Understanding How Kellum Law Firm, P.C. Advocates for You After a Car Accident in Jackson, Mississippi

When you hire a car accident lawyer, you’re taking a critical step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. But what exactly happens after you’ve retained legal counsel? At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we ensure our clients in Jackson and Port Gibson, Mississippi, are supported through every phase of the claims process.

The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

From investigating your case to negotiating with insurance companies, your attorney will handle every detail, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Here’s an in-depth look at what happens after you hire a car accident lawyer.

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1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

After you’ve hired a car accident lawyer, they will start with a detailed consultation to gather all the facts about your case. This includes reviewing police reports, medical records, photographs, and any other evidence you have collected. They’ll identify the key issues, such as fault and the scope of your damages, and provide an honest assessment of the potential value of your claim.

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2. Investigating the Accident

To build a strong case, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation. This often involves:

• Visiting the accident scene to gather evidence.
• Obtaining surveillance footage, if available.
• Collecting witness statements to support your account.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.

This step ensures that no critical detail is overlooked and that all evidence is preserved.

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3. Calculating Your Damages

Your attorney will help determine the full extent of your damages, both economic and non-economic. This includes:

• Past and future medical bills.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma.
• Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings.

By accurately calculating damages, your lawyer ensures that your claim reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.

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4. Filing Insurance Claims

One of the key roles of your lawyer is to manage communications with insurance companies. This involves:

• Filing claims promptly to meet legal deadlines.
• Providing necessary documentation to support your claim.
• Ensuring that insurance adjusters do not use your statements against you.

Your lawyer will handle all interactions with insurers, protecting you from lowball settlement offers and bad faith tactics.

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5. Negotiating a Settlement

The vast majority of car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will:

• Present a well-documented claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Use evidence and expert testimony to justify your compensation demands.
• Negotiate skillfully to achieve a fair settlement without unnecessary delays.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your lawyer will prepare to take the next step: litigation.

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6. Preparing for Litigation (If Necessary)

If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. This includes:

• Drafting and filing the necessary legal documents.
• Engaging in discovery to obtain additional evidence.
• Identifying and preparing witnesses, including experts.

While most cases are settled before trial, having an experienced trial attorney can pressure the opposing side to negotiate in good faith.

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7. Advocating for You in Court

If your case proceeds to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to the judge and jury. They will cross-examine witnesses, challenge opposing arguments, and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

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8. Post-Resolution Support

Even after your case is resolved, your attorney can assist with post-resolution matters, such as ensuring timely payment of your settlement or verdict. They may also help you address liens or claims from healthcare providers or insurers.

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Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer is Essential

Car accident claims can quickly become overwhelming, especially when dealing with severe injuries or complex liability issues. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but having a skilled lawyer on your side ensures that your rights are protected and your claim is handled professionally. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we handle every detail of your case with care and diligence so you can focus on your recovery.

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Car Accident FAQs

How quickly should I hire a car accident lawyer after an accident?
It’s best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Early involvement ensures that evidence is preserved, witnesses are contacted, and deadlines are met. Mississippi’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years, but certain aspects of your case, such as filing insurance claims, may require immediate action.

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What documents should I provide to my lawyer after hiring them?
To help your lawyer build your case, provide the following:

• The police report.
• Medical records and bills.
• Photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Contact information for witnesses.
• Communication from insurance companies. The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

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Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident claims are resolved through settlements. However, your case may go to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Hiring a lawyer with litigation experience ensures you’re prepared for either outcome.

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What does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows accident victims to seek justice regardless of their financial situation.

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Can I still hire a lawyer if the insurance company has already made an offer?
Yes, and you should. Insurance companies often make low initial offers to settle claims quickly. A lawyer can evaluate the offer, determine if it’s fair, and negotiate for higher compensation if necessary.

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What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

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How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?
The timeline for resolving a car accident case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether it goes to trial. Your lawyer will keep you informed every step of the way to ensure the process moves as quickly as possible.

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Call to Action:

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Jackson, Mississippi, don’t face the legal process alone. Call Kellum Law Firm, P.C. at (601) 969-2709 in Jackson or (601) 590-9000 in Port Gibson to discuss your case with a compassionate and experienced car accident attorney. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (601) 969-2709 to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney. We proudly serve clients throughout the Jackson, Mississippi metro area and all counties across the state. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.