Tag Archives: Car Accident Lawyer in Mississippi

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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.

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Understanding the Strategies Insurers Use to Reduce Your Compensation and How You Can Protect Your Rights

Car accidents can be life-altering, especially when injuries are involved. After the initial shock of the accident, you might assume that your insurance company will compensate you fairly for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. However, many people in Mississippi are surprised when their insurance claim results in far less compensation than expected. This outcome is not by accident—insurance companies use a variety of tactics to minimize the amount they pay for accident injury claims.

The Business Model of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are, above all, for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to maximize profits while minimizing payouts. One of the main ways they achieve this is by reducing the amount of compensation they offer to accident victims. Although insurance companies are required to act in good faith and honor valid claims, their internal policies often emphasize reducing costs to boost the company’s bottom line.

In Mississippi, this profit-driven approach can be especially frustrating for those who have been involved in car accidents. The complexities of personal injury law, combined with the strategies insurance companies employ, often leave victims receiving far less than they deserve.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies to Reduce Claims

Downplaying Injuries

One of the most common strategies is to downplay the severity of your injuries. Insurance adjusters often request your medical records, scrutinizing every detail to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may argue that pre-existing conditions or prior injuries contributed to your current condition, thus reducing their liability.

Quick, Low Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly, offering a low amount of compensation right after the accident. While a fast resolution might sound appealing, these early offers rarely account for the full extent of your medical bills, future treatment costs, or lost wages. Injured parties may accept these offers out of desperation, especially if they are facing immediate financial pressure due to medical bills or missed work.

Disputing Liability

Another tactic is to challenge who was at fault in the accident. If the insurance company can shift some or all of the blame onto you, they may significantly reduce or even deny your claim. Mississippi operates under a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. Even if you are found to be only partially at fault, your compensation can be substantially diminished.

Delaying Claims

Delaying the claims process is a common strategy used to frustrate claimants. The longer an insurance company can stretch out the process, the more likely it is that you may settle for less just to end the drawn-out ordeal. Some claimants become desperate and agree to reduced settlements just to move on with their lives, especially if they are unable to work or need to cover ongoing medical expenses.

Disputing Medical Treatments

Insurance adjusters may also dispute the necessity of certain medical treatments or argue that you are exaggerating the need for ongoing care. They might claim that certain treatments are unnecessary or not directly related to the accident, which can reduce the payout you receive. In Mississippi, accident victims often face lengthy recovery periods, and the associated medical costs can be substantial. Insurance companies are aware of this and may challenge treatments to minimize their financial responsibility.

Mississippi-Specific Considerations

Under Mississippi law, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your damages after a car accident. However, several factors influence the amount of compensation you may receive, and insurance companies are well-versed in using these factors to their advantage.

Comparative Negligence

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages—though the amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. Insurance companies frequently use this rule to argue that you bear a significant portion of the blame, thus minimizing the amount they have to pay.

Statute of Limitations

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. However, insurance companies may delay settlement discussions, hoping that the statute of limitations will expire before you take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to pursue compensation through the courts.

How to Protect Yourself from Insurance Company Tactics

Document Everything

From the moment the accident occurs, it’s essential to document everything. Take photos of the scene, collect witness information, and keep detailed records of your medical treatment. Having a clear and comprehensive record of the accident and your injuries will make it harder for the insurance company to dispute the facts.

Do Not Accept the First Offer

While it may be tempting to accept a quick settlement, it’s almost always in your best interest to hold out. Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation upfront. Speak with a qualified attorney to understand the full value of your claim before accepting any offer.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements from accident victims. While they may frame this as part of the standard claims process, these statements can be used against you later. Even seemingly innocent comments can be twisted to downplay your injuries or suggest that you were partially at fault for the accident.

Hire an Experienced Mississippi Car Accident Attorney

Perhaps the most important step you can take to protect your rights is to hire an experienced car accident attorney. Insurance companies are far more likely to offer fair compensation when they know they are up against a skilled legal team. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we have decades of experience fighting for accident victims throughout Mississippi. We understand the tactics insurance companies use and know how to counteract them to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Car Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Mississippi?
Under Mississippi law, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover damages. However, it’s important to start the claims process as soon as possible to gather evidence and build a strong case.

What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
If an insurance company denies your car accident claim, it is essential to consult with an attorney. The denial could be based on disputed liability, questions about the extent of your injuries, or other factors. A skilled attorney can review the denial, gather evidence, and fight to get your claim approved or take your case to court if necessary.

Can I recover compensation if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, Mississippi follows the rule of pure comparative negligence, which allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total damages will be reduced by 20%.

How do insurance companies calculate the value of a car accident claim?
Insurance companies use various factors to calculate the value of a car accident claim. These factors include the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, they may try to undervalue these components to minimize their payout. Consulting with an attorney ensures that all damages are accurately assessed and accounted for.

What damages can I recover in a Mississippi car accident case?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you pursue all possible avenues of compensation.

Call to Action

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Mississippi, don’t let the insurance companies minimize your compensation. Call Kellum Law Firm at their Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or their Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 to understand your legal rights to compensation and discuss your options.

CONTACT US

Schedule a meeting online or by phone.

1438 North State St.
Jackson, MS 39202

PHONE: (601) 969-2709

FAX: (601) 969-2161

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617 Market St.
Port Gibson, MS 39150

PHONE:(601) 590-9000

FAX:(601) 969-2161

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