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If you were recently hurt in a collision, calling an attorney is probably the last thing on your mind. There’s always so much to do, after all, in the wake of a wreck.
Should there be a chance you have grounds for a claim, however, it’s wise to consult a lawyer as soon as your condition stabilizes. Wondering whether this applies to you? Here are some of the most common signs that calling an attorney could be worthwhile:
1. You Were Not to Blame for the Crash
As long as you were not wholly responsible for the accident, you should be able to seek compensation for the resulting losses. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that if you contributed to the wreck in some way, it could reduce your potential payout.
Under Mississippi’s pure comparative fault rule, a plaintiff’s right to damages may be reduced by his or her own percentage of fault; however, he or she will not be barred from recovery just for playing a role in the crash.
2. You Sustained Recoverable Damages
You must have incurred actual losses — and you must be able to prove as much — to be eligible for compensation. Generally speaking, this will be the case if you sustained anything more than a few bruises. Put another way, if you require medical care, it’s highly likely that you have grounds for a claim and, consequently, could benefit from calling an attorney.
Mississippi tort law recognizes virtually all the expenses that accident victims incur. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of reasonably necessary replacement services.
Claimants may also seek compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and mental anguish. You can prove the extent of these losses using evidence like journal entries, statements from loved ones, and psych evals.
3. You Still Have Time to Go to Court
If you attempt to file a car accident claim after the applicable statute of limitations has passed, your chances of securing a payout are slim. Since there’s no threat of litigation, the insurance adjuster simply won’t be inclined to negotiate.
In Mississippi, the typical filing deadline for personal injury suits founded on negligence is three years. That means it’s worth calling an attorney as long as it’s been less than three years since you were hurt.
Since there are circumstances in which the statute of limitations can be tolled, however, it may still be wise to call a lawyer even if more than three years have passed. Most reputable firms offer free consultations, so you’ve got nothing to lose by reaching out if you have reason to believe you’re entitled to compensation.
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If you were hurt in a collision that someone else caused, turn to Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC to determine how best to proceed. A seasoned lawyer on our team will assert your rights while protecting your best interests at every stage of the proceedings. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Jackson car accident attorneys, fill out our Contact Form or call 601-487-8448.
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