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
An automobile accident’s total influence on your life might be daunting. An accident can inflict not only cause physical harm and damage but also financial stress on the individuals affected. The monetary burden of medical bills and other expenses begins to mount. Furthermore, many people are unable to work following an injury and have no income, that’s why it is important to find out how long it takes for a car accident claim takes to settle.
There are several factors that influence how long it will take to resolve your automobile accident lawsuit according to the Mississippi car accident laws and how much reimbursement you can obtain. It is important to keep in mind that every automobile accident case is different, and the length of time it takes to resolve your case is determined by a variety of circumstances. As a result, it is critical to have a car accident lawyer in Mississippi that can answer your concerns and assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome. The length of time it takes to resolve an automobile accident claim is determined by a variety of circumstances and fluctuates from case to case. Simple instances can be resolved in a matter of weeks. However, more complicated matters might take months or even years to resolve. It is also impossible to anticipate whether your case will be resolved or go to trial. Besides that, many cases do settle out of court as well.
The factors influencing the timeline of the car accident settlement
Evidence of liability
To get a payout from the other driver’s insurance carrier, you must show that the other motorist was at fault for your collision. This work might be difficult, since the other motorist may argue you were at fault and do not deserve compensation. In that situation, your Jackson area car accident attorney can contest these allegations and act on your behalf.
Eyewitness testimonies
If there were several eyewitnesses to the accident and you shared knowledge with them so they could offer statements, you or your car accident lawyer in Mississippi will need to interview a large number of people. This procedure might take months or even years. It may be hard to coordinate with all of the eyewitnesses and have them fulfill their crucial duty at the right moment.
Recovery from injuries
Only when you have fully recovered will you know what your medical bills are and what future medical treatment you may require. You will also have a better sense of what to ask for as compensation for missed wages. A Jackson area car accident lawyer is unlikely to accept a claim until you have fully recuperated and are aware of all the recoverable damages to which you may be entitled.
The severity of the accident
The more serious the accident, the greater the time for a case to be resolved. Insurance companies will research your case and look for every minor piece of information they may use against you to reduce the value of your claim. They may also be slow to propose or pay compensation.
Agreement on a settlement
If you do not reach an agreement with the insurance company, your dispute will not be resolved. If the insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable settlement, this procedure might be extended.
Timeline for receiving a settlement payment
The terms and circumstances of payment will be included in the settlement agreement if you and the other person decide to settle out of court. Those terms will clarify how and when you will be paid back.
- One-time payments are normally made within 30 days of the settlement date.
- Periodic payments compel the liable party to make payments on a monthly or semi-monthly basis over a certain period of time.
How can an attorney help?
It is important to have legal help in this critical situation to avoid future hardships. An expert Mississippi car accident lawyer will be able to appropriately evaluate your claim and estimate its value and will provide a free accident lawyer consultation. Your lawyer will also conduct an impartial investigation into the accident while protecting your rights. He can gather vital evidence from the site, interview eyewitnesses, and collect police records, among other things. Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC vehicle accident lawyers will fight for the cash settlement you deserve while keeping your best interests in mind. Not only that, but we also offer a free auto lawyer consultation. We use our extensive understanding to advocate on your behalf for a fair settlement and a reasonable delivery time. We recognize that getting your settlement check as soon as possible may help alleviate some of the financial hardship caused by your vehicle accident. You can contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC car accident lawyer to schedule a consultation.
No one is ever prepared for a car accident, but if you think about it beforehand, you can at least know what steps to take when the unforeseen happens. Many people have a checklist in their glove box of things they should do directly after an accident. This can also be helpful as those involved in an accident are often in shock and not aware that there are things to be done to protect themselves following an accident.
Unfortunately, the state of Mississippi leads the U.S. when it comes to accidents.
Mississippi Leads the Way:
If you live in the state of Mississippi, you may want to start looking for a Mississippi car accident lawyer now as they rate as the number one state for car accidents.
According to Finder.com, Mississippi had more vehicular fatalities than any other state. This is from a 2020 report that also stated that during this period, there were fewer cars on the road (due to COVID-19), but more serious accidents. Southern states, regrettably, held the top five spots for accidents and fatalities.
Mississippi had an accident fatality rate of 2.02 per 100 million. This is an increase of 34.7% from 2019 when the fatality rate was 1.5. There were an estimated 735 fatalities in 2020, a 19.5% increase from the prior year, which had 616.
