You’ve been in a car accident and now you’re injured, out of work, and dealing with car repairs. The last thing you want to do is deal with an insurance company. But that’s exactly what you have to do if you want to get compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and car repairs.
With more than 40 years of experience, our car accident lawyers can answer your questions about the legal process and fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a car crash, Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. can provide the efficient representation you need. Our Hattiesburg car accident attorneys know that each situation is different, and we can investigate your incident to build your personal injury case.
Don’t wait—call (601) 988-8888 for immediate legal assistance.
What You Should Know About Mississippi Car Accident Law
Mississippi is a pure comparative fault state. This means you will be awarded compensation based on your degree of fault in the accident. For example, if an insurance adjuster finds you 40% responsible for the accident, you will receive 0% of the total damages awarded for the accident. Our knowledgeable attorneys can discuss your options and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Mississippi
Do not put off filing a legal complaint. According to the statute of limitations in Mississippi, you have three years from the date of your accident or the discovery of your injuries to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is the length of time a legal claim may be pursued. As soon as possible, you should begin gathering evidence and filing your lawsuit with the courts. Allow our attorneys to assist you in meeting all of your important legal deadlines, as well as ensuring that your case does not get dismissed due to a technicality.
If you should miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed by civil courts. No matter how much evidence you have amassed to support your claim of damages and the other party’s liability, you will be unable to recover compensation for your losses.
What Should You Do If You Are in in Accident?
If you've been involved in a car accident, it's important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and your rights. Here’s a guide to follow after the crash:
- Take Pictures of the Scene: Document the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damage, and any relevant traffic signs, signals, or road conditions.
- Get the Contact Information of Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, make sure to obtain their names and contact information. They may provide critical testimony if the case goes to court.
- File a Police Report: Always file a police report, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report will be used to document the accident and establish key facts. Remember, in Mississippi, a written accident report must be submitted to the police if someone is injured or if the damage exceeds $250. Failure to file can result in penalties.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel hurt right away, it's important to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. Delaying medical care can lead insurance companies to question whether your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Write Down What You Remember: Document everything you can recall about the accident, including the weather, time of day, how the collision happened, and any other details that could be relevant.
- Contact an Attorney: An attorney will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to. They can help you deal with insurance companies, navigate the legal system, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any records related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company. Your attorney will need this information to support your claim.
By following these steps and getting legal help early, you ensure that you have the evidence and support needed to move forward with your claim. Let Richard Schwartz & Associates handle the complexities of your case while you focus on healing.
Types of Negligence That Lead to Car Accidents
Driver negligence is a primary cause of many auto accidents, and proving fault often requires a detailed investigation of the accident scene, witness testimony, and consultations. An experienced attorney can handle this investigation, ensuring that you can focus on your recovery while we work to build your case.
Some of the most common types of driver negligence include:
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, leading to dangerous accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving take the driver's attention away from the road, often resulting in serious accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or disregarding traffic signals are all forms of reckless driving that can cause accidents and harm to others.
- Fatigued Driving: Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drowsy drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or make poor decisions, resulting in crashes.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as road rage, excessive speeding, or erratic lane changes put everyone on the road at risk.
- Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots before switching lanes can lead to collisions, especially in high-traffic situations.
Whether you’ve been rear-ended or involved in a more serious crash, we are committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for you.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Accidents that occur as a result of negligence can be life-threatening and result in severe injuries. These are some of the most prevalent injuries linked with vehicle collisions.:
- Head and Brain Injuries
- Whiplash and Other Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken or bruised ribs
- Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
- Burn Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Arm and Leg Fractures
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident in Hattiesburg, you don’t have to suffer in silence or live with your injuries if we can help. To ensure that your case is handled professionally and seriously, contact our car accident lawyers in Hattiesburg, MS.
Compensation for a Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for various losses and damages you have incurred. The goal of pursuing compensation is to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by the accident. Here are the main types of compensation that may be available to you:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Disability or Permanent Injury
- Wrongful Death
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the extent of the financial impact on your life. Working with an experienced auto accident attorney will help ensure that you pursue all possible avenues for compensation and get the financial relief you deserve.
Get Compensation with Our Hattiesburg Car Accident Attorneys
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we’re committed to representing clients injured in car accidents. Our experienced Hattiesburg auto accident lawyers are here to help you get compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. With our contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact us now to discuss your case and get the compensation you deserve. Call (601) 988-8888 today.
