Drunk Driving In Mississippi: Your Legal Options After an Accident
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating and preventable tragedies on Mississippi roads. When someone chooses to drive while intoxicated, they not only break the law, they endanger lives. At Williams Newman Williams, we’ve seen firsthand how victims and their families suffer after these crashes. Fortunately, Mississippi law provides several avenues to hold drunk drivers accountable and pursue compensation for those affected.
What To Do Immediately After an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, your actions in the moments and days that follow can impact your case:
- Call 911: Report the accident and wait for emergency responders. A police report counts as documentation.
- Seek medical attention: Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Prompt care also creates a medical record to support your claim.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and injuries. Get witness contact information. Note any signs that the other driver was impaired (e.g., slurred speech, open alcohol containers).
Understanding Mississippi Drunk Driving Laws
Under Mississippi Code 63-11-30, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04%, and for drivers under 21, it’s .02%.
A drunk driver can face criminal charges, including fines, license suspension and even jail time. Importantly, even without a criminal conviction, civil action can be taken by the victim to recover damages.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options
As a victim of a drunk driving crash, you may be entitled to compensation through:
- Personal injury claims: These cover your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Wrongful death claims: If a loved one died in the crash, surviving family members can seek damages for funeral costs, loss of support and emotional suffering.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the driver’s behavior was especially reckless, Mississippi law allows courts to award additional compensation to punish the offender.
Can You Sue a Drunk Driver?
Yes. A civil lawsuit can help you recover damages even if the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges. You do not need to wait for a DUI conviction to take legal action. Your attorney can use police reports, witness statements and toxicology results to build your case.
Other Parties That May Be Liable
Mississippi’s dram shop law allows victims to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or a minor who then caused an accident. This could include bars, restaurants or liquor stores that acted negligently.
Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may offer fast cash to settle your claim early. These offers often fail to account for long-term expenses, future care needs or emotional trauma. Once you accept, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later. An attorney can evaluate any settlement offer and fight for a fair result.
Why Legal Help Matters
Filing a claim after a drunk driving accident involves navigating complex laws, insurance company tactics and the emotional toll of recovery. Having a legal team on your side means you won’t face it alone. Williams Newman Williams will investigate the crash, handle all negotiations and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you deserve justice. The legal team at Williams Newman Williams is ready to fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