Be Prepared if You are in an Accident:
If you are one of those unfortunate drivers that find themselves in an accident, it is best to know what to do before it happens. While the time right after the accident may be hazy, try to follow some important procedures.
The law offices of Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC have some helpful advice on how to handle an accident before it happens. Here are three things to do as soon as possible. Taking these steps can be very helpful should you need to see a lawyer to recover financially after an accident.
Pull the vehicles over and away from traffic and call 911 as soon as possible. All operable vehicles should be moved off to the side of the road to clear the roadway. Then you should put on your hazard lights and call 911. Police will respond to the call and complete a police report. US News and World Report states that getting a police report acts as a third-party review of the accident and will be helpful should the case go to court.
Get information from the driver and witnesses. Those involved in an accident should share pertinent information and insurance information. In addition, if there are witnesses to the accident, their information should be collected as they can provide insights from an uninvolved scenario. Again, this information is critical if there is an issue with the other driver’s insurance or if there is a lawsuit against the other driver.
Collect as much information as possible. If possible, take pictures of the accident site, the damage to the vehicle, and any debris left in the roadway. Collect contact information from others at the scene so they can provide insights about the case later on.
It should be noted that all these steps should be taken AFTER injured parties are treated and taken for proper medical care.
How a Lawyer Can Help
As soon as possible following an accident, you need to contact a car accident lawyer in Mississippi. Local attorneys will be well versed in Mississippi car accident laws as well as other local and regional laws, including the next steps you should take. A free auto lawyer consultation is given by many local legal teams, so it is wise to get a free accident lawyer consultation, so you know the best way to move forward following an accident.
You need a reliable, experienced legal team that you can count on. Attorney Edward Blackmon, Jr. and his team of legal experts have over 70 years of combined experience helping those that are victims of automotive, motorcycle, and truck accidents.
If you are looking for a Canton or Jackson area car accident attorney, there is no better option than Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC. The team can be reached at (601) 859-1567 and is conveniently located at 907 W Peace St, Canton, MS 39046.
Do not leave your future to chance, get the representation you need from the top Jackson area car accident lawyer who will help you navigate through the legal system and get you the best resolution to your accident.
The aftermath of an automobile collision can be perplexing due to the numerous complexities involved. While other jurisdictions use a no-fault system, Mississippi has a fault-based insurance system. This is considered conventional when filing for compensation.
When it comes to assessing culpability in car accidents involving only one or two vehicles, it might be difficult enough. It might be tough to determine if a motorist, automobile part, or government agency was negligent in causing the incident. When many cars are involved, it can be even more baffling to identify who caused the car accident.
That is why you should hire a car accident lawyer in Mississippi. We have expertise examining culpability at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC and have in-depth knowledge of Mississippi car accident laws. Our Jackson area car accident attorneys are prepared to fight for you and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Mississippi Car Fault Laws
The comparative negligence system is used to determine culpability in an automobile collision. This complicates assessing culpability in a multi-vehicle collision since each party may be somewhat responsible for what transpired in the chain reaction. Only one driver was sometimes held accountable, since they were the only ones whose recklessness caused accidents involving other cars.
However, if one of the primary drivers was irresponsible, but several of the other drivers were careless in minor ways that contributed to the incident, they would be regarded to be partially responsible. This can be tough if you were inattentive at the time of the accident, since it may imply that you were also at fault.
If you were driving as safely as possible and were not to blame for the multi-vehicle crash, it’s critical to have a Mississippi car accident lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected and the relevant parties are held responsible. Let’s take a look at the many tools your attorneys will utilize to determine who was to blame for the crash.
What Factors Influence Fault Determination?
As previously said, determining culpability is difficult, especially when more than two automobiles are involved in the incident. Here are some of the methods a lawyer would use to assess who was at fault and how much they contributed to the multi-vehicle crash in which you were involved:
Police reports
A police report is not only an important legal procedure after an accident that causes the damage of more than $500, loss of life or injuries, but it also gives an impartial summary of what transpired immediately after the event. Witnesses, testimonials and other pieces of evidence that they feel are at responsibility for the collision are all included in police reports.
Statements of witnesses
Eyewitnesses can tell what they saw and how the crash occurred. This will be critical in assessing culpability. You will be among the witnesses who must be interviewed in order to provide an objective account of what occurred.
