After a car wreck, you’ll likely want to see a doctor. Now, suddenly, your car accident claim is fraught with perils. Of course, the opposing insurance company is going to speak with you, but something is telling you not to speak with it, even though the accident was not your fault. It’s going to fix your injuries, but only at half payment.
Whether a car accident is your fault or not, having a car accident personal injury attorney should be your best action. Car accidents happen every day, and realizing the need for a car accident attorney from the very beginning is a good thing. At Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, our car accident attorney can provide options for dealing with an accident that’s not your fault.
Is Mississippi a No Fault State?
Mississippi is a fault state where if a driver causes an accident in the state, they are responsible for it unless it can be shown that somebody else was at fault for it. That makes matters more complicated.
Were You Hurt in the Accident?
If the answer to this question is yes, how badly were you hurt? Did it take a couple of visits to the doctor with only a few days off, or did it require surgery and rehabilitation after that? These are all questions that must be asked and answered by your auto crash attorney.
They will certainly consider lost time, some permanency, or even future expenses that are directly tied to the claim. These are all considerations that take time to consider, especially when not working for a while.
Will the Insurance Companies Settle?
This might be the biggest question out there. Truth be told, it’s generally better to settle that claim than possibly hold out for more money. That money may get into your hands much quicker while dispelling false accusations.
Saving on legal fees is also a consideration that insurance companies know of. The longer that the clock on this claim ticks, the more expensive it gets for the insurer. For you, though, is it really worth settling? It probably is, but working with a car accident attorney can help you assess whether they are offering reasonably.
Will I Have To Pay any Legal Fees Ahead of Time?
The answer to that question is no, not a penny. You already have bills piling up, and you want more? We won’t do that to you. You have enough to worry about already. There’s no reason for more worries and problems, especially when you’re injured.
To handle your case, your car wreck attorney in Canton will need a police report, estimates, photographs, and the doctors. They might settle the property damage while you continue with your treatment and get you back on the road again.
You might have more questions, and we’re going to answer them. Make an appointment, and we’ll deal with your case. For a car accident lawyer in Mississippi, contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC today.
Imagine driving down the road; you realize the vehicle behind you is too close, putting yourself and others at risk of an auto accident. If you need to step on the brakes suddenly, the car behind you will slam into your vehicle’s back end. It can be frustrating when other drivers do not follow driving laws and safety recommendations, especially when they do not follow safe driving distance suggestions in Mississippi. If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by a driver following too closely, contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC to speak with a car accident lawyer in Mississippi.
What Is a Safe Driving Distance?
Safe driving distance is the phrase associated with the recommended distance a vehicle should follow another vehicle based on the road, speed limit, speed of the cars, and weather conditions. For example, you should follow the three-second safe following distance rule when driving on a straight highway with dry weather conditions. To do this, you should be able to count three seconds from when the car in front of you passes an object before your vehicle passes, such as one Mississippi (delete) two Mississippi, and three Mississippi.
The three-second rule is the minimum safe driving distance between vehicles. More space is always better when possible and is highly recommended on winding roads and unfavorable driving conditions.
How Many Feet Should You Stay Behind a Car?
Though the three-second rule is a suggested rule to follow when driving, it does not easily translate into the number of feet needed between vehicles. To calculate the three-second rule into feet, you must start with how many feet are in a mile – 5,280. Then, you want to multiply your driving speed by 5,280. For example, traveling at 65 MPH, you will multiply 65 x 5,280, which equals deriving 343,200 feet every hour.
Next, divide the feet per house by the number of minutes in an hour. Using the same example above, divide 343,200 by 60, which gives you 5,720 feet per minute. Then, divide the new number 5,720 feet per minute by 60 (for seconds in a minute), which equals about 95.33 feet.
Finally, multiply the number of feet per second by three to calculate the safe driving distance based on the three-second rule. In this example, 95 x 3 suggests a safe driving distance between cars traveling at 65 MPH is about 286 feet.
It is the best way to calculate how many feet to remain behind another vehicle when driving. If possible, work these numbers out before driving, and over time, you will know, based on the roads you are traveling on, how much space in feet to leave between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Why Is a Safe Driving Distance Important?
