Legal Options After a Drunk Driving Accident in Mississippi
Drunk driving isn’t just illegal — it’s one of the most reckless and dangerous choices a person can make behind the wheel. At Williams Newman Williams, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be for victims and their families. If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Mississippi, you have legal rights. And you have options.
This guide outlines the steps you can take to protect yourself, seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
The Immediate Aftermath: What To Do After a Car Accident
After a crash involving a suspected drunk driver, your first priority is safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help. Law enforcement officers will document the scene and may conduct field sobriety or breathalyzer tests if intoxication is suspected.
Be sure to:
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Get names and contact info from any witnesses.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries and the scene.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel “OK.”
Drunk driving accidents often involve high speeds or head-on collisions, which can cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious.
Civil vs. Criminal: What’s the Difference?
A drunk driver may face criminal charges, such as DUI or aggravated DUI. However, criminal charges alone won’t compensate you for your injuries or losses.
That’s where civil law comes in.
As the victim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. In a civil case, the focus is on compensation, not punishment. You may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical bills (present and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Can You Seek Punitive Damages After a Car Accident?
Yes. In Mississippi, courts may award punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Drunk driving often meets this threshold. Unlike compensatory damages (which cover actual losses), punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
What If the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured?
Unfortunately, many drunk drivers are uninsured or underinsured. If that happens, you may still have options:
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if included in your policy)
- Dram shop claims (against a bar, restaurant, or store that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who caused the crash)
- Third-party liability (if the drunk driver was on the job or driving a company vehicle)
Each case is unique, and the facts matter. That’s why having a skilled attorney is so important.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can feel overwhelming. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or offer a low settlement quickly. A personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and preserve evidence.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts.
- Deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Calculate the full value of your claim.
- Fight for fair compensation in or out of court.
At Williams Newman Williams, we bring decades of experience and a background in insurance defense law, so we know the tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims. We use that insight to your advantage.
You Have a Right to Justice
Being hit by a drunk driver can change your life in an instant. But you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Mississippi law gives you the right to demand accountability and pursue the financial support you need to recover and rebuild.
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, let us help you hold them accountable.
At Williams Newman Williams, our aggressive yet compassionate legal team has recovered millions for victims of negligence, and we don’t get paid unless you win.
📞 Call (601) 949-5080 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Let us hear your story. Let us fight for justice.
