It only takes an instant for a car accident to happen. But the effects can stay with you for years, in the form of bodily injuries, lifestyle struggles, and medical debt. In Gulfport, Mississippi, there are many factors that can contribute to car accidents. Busy roads, coastal traffic, and changing weather conditions all put you at risk on the road. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, a Gulfport car accident lawyer can help.
Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. has been proudly serving injury victims since 1999. This multi-decade commitment to the people of our area has earned us a stellar reputation, among both previous clients and in the Mississippi legal system.
While a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, we can remove the burden of confusion from you. If you don’t know what to do next, our legal staff can advise you on exactly what steps to take in your car accident case. Together, we can pursue the fair compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Gulfport
Car accidents in Gulfport can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. One common category that is likely to be featured in your car accident case is driver negligence. This broad term encompasses many behaviors that prove dangerous on the road, including:
Distracted driving is also another common cause of accidents. In fact, texting can create risks 23 times worse than undistracted driving. Drivers can be distracted by a variety of other activities, including:
Eating or drinking
Taking phone calls or using their phone for other purposes
Interacting with GPS, audio systems, or other car features
Daydreaming
Focusing on roadside sights rather than traffic
Weather can also be a factor in accident rates. Mississippi’s coastal location can make rain, fog, and even intense storms a common issue, reducing visibility and making it harder to maintain safe control of a vehicle. Drivers who fail to adjust to these conditions may put others at risk.
Other contributing factors to accidents include increased traffic congestion due to tourist activity in peak seasons, poor road maintenance, vehicle defects, or road obstacles like construction zones. Identifying the cause of an accident is an important element of a case. A Gulfport car accident attorney from our firm can discover the facts and use them to support you.
What Do the Laws Say About Mississippi Car Accidents?
Mississippi car accident laws are designed to support injury victims and aid them in their pursuit of justice. Drivers are expected to obey all traffic laws and signs and maintain safe control of their vehicles. These common laws form the basis for most car accident claims, and we can use this legal foundation to build a case for you.
Some legislation is designed to provide added legal protection to those who have suffered catastrophic situations. For example, Mississippi Code Section 11-7-13 outlines the right to seek compensation for injuries that caused the death of a loved one.
Another crucial piece of legislation is Mississippi Code Section 11-7-15, which discusses contributory negligence. This concept states that even if a person has some level of fault for an accident they were injured in, they may still pursue compensation. While their settlement may be reduced because of their part in the accident, this legislation shows that a simple mistake doesn’t eliminate a person’s ability to pursue legal action.
Our talented and dedicated law firm can help you use the laws to your advantage and defend your rights. When you hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, you can enjoy a strategic, professional, results-focused approach to case management.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
A car accident can be painful or even devastating in its impact on your body. Even low-speed collisions can lead to lifelong health struggles, some of which can be life-threatening. Common car accident injuries include:
Whiplash and neck injuries
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Broken bones and fractures
Spinal cord injuries
Back damage
Internal injuries and organ damage
Many injuries can grow worse over time. For example, within five years, 30% of people with traumatic brain injuries saw their condition worsen, and 22% passed away.
Additional Struggles of Car Accident Victims
One reason our law firm is so passionate about helping car accident victims is that we understand how impactful these accidents can be on a victim’s future. The physical injuries can be severe, but even these don’t represent the full scope of damage. Car accident victims may deal with a long list of compounding struggles, which can include:
Lost wages. For those who are hurt so badly they temporarily or permanently lose their ability to work, their injuries can cause them to face financial strain or even ruin.
Medical debt. Even if an accident victim can continue working, soaring medical bills can cause them severe stress and a great deal of uncertainty about their well-being.
Mental health issues. A person may become depressed because of their injuries, anxious on the road, or affected by many other mental health issues after their crash.
Lifestyle struggles. Injuries can lead to lost mobility, reduced capacity for social interaction, and memory problems, and these issues can exacerbate each other.
It’s scary to think that one moment on the road can turn into a lifetime of struggles. But with our law firm backing you, you don’t have to handle the legal fallout alone. Our talented team of passionate legal professionals can help to assess the full scope of your damages and stand by you in the pursuit of accountability.
How an Attorney From Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. Can Help You
When you have been involved in a car accident, it’s common that you may be shaken or confused. Some people feel completely overwhelmed and don’t know how to proceed. This is where we come in.
Our law firm can provide all the necessary legal services you need to navigate the post-accident process with confidence and clarity. When you call on a Gulfport car accident attorney from our firm, we can:
Gather evidence. From accident scene analysis and medical reports to footage from traffic and dashboard cameras, we can work to gather all the facts and hold the accountable party responsible on your behalf.