Driving at a safe following distance is essential to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers and passengers on the road. However, following too close could result in a rear-end auto accident, one of the most common types of accidents.
Being rear-ended is also one of the most dangerous forms of an auto accident. Rear-end collisions can cause extensive damage to the vehicles and cause vehicles involved in the accident to run off the road or hit other cars.
Tailgating, or following too close behind the vehicle in front of you, is the cause of most rear-end collisions. Also, following too close to another car can cause an accident because there is not enough time to maneuver if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or hits something.
Additionally, auto accident injuries suffered in rear-end collisions can include whiplash, broken bones, airbag and seatbelt injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Several tips can help you remain at the minimum following distance from other vehicles on the road. The first is to ensure enough distance between vehicles, allowing plenty of time to stop. Also, stay attentive and watch the vehicle in front of you and the cars in front.
How an Attorney Can Help if an Accident Happens
In the event of an accident, a Mississippi car accident lawyer can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. An attorney can work with insurance companies, speak with medical professionals, and file a personal injury suit against the person who caused the accident. Then, if needed, your attorney can appear in court, presenting your case to the judge and jury.
If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by a driver following too closely, it might be a good idea to speak with an attorney to discuss your options. First, call the attorneys at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC in Canton, MS, to discuss your case and get the compensation you are owed.
One moment, you’re minding your own business and going about your day. The next thing you know, you see a car accident happen right in front of you. You had a clear view of the incident and stuck around to ensure everyone was okay.
After all of that, as a witness to the accident, you’re probably wondering – “if you witness a car accident do you have to go to court?” The answer to the question is, “it depends.” Simply being a witness doesn’t mean you automatically have to go to court, but you may be contacted by a lawyer from our firm to talk about what you saw.
At Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, we speak to witnesses to determine if they have information that could be used in court. As a witness, you’ll speak with a Mississippi car accident lawyer, but you may not get called to testify in court. Here’s more information about being a witness to a car accident.
Who Can Be a Witness to a Car Crash?
Anyone can be a witness to a car crash outside of those who were involved in the accident. You simply have to be in a position to view the accident as it occurred in order to witness a car accident. It’s what you do next that can influence your value as a witness for the people involved in the crash.
Your Responsibilities as a Witness to a Car Crash
There is no legal obligation to identify yourself as a witness of a car accident, but you may wish to help the people that were involved in the crash. Here’s what to do if you see a car accident:
Stop your car in a safe place
You won’t ruin evidence by moving your car and parking it out of the way of traffic. The only time you should leave your car in place is if you are blocked in by accident and can’t move it otherwise.
Call 911
Take a moment and call 911 before you do anything further. The sooner emergency services can reach the scene, the sooner they can provide medical assistance and transport people to the hospital for help. Don’t hold off and assume that other drivers will call, as 911 services are designed to handle an influx of calls for the same accident.
Check your surroundings before getting out of your car
Chances are good that you’re in a bit of shock yourself after witnessing the car accident. You may not be injured, but witnessing a sudden collision can disrupt your senses as they try to process what just happened.
Make sure it’s safe to get out of your car if you’re stuck by the accident or if you pull over to the side to offer assistance. You don’t want to cause a second accident.
Check on the accident victims
Approach the accident scene carefully and look for victims of the crash in their cars first. Talk to them and wait for a response to determine if they’re conscious, but don’t encourage them to get out of the car unless there’s a fire risk. If someone seems to be going in and out of consciousness, talk to them consistently and keep them as alert as possible to prevent them from entering a state of shock.
Turn off the vehicles
In the event that the people involved in the collision are able to move, have them put their cars in the park and turn them off to minimize the risk of fire. If it’s possible to move the cars, do so only if it’s safe. Otherwise, wait for first responders to get to the scene and take care of the vehicles.
Leave your contact information
You can leave your contact information with the police officer that responds to the accident. The officer may contact you later if they need more information, but you may also be contacted by a lawyer for the accident victims later on.
Get in Touch with a Car Crash Attorney
At Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, our law firm can help protect your rights after you’ve been involved in a car accident. Call us today to speak to a Canton car accident lawyer from our firm to learn more about getting just compensation after a car accident. We can help you process a compensation claim and handle all the details of the case on your behalf so you can recover and move forward with your life.
