Car Accidents Involving Tourists in Gulfport

Gulfport, Mississippi, is a fantastic tourist destination full of historical locations, beautiful scenery, and sandy beaches. However, not all vacations are as picture-perfect as we hope for, and serious car accidents can derail even the best-laid plans. If you were involved in a collision on your vacation to Gulfport due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced local car accident lawyer for tourists to protect your rights.

The team at Haug, Farar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC offers critical legal help for tourists injured in a Gulfport crash. We can help you navigate the complicated and often confusing process of seeking accountability and financial recovery in an out-of-state claim.

Call Now at (228) 872-8752

Why Tourist Car Accidents in Gulfport Require Special Legal Attention

Whether you were rear-ended or involved in any type of car accident leaving Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport or in a high-speed collision on U.S. Route 90, pursuing a car accident claim in Gulfport presents complex legal issues for out-of-state victims. There are a number of challenges you face as a tourist seeking compensation for a Gulfport car accident, including:

• Distance – It may be difficult or impossible to be physically present in Gulfport while pursuing your claim. If you have local appointments, court hearings, or insurance negotiations to attend and you’re out of state, it’s crucial to have a local car accident lawyer for tourists here to represent you.
• Collecting evidence – If you’re no longer in the city, gathering crucial evidence such as accident scene photos, surveillance footage, or witness testimony is not something you’ll be able to do on your own. Losing this evidence can significantly compromise your claim.
• Handling communications – Timely communication is key for all car accident cases, whether it’s with insurance adjusters, medical providers, or witnesses. Being outside of Gulfport can create delays in those communications, particularly when you’re in a different time zone.

How Our Gulfport Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Handling a car accident claim can put a major damper on the relaxation and fun you were supposed to have on your trip. The experienced tourist car accident attorneys at Haug, Farar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can help you by:

Offering Local Insight

We have extensive experience with Gulfport traffic laws, court procedures, and insurance practices. This local insight can be essential to the success of your case, particularly if you’re a long distance from Mississippi and returning to pursue your claim will be difficult for you.

Coordinating Remote Communications

While you may not be able to be physically present in Gulfport, our attorneys can make you feel as if you are through regular, accessible communication via email, phone, and video call.

Gathering Evidence

Your Gulfport personal injury lawyer for vacationers can obtain police reports, seek surveillance footage, interview witnesses, collect medical and financial records, and consult with experts to build your case while you focus on recovering.

Negotiating and Litigating

Insurance companies will try to minimize your payout or deny your claim through a variety of tactics. We can combat those schemes and advocate aggressively for you at the negotiating table. If necessary, we can also file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Actions to Take After a Car Accident as a Tourist

Protecting your legal rights after a motor vehicle accident requires timely, decisive action. Be sure to:

• Document the crash scene. Take pictures and videos of all vehicle damage, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signals and signs, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information. Get names, contact information, driver’s license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
• Avoid admitting fault. You do not have the information needed to assess fault right after a collision occurs. Apologizing or taking any blame can be used against you when pursuing compensation, regardless of who actually caused the accident.
• Get medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, have a doctor check you out for injuries that may not be symptomatic right away.
• Contact a lawyer. An experienced Gulfport car accident attorney can help you avoid common mistakes and prepare for a personal injury case. Reaching out to a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights from the start.
• Contact your insurance company. You’ll need to inform your insurance company of the collision. However, do not agree to any recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an auto accident attorney for out-of-state drivers.

Insurance and Legal Complexities as an Out-of-State Visitor

Different states have different laws and rules regarding car accident claims. This can pose unique challenges when pursuing your case. Some examples of those challenges include:

• Conflicting insurance laws – Mississippi is an “at-fault” state, which means the negligent driver is responsible for the damage they cause. Other states, like New York and Florida, are “no-fault” states, which means the driver’s own insurance covers their losses regardless of fault. Your attorney can help you determine what this means for your case.
• Multiple insurers – Many tourist car accidents involve multiple insurers, such as rental car companies, personal auto insurers, and sometimes travel insurance companies. Coordinating between all of these insurance companies can be a challenge on its own.
• Delays in claim processing – Pursuing a personal injury claim from out of state can slow the process significantly. An experienced local car accident attorney can help keep things moving.

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Statute of Limitations in Mississippi

Under Mississippi law, you typically have three years from the date of a collision that happens in the state to file a car accident lawsuit. However, the legal process takes time. Plus, out-of-state claims are particularly complex, and substantial evidence becomes more difficult to obtain the longer you wait. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to get started.

Potential Compensation for Injured Tourists

Your lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for your accident-related losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Property damage

Talk to Our Gulfport Car Accident Lawyers Today

Tourist car accident claims can be complicated and challenging to pursue on your own. With over 10 years of experience, the legal team at Haug, Farar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can lead you through the entire process and fight for the justice and fair compensation you deserve. Although each case is different and past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our reputation is backed by the millions in settlements and verdicts we’ve recovered for our clients, including a $700,000 car accident settlement, and the many glowing testimonials they’ve left us, such as this one:

“I highly recommend Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC. Mr. Franco was my attorney and not only him but his staff were very helpful and professional. They helped me with my car wreck…They always returned my calls and helped calm my fears. Thank you so much!” – Ashley B.

Contact us through our online form or call (228) 872-8752 today for your free consultation with an experienced Gulfport personal injury attorney.