If you were recently hurt in some kind of preventable accident and you’re thinking about taking legal action, it’s natural to turn to the internet for help. While the web can be an amazing resource, however, it’s important to remember that not everything you come across will be entirely accurate. In fact, there’s quite a bit of misinformation out there, and falling for any of it could prove disastrous during the subsequent proceedings.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions about personal injury actions, so you don’t jeopardize your claim inadvertently:
1. If You Contributed to the Accident, You’re Ineligible for Compensation
It’s not uncommon to find multiple parties responsible for accidents that end up causing harm, and sometimes, those parties include the victims. If you were struck by a drunk driver, for example, but you were traveling slightly above the speed limit at the time, the opposing party may be able to make the case that you played a role in the wreck, or at least contributed to its severity.
Thankfully, this wouldn’t bar you from filing a claim. While the total compensation you’re entitled to recover would be reduced accordingly under Mississippi’s pure comparative fault rule, you could still seek funds for the damages for which the other parties are deemed responsible.
2. If You Have Decent Insurance, Filing a Personal Injury Claim Is Not Worth the Hassle
People often assume that as long as they have adequate health insurance coverage, sustaining unanticipated injuries won’t have much of an impact on their financial security. In reality, however, accident victims tend to incur a lot more than medical bills over the course of their recovery.
They might be unable to work, for example, which means losing tens of thousands of dollars—or more—in wages. There are also non-economic damages to consider, like diminished quality of life, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Fortunately, you can include all such losses in a personal injury claim.
3. If You Have Other Priorities, You Can Postpone Filing for as Long as You Need
Every state has strict deadlines for personal injury actions. That means it’s wise to call an attorney and get your claim underway as soon as your condition stabilizes.
In Mississippi, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits ranges from one to three years. If the opposing party refuses to offer a fair settlement and you attempt to bring them to court but the applicable deadline has already passed, the judge will likely dismiss your case. This, in turn, will leave you with little to no legal recourse.
Discuss Your Case with a Personal Injury Attorney in Jackson
For tenacious and strategic counsel during the claims process, turn to Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC. Our award-winning team has what it takes to go up against even the largest insurers, and we’re not afraid to go all the way to trial when necessary. Call 601-487-8448 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Jackson.
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