Drunk driving accidents account for 19 percent of wrecks on Mississippi roads. Statistics show over 2,400 impaired drivers were responsible for fatal and serious injury crashes in a single recent year. These wrecks can cause horrific physical, financial, and emotional harm to victims and their loved ones that lasts far beyond the initial injury. If you got hit by a drunk driver, you could be entitled to compensation.
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, we know accountability matters. You didn’t ask for this to happen to you, and you shouldn’t have to pay for the consequences. Our compassionate and determined legal team will fight like a mother to recover the money you deserve for your losses.
We take a comprehensive approach to car accident cases. Rather than looking solely at the facts, we focus on you as a person, never compromising in our fight for maximum compensation but also looking at how we can support you and make a positive difference in your life.
If you’re looking for an expertly trained drunk driving accident lawyer to give you honest legal advice, Mama Justice is the law firm for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Why You Need Our Mississippi Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
You don’t need the stress of a legal battle after a traumatic car accident. An experienced and nurturing DUI accident attorney from Mama Justice will handle all aspects of your legal case while you focus on healing. Our people-first legal approach begins during the initial consultation and lasts long after we close your case. We are the hometown lawyers who treat you like family, not just a business opportunity.
With over 400 five-star reviews from satisfied clients, Mama Justice is proud of its reputation as a pillar of professionalism in our community. Past clients like Jamaya Mack can confirm our commitment to compassionate client care. She writes, “My team at Mama Justice was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance!”
We’re here when you need us. Reach out today for a complimentary case review.
What Are Your Legal Rights as a DUI Accident Victim?
It’s not your job to press criminal charges after a drunk driving accident. That decision is up to the police and prosecutors. What you can do is file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company or file a civil lawsuit against the impaired driver. Unlike a criminal case, the purpose of a civil case is for accident victims to secure money for the losses they incurred due to someone else’s careless or intentional conduct.
In a DUI injury case, you must prove that the impaired driver acted negligently and that their reckless actions caused the crash that harmed you. Drunk driving is a violation of Mississippi law and extremely dangerous, so if you can prove the driver was intoxicated, you have a strong case.
Civil cases involve a lower standard of proof than is required in criminal cases. A prosecutor must prove a criminal defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The requirement for a personal injury case is “the preponderance of the evidence.” In plain English, you must prove that your version of events is more likely than not true. An experienced drunk driving injury lawyer can collect and organize the evidence necessary to build a compelling case.
Mississippi Drunk Driving Laws
There are two ways prosecutors can charge someone with drunk driving in Mississippi. The first and most common method is what’s called DUI per se. These situations involve drivers whose blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit (0.08 or higher). If the police catch a driver with a BAC of 0.08 or more, they can arrest the driver regardless of how the alcohol affected the driver’s performance.
However, Mississippi law also prohibits individuals from driving a car “under the influence of intoxicating liquor.” In other words, the police can arrest drivers if their BAC is under 0.08 but their ability to drive a car safely is compromised. These cases are harder to prove because they’re more subjective, but a trusted auto accident attorney will know what it takes to establish liability after reviewing your case.
There are a couple of other points worth mentioning about Mississippi’s drunk driving laws. The legal BAC limit is reduced to 0.04 percent for commercial truck drivers and 0.02 percent for drivers under 21.
State laws also govern how much time you have to file a drunk driving injury claim. You have three years from the date of the wreck to file suit or you lose your right to pursue compensation in court. Shorter deadlines may apply, so acting quickly preserves your right to compensation and allows an attorney to collect evidence while it’s fresh.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Crash?
An intoxicated driver bears primary responsibility for any collision they cause, but there are situations where other parties may share the blame. For example, Mississippi’s dram shop law allows bars, restaurants, and liquor stores to be held liable for a crash if they served a minor or a patron who was visibly intoxicated and later caused a wreck.
Similarly, social hosts (such as a friend or family member who serves alcohol at their home) may be liable for an accident if they served someone who was underage and later caused a wreck. However, social hosts are not liable for accidents if the driver was 21 or older, even if the driver was visibly intoxicated.
Types of Compensation Available for DUI Victims
A drunk driving accident claim in Mississippi can include compensation for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
Does the Other Driver’s Criminal DUI Conviction Help or Hurt My Personal Injury Case
A criminal conviction can help your drunk driving accident claim, but it isn’t essential for you to recover compensation. A criminal conviction is powerful evidence that a driver broke the law and acted carelessly, which you must prove to win your claim. However, you can pursue a personal injury claim even if the driver never faces criminal charges or is found not guilty. A skilled lawyer can use other evidence to show how a driver is responsible for your injuries.
Contact Our Experienced DUI Accident Attorneys Today
Trust Mama Justice to help you recover fair compensation and rebuild your life after a Mississippi DUI accident. Call now or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation with an accomplished car accident lawyer.