Mississippi Accident Lawyer Blog

An 18 wheeler jackknifed on interstate 20 in Jackson, MS during rush hour traffic completely blocking both lanes. Traffic was backed-up for miles.  Diesel fuel was spilled all over the highway which had to be cleaned up before the interstate was reopened. Traffic was re-routed through highway 80.

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Casey Aldridge and two of his four passengers were not wearing any seat belts and were thrown out of the vehicle when he wrecked his Ford pickup truck after a fishing trip. The paramedics said that he suffered brain trauma, a fractured skull and was unconscious at times. He sustained a blood clot near his brain which needed to be operated on soon. Jamie Lynn, the sister of Britney Spears, gave birth to Casey's daughter Maddie about 10 months ago.

Aldridge was charged with careless driving on his way home in Mississippi. Louisiana State Police said that alcohol was not involved.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, you should consult with an experienced Accident Attorney. Paul Snow, P. A. has over 30 years experience in handling accident cases involving serious injury and death for car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents and defective products. If you have any questions, call us at 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.
 

The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld a jury verdict against Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and others when a vehicle left the road and flipped over hitting a tree. Travis Kirby was killed and Riley Strickland and Sidney Odom were injured. The lawsuit alleged that the back right tire was faulty and caused the accident. It was rated for 50,000 miles, but failed at 10,000 miles. Also, the tires were sold as high-performance tires when in fact they were regular passenger car tires. The companies claimed that the accident was caused by speeding, drinking and/or something in the roadway. Of course, the jury did not buy any of that nonsense.

If you would like to discuss this case or any other accident case, call Paul Snow 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

The Mississippi chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving held its 15th annual vigil recently in Pearl, MS. Those in attendance lit candles and paused to remember those who were killed in drunk driving accidents. Bill Downs lost his son, his wife and a friend in a crash on October 6th, 2007, caused by a drunk driver. MADD said it's important to educate the public on the consequences of driving while under the influence. It's never safe to drink and drive. If you are around someone who is obviously drunk, tell the bartender to stop serving that person or make sure they have a ride home.

Last year, 24,000 DUI arrests were made which is about a 20% increase from the year 2007. According the Attorney General Jim Hood, law enforcement agencies are the ones cracking down on drunk drivers.

If you know of someone who was injured or killed by a drunk driver, you should consult with a Mississippi Accident Lawyer who handles these types of cases. They can be complicated. For example, the recent case involving the young doctors who were killed by Mrs. Irby comes to mind. The blood alcohol test results were finally published in the newspaper showing that she was .09 BAC at the time the test was given. What you were not told is the time that the test was administered. One looses .02 BAC every hour that one is not consuming alcohol. So lets say that the test were performed at least 4 hours after the accident, then the driver would have lost .08 BAC in four hours time;if you add what was lost by waiting four hours to the results of the test, then in that event, the BAC at the time of the accident would have been .17 (.09 plus .08= .17). All this is an assumption based on waiting four hours before the test was given;it may have been more or less time, we just don't know that information. Maybe the public needs to know exactly when the test was given!

Call Paul Snow 601-969-1977 if you have any questions about these type of alcohol cases or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

One man is dead and two others seriously injured in a one vehicle accident near Hazlehurst,MS. Patrick Morton of Duson, La. was driving his 1996 Ford pickup truck when he lost control of his vehicle when he reached over and tried to wake up one of his passengers. He veered off of the road and the truck flipped over shortly before 7:00 a.m. Derrick Jones of Jennings, La. and Morton were taken to University Medical Center in Jackson, MS where they were listed in critical condition.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in any type of accident, you should consult with an experienced accident lawyer. Paul Snow, P.A. has over 30 years experience in handling all types of accident cases. If you have any questions, call us at 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

An 18 wheeler tractor-trailer truck overturned in the median on I-10 near Hwy. 57. The accident was caused when a tire from another truck fell into the highway and hit the 18 wheeler. The trailer came open and flammable chemical's were spilled onto the interstate highway.

