Mississippi Car Accident Lawyer

When a car wreck upends your life in a moment, you may not know where to turn. You’re likely facing overwhelming medical bills, missing time at work to recover, and experiencing pain and trauma in the aftermath. But if someone else caused the collision, they should be held responsible for what you have suffered. The experienced team at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC is here to help.

Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Gulfport with over 10 years of experience providing skilled legal representation in car accident claims across the state of Mississippi. Our lawyers are known for taking on the toughest car accident cases, demanding accountability when someone else’s negligence causes a collision. We are dedicated to pursuing justice through substantial verdicts and settlements for car accident victims so they have the money they need to recover from their injuries.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with our Mississippi car accident attorneys.

 

Call Now at (228) 872-8752

 

Why Choose Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC for Your Mississippi Car Accident Case?

It’s critical to choose a qualified law firm that meets your unique needs and makes you feel comfortable. Here are a few reasons why you should consider our Mississippi car accident lawyers for your case:

Our Extensive Mississippi Car Accident Experience

Our personal injury law firm offers:

  • Over a decade of experience handling complex car accident cases across Mississippi
  • Deep knowledge of local courts in Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and Biloxi
  • Reputation for aggressive representation with Mississippi insurance companies
  • Compassionate service with personalized legal strategies
  • Low caseload to focus on quality over quantity
  • No win, no fee guarantee – you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you

Our History of Delivering Results

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes and each case is different, we have obtained millions in meaningful compensation for our clients injured in car accidents, including:

  • $1,150,000 for a fatal motor vehicle collision filed in federal court
  • $700,000 for a car accident victim who needed knee and ankle surgery
  • $263,000 for a client rear-ended at a stoplight, resulting in spine and shoulder surgeries
  • $260,000 for a passenger injured in a single-vehicle collision requiring an ankle fusion
  • $250,000 for a client needing lumbar fusion surgery after herniated lumbar discs
  • $100,000 for a minor who sustained facial scarring in a car accident

Our Positive Reviews from Past Clients

We are proud of the difference we have made in our clients’ lives. Our many testimonials attest to the high-quality service we provide, such as these:

  • “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.
  • I hired Jonathan for an accident with an 18 wheeler. This was such a traumatic time for me. Jonathan showed great compassion for what I was going through. He is very personable, honest, direct, and sincere. He always responded in a timely fashion… I love his staff, everyone is so friendly. I highly recommend Jonathan for your legal needs.” – Cheryl K.
  • “Highly satisfied and would most definitely recommend Jonathan Franco and his office. He is understanding, caring and easy to relate to…” – Nicky O.
  • “Great office to work with. Very responsive and knowledgeable…” – Brittany G.

Our Gulf Coast Advantage

As an active part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast area, we can provide:

  • Local presence in Gulfport, Ocean Springs, and Biloxi communities
  • Deep understanding of local road conditions and accident patterns
  • Relationships with medical providers and industry-leading expert witnesses
  • Extensive knowledge of local court procedures and judges

Bottom line: The team at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC has the experience, resources, knowledge, and skills to fight for the compensation you need. Whether it’s at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, we’ll handle it all while providing the care, dedication, and compassion you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Mississippi

Knowing what caused your collision is the first step to determining who is at fault.

Leading Accident Causes

  • Distracted driving – Using phones or GPS, interacting with passengers, eating or drinking, and other distractions are all dangerous behaviors while driving.
  • Impaired driving – Gulf Coast entertainment areas that attract irresponsible drinkers can lead to drunk driving accidents.
  • Speeding – Excessive speeds on Highway 90 and local roads can result in catastrophic collisions.
  • Drowsy driving – Long-distance travelers and shift workers may fall asleep behind the wheel, with disastrous consequences.
  • Aggressive driving – Road rage and reckless driving behaviors put everyone on the road at risk.

Gulf Coast-Specific Hazards

  • Tourist traffic – Drivers visiting during peak seasons are unfamiliar with local roads and traffic rules.
  • Casino district congestion – Heavy traffic around gaming areas creates a mix of hazards, such as distracted or aggressive driving.
  • Highway 90 conditions – Speed variations and heavy commercial traffic can make collisions more common and severe.
  • Weather challenges – Rain, fog, and occasional severe weather all require drivers to be especially attentive and cautious.

When Another Driver Is At Fault

If your auto accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer can investigate the collision to determine the cause and who may be at fault.

Bottom line: Mississippi is the state with the highest car accident fatality rate. While you may expect everyone on the road to drive carefully, unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen – and devastating collisions are more common than you may think.

Mississippi Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

At Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, we can handle your car accident claim from start to finish while you focus on recovering from your injuries. However, there are some Mississippi car accident laws that could affect your claim. It helps to be aware of them so you can be prepared and protect your right to compensation.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Mississippi requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 for property damage

However, these minimums often aren’t enough to cover all the losses from serious car accident injuries. Your personal injury attorney can help you pursue a car accident lawsuit if necessary to make up the difference.

