Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement with Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
After a car accident in Mississippi, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly become overwhelming. However, if another driver was at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. To maximize your car accident settlement, it’s crucial to take strategic steps and work closely with an experienced attorney. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we understand what it takes to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Maximize Your Car Accident Claim in Mississippi
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important step in getting the most money for your car accident claim is to seek medical care right away. Even if you feel fine after the accident, some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, can take time to develop. By visiting a doctor promptly, you not only ensure your well-being but also document your injuries, which is vital for your claim. Medical records serve as essential evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Insurance adjusters often downplay claims where the victim delayed seeking medical attention, arguing that the injuries were not serious enough to warrant immediate care.
2. Document the Accident Thoroughly
Proper documentation is critical to securing maximum compensation. This includes:
- Taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Collecting witness statements and their contact information.
- Filing a police report, which creates an official record of the accident.
Detailed evidence will support your claim by proving the other driver’s negligence and showing the extent of your damages.
3. Keep a Record of All Expenses
After a car accident, it’s important to track all expenses related to your injuries. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, rehabilitation expenses, and even the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments. If you miss work due to your injuries, make sure to document your lost wages. Additionally, keep records of any home modifications or assistive devices you may need due to your injuries.
The more detailed your records, the stronger your case will be when negotiating for a higher settlement.
4. Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies often try to offer a quick, low-ball settlement to accident victims. While it may be tempting to accept the offer, especially if you’re struggling with medical bills, it’s rarely in your best interest. Initial offers rarely account for the full extent of your damages, especially when future medical costs or long-term impacts on your earning capacity are considered.
Before accepting any settlement, consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate whether the offer is fair and help you negotiate for more compensation.
5. Prove Liability
Proving the other driver was at fault is key to maximizing your settlement. Mississippi follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced if you are partially at fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Gathering solid evidence, such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert testimonies, can help minimize your liability and increase the amount you can recover.
6. Understand the Value of Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are straightforward to calculate. However, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can be more challenging to quantify.
Non-economic damages are often where you can recover a significant portion of your settlement. An experienced attorney can help determine a fair value for these intangible losses, ensuring you receive compensation for the full impact of the accident on your life.
7. Work with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps to maximizing your settlement is hiring an experienced car accident lawyer. Attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies, handle the paperwork, and represent you in court if necessary. A skilled lawyer can also conduct an independent investigation, identify all liable parties, and assess the full extent of your damages.
At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we have years of experience fighting for car accident victims in Mississippi. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation. However, some factors, such as claims against government entities, may have different deadlines. It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a settlement?
If the insurance company offers a settlement, it’s best to avoid accepting it right away. Initial offers are often low and may not account for the full extent of your injuries or future medical needs. Before agreeing to any settlement, consult with a personal injury lawyer who can review the offer and negotiate on your behalf.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Mississippi follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $70,000.
What types of damages can I recover in a car accident claim?
Car accident victims in Mississippi can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the other driver’s actions were particularly reckless.
How can I prove that the other driver was at fault?
To prove that the other driver was at fault, you’ll need evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction reports. An experienced attorney can help gather this evidence and build a strong case showing the other driver’s negligence.
What should I avoid after a car accident?
After a car accident, avoid making statements to the other driver or admitting fault. Don’t post about the accident on social media, as insurance companies can use these posts against you. Finally, avoid accepting the first settlement offer from the insurance company before consulting with a lawyer.
Call Us Today for Your FREE consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call Kellum Law Firm, P.C. today at (601) 969-2709 in Jackson or (601) 590-9000 in Port Gibson to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you maximize your car accident claim.
