Jackson Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers

Jackson Car Accident Lawyers

Strong advocacy when car drivers cause injuries and fatalities

Car crashes are one of the most common ways in which Americans are injured each year. There are many types of car crashes that result in many different types of injuries. Whether as the result of speeding, drunk, distracted, or drowsy driving, human error is usually the cause. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we have more than 200 years of combined experience and working relationships with investigators, traffic reconstruction experts, and car product safety experts to show the cause of your accident and who is responsible.

We demand compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, car damage, and other damages. Call a Jackson car crash lawyer now to discuss how to obtain the compensation you deserve. Our record of success includes:

  • $20 million for our client who suffered permanently disabling brain injuries while driving his car near a construction site.
  • $12.9 million for our client who suffered neck injuries and paralysis because his vehicle was not crashworthy, and failed to protect him when his vehicle rolled over.
  • A $650,000 settlement for the family of a woman who was killed in a car accident.
  • A $490,000 mediation recovery for our client who required multiple surgeries after a car accident with an oversized vehicle.

How can we help?

How common are car accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, there were 39,345 traffic fatalities. Many of these fatalities involved automobiles.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2023, there were 44,762 traffic deaths and 5.1 million reported injuries due to vehicle accidents.

What different types of car accidents do you handle in Jackson, Mississippi?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we handle all types of car accidents, including:

  • Rear-end collisions. These accidents are the most common type of car accidents. They are often due to distracted driving, speeding, and tailgating.
  • Broadside/T-bone collisions. These accidents often occur at intersections where the driver who crashes into the side of the other car might have run a red light or failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
  • Head-on crashes. While rare, these accidents are often fatal or cause catastrophic injuries when they do happen. Usually, one driver is driving the wrong way due to driver intoxication, distraction, confusion, or recklessness.
  • Rollover crashes. These car accidents occur in vehicles with a higher center of gravity, such as SUVs. A rollover crash can occur when the driver is taking corners at high speed and can lead to serious injuries or death.
  • Multi-vehicle accidents. These crashes often involve chain-reaction collisions or multiple collisions due to dangerous road conditions or emergencies.
  • Single-vehicle accidents. Passengers have the right to file personal injury claims against drivers who cause accidents due to drunk driving, speeding, and other causes.
  • Hit-and-run accidents. These accidents occur when the driver who causes an accident leaves the scene without identifying themselves and without stopping to render whatever aid might be needed. Mississippi requires drivers involved in an accident that results in bodily injury, death, or property damage to give their contact information and render aid.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Merkel & Cocke, P.A. represents pedestrians and bicycle riders when drivers cause accidents at crosswalks or where a pedestrian/bicycle has a right to use a road.
  • Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents. We represent anyone who suffers injuries while riding in an Uber or Lyft or who is struck by an Uber or a Lyft.

Why do car accidents happen in Jackson, Mississippi?

Our Jackson MS car accident attorneys work with liability professionals and question everyone with knowledge about your accident to determine the cause of your accident and why the accident was preventable. Common causes of car crashes include:

  • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
  • Driving while distracted – texting, using a mobile phone, looking at a GPS, eating, drinking, caring for a child or pet, or other reasons.
  • Driver fatigue.
  • Speeding, failing to yield, passing improperly, and other Mississippi traffic violations.
  • Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions.
  • Defective auto parts such as brakes, electrical systems, airbags, and seatbelts.
  • Roads that are in a state of disrepair.

What types of injuries do car accident victims suffer?

Our Jackson car accident lawyers handle all types of serious personal injuries, including the following:

Who is responsible when car accidents happen?

Many times, it’s not just the driver who is responsible for your car accident. We file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for your car accident. The defendants may include:

  • The driver
  • The driver’s employer
  • The owner of the car, if different than the driver, such as when teenagers cause accidents while driving their parents’ car
  • The manufacturers of defective car parts
  • A seller of alcohol to a driver who was visibly intoxicated
  • The Mississippi Department of Transportation or other governmental agencies/entities

Types of compensation for car accident victims

Car accident victims can recover several types of compensation from an at-fault driver. Broadly, the compensation available could include:

  • Economic damages: Following a car crash, an injured person might need to pay medical expenses, and their injuries might prevent them from working. Those costs and losses can create financial hardship. Economic damages add up those receipts and missed earnings and shift that burden onto the liable party.
  • Noneconomic damages: In addition to the direct financial expenses related to the accident, Mississippi car accident victims can recover damages for things like their pain and suffering.
  • Punitive damages: Although it’s not common for courts to award them, Mississippi law permits punitive damages, which punish the liable party if they engage in malicious or particularly egregious conduct that causes injuries to another person. These damages are meant to deter similar conduct in the future.

