Few motor vehicle accidents in Mississippi are as dangerous as pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians have no protection when they are struck by a motor vehicle, and the human body is simply not built to withstand impact with a moving projectile of steel moving at high rates of speed. Many motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians result in life-altering injuries and tragic fatalities. Children and elderly pedestrians are most vulnerable to being involved in a pedestrian accident with a car, truck or SUV. Our experienced Mississippi pedestrian accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been representing Mississippi pedestrian accidents for over 75 years. Our Mississippi law firm receives many inquiries about the rights and options of pedestrian accidents. While we have provided information directed at addressing many of these inquiries below, we invite you to contact our law firm to seek more information if you still have questions after reviewing the information provided here.
What are the most common causes of Mississippi pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are frequently caused by unsafe driving practices or defective roadways that are designed primarily for motor vehicles. Some pedestrian accidents may also be caused by defective vehicle components. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Mississippi include the following:
- Drivers exceeding the speed limit or otherwise driving at an unsafe speed
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals at intersections
- Failing to stop at crosswalks
- Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving including using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle
What should I do if I am involved in a Mississippi pedestrian accident?
The first priority if you are involved in a pedestrian accident is making sure that you obtain medical attention. Even if you believe that you have only suffered minor injuries or symptoms, it is important to get prompt medical attention. Prompt medical attention can improve your prognosis and may provide objective evidence of your injuries to refute later allegations by the other driver’s insurance company that your injuries are fake or exaggerated. Many injuries that are quite serious do not immediately manifest significant symptoms. It is also important to preserve evidence if you are physically able to do so including securing contact information from witnesses. Once you have obtained medical attention, it is important to seek prompt legal advice. Personal injury claims involving pedestrian accidents are subject to strict time limits called “statutes of limitations” so time is of the essence in seeking legal advice. Failure to comply with the statute of limitations typically will result in a complete bar to a lawsuit regardless of its merits.
If I file a pedestrian accident claim, what damages are available?
The damages that may be available in a Mississippi personal injury claim vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances in the case include the following:
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Expenses associated with medical treatment and hospitalization
- Compensation for partial or total disability (lost future income)
- Loss of consortium (adverse impact on spousal services or companionship)
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
- Punitive damages for some reckless conduct like drunk or alcohol impaired driving
If you or a close family member is injured in a pedestrian accident, the experienced Mississippi pedestrian accident lawyers at Barrett Law represent our clients with diligence and compassion. We have built a reputation that has promoted the growth of our law firm throughout Mississippi since our firm was founded over 75 years ago. The experienced Mississippi pedestrian accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing aggressive representation to pedestrian accident victims for over 75 years. We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.