Mississippi is fortunate: Snow rarely dumps on its roadways. It means that driving in snow is rarely something that local drivers face.
But that doesn’t mean that they are impossible. It also doesn’t mean that winter driving in Mississippi doesn’t come with its own challenges. Roads can freeze and become slick. Even a light dusting of snow can make it more difficult to stop suddenly.
And if you’re not willing to learn how to drive in winter, you might need to call upon a Canton car accident lawyer following a fender-bender or other highway mishap.
Common Mistakes in Winter Driving
The attorneys at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC have seen plenty of winter driving mistakes. Some of the more common? Many drivers follow others too closely after roads ice up and become slick.
Yes, Mississippi is blessed with warm temperatures during most of the year. But in winter, these temperatures can drop below freezing. That can cause sliding and rear-end collisions when motorists who don’t know how to drive in winter conditions tailgate.
Another common winter driving mistake? Mississippi drivers might drive too fast in freezing conditions. Higher speeds make it more difficult for motorists to stop quickly enough in winter driving. We have seen far too many winter accidents caused by drivers who didn’t slow down while driving in snow or other winter conditions.
One more big mistake? Distracted driving. Distracted driving is always dangerous. Concentrating on the road while driving in winter is even more important. Don’t answer texts, make phone calls or eat while driving in winter; rather, stay focused on weather conditions and possible hazards.
Safety Tips for Winter Driving
Leave early: When roads ice up or when snow falls, traffic often grinds to a halt. Don’t let this frustrate you. Instead, leave early, so you have plenty of time to reach your destination. Doing this means you’ll be calmer on the road and less likely to make winter driving mistakes.
Slow down: Be aware of roadway conditions. If highways and main streets are slick? Drive slower, even if it means traveling under the posted speed limit. It’s more difficult to suddenly stop when ice covers the roads. If you want to avoid rear-ending that driver in front of you, slow down when driving in snow or under slick conditions.
Keep that wiper fluid full: Make sure to fill your windshield wiper fluid before hitting the road. Icy rain or snow can reduce visibility. You’ll need plenty of wiper fluid to keep your windshields clear, especially if you are traveling a long distance.
Think about snow tires: You might ask, “Can I drive summer tires in winter?” A Canton car accident attorney would say that it is possible. Under most conditions, you won’t need snow tires, but you might consider them if the forecast calls for especially dire winter driving conditions.
Consider equipping your car with snow tires, too. Though not necessarily needed in a warmer-weather state like Mississippi, snow tires can provide extra traction when driving in snow or during winter driving in general.
It’s always smart to keep an emergency kit in your car. This kit should include warm blankets, bottled water, a flashlight, a winter coat, an ice scraper, packaged food, a phone charger, and a reflective triangle. This way, if you get into an accident, you can keep safe while waiting for emergency personnel, and it can help, too, if your car’s battery dies and you are again waiting for help.
Got into a Car Accident in Winter?
Mississippi drivers might think they’ll never need to learn how to drive in snow because Mississippi is spared the kind of winters drivers face in the Midwest and Northeast portions of the country. But don’t be fooled: Winter driving can prove challenging in our warm-weather state. That’s why learning how to drive in winter is so important.
Auto accidents happen more often, and the increased chances of winter driving accidents mean that you might actually need the help of a Canton car accident lawyer. If you have been involved in a winter driving accident and need legal assistance, contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, we’re glad to help.
So you are driving home from work and get hit by another car. You got injured and taken to the hospital. All along, you hope you can recover and go back to work, but the medical tests indicate that you will not be able to for some time! If this sounds like you, you may wonder how you will support yourself and your family during this time. After all, how will you earn a living if you cannot work The good news is that if someone else’s negligence caused your accident, then you may be able to recover lost wages from a car accident as part of your personal injury claim. Contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you.
How to Prove Lost Wages After a Car Accident
The first step in proving lost wages is to show that the accident caused you to miss work. To do this, you will need some sort of documentation from your employer. This can be in the form of a letter from your boss, a pay stub showing that you did not receive compensation for the missed days, or lost wages form car accident.
