Motor vehicle insurance is a legal requirement in Mississippi. Every motorist must carry a minimum amount of coverage and proof of this coverage when operating their vehicle. However, although this insurance is in place to protect drivers and passengers in the event of an accident, it may not be enough to cover all the losses and injuries that can occur.
That is why as a Mississippi motorist, you must understand these insurance policies, what they cover, what they do not cover, and how you can go after the compensation you need following a motor vehicle accident.
Car Insurance Requirements in Mississippi
In Mississippi, liability coverage is the only insurance coverage that is required. This coverage is responsible for paying for expenses related to injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages following a motor vehicle accident. Plus, it can also cover damages to a vehicle after a collision.
The minimum amount of liability coverage that motorists need to have is typically listed as 25/50/25, which represents the different types of coverage it contains:
- $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per individual, which refers to the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay for a single person that was injured in a car crash
- $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, which is the total amount the insurance company will pay for all the injuries that resulted in the car accident where more than one person was harmed
- $25,000 for property damage per accident, which is the total amount that the insurance company will pay for physical damages that were caused in a car collision
More specifically, the bodily injury coverage will safeguard a motorist’s assets if they are found legally responsible for a covered crash, including certain costs associated with bodily harm sustained by other parties. In contrast, property damages will protect the motorists’ assets if they are found legally responsible for a covered accident and pay for the damage caused to another person’s vehicle or personal property.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Optional Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage in Mississippi
Although the below coverages are not required, they are additional coverages that the insurance company offers that can provide you with further protection from the financial risks that may arise from a motor vehicle accident.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage is used to help repair vehicle damage when there is a non-collision-related incident, including theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, weather damage, and contact with animals.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is used to help repair a vehicle when physical damage occurs from a collision with an object or another motor vehicle, such as in a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage protects motorists in the event of an accident where another party is at-fault for a crash but is either underinsured or does not have any car insurance. This type of motorist coverage will pay for the victim’s losses, including property damage or bodily injury.
Medical Benefits Coverage
Medical benefits coverage generally covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses and funeral costs for individuals and others covered under this policy in an accident. This coverage applies regardless of fault and goes up to a specific amount the driver chooses.
Do Mississippi’s Required Insurance Minimums Offer Enough Coverage in an Accident?
Although Mississippi sets these coverage requirements to protect drivers on the road, carrying just the minimum limits often leaves motorists at risk for extensive financial damages following an accident. For instance, if you were involved in a catastrophic car collision, leaving you with significant brain trauma, it is likely the bodily injury limits will be exhausted quite quickly due to required treatments and the ongoing care that will be needed.
For these reasons, it is often recommended that you add extra coverage to your own insurance to help pay for your losses and damages that are not covered by another party’s minimum insurance coverage. However, if you do not have this extra coverage and your accident resulted in severe injuries and expenses, you may be able to pursue legal action against the wrongful party to collect the additional financial damages you need. Yet, to determine if this legal action is possible, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you understand what remedies you can pursue.
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Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney to Help with Your Insurance Claim Following a Mississippi Car Accident?
Following a car collision, you have enough on your plate. The last thing you want to worry about is dealing with Mississippi’s car insurance coverage and fighting for the money you need. Fortunately, with an experienced accident attorney on your side, you will not have to worry about taking on this complex legal fight on your own.
Instead, these attorneys are prepared to take on this battle and go after the damages and justice you deserve. Once they are retained, they can:
- Determine if you have a viable claim and figure out the legal options you can pursue.
- Help you navigate the necessary paperwork and deadlines and ensure legal motions are filed with the appropriate court before time runs out.
- Help you understand what your case is worth and how you can pursue maximum damages.
- Bring in experts who can validate your claim, including accident reconstructionists, doctors, and financial specialists.
- Take on the insurance company and go after a just settlement offer.
- Proceed to trial if the other side is unwilling to provide you with a fair settlement and fight for a successful resolution to your case.
Contact Morris Bart Today and Fight for the Compensation You Need
To go after the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to following a Mississippi motor vehicle accident, you should contact Morris Bart as soon as possible after your collision. Not only will the consultation be free, but our lawyers can go over all your questions and discuss how we can help you fight for your rights and the money you need.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