Mississippi Comparative Negligence

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means:

  • You can still pursue compensation even if you are 99 percent at fault for the collision.
  • Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, though.
  • For example: If you are 20 percent at fault for a $100,000 claim, you can receive $80,000.

Statute of Limitations

In Mississippi, you typically have three years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions that can shorten or extend the time limit. Plus, if you wait too long, evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ memories may fade.

Bottom line: Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation. It’s important to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

 

Request a Free Consultation Now

 

Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Mississippi

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you can pursue compensation from them for your losses. The types and amount of compensation available will depend on the specifics of your case.

Types of Compensation Available

After a Mississippi car accident, you can pursue compensation for:

Economic damages:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care costs
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced future earning capacity
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical disfigurement or disability

Factors Affecting Settlement Value

Many factors go into determining how much your Mississippi car accident settlement may be worth, including:

  • Severity of your injuries
  • Recovery time and prognosis
  • Strength of evidence proving the other driver’s fault
  • Quality of your medical documentation
  • Impact on your ability to work
  • Available insurance coverage

Key takeaway: Every case is different. A Mississippi personal injury attorney can advise you on the potential value of your car accident claim in a free consultation.

What to Expect in Your Mississippi Car Accident Case

Your Mississippi car accident attorney will guide you through the claims process. Here’s an idea of what to expect.

Immediate Steps After an Accident

  1. Seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  2. Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos, gather witness information, request the police report, and get any other available evidence.
  3. Contact our firm. Early legal intervention can preserve evidence. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work investigating.
  4. Avoid insurance company tricks. Don’t give a recorded statement or talk about the crash. Let us handle all communications.

The Legal Process Timeline

Your lawyer can walk you through the steps involved with pursuing a car accident claim, which may include:

  • Investigation – Your attorney will secure evidence, review your medical records, collaborate with experts, document your losses, and identify who is at fault.
  • Claim filing – They will then submit your insurance claim demanding compensation for what you have suffered.
  • Settlement negotiations – Your lawyer will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation through a car accident settlement.
  • Litigation (if needed) – If the insurance company refuses to make an offer for full and fair compensation, we can take them to court for what you are owed.

Working with Insurance Companies

Mississippi insurance companies often try to take advantage of car accident victims to avoid paying them what they deserve by:

  • Minimizing the severity of your injuries
  • Blaming you for the crash
  • Pressuring you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement
  • Denying valid claims without proper investigation

Our role: Protecting you from these tactics while building the strongest possible case.

How Our Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You

When you choose Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC to handle your case, we will:

  • Offer a free case evaluation to listen to your story and explain your rights and options
  • Thoroughly investigate accident causes and determine liability
  • Preserve critical evidence and document the full extent of your injuries and losses
  • Aggressively negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation
  • Extensively prepare for trial from the beginning in case settlement negotiations fail
  • Provide personal attention and keep you informed throughout your case
  • Never charge you any up-front, out-of-pocket attorney fees – you only pay if we win

Key takeaway: A Mississippi car accident attorney can fight against underhanded insurance company tactics, pursue maximum compensation, and protect your rights throughout the personal injury claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Car Accidents

How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case will depend on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries, available compensation, evidence of fault, and the collision’s impact on your life. We provide free case evaluations to assess your unique situation.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Rarely. Initial offers are typically much lower than what’s fair. We review all offers, advise you on your case’s true value, and negotiate for maximum compensation.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Under Mississippi’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation – even if you are 99 percent to blame. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Mississippi?

You typically have three years (3) from the accident date, with some exceptions. However, acting quickly to preserve evidence is crucial for the best possible outcome.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case for trial from the start to ensure maximum leverage in negotiations. If your case does go to court, a skilled trial attorney from our firm can present a solid case and protect your rights.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Most car accident attorneys, including the ones at Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC, work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no up-front, out-of-pocket attorney fees. Instead, your attorney will receive their fee through a percentage of your compensation – and they only get paid if the case wins.

Contact Our Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers Today

When someone else caused the collision that harmed you, you shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone. An experienced and compassionate Mississippi car accident attorney from Haug, Farrar, Franco & Ruiz, PLLC can help you demand the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (228) 872-8752 or fill out our contact form today for a free initial consultation to get started.

  • Content Legally Reviewed By
    Jason Ruiz
    Christopher C. “Stopher” Haug is a seasoned attorney with nearly 25 years of experience serving the Gulf South, focusing on personal injury and motor vehicle accidents. Known for his approachable, hardworking style, he prioritizes quality representation and personal connections with clients. A University of Alabama School of Law graduate, Stopher resides in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with his wife, three children, and their family pets.
  • RESULTS MATTER

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    Premises Liability Settlement
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