Your Mississippi Auto Accident Timeline
What to Expect
A personal injury case isn’t just one deadline—it’s a series of important steps. Missing any of them can weaken your claim or even prevent you from recovering compensation.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to keep in mind:
Within 24–48 hours: Report the wreck to law enforcement and your insurance company. Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor.
Within 30 days: Keep up with all medical appointments and start tracking any missed work or out-of-pocket expenses.
Within 6 months: Your doctor may complete your initial treatment or give a long-term outlook for your recovery.
Within 1 year: Many people start negotiating with the insurance company around this point—but make sure you have the right documentation ready first.
By year 2: If your injuries turn out to be more serious or negotiations aren’t going anywhere, it’s time to talk with an attorney.
Before year 3: File your lawsuit before the deadline expires to preserve your rights.
💡 Courtney Law Tip: Insurance companies know the law, too. They may drag things out hoping you’ll miss the deadline. Don’t give them that chance—protect your claim early.
Understanding Mississippi’s Three-Year Deadline for Personal Injury Claims
Mississippi’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck in Mississippi, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This comes straight from Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49.
That deadline might sound like plenty of time, but it can slip by faster than you think—especially when you’re focused on doctor’s visits, therapy, and just getting back to normal life. Once that three-year window closes, the court will likely dismiss your case no matter how strong it is or how serious your injuries are.
⏰ In short: The clock starts ticking on the day of your accident, not when you finish treatment or realize how bad your injuries are.
💡 Tip from Courtney Law: As soon as possible, take clear photos of your vehicle, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Evidence fades quickly—and so do memories.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
If you fail to file a lawsuit before that three-year deadline passes, your case is essentially over. The defendant’s lawyer only has to file a quick motion to dismiss, and the court must grant it—no matter how valid your claim is.
Insurance companies are well aware of this and often stall negotiations to run out the clock. Without the ability to file a lawsuit, you lose all leverage, and the insurer has no reason to offer a fair settlement.
💡 Courtney Law Tip: Never assume ongoing negotiations protect your rights. Always get any agreement in writing before the statute of limitations expires.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
Even good people with honest claims can unintentionally harm their case. Here are some of the most common pitfalls we see:
Relying on the insurance company’s timeline – Adjusters may act friendly, but their goal is to minimize payouts.
Waiting too long to document injuries – Gaps in treatment make it easier for insurers to argue your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Posting on social media – Even innocent posts about daily life can be twisted to suggest you’re not as hurt as you claim.
Delaying hiring a lawyer – The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather solid evidence and build your case.
Protect Your Claim from Day One
The best way to protect your right to compensation is to act early and stay informed. Mississippi’s three-year statute of limitations might seem generous, but time moves fast after an accident.
At Courtney Law, we help clients across Mississippi stay ahead of every deadline and avoid costly mistakes. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, reach out as soon as possible. We’ll walk you through every step—clearly, honestly, and with your recovery as the top priority.
