Who’s really at fault? That’s the question most people ask after a crash on Highway 90, Pass Road, or I-10 near Gulfport. Whether it was a rear-end collision near the Seabee Base or a T-bone accident pulling out of a shopping center, figuring out who caused the accident is one of the most important steps in any car accident case.
If you've been in a car wreck in Gulfport, understanding how fault is determined under Mississippi law can make a big difference when it comes to your insurance claim—or a lawsuit. At Ben Bowden, PC Trial Lawyer, our car accident lawyers are here to walk you through how fault works and what it means for your recovery.
How Fault Is Determined in a Mississippi Car Accident
Mississippi uses something called pure comparative negligence to sort out fault. This means more than one person can be held responsible for a crash—and how much each party is at fault will directly impact how much money they can recover.
For example, if you were hit by a speeding driver but you were also texting when it happened, the court (or insurance company) might decide you're 20% at fault. That means you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by 20%.
What Goes Into Determining Fault?
Fault isn’t just about pointing fingers—it’s about evidence. Here are some of the main things that are used to figure out who was responsible:
Traffic laws: Did someone run a stop sign or fail to yield on Cowan Road? Violations like these often weigh heavily in fault decisions.
Police reports: If Gulfport PD responded to your accident, their official report may include opinions about who was at fault, witness statements, and diagrams of the crash.
Witnesses: Bystanders or passengers can help confirm what really happened in the moments before impact.
Photos and physical evidence: Skid marks, damage patterns, and dashcam footage can all help recreate the crash and show what went wrong.
Understanding Mississippi’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
Here’s the key takeaway: Even if you were partly at fault, you can still seek compensation. Mississippi is one of the few states that allows this even if you were mostly at fault—as long as you weren’t entirely to blame.
This law can be a lifeline for injured drivers who made a mistake but still suffered serious harm because someone else made a worse one.
Why Fault Matters in Your Gulfport Case
Fault affects more than just legal blame—it affects how much compensation you receive for medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies know the rules and will often try to shift as much blame onto you as possible to reduce what they have to pay. That’s why it’s important to have someone on your side who knows how to push back.
How Ben Bowden, PC Trial Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been in a car accident in Gulfport or anywhere in Harrison County, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, handle communication with the insurance adjuster, and fight to make sure your side of the story is heard.
From minor fender benders to major collisions, we’re here to help Gulfport drivers get back on their feet after a crash.
Let’s Talk About Your Case—Free of Charge
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait to find out your options. Contact Ben Bowden, PC Trial Lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll explain how fault might apply in your situation and help you take the next steps toward fair compensation.
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