Assist with legal processes. Matters like paperwork, deadlines, and other legal technicalities can seem tricky. We streamline these processes so you don’t have to worry about them.
Negotiating with insurance companies. Many insurance companies try to downplay injuries or deflect blame. Our firm knows these tactics and can navigate around them in pursuit of the full, fair settlement you’re entitled to.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our firm can stand by you in court. No matter how the case unfolds, we can help you prepare beforehand, advise you on how to respond to questions, and accompany you so you never feel alone during the legal process.
In Gulfport, car accident cases are typically heard in the Harrison County Circuit Court for larger claims. However, not all cases go to court, as a lawyer can sometimes encourage insurance companies to offer a fair settlement without a formal case. No matter which outcome occurs in your case, Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. can support you.
Immediately after a car accident, you should get to safety while being mindful of your surroundings. Don’t count on other drivers to see you in the road, as your position may have changed. Call for medical help, then report the accident to the police. Get a medical exam so you can learn the full extent of your injuries and how to treat them. Medical reports can also be valuable evidence in your case.
A common mistake in a car accident case is saying too much. You may have to give basic details of the accident and your identity to law enforcement when you report the accident, but saying too much to them or insurance companies can backfire. Even seemingly innocent statements, such as “I was just driving and enjoying a sunset,” could be twisted to imply you weren’t paying attention and weaken your case.
It is highly recommended to hire a car accident lawyer for your case. While you may feel your case’s result is self-evident, lawyers can help with the technical processes of the legal system. We can also help speak on your behalf, so you don’t accidentally understate your injuries or make other mistakes that jeopardize your results.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Here at Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A., our firm proudly serves Gulfport and brings over 130 years of combined attorney experience, and a near-perfect rating on Google from over 500 reviews. We pride ourselves on prompt communication with clients and an aggressive approach to justice, whether with insurance companies or in court. When you’re ready to pursue the compensation you deserve, contact us today for a consultation.
Do you need legal help or a consultation? Contact us now.
We have a multi-office Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation and Social Security Disability Firm in Connecticut. A good friend was injured in Mississippi and we referred him to Chhabra Gibbs & Gustavis PA. The quality of the representation he received was…
-Jeffrey C
Very good experience very spoken very knowledgeable and hard working if you feel you have been done wrong these are the people who will fight for you and do it
-Craft C
First off Katie is my hero!! Giselle Raspberry my attorney is a fighter that you want. Recommend over and over.
-Christopher M
They are very informed on many areas that I . Myself had no ideal of how and what I should do far as legally to take care of my injury from my job. They were so helpful in taking care…
-Betty T
Amanda Fritz and Jessica Manuel is absolutely AMAZING!!! They worked hard on my workers comp case and I appreciate everything that they did. I would most definitely recommend Chhabra and Gibbs to anyone that needs a good law firm to…
-Marilyn D
I highly recommend this law firm. They really did a great job with my worker’s comp case and I am very happy with my experience.
-Ciara K
I highly recommend Chhabra & Gibbs law for their professionalism and knowledge. They have very knowledgeable and courteous support staff. A pleasant experience doing business with them. Quite pleased with the experience I had with Haley Curtis. Very courteous and…
-Terry W
All the staff and lawyers were excellent, especially Katy and Kimberly. My attorney Ashley was great. 10/10
-Nema K
I highly recommend!! They are very responsive, work overtime on your case to be sure everything is correct and you are getting the care you deserve!!!! Darryl and his associates work to get you the best coverage and end result.
-Nickie W
Ángela and her team take their clients and cases seriously. They return phone calls and answer your questions. This can be a scary, sad, and stressful process. But I can promise you that Angela,Nikki, and Red will get the job…
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$5,720,000
Workers’ Comp/3rd Party injury - client hit by a front-end loader.
$2,907,000
Personal injury - Three-year-old fell from a second-story window sustaining serious injuries.
$2,350,000
Workers comp/third party Construction injury at maintenance plant.
$2,200,000
Workers' Comp/3rd Party injury - scaffolding on job site collapsed. Back injury which required spinal surgery.
$2,000,000
Workers’ Comp/3rd Party Injury - Forklift injury case.
$1,950,000
Wrongful death from construction site injury.
$1,900,000
Workers’ Comp/3rd Party - Struck by a tire pushed by heavy machinery on job site.
$1,400,000
Workers’ Comp/3rd party - Log fell on top of truck driver at logging site.
$1,300,000
18-wheeler/logging truck wreck.
$1,100,000
Verdict for a Woman Injured in Disputed Liability Car Wreck.
$1,058,180
Slip and Fall Damages injuries to right and left leg.
$1,028,287
Workers’ Comp/ Slip and Fall - Caregiver slip and fall at patient's home.