As summer kicks into full swing, Mississippi’s highways and backroads fill with vacationers, weekend travelers, and families on road trips. But this increase in traffic comes with a sobering reality: the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days” on U.S. roads. Distracted driving plays a significant role in this seasonal spike in accidents.
If you or a loved one is involved in a crash caused by a distracted driver this summer, it’s important to know your rights and the steps to take. In this guide, we’ll break down the causes of distracted driving, what Mississippi law says, and how Davis & Davis PLLC can help you seek compensation if you’re injured.
Summer means more people on the road, especially younger, less experienced drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) notes that teen drivers are particularly at risk during the “100 Deadliest Days.”
With school out, road trips more frequent, and cars often packed with passengers, the likelihood of distraction increases. Nearly 60% of drivers talk on the phone while driving, and almost half send or read texts. Many also adjust GPS settings, eat behind the wheel, or use mobile apps—behaviors that significantly increase the risk of a serious crash.
Distracted driving can be visual, manual, or cognitive, meaning it involves taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the task of driving. During summer travel, these distractions become even more frequent and dangerous.
Some of the most common include:
Even hands-free phone use can reduce focus. Mississippi law prohibits texting while driving, and interacting with a GPS may still be considered negligent if it contributes to a crash.
Yes. While Mississippi doesn’t ban all GPS use, manually inputting directions while driving is considered a distraction. If a crash results, this behavior may serve as evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
Long road trips and irregular sleep schedules are common during summer, increasing the risk of drowsy driving. Drowsy driving mirrors many effects of drunk driving, including slower reaction times and poor judgment.
Taking the right steps immediately after a crash can strengthen your case:
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash in Mississippi, you may be entitled to compensation for:
The amount you can recover depends on the specifics of your case, but working with an attorney ensures that all categories of loss are properly calculated.
At Davis & Davis, PLLC, we understand the challenges that follow a summer travel accident. Our Biloxi-based attorneys bring over 55 years of combined experience to every case and have a proven track record of holding negligent drivers accountable.
We will:
We are available for home and hospital visits, offer weekend and after-hours consultations, and prioritize your recovery.
Can I sue a distracted driver without a police citation?
Yes. A civil claim doesn’t require the other driver to be ticketed—only that you can prove they acted negligently.
Is using a GPS considered distracted driving in Mississippi?
In some cases, yes. If a driver is manually entering directions or taking their attention off the road, it may be considered distracted driving and used to prove negligence.
How can a personal injury attorney help after a distracted driving crash?
An attorney can handle evidence collection, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation in court if needed.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver in Mississippi this summer, the experienced attorneys at Davis & Davis, PLLC are here to help. We offer aggressive representation and client-focused service from the moment you call.
Contact Davis & Davis, PLLC today at (228) 275-9922 for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you move forward after a distracted driving accident
