Jackson Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Jackson, MS

Drunk driving accidents are preventable, yet some continue to make the reckless decision to get behind the wheel after drinking, putting everyone on the road at risk. These drivers need to be held accountable, and an experienced Jackson drunk driving accident lawyer can do just that.

Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. has proven our commitment to justice by securing over $265 million for our clients, including a $1.1 million recovery in a disputed liability car accident. Past results might not guarantee future outcomes, but we’re ready to advocate for fair compensation for your injuries.

About Us

Since 1999, Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A., has advocated for people seeking justice throughout Mississippi. Our award-winning attorneys bring more than 130 years of combined legal experience to the table, providing aggressive advocacy designed to challenge the opposition and pursue the strongest possible outcome.

How Mississippi Drunk Driving Accident Laws Affect Your Case

In 2023, there were 236 DUI arrests in Hinds County, and 162 impaired driving fatalities statewide. Because of this, the state of Mississippi recognizes your right to seek compensation when a drunk driver injures you. However, getting the money you need can be complicated. To hold the responsible parties accountable, you need to consider:

• Driving under the influence. Under Mississippi Code § 63-11-30, driving under the influence can lead to criminal penalties, and a criminal case is separate from a victim’s civil claim for compensation.
• Proving negligence. You need to show that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure caused your injuries.
• Comparative Fault: Under Mississippi Code § 11-7-15, you may still recover damages if you were partly at fault, although your compensation may be reduced according to your share of responsibility.
• Filing deadlines. Under Mississippi Code § 15-1-49, most cases have a three-year deadline from when the accident happened in order to file for a personal injury claim, but there could be exceptions.

Our experienced Jackson drunk driving accident attorneys can review the evidence, explain how state law affects your right to compensation in a drunk driving accident claim, and identify all potential sources of liability. 

Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident

Because alcohol slows reaction times, affects judgment, and makes it harder to control a vehicle, these collisions can cause severe injuries with lasting consequences. Because of this, a drunk driving accident claim can help alleviate the financial strain that follows. Depending on the circumstances, available compensation could include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Property damage
• Future care costs

Our Jackson drunk driving accident attorneys can evaluate your losses, explain how Mississippi law applies to your circumstances, and help you pursue a drunk driving accident claim that fully reflects the impact of your injuries.

Bars and Restaurants Could Be Held Responsible in Jackson, MS

In some cases, drunk drivers might not be the only party responsible for a crash. Because of this, under Mississippi Code § 67-3-73, a bar or restaurant could face liability in certain situations. If the evidence can provide a link, then some potential scenarios include:

• When a customer already appeared drunk when alcohol was sold to them.
• When the establishment forced the driver to drink alcohol
• When the establishment falsely advertised that a beverage contained no alcohol
• If there’s a connection between the unlawful sale, the customer’s intoxication, and the resulting injuries.

Investigating the driver’s behavior and the circumstances of alcohol service can help determine whether another party could share responsibility.

Punitive Damages and Drunk Driving in Mississippi

Most personal injury damages are intended to compensate victims for their losses. However, punitive damages are meant to punish especially wrongful conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future. Important considerations include:

• Knowingly driving while impaired could be relevant when determining whether the conduct showed serious disregard for other people’s safety.
• Mississippi Code § 11-1-65 generally requires clear and convincing evidence of actual malice, gross negligence that shows a reckless disregard for others’ safety, or actual fraud.
• The nature of the conduct and the harm caused can affect whether punitive damages are appropriate.
• Mississippi law includes rules governing punitive damage awards, including limits and exceptions.

Our Jackson drunk driving accident lawyers can investigate the driver’s actions and determine whether the evidence supports pursuing punitive damages in your drunk driving accident claim.

FAQs

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Local Representation Makes a Difference

When you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, working with a local firm can help you prepare for the challenges ahead. Chhabra, Gibbs & Gustavis, P.A. is local, and we regularly practice in the Hinds County Circuit Court. Familiarity with the local court, coupled with experience dealing with local insurance companies, means we understand the procedures and preferences that allow us to craft an aggressive approach that anticipates any obstacles.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.