Damage to vehicles
The damage done to your car and others can assist specialists to reconstruct what happened, which will help determine who was to blame.
Documented injuries
The wounds are also very critical in evaluating the overall accidental situation. It will also aid professionals in determining what occurred and who was responsible for the damage.
Photographs of the incident
When there are pictures of the site, it can help your attorneys to figure out the situation and evaluate who was responsible for the collision or who was jointly at fault for the accident.
Additional evidence
Other evidence from the crash, such as camera recordings, traffic signal timings or weather reports can provide a more complete picture of what occurred.
You should not have to cope with all of this alone. That is why having a free accident lawyer consultation by Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC on your side might be advantageous.
How can a Jackson area car accident attorney help?
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, be sure you have access to the Jackson area car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are frequently eager to employ various strategies to take the benefit of your rights when you’re in a vulnerable position, and you need robust counsel to offer you a voice.
Besides that, we also know that Mississippi uses comparative blame, so your multi-vehicle collision might rapidly become difficult. That is why you should not have to cope with all of this without the assistance of a free auto lawyer consultation. Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC is here to guide you through the legal process and preserve your rights. We’ll figure out who caused this crash and hold them accountable for their behavior. You will then be able to receive the compensation you are due for your damages and losses.
You can contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC car accident attorney in Mississippi to schedule consultation.
Mississippi drivers who have been involved in a car accident may find themselves facing medical bills, severe injuries, missed work, and other situations they never anticipated or planned for. If another person is at fault, you can report the collision to the at-fault party’s insurance company and file a claim for damages and settlement. Having a settlement approved means that you can not seek additional compensation afterwards, even if you realize that the sum was insufficient for present and future medical expenses. That is why it is critical to enhance the amount you receive in a settlement so that you do not have to battle to reconstruct your life.
Because of our expertise in Mississippi car accident laws, Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC might help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Before attempting to handle the claims process on your own, you should seek legal advice from a Mississippi car accident lawyer. It is the goal of insurance companies to get you to accept the smallest possible amount. Therefore, always hire Jackson area car accident attorney to have your stance on such a situation clarified.
Factors Influence Mississippi Car Accident Settlement Amounts
Following are the factors that influence settlement amounts include:
- The kind and seriousness of your injury
- The extent of property or vehicle damage
- loss of wages because of the severe injury
- The intensity of suffering and pain
- Pre-existing conditions/overall health
- Age (young or old)
- Trial or settlement
Do’s and Don’ts for Getting a Fair Car Accident Settlement
The measures you take following a vehicle accident might have a significant influence on the value of your car accident settlement.
DOs:
Seek medical care: If you do not seek medical attention following a car accident, the insurance company may dispute that you were not as seriously hurt as you claim.
Report the accident: A police report may be extremely helpful in determining culpability following an accident. They may be extremely useful when dealing with an insurance company and may contain evidence that can be used to explain the crash.
Gather information: Following your accident, a Jackson area car accident lawyer will want a great deal of information. This holds details about the other party’s driver’s license, insurance company, license plate number, physical address, contact information, and the type of vehicle that impacted you.
Take photos: Photographs are an essential part of any vehicle accident lawsuit. Take photos of all of the cars nearby, the destruction to each, and any other vital information.
Contact car accident lawyer in Mississippi: Insurance companies are infamous for being tough to work with. You can expect an adjuster to use several methods to reduce your claim if you decide to do it on your own. Blackmon & Blackmon LLC understands what to expect and can design a claim that opposes any insurance company claims.
DON’Ts:
Leave the accident scene: It is against the law in Mississippi to leave the scene of a mishap instead of urgently starting to look for a free accident lawyer consultation.
Wait to connect with the insurance company: Even if another driver was at fault, you should report the accident to your own insurance company. You have to notify your insurance company of a collision within a set time frame, as stated in many policies.
Accept responsibility: Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the disaster. Even apologizing for the incident can be used against you.
Make a wild guess about what occurred: You may face accusations of lying if your educated assumption proves incorrect as a result of the subsequent proof so it’s better not to say anything related to the accident.
Accept a settlement before consulting with an attorney: The insurance company will call you as quickly as possible and make you an offer. That offer will most likely be a minority of the value of your claim. Nothing should be agreed upon. Instead, inform the insurance provider nicely that they will need to talk with you.
