Meridian Car Accident Lawyers

Meridian Car Accident Lawyers

More than 40 years of experience fighting for injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians

Drivers on Interstates 20 and 59, US state routes, Mississippi highways, and local roads risk being in a car accident every day. When drivers fail to put safety first, our Meridian car accident lawyers have the jury trial and insurance negotiation experience to obtain the compensation you deserve. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we work step-by-step to show how your accident occurred and who should be held accountable. Our lawyers demand compensation for all your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. Call us now to assert your rights and restart your life.

In one car accident case, we obtained a $20 million jury verdict for a client who was hit by an oncoming police car when he tried to enter a highway from a side street. Though the police report stated our client failed to obey a stop sign before entering the highway, we were able to show that the stop sign was down at the time of the accident and the client’s line of vision in the direction of the oncoming police car was obscured by a parked piece of construction equipment.

In another car accident case, we recovered $490,000 for our 60-year-old client who required multiple surgeries and physical therapy after a car accident with a vehicle that failed to have its lights on.

How can we help?

How dangerous are car accidents in Meridian, MS?

According to the Clarion Ledger, in 2024, Mississippi ranked “first as the deadliest state for drivers with 23.8 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents.” Traffic fatalities were “76% above the national average of 13.6 crash fatalities per 100,000 residents.”

The Meridian area is a critical crossroad for several major highways and interstates, which means heavy traffic and a higher risk of serious accidents. Whether you’re driving locally or traveling through the city, you’re likely to cross some of Mississippi’s busiest and most dangerous roads, including:

  • Interstate 20 (I-20). This major east-west highway runs directly through Meridian, connecting the city to Jackson (to the west) and Alabama (to the east). I-20 has a high fatality rate, with approximately 0.66 fatalities per mile. The segment through central Mississippi is especially dangerous due to narrow lanes, winding roads, and dense vegetation that reduces driver visibility, leading to an increased accident risk.
  • Interstate 59 (I-59). Merging with I-20 through Meridian, I-59 heads southeast toward Laurel and Hattiesburg. This route is frequently used by commercial trucks and high-speed travelers, adding to the danger.
  • S. Highway 45 (US 45). Running north-south through Meridian, US 45 connects drivers to Columbus in the north and Mobile, Alabama in the south. It’s a major route with both local and through traffic, which can lead to frequent collisions.
  • S. Highway 11 (US 11). An older highway that parallels I-59, US 11 is still heavily used by local drivers and can be the site of dangerous crashes, especially where it intersects with other busy roads.

  • What types of car accidents do your Meridian lawyers handle?

    At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we have more than 200 years of combined experience handling all types of car accidents. Some of the many types of car accidents we handle include:

    • Head-on crashes
    • Broadside accidents
    • Rear-end collisions
    • Accidents involving three or more cars
    • Single-car accidents
    • Uber and Lyft accidents
    • Pedestrian accidents
    • Bicycle accidents
    • Accidents with trucks and motorcycles

What are the common causes of car accidents in Meridian?

Our Meridian car accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, product safety experts, traffic reconstruction experts, and through the discovery process (formal questions and answers of everyone with knowledge of your accident) to show the cause of your accident.

Common reasons for car accidents in Mississippi include:

  • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics
  • Driving while distracted – by texting, talking on a mobile phone, using a GPS, eating, or other distractions
  • Speeding or violating any other Mississippi traffic law
  • Driving while tired
  • Driving too fast for the weather or traffic conditions
  • Defective car parts
  • Poorly designed or maintained roads
  • Many other causes

What injuries do Meridian accident victims suffer?

At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we represent car occupants, pedestrians, and bicycle riders who suffer any type of serious, permanent, chronic, or catastrophic injury, including the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Burns
  • Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
  • Fractures/broken bones
  • Nerve, muscle, ligament, tendon, or tissue damage
  • Back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Loss of hearing or vision
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Death

We work with emergency room doctors, surgeons, neurologists, orthopedists, burn specialists, and many other types of specialists who treat your physical injuries. Our Meridian car accident lawyers also work with psychologists who treat your emotional injuries. In addition, we work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other types of rehabilitative care specialists.