If you are self-employed, then proving lost wages may be a bit more complicated. In this case, you will need to show that the accident prevented you from working and earning an income.
You can do this by showing how much money you would have earned had you been able to work. For example, if you are a freelance writer, you would need to show how much money you would have earned from the articles you were unable to write because of your injuries.
In addition to proving that the accident caused you to miss work, you must also show how much money you lost. This includes not only your regular salary or wages but also bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation that you would have received had you been able to work.
You will also need to show that you would have been able to continue working had it not been for the accident. For example, if you cannot return to your previous job because of your injuries, you will need to show that you would have been able to get a similar job had you not got injured.
Claiming Compensation
If you can prove lost wages, then you may be able to recover them as part of your personal injury claim. To claim compensation, you must file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for your accident. After filing the lawsuit, you can then seek damages for your injuries, including lost wages.
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you will need to file your lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident, or you will get barred from doing so.
You can use an auto accident claim calculator to help estimate your potential compensation.
50/50 Claim and How it Works
In some cases, both parties in an accident may claim that the accident was 50/50. This means that you and the other party claim that are equally responsible for the accident.
If this happens, you may still be able to recover damages, but your percentage of fault may reduce the amount you receive. But 50/50 does not exactly apply in all cases. For example, if you are 20% at fault for the accident, you can only recover 80% of your damages.
It is important to note that even if the other party claims that the accident was 50/50, this does not mean they will necessarily be successful in doing so. The court will still look at the evidence to determine who was actually at fault for the accident.
Why You Need an Attorney
A lost wages case can be complex, and it can be difficult to prove on your own. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for you.
Additionally, a car accident lawyer in Mississippi can help you determine the amount of compensation you deserve using an auto accident settlement calculator. They will also be able to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If you have got injured in an accident, we can review your case and help you understand your legal options. Contact an experienced Flowood car accident attorney at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC today!
Many motorists worry about intoxicated drivers and the havoc they can wreak on the highways. But there is another road hazard out there too – driver fatigue. If you suffer injuries, damages, or other losses due to the negligence of fatigued motorists who fall asleep while driving, a Mississippi car accident lawyer can offer you guidance and support.
Fatigued Drivers
The longer drivers go without sleep, the more danger they present to themselves and others who share the roads and highways with them. For instance, a driver who has been awake longer than 20 hours faces the same accident risks as a legally drunk driver with a .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Drowsy drivers have three times the risk of getting into a collision than well-rested motorists. This is because when someone goes without sleep, their reaction time is delayed. It takes longer to become aware of hazards and take evasive actions to avoid them. Drowsy drivers also struggle to maintain their focus on the road ahead and the task at hand – safely maneuvering a 5,000 lb. vehicle to its destination.
When drivers are hurtling down the highway at a speed of 70 mph, disaster can come at them in many forms in an instant. Alert drivers with hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and minds on the task of driving can often appropriately respond in time to avert disaster.
But unrested drivers typically don’t realize all the signs of their fatigue. They can even have episodes of “micro sleeping” lasting up to five seconds. In those brief periods of involuntary inattention, motorists can drive more than 300 feet, roughly equivalent to a football field, completely unaware of their surroundings. The damage they can cause is incalculable.
Falling Asleep While Driving
No driver intentionally sets out to fall asleep behind the wheel. A sense of urgency to get to their destination, pressure from supervisors or logistical support to meet trucking deadlines, and any number of other circumstances can cause drivers to push on through and skip resting.
However, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), under-30 motorists were responsible for nearly two-thirds of auto accidents involving fatigued drivers. This over-representation contrasts with that group, as it only comprises a quarter of all licensed motorists.
Signs of driver fatigue:
- Not remembering traveling the last few miles
- Yawning
- Missing exits and turns
- Eyes involuntarily closing
- Crossing the median
- Not maintaining a steady speed
If you experience any of the above, pull over to a safe space, e.g., a monitored rest area, and get some sleep before a highway disaster occurs.
Injuries in Fatigued Driving
Because these crashes can occur at high speeds, the victims’ injuries can be catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries, facial trauma, amputations, burns, and other life-altering injuries can result from drowsy driving accidents. Unfortunately, wrongful death cases can also arise from these horrific collisions.
