When Should I Call a Lawyer After an Accident?
Accidents do happen and sometimes they are not preventable. While we hope you never have to experience one, it’s a risk that everyone must take. Even the experienced, most cautious drivers can become injured as a result of the negligent actions of another driver on the road. When accidents do occur, it is important that you know how to get help. This may mean that you confide in a Mississippi car accident lawyer affiliated with Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC.
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
If you end up in a car accident, here are some steps you should follow:
- Stop the vehicle- Following an auto accident, people panic and immediately jump out of their car without turning it off first. This can result in serious damage and injury.
- Remain calm and dial 911- You may be hurt, but you are okay. Avoid panicking, since it will only make the situation worse. Call 911 and until help arrives, remain calm.
- Look for signs of intoxication- Look for slurred speech, unusual smells, etc.
- Don’t ever admit fault- It is the responsibility of law enforcement to decide what party is at fault.
- Exchange information- Make sure you exchange info with the other driver, including insurance, name, and contact info.
- Keep track of injuries- Even if the injury isn’t that big, make note of all the injuries.
- Take pictures- If you can, take pictures of any visible bodily injuries in addition to vehicle or property damage.
- Get a copy of the police report- Pass this information along to a car accident lawyer in Mississippi.
- Contact an attorney right away.
When to Hire an Attorney After an Auto Accident
If you experience serious injuries following a car accident, it is important that you hire a Jackson area car accident lawyer. You can receive a free auto lawyer consultation first. You should do this immediately following an accident. Many attorneys are equipped with the necessary skills and experience to handle all types of claims to help prevent mistakes that can be made on your end.
The more time you allow to pass, the easier it will be for evidence to get swept under the rug. Insurance companies prefer to communicate with clients on their own and persuade them into accepting settlements that are not fair. However, with an experienced lawyer on your side from the beginning, you won’t have to worry about being cheated out of your compensation. Your attorney will handle all situations for you and negotiate on your behalf.
How an Attorney Can Help
Mississippi car accident laws are different from other states. It is important that you undergo a free accident lawyer consultation if you have been involved in an auto accident. This is because lawsuits can be extremely confusing for a person who is not an experienced Jackson area car accident attorney. It can be challenging to take care of complicated cases without any help. Additionally, if you have no clue what you are entitled to, you will probably leave large sums of money on the table that can go towards paying your bills, etc. In some cases, it is in the best interest of the victim to work with a Mississippi car accident lawyer to help reduce your stress and work towards receiving the maximum compensation.
Filing an Injury Claim
You only have three years to take action on any personal injury claim. The law states that you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a claim to receive compensation. The clock begins ticking on the date the accident occurred. Avoid waiting to get started on your case or you will risk losing your rights to obtain compensation once the statute of limitations expires.
Additionally, insurance companies require that you report any accident to them via an insurance claim within several days to several weeks at most.
Auto Accident Compensation
If you were injured in a car accident, you are probably wondering how much compensation you can receive. However, it all depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident as well as the damage incurred. There are many factors that are taken into consideration when determining the amount for a settlement such as:
- The percentage of fault
- Hospital and medical bills
- The nature and extent of your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Repair costs
- Future medical treatment
- Cost of disability
- Physical therapies