Maximizing Your Compensation with Kellum Law Firm, P.C.
After a car accident in Mississippi, your first priority should be to recover from your injuries. However, financial concerns can quickly pile up, from medical bills to lost wages and more. The goal of any car accident claim is to ensure that you receive full compensation for your losses, both economic and non-economic. Unfortunately, the process of securing fair compensation can be complicated and challenging without the right strategy. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we specialize in helping accident victims navigate this complex process and ensuring they get the maximum compensation available.
Key Steps to Securing Full Compensation for Your Car Accident Claim
1. Document Every Aspect of the Accident
Immediately following the accident, it’s crucial to document everything thoroughly. This means:
- Taking photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Obtaining contact information from witnesses and asking them to provide statements.
- Filing a police report, which will serve as an official record of the accident and can be key evidence in proving fault.
Your ability to provide comprehensive evidence will strengthen your claim, giving insurance adjusters and the court a clear picture of what happened and how it impacted you.
2. Seek Prompt Medical Attention and Keep Detailed Records
Even if you think your injuries are minor, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or whiplash, may not be apparent right away but can have long-term consequences. Medical documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence in any car accident claim. It not only proves that you were injured but also helps estimate the cost of your medical treatment, including future medical expenses.
Maintaining a detailed record of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and rehabilitation will help maximize your claim’s value.
3. Be Wary of Quick Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often attempt to settle car accident claims quickly by offering a low amount in exchange for a quick resolution. While this might seem tempting, especially when bills are piling up, these initial offers rarely reflect the full value of your claim. Accepting a low offer can leave you without the resources you need for long-term medical care or loss of future income.
It’s important to consult with an attorney before accepting any offer to ensure that you are not being shortchanged. Our attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C., will review the offer and negotiate on your behalf to secure the compensation you truly deserve.
4. Understand the Full Value of Your Claim
Your car accident claim isn’t just about covering immediate expenses like medical bills and vehicle repairs. You are also entitled to compensation for non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost due to your inability to work after the accident. This also includes future lost earnings if your injury affects your ability to work in the long term.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, your spouse or family may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship or support resulting from your injuries
Working with our firm ensures that every aspect of your claim is considered, from tangible financial losses to intangible emotional and physical suffering.
5. Prove Negligence and Fault
Mississippi follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. To avoid this reduction, you’ll need strong evidence that proves the other driver was primarily responsible for the accident.
Our legal team at Kellum Law Firm, P.C., will conduct a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence from the scene, reviewing traffic camera footage, and obtaining expert testimonies to establish fault and minimize any reduction in your compensation.
6. Don’t Handle Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, not maximize your recovery. They may attempt to use statements you make against you, undervalue your claim, or delay payments. Having experienced legal representation can make a huge difference in how insurance companies approach your case. Our attorneys handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and your claim is taken seriously.
With our firm by your side, we’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How Kellum Law Firm, P.C. Helps You Receive Full Compensation
At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we take a comprehensive approach to every car accident claim. Our attorneys begin by conducting an in-depth investigation to gather all available evidence. We meticulously calculate your current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We then negotiate directly with the insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
If negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Mississippi Car Accident Claim FAQs
What types of damages can I recover after a car accident in Mississippi?
After a car accident, you can recover two main types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault driver’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents. This means you must file your claim within three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, under Mississippi’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 25%.
What should I do if the insurance company offers a settlement?
Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s important to have an attorney review it. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements that may not cover the full extent of your damages. A lawyer can help you negotiate for a fair settlement that takes into account all your current and future expenses.
Why should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer gives you a significant advantage in securing full compensation. Lawyers understand the intricacies of personal injury law, know how to deal with insurance companies, and can gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we handle all aspects of your claim, from filing paperwork to negotiating settlements, so you can focus on recovering.
Call Our Firm For Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Mississippi, contact Kellum Law Firm, P.C. today at (601) 969-2709 in Jackson or (601) 590-9000 in Port Gibson to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for your right to full compensation and help you move forward with confidence.
