If you were hurt in an accident that someone else caused, you may be wondering what to do next. The easiest way to determine whether you have grounds for a claim is by consulting an attorney.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can evaluate the situation and help you determine how best to proceed. Should you choose to go forward with a claim, there are a few things you should know first. Read on to learn what they are:
1. You will have a limited amount of time to go to court.
In Mississippi, you have three years from the date on which you were hurt to file a personal injury lawsuit founded on negligence. If you miss this deadline—or if an exception allies and you miss that deadline—you may be unable to recover any compensation whatsoever because you’ll lose all legal recourse.
2. You must present compelling evidence of liability.
To secure a satisfactory settlement or favorable judgement, you’re going to have to prove that the opposing party is, in fact, liable for your losses. Most personal injury claims are founded on negligence, and the elements of negligence include a duty of care, a breach of duty, and resulting damages.
The more evidence you can gather to support your claim, the stronger your case will be. This evidence can include things like medical records, police reports, and eyewitness statements.
3. You may have to be patient.
The legal process can take time. It is important to be patient and to trust your lawyer to handle your case. As long as you turn to a reputable and reliable firm, however, you should be able to count on getting detailed status updates every step of the way.
What to Expect After Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Once you have filed your claim, the other party’s insurance company will likely contact you to discuss the situation. It is important to be careful about how you respond since anything you say can and will be used against you.
This applies to content you post on social media, as well. As long as your claim is pending, it’s best to lay low online.
Once they’ve completed their investigation, the insurance adjuster will likely try to get you to settle for a low amount of money. It’s important to remember that they are not on your side. They are only interested in protecting their bottom line.
As such, you should not accept any offers without first consulting an attorney. A seasoned professional can help you negotiate a fair settlement, or they can take your case to trial if necessary, assuming the statute of limitations mentioned above has not passed.
Discuss Your Case with a Personal Injury Attorney in Jackson
Ready to find out whether you have grounds for legal action? Turn to the strategic team at Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC. We’ll investigate the situation from all angles to help you determine how best to seek the compensation you deserve. 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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