Jackson, MS Fatal Car Accidents
More than 35,000 people were killed on American highways in 2015 alone. Further, motor vehicle accidents were the fourth leading cause of death in 2014, trailing only heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. Most fatal car accidents are caused by a negligent driver, which means they can be prevented by driving safely. If you have lost a loved one in a wreck, you should consult with an experienced Jackson car accident attorney who can explain your legal options to you during this trying time. The law firm of Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has handled personal injury cases for more than 30 years, and we have recovered more than $1.5 billion in compensation for clients through judgments, verdicts, and settlements.
Fatal Car Accidents in the Jackson Area
Mississippi, like many states, has initiated highway safety programs in an attempt to reduce the number of fatal car collisions. An alarming number of Mississippians continue to die in car crashes each year. Statewide, the most fatal accidents occur in or near Jackson and Hinds County.
While people in Jackson have grown somewhat accustomed to dangerous drivers around them, the fact that fatalities rose from 14 to 23 between 2013 and 2014 was disconcerting. Particularly notable is the fact that fatal accidents involving drunk drivers increased from just three in the first year to eight in the second year. However, the average number of vehicles involved in these accidents dropped slightly, as did the number of pedestrian victims. During the two years, I-55 was the most deadly road in the region, witnessing no fewer than eight fatal accidents in that span. However, I-220, US-49, and US-80 saw multiple fatal crashes as well.
Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim in Mississippi
What are your legal options when you lose a loved one in a car crash caused by negligence? You may be entitled to pursue a claim for wrongful death. In this type of claim, another party sues on the deceased person’s behalf since the deceased is no longer alive to bring suit in his or her own name. The party allowed to file a wrongful death claim in Mississippi may include the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, the surviving spouse of the deceased, a surviving parent or child of the deceased, and a surviving sibling of the deceased, among others. A fatal car accident lawyer in Jackson can help you comply with Mississippi’s wrongful death statute to ensure proper filing of the lawsuit.
Negligence is another critical aspect of a fatal car accident case. This can be established by showing that the defendant drove in an unsafe manner or otherwise did not act reasonably under the circumstances. Common examples of negligence are speeding, disregarding traffic signals, driving while impaired, texting while driving, and failing to maintain a safe lookout. In Mississippi, negligence must be generally be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, which typically involves showing that the plaintiff’s version of events is more likely true than not.
What damages can be recovered if your spouse, child, or loved one was killed in a fatal car accident? Under Mississippi law, damages recoverable in a wrongful death case can include medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of consortium. Beneficiaries may also recover loss of companionship of the deceased, emotional distress and mental anguish, and loss of future earnings of the deceased. Loss of future earnings will depend on many factors, including the deceased’s age, education, employment, and earning history.
Discuss Your Fatal Car Accident Claim with a Jackson Attorney
If your family member was killed in a fatal car accident, call our office today so that we can discuss a potential wrongful death claim with you. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz has a knowledgeable and compassionate team of 33 lawyers and more than 120 staff members to assist you when you call. Call us toll-free at 800-LAW-4004 or complete our online form to set up a free consultation with a car wreck attorney. Let our Jackson fatal car accident lawyers demonstrate to you why NST is the way to go.
125 South Congress St
Suite 1300
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: 601-362-5222
Fax: 601-991-3465