Damages and Compensation
Most people are ill-equipped at this most vulnerable post-accident time to deal with the legalities associated with a drowsy driving collision. After all, your priority must be your health and healing as much as possible after your car accident.
The person who caused your injuries and damages must be held accountable for their actions. The auto accident laws in MS provide both criminal and civil penalties for accidents caused by drivers who were too fatigued to be behind the wheel.
Prosecutors handle the criminal aspects and consequences. But plaintiffs can seek a path to civil justice by seeking driver fatigue punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages and pain and suffering.
You must prove a defendant acted either with malice or gross negligence when their actions caused your injuries. Drowsy driving, like impaired driving, is grounds to seek punitive damages for the defendant’s gross negligence.
Unfortunately for plaintiffs, Mississippi caps the amount they can recover in punitive damages. The caps are on a sliding scale based on the defendant’s net worth.
It can be hard to know what monetary award to seek if you don’t know the true value of your case. At Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, their knowledgeable and seasoned attorneys can pursue a settlement figure that accurately reflects your true losses and damages.
Drivers causing accidents in Mississippi must pay damages to affected parties through their insurance coverage. If you got injured, under Mississippi car accident laws, one can claim total compensation from drivers who caused the accident, and their insurance providers will pay for:
- Lost earnings and wages both in the past and in the future;
- Resources to seek medical attention;
- Change or lost quality of life;
- Suffering and pain as a result of the accident;
- Funeral/burial expenses if one dies from the Mississippi fatal car accident.
In case of injury and you need a car accident lawyer in Mississippi, call or visit us at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC in Canton, Mississippi, for legal assistance and consultation.
Mississippi is an At Fault State
Mississippi is not a no-fault state, it is an “at-fault state”.
What does it mean?
When a driver causes a car accident in Mississippi, the driver is at fault for the accident unless they can prove that someone else was responsible for the accident. If a driver is at fault for causing an accident, they will be responsible for paying damages (i.e. medical bills, lost wages, insurance, etc.) to another involved party in the accident.
Mississippi Car Accident Laws
About the Mississippi Code Section 63-3-411, drivers of vehicles involved in an accident must immediately or as fast as possible report the incident if:
- The total property damage exceeds $500 or more.
- Death or injury to person(s) due to an accident.
If the accident occurs within an incorporated municipality, the driver must inform the local police department about the accident. Nevertheless, if the crush happens outside an incorporated city, report it to the nearest Mississippi Highway Patrol station or sheriff’s office.
Liability Insurance Coverage
On January 1, 2001, the law in Mississippi requires all drivers to have liability insurance and a card showing the same kept inside their vehicles at all times. Liability coverage compensates for injuries inflicted on another person or damaged property due to an accident in which you are the cause. A person who incurs any loss or damage to property or suffers any bodily harm can proceed to:
- Fill a third-party claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver directly.
- Fill a claim with their insurer, assuming the liability falls under the insured’s policy.
- Lounge a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court of law against the driver at fault.
An automobile liability insurance under Mississippi requires minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 liability coverage for damaged property done by the driver or the owner of the vehicle insured.
- $50,000 liability coverage for death or total bodily harm caused by the insured vehicle.
- $25,000 liability coverage for a Mississippi fatal car accident or bodily injury of one person from the accident occasioned by either the driver or the owner of the vehicle insured.
It is worth noting that vehicle owners in Mississippi can post a bond in identical amounts, deposit security, or make an equal monetary deposit to ascertain financial responsibility.
Liability coverage, however, does not apply to one’s own damage to property or injuries to oneself after the accident; one will need to cover for the same.
Driving without any proof of insurance could lead to a fine, suspension of a driving license for up to a year or until one is appropriately insured, or even charged in court.
How an Attorney Can Help
Flowood car accident attorney around can represent either of the parties involved in an accident. Here are how we can help:
- Negotiate and lead to an award of settlement;
- Negotiate for the best results in your accident claim;
- Organize and analyze essential records and evidence;
- Offer a network of experts and investigative aid to strengthen your case;
- Communicate with insurers;
- Organize medical bills and documents;
- Arrange your claim holder or on your chance to reduce the amount of those liens.
