Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough without worrying about long-term consequences on your driving record. If you’ve been in an accident in Mississippi, you’re probably wondering how long it will remain on your record and what impact it might have on your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and driving privileges. At Giddens Law, we understand these concerns and are here to help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident.
If you were involved in a car accident, you need an experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer by your side to help you with the insurance claim. Contact Giddens Law Firm now to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
The Standard Timeline For an Auto Accident to Be Removed From Your Driving Record
In Mississippi, most car accidents typically stay on your driving record for three years from the date of the incident. This timeframe applies to standard accidents that don’t involve aggravating circumstances like DUI, serious injuries, or fatalities.
However, it’s important to understand that the duration can vary depending on several factors. Car crashes that cause injuries, deaths, or major property damage can stay on your record for five years or more. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains different retention policies based on the nature and severity of the incident.
In addition, if your accident involved traffic violations such as:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield
These violations can remain on your record for three to five years, with major breaches like DUIs staying for up to five years or longer.
Car accidents that result in criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide, will have much longer-lasting consequences on both your driving and criminal record.
Mississippi’s Unique Approach: No Point System
Unlike many states, Mississippi does not use a traditional point system to track driving violations. This means your car accident won’t add numerical points to your license, but it will still appear on your driving record as a violation.
Mississippi’s no-point system can work in your favor. Instead of accumulating points that could trigger automatic license suspensions, each incident is evaluated individually. This means one accident is less likely to put your driving privileges at risk. However, multiple violations in a short time can still lead to license suspension.
The key to moving forward after an accident is maintaining safe driving habits. You can’t change the past, but a clean record can show the state and your insurance company that you are a responsible driver.
The Impact a Car Accident Can Have On Insurance Rates
One of the most obvious effects of having an accident on your record is a possible rise in insurance costs. Mississippi drivers see an average increase of 46% in car insurance rates after an at-fault accident. This can translate to hundreds of dollars more per year in insurance costs.
Insurance companies typically consider accidents when calculating your premiums for three to five years. However, it’s worth noting that even after an accident is removed from your official driving record, some insurance companies may still have access to this information for extended periods.
Insurance Requirements and Consequences
Mississippi law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If you’re involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance, your driver’s license may be suspended for one year or until you provide proof of coverage that meets state requirements and pay all fines and reinstatement fees.
If you had insurance at the time of the accident but couldn’t show proof, you must provide proof to the Driver Service Bureau Records Division within 60 days to avoid license suspension.
Steps to Protect Your Driving Record Following a Car Accident in Mississippi
To protect your driving record following a car accident, do the following:
- Report the Accident: Always report accidents to police, even if they seem minor
- Exchange Information: Get insurance details from all parties involved
- Document Everything: Take photos and gather witness contact information
- Never Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be used against you later
After the accident, you want to maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding further violations after an accident demonstrates responsibility and can help minimize long-term impacts on your insurance rates.
You may want to complete a defensive driving course. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses, which won’t remove the accident from your record but may help offset rate increases.
Can You Remove an Accident from Your Record Early?
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety typically maintains strict adherence to the three-to-five-year retention policy, and there is no formal process for early removal of an accident from your driving record. However, you may be able to:
- Contest inaccurate information on your record
- Apply for expungement of certain violations after a waiting period
- Work with an attorney to explore legal options for record clearing
You can obtain a copy of your Mississippi driving record from the Driver Service Bureau for $15 if you visit in person or $20 if you order online. Regularly checking your record helps ensure accuracy and allows you to monitor when violations are removed.
How Giddens Law Can Help with Your Mississippi Car Accident Case
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Mississippi, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and minimizing long-term consequences. Our team can help by:
- Investigating the accident to determine fault accurately
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Challenging inaccurate information on your driving record
- Advising you on strategies to minimize the accident’s impact
- Representing you in court if necessary
While car accidents in Mississippi typically remain on your driving record for three years, the impact can vary significantly based on the circumstances involved. More serious accidents or those involving traffic violations may have longer-lasting consequences, both on your record and your insurance rates.
The key is to take proactive steps immediately after an accident to protect your interests and work with qualified legal counsel to navigate the aftermath. Remember that every case is unique, and what works for one situation may not apply to another.
Don’t let an accident define your driving future. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Mississippi, contact Giddens Law today for a consultation. We’ll review your specific situation and help you understand your options for moving forward while protecting your rights and your record.
Contact Giddens Law today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your driving record and your future.