Car Accident Lawyers Southaven, MS

Experienced Law Firm Fighting for Auto Accident Injury Victims 

Have you suffered serious injuries in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence? In addition to dealing with physical pain and emotional distress, you are likely now overwhelmed by growing medical bills and worried about how you will make up for lost income from missed work. You may have the right to take legal action against the driver whose negligence harmed you and pursue compensation for these and other damages. Having an auto accident attorney on your side can significantly increase the chances of securing a favorable outcome.

At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we help car accident injury victims enforce their rights and seek justice. We can help you pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver and fight to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. Our experienced team has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we are prepared to go to court if that is what is necessary to get the result you deserve. If you cannot come to our office, we are happy to meet with your virtually. 

Discuss your rights and legal options in a free consultation with our Southaven car accident injury lawyers. A member of our team is available to speak 24/7, so call (662) 371-6580 or contact us online now.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years from the date of the crash. This means you must file a lawsuit before this three-year window closes to protect your right to pursue compensation. You generally cannot take legal action if you wait too long.

Three years may seem like a long time, but keep in mind that gathering evidence and building a claim tends to become more challenging as time passes. Witness memories fade, key documents can be lost, and crucial physical evidence may no longer be available. Getting in touch with our team at Stroud, Flechas & Dalton as soon as possible after an accident gives us more of an opportunity to investigate the crash, secure and preserve evidence, and build the strongest possible case. 

Types of Compensation Available in Mississippi Car Accident Cases

In Mississippi car accident cases, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible, quantifiable losses that have a clear monetary value and are typically supported by receipts, invoices, or other financial documentation.

Non-economic damages are meant to address the intangible effects of an accident. While these damages do not have a direct financial cost, they can significantly impact your quality of life and are valued based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Our attorneys can fight to get you full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Mississippi courts may also award punitive damages in cases where the defendant acted with gross negligence or intentional malice. Examples of behaviors that might meet this standard include driving while extremely intoxicated or deliberately striking another vehicle. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

Common Types of Negligence That Cause Car Accidents

To build a strong auto accident claim, you must be able to demonstrate that another party’s negligence directly led to the collision and your injuries. Driver negligence can take many forms, and it can be established through evidence like police reports, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony, which our team can help gather.  

You may have a case and should get legal advice if you were harmed in a car accident caused by any of the following negligent driving behaviors:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who text, use their phones, eat, or engage in any other activity that diverts their attention from the road risk causing collisions. A momentary distraction can result in missing important cues like stopping vehicles, traffic signs, or pedestrians crossing the road.
• Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of any resulting injuries. Speeding drivers have less time to react to obstacles and may find it difficult to control their vehicles in hazardous conditions, such as rain or heavy traffic. 
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs poses a serious threat to everyone on the road. Substance use reduces reaction times, impairs judgment, and diminishes motor skills, making it difficult for an impaired driver to respond to sudden changes or hazards effectively.
• Reckless driving. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or ignoring traffic signals are all considered forms of reckless driving. These dangerous actions heighten the risk of crashes due to unpredictable movements.
• Failure to obey traffic laws. Disregarding stop signs, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way are common examples of negligence that can lead to auto collisions. 
• Fatigued driving. Drowsy driving is often underestimated but poses significant dangers on the road. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and reduced concentration, which can result in veering off course or failing to notice changes in road conditions.

Common Car Accident Injuries

You need to get a comprehensive medical evaluation as soon as you can after any car accident, even if you feel relatively okay or only notice minor discomfort. The adrenaline rush and shock from the incident can temporarily mask the true scope and severity of your injuries, leaving you unaware of potentially serious conditions that require urgent treatment. A full check-up allows healthcare professionals to identify and treat hidden injuries early. Early diagnosis not only helps you get the treatment you need but also provides essential medical documentation that can support your auto accident claim.

Car accidents can cause a variety of serious injuries, including:

• Whiplash. Whiplash is a frequent result of rear-end collisions. The sudden force jerks the head and neck back and forth, straining or tearing muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While some individuals recover after a few weeks of treatment, others may experience chronic pain that impacts their daily lives and mobility.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries occur when the head hits a part of the car, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or due to the violent jarring motion during impact. Even minor impacts can lead to headaches, confusion, or memory issues, while severe TBIs may result in long-term cognitive challenges, emotional changes, and disability. Ignoring head injuries can significantly increase the risk of permanent damage.
• Back and spinal injuries. The spine absorbs much of the force during a collision, making it susceptible to injuries like herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even irreversible damage. These injuries may cause chronic back pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
• Broken bones. The sheer impact of a crash can lead to broken bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones. Airbags or seatbelt pressure can cause fractures, while direct collisions can result in broken limbs. Healing may involve months of immobility, physical therapy, and, in complex cases, surgical intervention.
• Internal injuries. Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can occur when the body is subjected to intense forces or blunt trauma. These injuries are often not immediately noticeable but can become life-threatening if untreated. Common causes include impacts on car interiors or pressure from seatbelts during a collision.
• Soft tissue injuries. Sprains, strains, and contusions in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments frequently occur in car accidents. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Left untreated, soft tissue damage may lead to chronic pain or long-term limitations in mobility.
• Psychological trauma. Beyond physical injuries, car accidents often leave victims with lasting emotional and psychological effects. Victims may develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, especially after a severe or life-threatening crash. These invisible wounds may affect relationships, ability to work, and overall quality of life.

If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, we can review your family’s options for filing a wrongful death claim. Call (662) 371-6580 or contact us online.