Car crashes can be very expensive and inconvenient for the people involved. A crash will likely make someone late for work or other appointments. If they suffer significant injuries, they could be away from work for weeks.
The vast majority of collisions occur because of Mistakes by one of the drivers involved. Those injured in collisions may hope to recover the financial losses they suffered because of the crash by holding the party at fault financially responsible. However, there are strict limits to what people can recoup following a wreck.
What damages are potentially recoverable after a Mississippi car crash?
Injury and property damage losses
The two main categories of expenses that people have to cover after a Mississippi collision involve property damage expenses and costs related to injuries. These are both types of economic losses.
Injuries such as a broken leg could trigger thousands of dollars in care costs and then even more in lost wages. A blue-collar worker may have to take a leave of absence until their bone knits and they complete physical therapy after healing. More severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and amputations, could leave workers in the hospital for weeks and struggling with massive expenses. They may also have lasting changes to their earning potential because of the long-term consequences of their injuries.
If a driver at fault for a crash has the lowest amount of coverage required by Mississippi law, the damages from a crash could amount to far more than insurance would cover. Drivers only need to have $25,000 each of property damage and bodily injury liability coverage for a crash causing injury to one person.
Those policy limits are relatively low and could leave people with huge financial burdens. Sometimes, those with more extensive losses take legal action to more fully recoup their losses. There are no policy limits for litigation, which means that people can recover the full financial impact of injuries and property damage losses. They can also request compensation for non-economic losses, like pain and suffering.
The average individual may struggle to make sense of insurance coverage, estimate future losses and negotiate with insurance providers. Knowing what damages people can recover and seeking legal guidance throughout the process may lead to the best possible outcome after a Mississippi crash.