Every time you get behind the wheel, your full attention should be on the road — but for many Mississippi drivers, distractions are just one text, call, or glance away. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of accidents, resulting in serious injuries and preventable fatalities every year.

At The Jones Law Firm P.C., we’ve handled countless personal injury claims where distraction played a key role. Understanding what qualifies as distracted driving — and how it affects your legal claim — can make all the difference if you or a loved one is ever involved in a crash.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. Distractions are typically broken into three categories:

🔹 Visual – Taking your eyes off the road

Examples:

• Looking at your phone or GPS

• Reading billboards or signs

• Checking on passengers or pets

🔹 Manual – Taking your hands off the wheel

Examples:

• Texting or scrolling

• Eating or drinking

• Adjusting music or climate controls

🔹 Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving

Examples:

• Daydreaming or being lost in thought

• Talking on the phone (even hands-free)

• Arguing with passengers

Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction — making it a serious public safety issue.

Distracted Driving in Mississippi: A Growing Concern

Distracted driving is a national issue, but it's especially problematic in states like Mississippi, where rural highways, long commutes, and limited enforcement make distraction more likely.

While Mississippi has passed laws to combat phone use behind the wheel — including a ban on texting and social media while driving — many drivers still engage in risky behavior.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation:

• Over 25% of crashes involve some form of distraction

• Drivers under 30 are most likely to be involved in distracted driving incidents

• Even hands-free devices are not risk-free — studies show they can still reduce focus

How Distracted Driving Impacts a Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been hit by a distracted driver, proving distraction can significantly strengthen your case. On the flip side, if you were the one distracted, it could hurt your ability to recover compensation — even if the other driver was also at fault.

Here’s how distracted driving affects personal injury claims:

✅ If the Other Driver Was Distracted:

• Their distraction can help prove negligence, making them liable for your damages

• You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

• Dash cam footage, eyewitness statements, and phone records can all be used as evidence

⚠️ If You Were Distracted:

• Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule — meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault

• For example, if you're 30% at fault and awarded $100,000, you'll receive $70,000

• Insurance companies may try to use distraction to minimize your payout — even if it wasn’t the main cause of the accident

Proving Distracted Driving: What Counts as Evidence?

If you suspect the other driver was distracted, your attorney can take steps to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Common forms of evidence include:

• Witness statements confirming the driver was using a phone or not paying attention

• Dash cam or traffic camera footage

• Cell phone records subpoenaed through legal channels

• Police reports that cite distraction as a contributing factor

• Vehicle data (such as infotainment system logs)

At The Jones Law Firm P.C., we work quickly to secure and preserve this evidence before it disappears — which is why early legal involvement is so important.

Can You Sue a Distracted Driver?

Yes — if you've been injured by a distracted driver in Mississippi, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages and future earning potential

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Long-term disability or therapy costs

Our firm offers free consultations to help determine if your case qualifies and what your legal options are.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Claim

Even if you’ve never caused an accident, it’s important to stay mindful behind the wheel. Distraction doesn’t just endanger others — it could jeopardize your own legal rights in the event of a crash.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving

• Use hands-free options sparingly and only when necessary

• Avoid multitasking — finish eating, grooming, or adjusting settings before driving

• Install a dash cam to protect yourself with real-time evidence

• If you are in an accident, never admit distraction — even in casual conversation or social media posts

Final Thoughts

Distracted driving is more than just a bad habit — it’s a dangerous behavior that can change lives in an instant. Whether you’ve been injured by a distracted driver or want to avoid becoming one, awareness is key.

At The Jones Law Firm P.C., we’re committed to protecting the rights of injured Mississippians. If you suspect your accident involved distracted driving, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

📞 Injured by a Distracted Driver? Let Us Fight for You.

Call The Jones Law Firm P.C. at (601) 540-2385 or email chad@chadjoneslawpc.com today for your free consultation and legal guidance you can trust.