If you have a catastrophic injury, we work with life planners and social service professionals to analyze the long-term care you will need and how your injuries affect your family.

When we have fully reviewed all your medical records and care, and when the status of your medical injuries is clear, we can prepare a formal demand letter that begins the negotiation process with the insurance companies for the defendants.

Who is liable for car accidents in Meridian?

Our Meridian car accident lawyers file claims against all responsible parties. The defendants in a car accident case may include:

  • The driver who causes the accident
  • An employer of the driver
  • The owners of the car if they are not the same as the driver – such as parents of teenagers who cause accidents
  • A trucking company
  • The manufacturers of defective car parts such as brakes, tires, fuel lines, airbags, and seatbelts
  • A seller of alcoholto a driver who is visibly intoxicated or a minor who then causes your accident due to their intoxication.
  • The Mississippi Department of Transportation, or other governmental agencies/entities.

What is the value of my Meridian car accident claim?

We prepare a formal demand letter when the status of your medical injuries is clear. The demand letter starts the negotiation process. In that letter, we demand compensation for all your damages so far and all the damages you will have for the rest of your life. The damage demand includes the following:

  • Your medical bills.These include ambulances, emergency room care, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitative therapy, medications, and assistive technology and devices.
  • Your income loss.This amount includes lost wages, benefits, business income, and compensation if you have a permanent disability.
  • Pain and suffering.We demand compensation for every day and every way you hurt – physically and emotionally.
  • Property damage. This amount includes the damage to your vehicle.
  • Other damages.These may include scarring and disfigurement, loss of bodily function, the inability to enjoy life’s pleasures, and loss of consortium (marital enjoyment).

We may seek punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct is unconscionable.

Our lawyers file wrongful death actions (to compensate families for the funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of personal comfort and guidance) when a Meridian car accident is fatal.

When should I file my Meridian car accident claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Mississippi is three years. The time limit for filing claims against governmental agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Transportation is just one year (and notice must be given 90 days before filing the claim). Some exceptions may apply so please call us as soon as possible.

You should never wait to call us. It’s crucial that you contact us as soon as possible so we can review your medical care, investigate the accident site, and speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I expect from a car accident settlement?

The amount you can expect from a car accident settlement depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment (both current and future), lost wages, property damage, and how much pain and suffering you’ve endured. More serious accidents, especially those involving catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, usually result in higher settlements because the long-term impact on your life is much greater. In Mississippi, insurance policy limits and who was at fault also play a big role in determining your settlement. While every case is different, working with an experienced car accident lawyer like Merkel & Cocke, P.A. can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve based on your specific injuries and losses.

Is Mississippi a no-fault state?

No, Mississippi is not a no-fault state. It follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the damages, usually through their insurance company. If you’re injured in a crash, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, use your own insurance if you have certain coverages, or file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. Because fault must be proven, working with an experienced car accident lawyer like Merkel & Cocke, P.A. can help protect your rights and ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Can a car accident be partially my fault?

Yes, a car accident can be partially your fault in Mississippi, but you may still be able to recover compensation. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still seek damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your total settlement or award would be reduced by 30%. This is why it’s important to have experienced Meridian car accident lawyers on your side to help minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery.

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

Yes, you should always report a car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe the other driver was completely at fault. Most insurance policies require you to notify them promptly after an accident, and failing to do so could risk losing coverage. Reporting the accident allows your insurance company to start processing your claim, investigate the crash, and protect you if the other driver files a claim against you. Even if you don’t plan to use your own insurance, letting them know keeps you in good standing and ensures you have support if problems arise later.

Do you have a Meridian car accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Our Meridian office is located at Regions Bank Building, Suite 205, 406 22nd Avenue. You can also speak with us by phone and through online conversation platforms like Zoom. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we can make arrangements to see you at your home or a healthcare facility.

Get help from our respected Meridian, Mississippi car accident lawyers today

In an instant, a car accident can change your life. One moment, you’re focusing on your destination. The next moment, you’re in an emergency room worrying about your health and your finances. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we have more than 200 years of combined experience fighting for personal injury victims. Our lawyers are ready now to assert your right to compensation. Please call us today or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent car accident victims on a contingency fee basis.