The MDEQ was called to the scene of the accident. They said that the chemicals were dangerous and were explosive. They had to unload each drum and put the contents inside another drum, then right the truck, then clean up whatever was spilled on the ground.

In Mississippi, these 18 wheeler trucks must carry special insurance if they are going to haul hazardous materials through our state. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that special precautions be taken when transporting any hazardous materials. Luckily, no one was injured in the accident.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed in an accident, you should consult an experienced Mississippi Accident Lawyer. Paul Snow handles all types of accident cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, drunk driving accidents and cases involving defective products. If you have any questions, call us at 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow

A school bus driver was injured when she rear-ended a log truck at Bouie River bridge. The bus driver was seriously injured and taken to Forrest General Hospital by ambulance. There were no children on the bus.

The law offices of Paul Snow is a Mississippi lawfirm which handles all types of accident cases including car, truck, motorcycle, and defective products. If you have any questions, call now 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer, Paul Snow

A 25 year old Picayune, MS woman was killed in an accident when her vehicle collided with a 2006 dump truck. The accident happened on a newly opened road and was being investigated by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Hancock County Sheriff's office, and a NASA officer. Assuming that the dump truck came over in the car's lane of travel, then the family of the deceased could make a claim against the truck's insurance company.

Continue reading "Picayune, MS Woman Dies In Truck Crash" »

An 89 year old woman from Gulfport, MS was killed in a car wreck when her husband  made a left turn in front of an oncoming pick up truck. The husband and the driver of the truck were taken to a local hospital.

Who can sue whom and why? The driver of the pickup truck can sue the driver of the car. Can the deceased wife make a claim? Yes, she can make a claim against her husband for negligently causing her death. The tricky part is who gets the insurance proceeds. The wrongful death statute lists all of the wrongful death beneficiaries who are entitled to recover the proceeds. Should the husband be able to recover since he is the one who caused the accident? Mississippi law is vague when it comes to this issue. But, someone in the family should be able to receive the proceeds. This is the reason why people pay for car insurance in case there is an accident. Just because it involves a husband and a wife does not make any difference.

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An Airman stationed at Columbus Air Force Base caused a wreck when he tried to pass a vehicle who was about to turn left. The airman was driving a Corvette and hit another vehicle when he tried to pass the stopped vehicle waiting to turn left.

Witnesses who live in the area say that the cars always fly up and down that road. The accident happened about 100' from the airbase gate. Looks like the guy driving the Vette was in a hurry to get where he was going. Usually the Air Force investigates all accidents involving airman.

My lawfirm handled a case when two airman were overserved alcohol by the local Holiday Inn; when the bartender kicked them out of the bar for acting drunk, the airman hit an 18 wheeler within five minutes of leaving the bar. Both men were killed. How much trouble would it have been for the bartender to call a cab or not overserve them once they appeared intoxicated? The families settled with the bar after we filed our lawsuit. Numerous accidents are caused because the bar overserved the customer. This is called liquor liability in the legal community or Dram Shop case.

Continue reading "Columbus, MS Airman Causes Accident" »

An 85 year old Brandon, MS resident died in a car wreck when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed over into oncoming traffic. He first side-swiped a Nissan, then hit a Jeep, then hit a Honda Civic head-on. The drivers of the other vehicles were seriously injured and taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS.

Who can sue whom and why? Anyone who was a driver or passenger who was injured can make a claim against the at fault driver for loosing control of his vehicle. Since it was raining at the time of the accident, there may be a claim against the highway department for failure to properly maintain the highway assuming there were numerous accidents at that particular location and/or something was wrong with the highway which caused hydroplaning  of vehicles. Since the driver was 85 years old, the family who allowed him to drive may be liable if they knew that he was an incompetent driver and allowed him to drive anyway.

Of course, if there were not enough insurance coverage on the at fault driver, then claims could be made against the insurance companies of the injured parties for uninsured motorist and medical pay benefits.

Continue reading "Brandon, MS Resident Dies In Car Crash" »

A car accident that happened on the Mississippi River Bridge killed one victim at the scene and another one died at the University Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The car crash involved four cars and the at fault driver was charged with vehicular homicide because he was driving while under the influence.

Who can sue whom and why? The families  of both deceased can sue the driver of the at fault vehicle;also, if they can prove where the driver obtained his alcohol, then they may have a case against that establishment. This is what is known as a Dram Shop case. A dram is about the same size as a large beer. Have you ever heard of the phrase: "watch your P's and Q's?" Well, that came from the old days when the waitress used a chalk board to mark down how much that you had to drink; you either had a pint or a quart; of course, after a few beers, the customer would become drunk and then the waitress would change the P's into a Q's; hence the phrase: watch your P's and Q's.

Continue reading "Car Accident Victim Dies At Jackson, MS Hospital " »

A Columbus, MS man was involved in an accident  when his 1998 Ford pick-up lost control and hit a tree. His personal injuries were so bad that he had to be airlifted to the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS.

The driver had to be cut out of the truck by the emergency responders. 

Continue reading "Columbus, MS Man Airlifted To Tupelo Hospital" »

Two Mississippi State University students were killed in a car crash on March 23 on Highway 25 in Carthage, Leake County, Mississippi. Both were taken to University Medical Center in Jackson, MS where they passed away. One was from Columbus and one from Starkville, MS.

Lyndsi Marie Hill of Columbus was a junior majoring in human sciences. Bradley Kyle Gibson of Starkville was a cum laude graduate of MSU and was a graduate student.

These type of cases are difficult for the family because they have lost a loved one. Sometimes they are mothers, fathers, children,brothers,sisters,aunts,uncles and other relatives. Its never easy.

 

Continue reading "MSU Students Killed In Accident In Carthage, MS" »

A Lowndes County teen was killed in an accident on March 15th in a one vehicle accident on Highway 69 and five other passengers were injured and taken to a local hospital. It is believed that a seat belt was not used which contributed to the death.

In a wrongful death case, the family may recover damages for lost income that the deceased would have earned during their lifetime had they not been killed, pain and suffering, medical and funeral bills, loss of love, society and companionship and all damages allowed by law for the wrongful death. The family members entitled to recover are the mother,father, brothers and sisters of deceased. Any family member can hire a Mississippi Accident Lawyer to pursue the case on behalf of all family members. If there are no immediate family members, then any relative can open an estate and the estate can proceed with the lawsuit. The wrongful death statute is found at MS Code section  11-7-13 of MS Code of 1972, Annotated.

Continue reading "Lowndes County, MS Teen Killed In Car Wreck" »

On March 22, 2009 at about 3:45 a.m. a Columbus, MS man was killed and two passengers were seriously injured when their Toyota left the highway,struck a culvert and then flipped over throwing all three occupants out of the vehicle. The two injured were taken to the Golden Triangle Hospital. The MHP thinks speed was a factor and that no one was wearing a seat belt since everyone was thrown from the car.

WHO CAN SUE WHOM AND WHY? The driver happened to be a 20 year old minor. Each passenger can make a claim against the driver's insurance company and the owner of the car's insurance company if it is different from the driver. Also, if the driver had been drinking, then a claim can be made against the alcohol provider's insurance company for serving or selling alcohol to a minor. If the seat belts were used and broke during the crash, then a claim can be made against the car manufacturer.

Continue reading "Columbus, MS Man Killed In Early Morning Accident" »

On 3-21-09 two teenagers from Vicksburg, MS were killed in a car crash on I-20 when their Honda Civic lost control and crossed over the centerline and struck a Toyota; thereafter, an 18 wheeler hit both cars.

WHOM CAN SUE WHOM AND WHY? Obviously, the innocent driver can sue the driver of the vehicle who lost control;also, the passenger in the at fault Honda can sue his driver. If the 18 wheeler had enough time within which to stop, but hit the cars anyway, then a claim may also be made against the 18 wheeler company.

There may be other areas of recovery, so if you know of someone who was involved in an accident and received injuries, call Paul Snow to discuss your rights.

Continue reading "Two Vicksburg, MS Teenagers Killed In Auto Crash" »

Two people were killed and another injured in a accident on I-20 in Vicksburg, MS which involved three vehicles.The driver of the eastbound vehicle lost control of his car and crossed the median hitting the westbound car and knocking it into an 18 wheeler. Autopsies were performed at the MS Crime Lab in Jackson, MS. Traffic was backed-up into Hinds County.

WHO CAN SUE WHOM AND WHY? The at-fault driver can be sued by the family of the deceased in the other car. Also, the person who was injured in the accident also has a claim against the at-fault driver. If the driver were drinking, then there may be a claim against the bar, grocery store or package liquor store who sold the alcohol to the driver. There may be other avenues of recovery that is why you should talk with a MS Accident Lawyer to discuss all of your options.

Continue reading "Two Killed In Vicksburg, MS Accident" »

 A ten year old girl from Jackson, MS was killed in a one vehicle accident in Yazoo County with her mother and brother being seriously injured. The accident happened on Hwy. 49 when the driver over corrected,lost control and hit a tree. The injured were taken to UMC for treatment of their injuries.

WHO CAN SUE WHOM AND WHY? The family of the ten year girl has a claim against the driver of the vehicle for wrongful death. Since the girl's mother was driving, this is what is known in the legal community as a friendly lawsuit. The mother's insurance company would pay the claim based on the careless driving of the mother. The same rules apply to the boy who was injured. He also has a claim against his mother's insurance company for his injuries. The boy would also participate in the recovery of the wrongful death case since that was his sister who was killed. The father, brother and any other siblings would divide the money equally.

Continue reading "Jackson, MS Fifth Grader Killed In Car Accident" »

A small car and a pickup truck hit head-on killing John Hood of Vancleave and Ricks Cooley of Lucedale, MS.Two minors who were riding as passengers in Cooley's vehicle were taken to USB Medical Center in Mobile, AL, and listed in critical condition.

WHO CAN SUE WHOM AND WHY? The driver and passengers of the vehicle that was hit head-on may have a claim against the at-fault driver for negligence. Claims can be made for medical bills,lost income, pain and suffering,permanent injuries,mental distress, and any other damages arising out of the accident. Sometimes there is not enough insurance money to go around, so it is best to call a MS Accident Lawyer as soon as possible so you don't end up with the short end of the stick.

Continue reading "Two Killed And Three Injured In Head-On Collision In Leakesville, MS" »

A passenger riding in a gold car was killed when the driver ran a stop sign and rear-ended another vehicle;but the wreck didn't stop there. The at-fault driver then tried to leave the scene of the accident and ran into an 18 wheeler. There were two children in the car. The car had a Mississippi tag but it didn't match the vehicle that he was driving;

Continue reading "Passenger Killed In Memphis Accident" »

More than 10,000 veterans may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis while undergoing colonoscopies and other procedures from improperly cleaned equipment at the V.A. hospital. An investigation has been started to ascertain if any of the equipment was contaminated, whether any veteran has contracted an infection from the unsterilized equipment, and how to prevent problems in the future.

A spokesman for the V.A. said: "We have an obligation to provide those who have served and sacrificed for our Nation the care they deserve. We are making sure to take corrective measures to ensure veterans have the information and the care necessary to deal with this unacceptable development."  Care? What about some compensation for giving someone HIV from some infected equipment.

This is covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act. There are certain administrative procedures that have to be followed before a lawsuit can be filed against the United States. A federal judge will decide the case without a jury. There are certain deadlines within which a claim must be filed.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed as a result of negligence of a  government agency, call a MS Accident Lawyer to discuss your options. Don't delay, because time is short to file your claim.

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