STATE LAW – MISSISSIPPI LIBRARY – GUIDE 16
Mississippi Government Vehicle Crashes, MTCA Notice & Liability Caps
Mississippi government-vehicle claims are governed by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, with a short notice/filing regime, statutory immunity exceptions, and a $500,000 cap for all claims arising from a single occurrence under current law.
Government Crashes
MTCA deadlines and immunity questions must be screened immediately
Miss. Code §§ 11-46-5, 11-46-11, and 11-46-15 govern waiver, notice/action procedure, and damages limits for covered state and political-subdivision tort claims.
One-year action period and statutory notice
The MTCA uses a specialized notice and limitations framework rather than the ordinary three-year personal-injury period. The correct governmental entity and chief executive officer/contact must be identified, and the statutory notice requirements should be satisfied before relying on ordinary tort deadlines.
2026 SB2360 creates a registry/tolling safeguard
Effective July 1, 2026, SB2360 requires the Tort Claims Board to maintain a public registry of covered governmental entities and CEO contact information. If the registry information is incorrect when notice is served, the one-year limitations period can be tolled until correct information is posted, subject to the enacted terms. The amendment does not eliminate the notice requirement.
Current damages cap
For acts or omissions occurring on or after July 1, 2001, § 11-46-15 caps liability at $500,000 for all claims arising out of a single occurrence. Punitive damages and prejudgment interest are barred under the statute, subject to its terms.
Preserve public-entity evidence
- Vehicle ownership and employing entity.
- Driver identity and course/scope facts.
- Dispatch, GPS, camera, radio, and maintenance records.
- Correct registry/notice recipient.
- Proof of MTCA notice and filing dates.
Authorities
Primary Mississippi authority for this topic
Use the current statute, controlling decisions, and operative policy before legal reliance.