You should be conversant with different laws governing your state. In case of an accident, you would need a reasonable attorney who will be able to represent you well for a better outcome in your circumstances.
You should get what you deserve when compensation is due. If you or your loved ones get caught up in a situation and need a Flowood car accident attorney or in any other location in Mississippi, — kindly reach us at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, Canton, Mississippi.
Rear end accidents are the most common type of car accident, accounting for 28% of all car accidents. They mainly occur when the driver in front suddenly stops or slows down, and the driver behind does not have enough time to react.
Although anyone could get involved in a rear end accident, it is most likely to occur in urban areas during heavy traffic. This is because there are more cars on the road and the traffic speed is often stop-and-go.
If you happen to get into an accident in Canton, Mississippi — get in touch with Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC today. The experienced personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Most Rear End Accidents
The most common cause of rear end accidents is driver error. This can include distracted driving, following too closely, tailgating, and speeding.
Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the road. This can be anything from eating and drinking to using a cell phone, applying makeup, or fiddling with the radio. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents.
Following too closely, also known as “tailgating”, is when you drive too close to the car in front of you. This leaves no room for error and increases your chance of rear ending the other car suddenly if they have to stop.
Speeding is another major cause of rear end accidents. Speeding takes longer to stop your car, which means you are more likely to rear end the car in front of you if they have to stop suddenly.
Some other less common causes of rear end accidents include:
- Road rage
- Driver fatigue
- Dangerous road conditions
- Defective car parts
- Weather conditions
Injuries Associated With Rear End Accidents
Rear end accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Fatalities are also possible in rear end accidents, although they are less common. The most common rear end collision injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
Who is At Fault?
In most rear end accidents, the driver who hit the car in front is at fault. This is because they should have been paying attention to the road and left enough space between them and the car in front.
However, there are some exceptions. If the driver in front brake checked the driver behind or stopped suddenly for no reason, they may be at fault. If the road conditions were poor and the driver behind could not see the driver in front, the former may not be at fault.
Both drivers may share collision fault if both were driving distracted or speeding. In these cases, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. An experienced Flowood car accident lawyer will be able to investigate the accident and determine who is liable for your injuries.
Filing a Claim for a Rear End Accident
You may have compensation for rear end collision damage if you got involved in an accident of this nature starting from filing a claim with the insurance company.
The insurance company will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. They will offer you a settlement if they find that the other driver is at fault. The settlement will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you file a lawsuit.
How Can an Attorney Help
A Mississippi car accident lawyer can help you in several ways if you have been in a rear end accident. They can help you file a claim with the insurance company, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
They can also help you gather evidence to support your claim. This may include witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and medical records.
If your case goes to trial, an attorney will also be able to represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact the reputable car accident lawyers at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC to get started on your claim. We will be able to help you every step of the way and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Being involved in a car accident can be stressful for anyone in the Canton, MS, area. When you are involved in an accident, you will have to manage both the stress of physical injury recovery and trying to have your vehicle repaired or replaced.
In many cases, you may also need to go through the process of filing a car accident claim. When you file a claim, hiring Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC as your car accident claim lawyer in Mississippi can be a great option as we can help guide you through the process.
Filing Car Accident Claims
If you are involved in a car accident, you likely will need to file an insurance claim to receive support for damages incurred. You may need to file a claim through their insurance if the other party is at fault. However, if they are not insured or you were at fault in an accident, you should still be eligible for coverage if you have a full comprehensive insurance plan.
In most cases, you can file a claim over the phone or through an online portal. It is important to provide all necessary information, including pictures of the accidents, information about the other driver, and police reports. A Mississippi car accident lawyer can help you organize this information and ensure it is submitted correctly.
Compensations
If you are going to file an insurance claim for a car accident, there are a variety of costs and damages that can be covered in your claim. Generally, you will want to include any direct costs incurred as part of the claim. These include costs to repair or replace your vehicle, medical and therapy bills, costs associated with not having transportation, and legal fees. You could also include costs for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses that could result from an accident. You could use an online car accident claim calculator that will help you identify all items to include in your insurance claim.
