ATTALA COUNTY, MS (March 10, 2025) – A 9-year-old girl has died after being hit by a vehicle on March 7.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the child was struck near Highway 43 North near Black Jack Road in Attala Couty around 3:40 p.m.
The child was in serious condition and was taken by ambulance to the Baptist-Attala Emergency Department to be airlifted for further treatment. She died the next day.
MHP is investigating the accident.
Pedestrian Accidents in Attala County, MS
Pedestrian accidents in Attala County, Mississippi present distinct challenges, particularly when children are involved. Mississippi law establishes a heightened duty of care for drivers in areas where children are likely to be present, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and parks.
In Attala County, the rural nature of many roadways creates specific risks for child pedestrians. The lack of sidewalks, limited street lighting, and higher speed limits on country roads contribute to dangerous conditions. Additionally, many Attala County children must walk along highway shoulders to reach school bus stops, increasing their vulnerability.
Mississippi applies a modified comparative negligence standard in pedestrian accident cases. For child victims, the courts typically apply what’s known as the “tender years doctrine,” which recognizes that children under 7 generally cannot be held contributorily negligent. Children between 7-14 are presumed incapable of negligence, though this can be rebutted by showing unusual maturity or awareness.
Damage recovery for child pedestrian accidents in Attala County often includes medical expenses, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and potential diminished future earning capacity. Parents may also recover for their losses, including medical bills they’ve paid and loss of their child’s services.
The statute of limitations for injuries to minors in Mississippi is extended—the standard three-year period doesn’t begin until the child turns 21, providing families extended time to pursue justice.
If you or a family member were involved in a pedestrian accident, our Mississippi pedestrian accident attorneys can help. Contact Giddens Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law Firm as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.