Steps after a car accident in Jackson, MS

Following a car accident in Jackson, it’s important to take certain steps to protect yourself and your claim. Some of the steps to take include:

  • Seeking medical care: If you are injured, you should seek medical care right away. Don’t delay treatment as this could be used to claim your injuries weren’t as serious as you stated. Also, some injuries don’t immediately appear, especially given the adrenaline that may be influencing you after an accident.
  • Calling the police: After a car crash, you should contact the police. If an accident caused significant damage or injuries, filing a police report is mandatory. You will also want the police report, which may include witness contact information and more that your attorney can use.
  • Being careful about what you say: Don’t be too chatty following a crash, and if the other party’s insurer wants to talk, direct them to your lawyer.
  • Scheduling a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Jackson, MS: You should get a lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you handle your case, including by negotiating with the insurers.

How much is my Jackson car accident case worth?

You have one opportunity to receive compensation for all of your damages. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work with your doctors (and our network of doctors when necessary), life planners, employers, car mechanics, appraisers, and others to understand all your current and future damages, including likely complications.

We demand compensation for all your:

  • Medical bills of every nature
  • Lost income and benefits, including permanent disability compensation
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Property damage
  • Inability to use a body part
  • Loss of life’s pleasures
  • Loss of consortium
  • Scarring and disfigurement

We seek punitive damages when Mississippi law permits, such as when a drunk driver causes an accident.

Our Jackson car crash lawyers also file wrongful death actions for families when a car accident is fatal.

Do you have a Jackson, Mississippi, personal injury lawyer near me?

Yes. We meet clients at our Jackson office (Hinds County) located at 2630 Ridgewood Road, Suite D., Jackson, MS 39216. Our lawyers also consult with clients by phone and through online video platforms. If you cannot come to our Jackson office due to your injuries, we can discuss meeting with you at your home or another location.

Contact a car wreck lawyer in Jackson to get answers to your questions and guidance through each step of your claim.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Jackson car crash claims

If you have case-specific questions about your claim, reach out to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, here are a few common questions we frequently hear.

How soon after a car accident should I contact a lawyer?

The sooner you reach out the better. Don’t delay, and remember there is no risk in speaking with an attorney – your consultation is free. The quicker we can get to work on your case, the better chance we’ll have at gathering evidence to build a strong legal strategy. Your attorney can help with your insurance claim even before you file a lawsuit.

What if my car accident injuries are minor?

Even minor injuries like whiplash can have lasting impacts and lead to pain and medical bills. It’s worth speaking to someone to learn your options.

What if it was a hit and run motor vehicle accident?

Hit and run crashes are some of the most devastating. If you suffer injuries because of the driver who then fled the scene, you might still have options. Mississippi requires that insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage, although you can deny that coverage in writing. If you do have this type of insurance, your policy might be able to cover some or all of your losses.

How long do I have to file an injury claim?

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations gives you three years to file your personal injury lawsuit. However, you should start working with a lawyer as soon as possible to build the best claim.

Can a car accident be partially my fault?

Car accidents are often the result of more than one person behaving negligently. Fortunately, even if you are partly at fault, you can still recover from another driver who is also liable for your injuries. The court will reduce your damages to reflect your share of liability.

Do I need to report an accident to my insurance company?

You likely need to report the accident to your insurer regardless of fault. While it’s not the law, it is often a requirement in your insurance policy. If you are unsure of your obligations, speak to your attorney.

Contact our Jackson, Mississippi car accident lawyers now

The personal injury legal team of Merkel & Cocke is committed to seeking justice for car crash victims. We are respected by former clients, insurance companies, and the legal community. Many law firms refer car accident cases to us. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. Our Jackson car accident law firm represents clients throughout Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. We also have offices in Clarksdale, Greenville, Oxford, and Meridian.

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Jackson Office

622 Duling Avenue
Suite 221
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 653-1103