Statute of Limitations in Getting Claims
Generally speaking, when you are involved in an auto accident that has resulted in damages that warrant filing a claim, it would be a good idea to do so as soon as possible. However, you do have some time to have a claim filed.
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations states that you have up to three years to file a claim from an insurance company, the other driver, or other relevant parties. If you wait beyond this point, you may not have any options.
While this may seem like a long time, it could pass quickly, particularly if you also manage injuries. It is always a good idea to speak with a car accident attorney and start filing a claim as soon as possible.
How an Attorney Can Help
Following an auto accident, it is always wise to speak with a lawyer as they can offer various services to help you manage this challenging time.
One of the services they can provide is a full consultation on your case. They will be able to review all relevant information, including accident and police reports, vehicle damage reports, medical reports, and insurance contracts. Based on this, they can provide a plan on how to proceed.
A car accident lawyer in Mississippi can also help you file any claims. This can ensure that your claim includes all necessary information and is filed correctly. This can help ensure that the claim is not slowed due to administrative issues and improve the chances of being approved.
If it is denied in any way, your car accident lawyer can help to appeal the decision. Ultimately, they will have your best interests in mind and will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you are involved in an auto accident, it is almost always beneficial to hire a car accident lawyer to help ensure your rights are represented and to file a claim. When looking for a Flowood car accident lawyer, it would be a good idea to call that team with Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC. Our legal team can answer all your questions and provide the support you need to file a claim.
Mississippi car accident cases can be complex. Each state has different laws that may impact your case to make things more difficult. This is especially true when determining who is at fault for the accident. In some states, proving who is at fault is more straightforward than in others.
In a no-fault state, each driver is responsible for their damages, regardless of who caused the accident. This means you would file a claim with your insurance company rather than the at-fault driver’s insurer.
In a no-fault state, there is usually a limit on how much money you can recover from pain and suffering. Working with a car accident attorney can help you with these things. Continue to know more about Mississippi’s system in auto accidents.
Tort: Mississippi is not a No Fault State
Mississippi is not a no-fault state for car accidents. It uses the fault or tort system, which means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. If you are involved in a car accident in Mississippi, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover your damages.
A tort system in a car accident can be a complicated process, and you may need to hire an experienced car accident lawyer to help you with your claim. Not only can a lawyer help you recover the money you deserve, but they can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Getting in a car accident is never a fun experience. But it’s important to know your rights and how the state’s laws will impact your case if it does happen.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Pure comparative negligence is the defense in negligence cases that most favors the plaintiff. Mississippi is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your percentage of fault will reduce your award.
Let’s say you’re involved in an accident with another driver. The other driver runs a red light and hits you. However, you were also speeding at the time of the accident. The court may find that you are 50% at fault and the other driver is 50% at fault. In this case, your damages would be reduced by 50%.
The insurance company may argue that you are more at fault than the other driver. Having an experienced car accident lawyer in Mississippi on your side is essential to help you prove your case and get the compensation you deserve.
Penalties in MS Tort State
In Mississippi, the penalties for causing a car accident can be severe. If you are at fault for an accident, you may be liable for the other driver’s damages. These include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The other driver may also sue you.
In some cases, you may be found guilty of criminal charges. For example, you may be charged if you cause an accident that results in death or severe injury. If convicted, you could face prison time, fines, and a license suspension.
Car Insurance Requirement in MS
In Mississippi, all drivers are required to have car insurance. The minimum coverage required is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. You must also have $25,000 in property damage coverage.
It’s crucial to ensure you have the minimum amount of insurance required by law. If you are at fault for an accident and do not have insurance, you may be liable for the other driver’s damages. You may also have your license suspended and be fined up to $1,000.
Compulsory automobile liability insurance pays for damages caused by the insured driver. It does not cover the insured driver’s damages. In Mississippi, all drivers are required to have compulsory automobile liability insurance.
If involved in Mississippi fatal car accidents, it’s important to contact a Flowood car accident attorney to help you get fair compensation. They can help you understand your rights and options under the state’s laws. An auto accident lawyer in Mississippi can also help you file a claim with the insurance company and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If necessary, they can take your case to court.
Your damages may be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. You may be liable for the other driver’s damages if you do not have car insurance. If you get into a car accident, contact the law offices of Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer.