Injuries sustained by passengers in a Mississippi auto accident can lead to many questions and confusion about their rights and the potential to recover compensation. Understanding these rights is crucial for injured passengers to ensure they can effectively seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses with the help of a Mississippi auto accident lawyer.
Mississippi Auto Accident Passenger Rights
It’s important to acknowledge that passengers have the same rights to seek compensation as drivers. The claim process might differ slightly, depending on the circumstances of the accident. The primary compensation route for a passenger injured in an auto accident is to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. In Mississippi, which operates under a traditional “fault” system for car accidents, the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages.
Compensation Recovery Depends on Fault
In the event that the driver of another vehicle is at fault in a Mississippi auto accident, an injured passenger can directly file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the accident was caused by the driver of the vehicle in which the passenger was traveling, the passenger would file a claim against this driver’s insurance. Passengers must remember that filing such a claim does not reflect personally on the driver, especially if the driver is a friend or family member. Insurance is designed to cover these situations and provide for the victims’ needs without causing financial hardship to the policyholder.
Mississippi Law on Liability Insurance
Mississippi law mandates that drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverages of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury when multiple people are hurt in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for anyone injured in an auto accident, including passengers.
However, there are situations where the at-fault party’s insurance may be insufficient to cover all damages in a Mississippi auto accident. In such cases, injured passengers may file a claim under the uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage of the driver’s insurance policy of the vehicle in which they were a passenger. UM/UIM coverage is optional in Mississippi, so not all policies will have this coverage.
Filing a Claim Within the Statute of Limitations
Passengers should also be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Mississippi, which is three years from the accident date. If insurance claims do not fully cover the damages or if there is a dispute regarding who is at fault, injured passengers may consider filing a lawsuit before this deadline expires.
Why You Should Enlist the Help of an Auto Accident Lawyer
Injured passengers often benefit from consulting with a personal injury attorney who understands Mississippi’s legal system and has experience in handling auto accident claims. An attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action, from initial claims to potential litigation, to ensure that injured passengers receive the full compensation they are entitled to for their injuries and losses.
Diaz Law Firm: Your Partner in Car Accident Claims
Seek justice for your car accident injuries in Mississippi with the Diaz Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve for damages incurred through another’s negligence. Reach out at 601-607-3456 or 800-459-2222 for a consultation, or connect with us here for more information on how we can support your claim.