Drunk Driver Accident Lawsuits In Mississippi
Fighting For Injury Victims Throughout Mississippi
Drunk driving accidents can leave devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. Every year, impaired drivers cause thousands of accidents on Mississippi roads, many of which result in severe injuries or tragic fatalities. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver, it is essential to understand your legal rights and how you can seek full compensation for your losses.
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we have spent decades fighting for victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Mississippi. Led by Jonathan Barrett, a dedicated Mississippi Drunk Driver Accident Attorney, our firm aggressively pursues justice for those harmed by reckless drivers. We help clients recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
If you or someone you love has suffered due to a drunk driver’s reckless actions, our firm can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Mississippi
A drunk driving accident occurs when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely. These accidents often involve serious collisions due to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and loss of control behind the wheel.
Common causes of drunk driving accidents in Mississippi include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption before driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs (prescription or illegal substances)
- Underage drinking and driving
- Repeat DUI offenders ignoring prior convictions
- Failure to yield, reckless speeding, and swerving due to impairment
Mississippi Code Ann. § 63-11-30 defines the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as 0.08% for drivers over 21 and 0.02% for underage drivers. Violating this law not only results in criminal charges but also opens the door for civil lawsuits when harm occurs.
Who Is Affected by Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accidents can impact anyone on the road, including:
- Drivers and Passengers: Innocent motorists and their passengers who are hit by an impaired driver.
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: Vulnerable road users struck by drunk drivers often suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Motorcyclists: Motorcyclists face extreme danger due to the lack of protective barriers when struck by a larger vehicle.
- Families of Deceased Victims: If a loved one has died due to a drunk driving accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim.
Drunk driving crashes can result in life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
Barrett Law, PLLC fights for full compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs for victims and their families.
Legal Obligations and Mississippi Drunk Driving Laws
Mississippi law holds drunk drivers accountable both criminally and civilly. Criminal charges seek to penalize the driver for breaking the law, while civil claims focus on compensating the victim for their losses.
Key statutes governing drunk driving cases in Mississippi include:
- Mississippi Code Ann. § 63-11-30: Prohibits operating a vehicle with a BAC over the legal limit.
- Mississippi Dram Shop Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 67-3-73): Holds alcohol-serving establishments liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident.
- Comparative Fault Rule (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15): Allows victims to seek compensation even if partially at fault, with damages reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident in Mississippi
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuitseeking financial compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)
For families who have lost a loved one, wrongful death claims may also seek:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
Barrett Law, PLLC thoroughly investigates every drunk driving accident case, gathers crucial evidence, and fights to secure the maximum possible compensation.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident in Mississippi, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Prioritize your health and document all injuries with medical professionals.
- Call Law Enforcement: Ensure the police file a report, which will document signs of intoxication and BAC testing results.
- Collect Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Witness Statements: Collect contact information from witnesses who observed the accident.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle these communications.
- Consult an Experienced Drunk Driver Accident Attorney: A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, calculate your damages, and represent your best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Mississippi
What is the difference between criminal DUI charges and a civil drunk driving lawsuit?
Criminal charges punish the drunk driver with fines, license suspension, and jail time, while a civil lawsuit allows the victim to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
Yes. Under Mississippi’s Dram Shop Law, alcohol-serving establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident.
What damages can I recover after a drunk driving accident?
Victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Mississippi?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Mississippi is generally three years from the date of the accident.
Do I need an attorney to file a claim?
Yes. An experienced attorney like Jonathan Barrett can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured?
You may still pursue compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Can multiple parties be held responsible for the accident?
Yes. Liability can extend to the driver, their employer (if driving a company vehicle), or a bar/restaurant under dram shop laws.
What if the driver refuses a breathalyzer test?
Refusal can lead to automatic license suspension, but evidence such as witness testimony and officer observations can still support your case.
How much does it cost to hire Barrett Law, PLLC?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Drunk Driver Accident in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Drunk Driver Accident Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
At Barrett Law, PLLC, we fight tirelessly for victims of drunk driving accidents across Mississippi, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Oxford, Tupelo, Pine Belt, Central, Southern, and Northern Mississippi. Attorney Jonathan Barrett is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation you and your family deserve.
Call (601) 790-1505 today for a FREE consultation, available 24/7/365. Let us help you seek justice and financial recovery during this difficult time.
