Car Accident Lawyer in Gulfport, MS

Being involved in an auto accident can be a life-changing event that can bring about distress, loss of income, pain, and suffering.

If you are involved in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, you have the right to take legal action to recover damages. Damages may include physical injuries, emotional trauma, and costs incurred as a result of the accident. At Ben Bowden, Attorney at Law, we will help you through the claim filing and settlement processes to assert your rights and ensure you get rightful compensation.

How to Determine Fault in a Car Accident

In order to recover compensation for car accident injuries, fault must be assigned to at least one driver. Determining who is liable for an accident can be challenging, and insurance companies will often try to point a finger at you. Here are the most common methods used to determine fault in a car accident:

  • Parties involved deciding- Although there is always that instinct to blame the other driver, the at-fault driver may sometimes take responsibility voluntarily. If you are involved in a car accident, you should never admit fault. However, if the other driver admits being at fault, do not forget to take pictures of the accident, get the driver’s contact and insurance information, and contact your car accident attorney.
  • Assessment by the police- After an accident, you should contact law enforcement. Once they arrive at the scene of the accident, they will develop an accident report describing how the accident occurred. This report can later be used to support your claim for compensation.
  • A decision by the insurance companies- If the parties involved in an accident cannot agree who is at fault for the car accident, they can file claims with their car insurance companies. From there, the insurance companies will investigate the facts surrounding the accident and assign liability.

If none of the above methods work, the aggrieved party may file a lawsuit and settle the matter in court. Whether the at-fault party has decided to take responsibility or you have decided to pursue compensation in court, it is vital to have an experienced South Mississippi car accident attorney to guide you throughout the process.

Types of Damages to Recover after an Accident

If you have been injured in a car through no fault of your own, you can recover compensation for your losses in the form of damages. In a personal injury case, damages may include things such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Prescription costs
  • Lost wages
  • Lost overtime
  • Diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

Damages can be difficult to calculate without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement to help you pay your current medical expenses, but fail to provide compensation for ongoing treatment and other non-economic factors like loss of enjoyment for life.

To get the compensation you need to care for yourself and for your family, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of your case and determine the true value of your case.

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Insurance companies will begin working from day one to limit the amount of money owed to you. A personal injury attorney can help you gather relevant evidence, document your losses, organize your medical expenses, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

You also have limited time in which you can file your claim. This time limit is known as the Statute of Limitations. If you fail to file a claim for damages during this time, then you will forfeit your right to seek compensation. Contact our office to get started today.

Contact Ben Bowden To Discuss Your Legal Options

At Ben Bowden, P.C., we help accident victims throughout Mississippi seek compensation for their injuries. Not only will he help you build the best case possible to maximize your financial recovery, but we will take your case to trial if necessary. There are other law firms that look for quick, easy settlements. At Ben Bowden, P.C., we provide individualized attention to every case so that our clients receive the compensation they need. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us online or call us at (228) 896-5652 to find out how we can help you.

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South Mississippi Car Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Mississippi?

The moments after a crash can feel chaotic. If you are physically able, check for injuries and call 911. Request law enforcement so an officer can create an official accident report. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, and take clear photos of the vehicles, roadway conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some conditions, including soft tissue injuries and concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health, but also creates documentation that may support your claim later. Speaking with a South Mississippi car accident attorney early can also help you avoid mistakes when dealing with insurance adjusters.

How does Mississippi’s fault system affect my car accident claim?

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found 25 percent at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that amount.

Insurance companies often look for ways to assign more blame to injured drivers in order to limit payouts. A South Mississippi car accident lawyer can review police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence to push back against unfair fault determinations and protect the value of your claim.

What types of compensation can a South Mississippi car accident attorney help me pursue?

A serious collision can impact far more than your vehicle. A South Mississippi car accident attorney may pursue compensation for economic damages such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long term.

You may also seek non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of daily life. In some cases, future medical treatment and ongoing care must be considered. The value of a claim depends on the severity of injuries and how they affect your life, both now and in the years ahead.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Mississippi?

In most cases, Mississippi law provides a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit arising from a car accident. If you do not file within that time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation through the courts.

Certain cases, such as those involving government entities, may have shorter notice requirements and deadlines. Because timelines can vary based on the specific facts, speaking with a South Mississippi car accident lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure important deadlines are not missed.

What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?

If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options under your own auto insurance policy. Many policies include uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage. These claims can become complicated because your own insurance company may still dispute liability or the value of your injuries.

A South Mississippi car accident attorney can review your policy, explain your coverage, and negotiate with the insurance carrier to seek appropriate compensation under those provisions.

How do insurance companies evaluate car accident claims?

Insurance companies evaluate claims based on factors such as liability, medical records, documented expenses, and the extent of your injuries. They may request recorded statements or ask for broad medical authorizations. It is important to understand that insurers are focused on limiting payouts.

Before providing detailed statements or accepting a settlement offer, it is wise to consult with a South Mississippi car accident lawyer. Early legal guidance can help ensure that your claim reflects the full scope of your losses rather than just immediate expenses.

Why should I contact a South Mississippi car accident attorney after a serious crash?

After a serious accident, you may be dealing with mounting bills, missed paychecks, and uncertainty about your recovery. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, but their interests do not always align with yours.

Ben Bowden, P.C. works with accident victims throughout South Mississippi to investigate claims, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation in court when necessary. Working with a South Mississippi car accident attorney can provide direction during a difficult time and help protect your right to pursue full and fair compensation under Mississippi law.

Testimonials

Mr. Bowden has been a very good choice for us. He's taken care of things when we didn't have any idea where to turn. We highly recommend him.

Former Client | Personal Injury

Ben was awesome to work with. His assistant was able to address most of my questions during my case. Ben always found time to explain in layman’s terms how the court process worked. We won the case.

Former client

Mr. Bowden handled my workers' compensation case through trial and won big. He then filed a bad-faith case on the way my workers' compensation claim was wrongfully handled by the insurance company. I didn't even know I had that claim before he told me. I highly recommend Mr. Bowden. He took it to the other side at trial.

Former client | Workers Compensation

Ben has handled things for me for years. He has always done a great job. He comes to Lucedale to meet and that's been important to me.

Ben P.
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Gulfport Office
BridgeWater Commons
8927 Lorraine Rd, Suite 204-B
Gulfport, MS 39503
Lucedale Office
398 Ratliff Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
contact
Tel: 228.896.5652
Fax: 228.896.5689
bowden@benbowdenlaw.com
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