Understanding Mississippi’s car insurance requirements is crucial for any driver in the state. When you’re involved in an accident, these mandates can significantly impact your claim process and potential recovery avenues. Exploring these regulations provides insight into what financial coverage might be accessible to you following a motor vehicle accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident, reach out to our Mississippi car accident attorneys.
Mississippi is an At Fault State For Car Accidents
Being an “at fault” state, Mississippi follows a tort system for car accidents. This essentially means that the party found at fault, or responsible for causing the accident, is also responsible for all resulting damages – including medical bills and property damage. Therefore, drivers are required by law to carry liability insurance.
What is Liability Insurance and What Are The Requirements in Mississippi?
Liability insurance is a type of coverage that addresses costs associated with injuries to people or damage to property that might occur in car accidents. The insurance of the person at-fault for the accident should cover these costs.
In Mississippi, the minimum liability requirements are $25,000 per person per accident, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damages.
When The Accident Exceeds Liability Coverage
When someone is at fault for an accident, their liability coverage will cover costs only up to the limit specified in the insurance policy. Any costs that exceed this limit may fall on the at-fault party as their personal responsibility if the injured party files a personal injury lawsuit in Mississippi.
It’s important to consider additional forms of coverage if you want to have medical bills or vehicle repair expenses covered in the event that the other party’s policy doesn’t meet your needs:
Collision Coverage: This type of insurance protects you against damages directly caused by impact—such as if your car hits another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Coverage: This form provides protection in non-collision circumstances such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters damaging your automobile.
Medical Payments Coverage: An additional layer of protection, this coverage pays for any medical expenses resulting from a vehicle accident irrespective of who is deemed at fault, offering a way to manage health care costs.
Must Carry Proof of Insurance
Automobile liability insurance is an essential tool in protecting against potential financial struggles precipitated by a motor vehicle accident. Some important insurance requirements include the following:
- It’s required by law that you carry this proof of liability insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- While an officer cannot stop you merely to check for insurance, they can request proof during a traffic stop initiated due to another violation.
- If you’re unable to present valid proof of insurance upon such request, the penalty includes a $1,000 fine along with suspension of your driving privileges for one year or until acceptable proof of insurance can be furnished.
How Auto Insurance Affects a Car Accident Claim
Auto insurance can also impact a car accident claim in several ways:
Payout Limit: Each insurance policy has its defined coverage limit which dictates the maximum amount that the company will pay for a single incident. Any costs exceeding this limit may need to be covered out-of-pocket by parties involved.
Deductibles: Your auto insurance deductible (what you have to pay before your insurer starts covering remaining damage amounts) also factors into your financial responsibility following an accident.
Choice of Repair Shops: Some insurers may require that repairs be carried out at specific approved garages for them to cover the costs.
How exactly insurance coverage will impact you during an accident will depend on the specifics and whether you’re considered the at-fault party. If you’ve been involved in an accident and need legal help, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.