and fair damages for:
- Loss of property
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?
Running to an attorney may not be the first thing on your mind after a car crash, but it probably should be the second or third. If you’ve been hurt and it wasn’t your fault, this is a delicate situation and every move you make matters.
Sometimes insurance claims go smoothly, but this isn’t the norm. It’s more likely that you’ll encounter a variety of problems that will require a more skilled and experienced approach. Some of the issues that we’ve seen in car accident cases include:
- Claim denials – If you believe that your claim was wrongly denied or that you are being treated in bad faith, contact us immediately to discuss your situation.
- Low ball settlement offers – Insurers will often offer quick low settlements to close out a claim. You don’t have to accept any offer of settlement.
- Comparative negligence – An insurer can allege that you were over 50% responsible for the accident, which would bar you from collecting compensation in Mississippi.
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t on your side, so the best way to protect your interests is by speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your crash.
Speak with a Qualified Gulfport Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, you likely have a lot on your plate. The stress of these events can be immense, and the mounting bills can take an emotional and financial toll.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Reeves & Mestayer, PLLC, have the skills and background necessary to take some of this burden off of your shoulders so that you can focus on what’s important. In the midst of such a confusing and draining process, knowing that you have a Gulfport car accident attorney that will fight for full and fair compensation can be a surprising relief.
Contact our Biloxi office today at 1-855-558-2977 or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to serving you!
