HATTIESBURG Car ACCIDENT LAWYER

Car Accident Attorney in Hattiesburg, Mississippi: Get the Justice You Deserve

Car accidents, an unfortunate reality of modern life, can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. In bustling areas like Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the risk is ever-present. If you were involved in a car accident, you may be wondering what you should do now. Whatever you do, make sure your first step is to contact an experienced Hattiesburg car accident lawyer to guide you through the process.

For more than 25 years, the car accident attorneys at Giddens Law Firm have been helping car accident victims with their claims. We understand how complex these cases can be and how you will need an experienced and skilled personal injury lawyer to walk you through the process.

Don’t delay. Contact a Hattiesburg car accident lawyer at Giddens Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.

The Prevalence of Car Accidents in Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg, known as the “Hub City” due to its central location in Mississippi, is a bustling area with a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. Its central location, combined with a dense population and a network of major highways, makes it a hotspot for vehicular traffic. With increased traffic comes an elevated risk of car accidents.

Common factors that can cause a car accident in Hattiesburg to occur include:

• High Traffic Volume: As a hub, Hattiesburg sees a significant amount of vehicular traffic, both from residents and those passing through. High traffic volume, especially during rush hours, increases the likelihood of collisions.
• Major Highways: Hattiesburg is intersected by several major highways, including US 49 and Interstate 59. These highways, while facilitating quick travel, also see high-speed traffic, which can lead to severe accidents when things go wrong.
• Urban Development: The city’s continuous development means more vehicles on the road, but also more pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. The mix can sometimes lead to unfortunate incidents, especially at busy intersections.
• Seasonal Weather: Mississippi’s weather, especially during transitional seasons, can be unpredictable. Rain can make roads slippery, and fog can reduce visibility, both contributing to accidents.

Understanding Mississippi’s Fault System and Pure Comparative Negligence

In the realm of car accidents, the legal system that determines responsibility and compensation is crucial. Mississippi, like many other states, operates under a specific set of rules that dictate how these matters are handled.

The Fault System Explained:

The “fault” system, as the name suggests, is centered around determining who is responsible for your car accident. The party found to be at fault is then legally obligated to compensate any injured parties for their damages. This compensation can cover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other related costs.

In Hattiesburg, if you’re involved in a car accident, you have multiple avenues to seek compensation:

• Filing a claim with your own insurance company, who will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance (this is known as a subrogation claim)
• Directly filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver

Pure Comparative Negligence:

Mississippi follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. It’s essential to understand this rule as it can significantly impact your car accident claim.

For instance, let’s say you were involved in an auto accident and suffered damages amounting to $10,000. After evaluating the circumstances, it’s determined that you were 20% at fault for the accident. Under the pure comparative negligence rule, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you’d receive $8,000 instead of the full $10,000.

What’s unique about the “pure” aspect of this rule is that even if you’re found to be more at fault than the other party (even 99% at fault), you can still recover compensation. However, it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were 99% at fault in the previous example, you’d only be entitled to $100.

Understanding the pure comparative negligence rule is vital when pursuing a car accident claim in Mississippi. It underscores the importance of gathering robust evidence to prove the other party’s fault. Even if you believe you might be partially at fault, it’s worth pursuing a claim, as you could still be entitled to compensation.

However, insurance companies are well aware of this rule and might attempt to pin more blame on you to reduce the payout. This is where having a seasoned attorney becomes invaluable. They can challenge such assertions, present evidence in your favor, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

What Type of Damages Could You Receive After a Car Accident in Hattiesburg?

When you’re involved in a car accident, the aftermath can be financially, physically, and emotionally taxing. The legal system recognizes these burdens and allows victims to seek various types of damages to compensate for their losses.

Economic Damages (Special Damages)

Economic damages are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses that can be calculated and verified. They include:

• Medical Expenses: This encompasses everything from emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, to any future medical treatments you might need as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost and will lose in the future.
• Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rehabilitation Costs: If your injuries require ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation, these costs can be included.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can include anything from hiring help around the house, transportation costs related to medical appointments, to purchasing medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.

Non-Economic Damages (General Damages)

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that don’t have a direct monetary value but significantly impact a victim’s life.

• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress a victim endures as a result of the accident. It considers the nature of the injury, the duration of the pain, and any potential chronic pain.
• Emotional Distress: Car accidents can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress acknowledges the psychological impact of the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injuries adversely affect the relationship between the victim and their spouse, they may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship, affection, and other pleasures of a marital relationship.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This pertains to a diminished quality of life due to the accident, such as not being able to participate in hobbies or activities that the victim once enjoyed.

Punitive Damages

Unlike the other types of damages that aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages are designed to punish the offender and deter them and others from committing similar acts in the future. These are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or intentional. For instance, if a driver caused an accident while driving under the influence or was engaging in street racing, the court might award punitive damages.

The Role of a Car Accident Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. From dealing with injuries to negotiating with insurance companies, victims often find themselves facing a multitude of challenges. This is where a car accident attorney steps in, offering not just legal expertise but also a guiding hand through the complex process.

• Case Evaluation: One of the first things an attorney will do is evaluate the merits of your case. They’ll review the details of the accident, gather evidence, and determine the potential for a successful claim. This initial assessment is crucial in setting the direction for the legal journey ahead.
• Gathering Evidence: A robust case is built on solid evidence. Attorneys will meticulously collect all necessary documentation, from police reports and medical records to witness testimonies and accident scene photographs. They might also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to strengthen the case.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claim payouts. They might employ tactics like disputing the severity of injuries or arguing about fault. An experienced attorney knows these tactics and will negotiate assertively, ensuring that victims receive a fair settlement. They’ll handle all communications, shielding victims from potential pitfalls.
• Determining the Value of the Claim: Many victims are unaware of the full spectrum of damages they can claim. An attorney will consider both current and future expenses, from medical bills and rehabilitation costs to lost wages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
• Legal Representation in Court: While many car accident claims are settled out of court, some might proceed to trial. In such scenarios, an attorney will prepare a compelling case, represent the victim in court, and advocate for their rights and interests.

Many car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case. This ensures that victims can seek top-tier legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

Even after a settlement is reached, there might be additional legal procedures to follow, such as ensuring that medical bills are paid or liens are resolved. An attorney will assist with these post-settlement tasks, ensuring that the victim’s journey to recovery is as smooth as possible.

A Car Accident Lawyer at Giddens Law Firm is Here to Help

Car accidents are not just unexpected events; they are life-altering experiences that come with a myriad of challenges, both immediate and long-term. Navigating the complexities of insurance claims, medical bills, and legal procedures can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already grappling with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Hattiesburg, MI, remember that timely legal intervention can make all the difference. At Giddens Law Firm, we’re not just attorneys; we’re your advocates, dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. With our expertise, commitment, and deep understanding of car accident claims, we stand ready to champion your cause.

Don’t wait. Every moment counts. Reach out to Giddens Law Firm today for a free consultation and let us be your guiding light in these challenging times.