When Tragedy Strikes on I‑55: Steps for Families After a Serious Crash

Tragedy struck northbound on Interstate 55 near Exit 119 in Madison County when a stolen vehicle fleeing police crashed into a pole, killing two occupants and leaving families with devastating loss and unanswered questions.

This crash is a sober reminder that serious auto accidents don’t only happen due to a simple mistake—they often result from a chain of reckless actions and complex liability issues. For victims and their loved ones in Jackson and surrounding areas, knowing what to do next can make all the difference.

The Incident: What Happened on I-55?

On September 29, 2025, law-enforcement officers attempted to stop a stolen silver Ford Escape traveling north on I-55 near mile marker 112. When the driver refused to pull over, a pursuit followed. The vehicle eventually left the roadway just before the Exit 119 ramp and struck a signage pole. Both the driver and passenger were ejected; one was pronounced dead at the scene and the other died en route to hospital.

While this specific incident involved criminal behavior and a police pursuit, it underscores how auto-crash situations with fatalities often involve multiple layers of responsibility—drivers, vehicle owners, law enforcement, and others.

Why This Crash Highlights Important Legal Issues

1. Multiple parties may share responsibility. Even if the immediate cause includes criminal conduct, victims or their families may benefit from a civil claim if negligence or unsafe conditions played a role.
2. Fatalities change the type of claim. When an accident results in loss of life, families may pursue wrongful death claims, which require different legal considerations than standard injury claims.
3. Evidence must be preserved early. Police pursuit footage, vehicle damage, and the possible role of law enforcement or vehicle theft can make a case more complex—and timing matters.

Legal Rights for Injured Victims & Families

If you or a loved one were involved in an auto crash in Madison County with serious injury or death, you have legal rights you should explore:

• Compensation for medical care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation if you survived the crash.
• Lost income and potential future earnings when injuries impair ability to work.
• Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accident cases.
• Pain, suffering, and loss of companionship in wrongful death actions.
• Wrongful death claims when a death results from another’s reckless or negligent conduct.

Under Mississippi law, it is critical to act quickly: evidence needs to be gathered, maintenance or vehicle records may be relevant, and statute of limitations apply.

What to Do If You’re Affected by a Serious Crash

Here’s a checklist of what to do immediately after (or in the aftermath of) a severe auto accident in the Madison-Jackson area:

1. Call 911 and request law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
2. Preserve the crash scene if possible—take photos of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, road signage, and any skid marks.
3. Get a copy of the police accident report.
4. Identify and collect contact information for witnesses.
5. Do not speak to insurance adjusters on your own until you understand your rights.
6. Reach out to an experienced auto-accident attorney to evaluate liability and next steps.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Guidance

Auto accidents involving fatalities or criminal conduct—like the one at Exit 119—are far more complex than typical collisions. An attorney can help you:

• Investigate and obtain critical evidence (police reports, dash-cams, vehicle theft records).
• Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, vehicle owner, pursuing law-enforcement entities, vehicle maintenance providers).
• Determine the full value of your claim—including future losses, pain & suffering, and wrongful death damages.
• Ensure your rights and deadlines are protected under Mississippi law.

Protect Your Rights After a Serious Crash

If your loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The Diaz Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced auto accident lawyers in Madison MS know how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We’ll walk you through your legal options, explain the next steps, and build a case that puts your recovery first. Call us today at 601-607-3456 or 800-459-2222 or contact us online, to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.