{"id":374343,"date":"2016-12-07T13:42:31","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T18:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:02:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T14:02:46","slug":"mississippi-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Mississippi Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 25, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<blockquote>Mississippi&#8217;s car accident laws follow a comparative negligence system and give victims three years to file their claims. Understanding the car accident settlement process is crucial to protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of receiving a fair settlement.<\/blockquote>\r\n<p>The car accident settlement process can feel overwhelming and challenging. An experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident attorney in Mississippi<\/a> can guide you through the process and help you receive the fair compensation you deserve.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Essential Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Mississippi<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>After an accident, your safety and the safety of others are the first priorities. Once you&#8217;ve ensured everyone&#8217;s safety, you must take several critical steps to protect your legal interests and comply with Mississippi law.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Report the Car Accident<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-63-motor-vehicles-traffic-regulations\/ms-code-sect-63-3-411\/\" title=\"Mississippi code\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi code<\/a> requires drivers to report car accidents in certain circumstances. You must immediately contact law enforcement if the accident involves:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Any injury or death to a person<\/li>\r\n<li>Property damage exceeding $500 to any vehicle<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You should notify law enforcement authorities as soon as possible using the fastest means of communication. When reporting the accident, contact:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The local police department if the crash occurred within city limits<\/li>\r\n<li>The county sheriff&#8217;s office or the Mississippi Highway Patrol, if it happened outside municipal boundaries<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The highway patrol or the sheriff responding to the scene will investigate the accident. Within six days after completing the investigation, they will forward a written report of the accident to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dps.ms.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi Department of Public Safety<\/a>. The Department may also ask the drivers involved for supplemental reports in case the original report is insufficient. This includes additional information from witnesses to help in the investigation.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Show proof of your liability insurance<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Mississippi requires all drivers to <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-63-motor-vehicles-traffic-regulations\/ms-code-sect-63-15-4\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maintain liability insurance<\/a> coverage. The driver or motor vehicle operator should have the insurance card either in a physical copy or an electronic image. Failure to show proof of insurance in your car could result in a $100 fine. Your driving privilege can be suspended for a year or until you show proof of your liability insurance. You&#8217;re also responsible for paying the fines and fees set by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dps.ms.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Public Safety<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have a valid insurance at the time of the accident but are unable to show proof, it&#8217;s possible to have your case dismissed. You can present the insurance evidence at the hearing or at the payment date to prove that it was in effect. The court will waive all costs and will dismiss the case with prejudice.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Mississippi Car Insurance Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-63-motor-vehicles-traffic-regulations\/ms-code-sect-63-15-3\/#:~:text=(j)%20%E2%80%9CProof,Commissioner%20of%20Insurance.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi Code<\/a> requires the following minimum insurance coverage amounts:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>$25,000 for bodily injury per person<\/li>\r\n<li>$50,000 for bodily injury per accident<\/li>\r\n<li>$25,000 for property damage per accident<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These are to provide protection for those who suffer damages or injuries in an auto accident.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Mississippi&#8217;s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Settlement Claim<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Mississippi follows a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-comparative-negligence\/#:~:text=Pure%20Comparative%20Negligence%3A%20even%20if,you&#039;re%20not%20at%20fault.\" title=\"pure comparative negligence\">pure comparative negligence<\/a> rule. Under this rule, the injured party can still recover money even if they were partially at fault. The jury will reduce the amount of damages awarded based on their percentage of fault or how much the injured person contributed to the accident or damage.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, if damages total $100,000 and you&#8217;re determined to have been 30% at fault, the jury will reduce the amount you can recover by $30,000, resulting in $70,000 in compensation.<\/p>\r\n<p>After an accident, you have three options:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>You can file a claim with your own insurance company<\/li>\r\n<li>You can file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver<\/li>\r\n<li>You can file a lawsuit against the party at fault<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><b>Types of Damages You Can Recover<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Mississippi law allows accident victims to pursue various types of damages:<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/economic-recovery-for-accidents-and-injuries.html\"><b>Economic Damages<\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Medical expenses, including ongoing medical treatment and medical care<\/li>\r\n<li>Lost wages and diminished earning capacity<\/li>\r\n<li>Property damage and vehicle repair or replacement costs<\/li>\r\n<li>Rehabilitation and therapy expenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Non-Economic Damages<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Pain and suffering<\/li>\r\n<li>Emotional distress<\/li>\r\n<li>Loss of enjoyment of life<\/li>\r\n<li>Permanent disability or disfigurement<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Mississippi does not limit the economic damages a victim can claim. However, Mississippi code <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-1-60\/#:~:text=(b)%20In%20any%20civil%20action%20filed%20on%20or%20after%20September%201%2C%202004%2C%20other%20than%20those%20actions%20described%20in%20paragraph%20(a)%20of%20this%20subsection%2C%20in%20the%20event%20the%20trier%20of%20fact%20finds%20the%20defendant%20liable%2C%20they%20shall%20not%20award%20the%20plaintiff%20more%20than%20One%20Million%20Dollars%20(%241%2C000%2C000.00)%20for%20noneconomic%20damages.\" title=\"establishes a statutory limit of $1,000,000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">establishes a statutory limit of $1,000,000<\/a> for non-economic damages.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Observe Mississippi&#8217;s Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\" title=\"Mississippi civil statutes of limitations\">Mississippi civil statutes of limitations<\/a>, accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to file car accident lawsuits for personal injury and property damage claims. If you miss this deadline to file, you might lose your right to file for compensation.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are exceptions to the statutes of limitations. In certain circumstances, the deadline delays its start. <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-15-limitations-of-actions-and-prevention-of-frauds\/ms-code-sect-15-1-59\/\" title=\"These include\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">These include<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If the injured person is a minor under 18 years old at the time of the accident, the three-year period starts to run on their 18th birthday<\/li>\r\n<li>If the injured person is mentally incapacitated or of unsound mind, the statute of limitations may not begin until the removal of their disability as provided by law<\/li>\r\n<li>If the car accident involves a government entity, <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-46-11\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi Code requires<\/a> a notice within 90 days of the accident, and the party must file the action within a year<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The maximum amount of extension for a car accident statute of limitations is 21 years.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Working With Insurance Companies<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>After you file a report of the car accident, insurance adjusters will conduct their own investigation. They will review the police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other relevant evidence. They will then make a car accident settlement offer.<\/p>\r\n<p>It is important to remember that insurance companies operate as businesses. They sometimes focus on minimizing the settlement check. If you think you deserve a better settlement, consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident attorney<\/a> to ensure fair compensation and a settlement offer that covers all the injuries and damages you sustained.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Seek Legal Advice From a Mississippi Car Accident Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident is overwhelming. In most cases, you will be handling insurance calls and worrying about your medical bills. An experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">car accident lawyer<\/a> can help you review your car accident case, help you understand the legal complexities of the Mississippi settlement process, and ensure you receive fair compensation. If you&#8217;re feeling overwhelmed and need assistance gathering evidence and negotiating your insurance claim, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi car accident lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg 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20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img 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