In Mississippi, the general rule of negligence applies to pedestrian accident cases. This means that the injured party must prove that a driver was negligent and that this negligence was the cause of their injury in order for them to recover damages.
Determining Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
When determining liability in a Mississippi pedestrian injury accident case, there are several factors that may be taken into consideration. These include the speed at which the driver was travelling, whether they were paying attention to traffic around them and if they obeyed all applicable traffic laws. Additionally, any available evidence from witnesses or surveillance cameras can also be used to determine liability by the at-fault driver and help you in your personal injury claim.
It is important to note that pedestrians have some responsibility when it comes to safety on roads as well. Pedestrians must use caution when crossing streets and obey all applicable laws in order to reduce the risk of an accident.
Common Causes of Accidents With PedestriansCaused by Negligent Drivers
Pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers in Mississippi are all too common. These types of accidents can be devastating and have lifelong consequences for the victims involved. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Drivers failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections
- Motorists speeding or driving recklessly
- Drivers who are distracted by their phones or other devices while behind the wheel
- Drunk driving, including drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to obey traffic signals and signs, such as stop signs and red lights
If you suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical care, wages lost from the inability to work, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced Mississippi pedestrian injury accident attorney can help you determine the liability in your case and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.
Punitive Damages
Additionally, if the negligent driver’s actions were especially dangerous or egregious, you may be able to pursue punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are a type of penalty that is designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. In order to recover punitive damages, however, it must be proven that the defendant acted with malice or gross negligence.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer to Recover Compensation
Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer for a free review of your case can tell you whether or not you have a claim against the negligent party who caused your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate your claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from the responsible party. Although the state has a three-year statute of limitations to file a claim, getting started quickly is advisable since witnesses and evidence can disappear over time.
The Diaz Law Firm: Personal Injury Lawyers
Contact the Diaz Law Firm today to speak with an experienced accident lawyer in Mississippi if you have suffered an injury caused by another’s negligence. Call us at 800-459-2222 today for a free consultation about your case and see how we can assist you in recovering compensation for your accident injuries. We can also be contacted online.