How an attorney can help
There are several advantages to employing a car accident lawyer in Mississippi, and given the difficulties discussed above, this should be done as quickly as feasible. While most car accident and injury cases are settled before trial, having an attorney who will provide you with sound legal advice and carefully prepare your case for trial is crucial to securing the best possible compensation. For free auto lawyer consultation, Blackmon & Blackmon LLC are there to help with their expertise.
Contact Mississippi car accident attorneys Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC right away.
Accidents involving motor vehicles are distressing occurrences that can result in significant, life-threatening injuries. If you are hurt in a car accident on Mississippi roadways, you should get emergency medical help as quickly as feasible to tackle the consequences and recover from your injuries. Brain traumas, broken bones and soft tissue damage are all typical injuries. Besides that, to deal with other legal matters, instantly look for a Jackson Area accident attorney.
Mississippi people face a significant risk of car accidents and its overall death rate for vehicle accidents was 20.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is quite high when compared to other states. While some crashes result in relatively minor injuries or property damage, many others result in severe, agonizing, and often life-altering personal injuries. Knowing the type and degree of your injuries is critical to receiving the compensation you deserve and, for that, a car accident a lawyer in Mississippi can help you.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Due to the sheer amount of energy generated by these crashes, broken or fractured bones are highly prevalent in vehicle accidents. These fractures can range in severity from simple hairline fractures to major complex fractures requiring reconstructive surgery. Regardless of the severity of the broken bones, they may be excruciatingly painful and need substantial medical attention.
Back Injuries
Blunt force trauma, which destroys the discs, vertebrae or spinal cord, is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. Partial or total paralysis can result from spinal injuries. As a result, anyone who sustains a spinal injury in an accident may consider seeking compensation to help pay for therapy.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
One of the most essential organs in the body is the brain. A person’s head may connect with a foreign item or a hard surface during a car accident. An item might potentially pierce the skull, causing severe brain injury. After a car collision, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are prevalent. Any brain injury can cause long-term problems with mobility, memory, function and learning. TBI patients in vehicle accidents may require lifetime care and rehabilitation.
Scars And Disfiguring Face Injuries
Broken glass or collision with an airbag, dash, side window, windshield, steering wheel, vehicle seat, or any hard surface can cause facial injuries in automobile crashes. Facial disfigurement may necessitate instant surgical treatment and may leave a permanent scar.
Damage Limbs
A person’s limb, such as a finger, leg, hand, arm or foot might be accidentally severed during an automobile accident. In some circumstances, the leg has been severely damaged and amputation is required to avert serious consequences. Losing limbs, regardless of the reason, may be physically and mentally painful.
Soft Tissue Damage
During a vehicle collision, the muscles, tendons and ligaments can be disturbed. The other soft tissues in the neck and back can be stretched, twisted, or ripped. Soft tissue injuries might take weeks or even months to recover.
Lacerations and Cuts
A car accident can bring cuts and lacerations. External items and debris can flow into the car during a collision, injuring the occupants with cuts and lacerations. People may also collide with other car components, resulting in significant and sometimes fatal injuries. These injuries may raise the chance of disease if not treated promptly. Excessive bleeding and infection can result from severe and deep lacerations, which can be lethal.
Get in Touch with a Car Accident Lawyer in Mississippi
If you are involved in an automobile accident on Mississippi roadways, you have the opportunity to file an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the negligent motorist. Seek free auto lawyer consultation through Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC.
Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC has been battling for vehicle accident victims since 1989. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to limit compensation, but the Jackson area car accident lawyer of our firm will not take anything less than what you deserve. Our attorneys have the resources to take your case to trial if that is what is required to obtain full and fair compensation for you.
Car accidents are life-altering events. The accident is simply the beginning of what may be a lengthy process of assessing culpability, submitting an insurance claim and most importantly, obtaining the closure required to move on with one’s life. Don’t go through this by yourself, contact us to get a free accident lawyer consultation at Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC.
We can utilize our experience and knowledge of Mississippi car accident law to ensure that you receive the highest amount of compensation possible, including:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional anguish
- Suffering and pain
- Income loss
- Damages for wrongful death (if your loved one died in an accident).
You can contact Blackmon & Blackmon PLLC, the best car accident attorney in Mississippi, to schedule a consultation. Our team can guide you on Mississippi car accident laws and represent you in court. We look forward to hearing from you.