Can You Sue for Crashing into a Tree in Mississippi?

Vehicles crash into trees in Mississippi more often than you might think. In fact, most roads are lined with trees on either side — causing most cars to collide with these natural barriers whenever they veer off. But can you really sue for crashing into a tree in Mississippi? What happens if you’re stuck with serious injuries, missed wages, medical expenses, and all kinds of additional damages? How can you get compensation for these losses? Let’s find out:

People Crash into Trees All the Time in Mississippi

Unfortunately, motorists crash into trees on a frequent basis in the Magnolia State. On March 5th of 2023, it was reported that a motorcyclist had rashed into a tree on Sulpher Springs Road. The tree was lying across the roadway, haven fallen over before any local authorities could remove it. The collision ejected the rider, sending him into the road and causing critical, fatal injuries. The motorcycle also flew across the roadway, eventually colliding with a second vehicle. The driver of this second vehicle was uninjured.

Mississippi is an At-Fault State

The first thing you need to know is that Mississippi is an at-fault state. This means that in order to receive compensation for your injuries, you must sue someone else. This means proving negligence — something that isn’t always easy. Proving negligence is especially difficult when you collide with a tree, because you cannot sue a plant-based life form in court. Sometimes, your only option is to turn to your own insurance policy for compensation.

You May Still Have the Ability to Recover Compensation

With all that being said, you may still have the ability to recover compensation by suing a negligent party that caused your crash. The obvious example is if you had a “near miss” with a negligent driver, causing you to swerve off the road and into a tree. Even if you never actually impacted the other vehicle, you can still hold them accountable for reckless driving.

This negligent driver may have been driving on the wrong side of the road — or perhaps they were swerving around due to intoxication. Whatever the case may be, you can sue them for causing you to crash into a tree. The only issue is that these drivers often flee the scene, making it difficult to pursue justice unless you manage to see their license plate number.

In very rare cases, you may also have the ability to sue property owners and public government agencies for failing to clear away fallen trees. If a tree lies across a road for quite some time, this constitutes clear negligence. At the very least, these parties are required to put up signs warning drivers of the hazards of fallen trees.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Mississippi?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Ballard Law, PLLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs strive for the best possible results. An internet article cannot provide you with personalized legal advice. It is impossible to determine whether you can sue for your tree crash without speaking with a lawyer. Book a consultation today to discuss your legal options.

Sources

1. https://www.wlbt.com/2023/03/05/man-ejected-motorcycle-after-colliding-with-fallen-tree-madison-co-dies-scene/
2. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5433697.pdf

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Jackson, MS 39201
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If you have further questions about this article or legal concerns, call 800-672-3103