Mississippi has the most car accidents per capita by state, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Our state also tops the list for distracted driving and lack of seatbelt usage. That’s nothing to brag about, but it sure is something to keep in mind when you are out on the road.
Most accidents are - you guessed it - preventable, caused by driver errors including drunk driving, distracted driving, phone use, speeding, failure to yield, reckless driving, speeding and more. Sadly, our state reports over 25 deaths per 100,000 people due to car accidents on our roads. That doesn’t include the number of injured people each year. Even more reason to buckle up when you drive.
Three things are very clear with this knowledge to those of us who live here:
- You need to BE FULLY INSURED with your vehicle
- You need to pay FULL ATTENTION when you are driving your vehicle, and
- You need to KNOW WHAT TO DO if you are involved in a collision.
If you’re in an accident, I have a list of 10 crucial steps you should take before you leave the scene. I’ve conveniently gathered it into a small vinyl folder, with space to keep your insurance card, to keep inside your car. Contact us and we will be happy to send you one or drop by our office at 544 Main Street in Bay St. Louis.
If you need to contact an attorney after a serious accident, we can set up an in-person or phone consultation to discuss the event, the effects the accident has created in your life, and what can be done to compensate you for those unforeseen damages. We can determine if pursuing a claim is right for you and if so, I can help navigate that entire process for you, as I have for many clients for over 30 years.
Dealing with insurance companies is a complicated process and frustrating at times. It helps to have someone on your side who is seasoned in these challenges and will fight for you to make things right.
Be safe out there!