Bolivar County Car Accident Lawyer

Providing Legal Counsel in the Wake of an Auto Accident

Car accidents can be devastating, causing serious injuries and significant property damage. In the aftermath of a crash, you may be dealing with severe pain and suffering, mounting medical expenses, and a damaged vehicle. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be struggling to cope with the loss and expenses associated with funeral and burial costs.

At Calderón Law, we understand the challenges you are facing. Our Bolivar County car accident attorney is here to provide the legal counsel and support you need during this difficult time. We can help you understand your options and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our team is prepared to advocate for your rights and best interests during all stages of the legal process.

For a consultation with our car accident lawyer in Bolivar County, call (662) 594-2439 or contact us online.

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a significant difference in your ability to recover fair compensation for your damages.

After a car accident, you should:

• Stay at the scene: Never leave the scene of an accident. Under Mississippi law, you must stop your vehicle if you are involved in a crash. If you leave the scene, you could face criminal charges, even if the accident was not your fault.
• Check for injuries: If anyone is injured, call 911 and request an ambulance. Do not move anyone who is unconscious, has a head or neck injury, or is experiencing back pain. Wait for medical professionals to arrive and provide treatment.
• Report the accident: If the police do not come to the scene, you will need to file a report. You can do this at a local police station or through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
• Exchange information: Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the crash. You should also get the names and contact information of any passengers and witnesses.
• Take pictures: Use your smartphone or another camera to take pictures of the accident scene, any damage to the vehicles, and your injuries. Visual evidence can be incredibly powerful when filing a car accident claim.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe your injuries are serious, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to present symptoms, and seeing a doctor can help you document your injuries and establish a link between the accident and your damages.
• Call your insurance company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, do not admit fault or provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster.
• Call a car accident lawyer: An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and protect your right to compensation. The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner they can get to work on your case.

How Do I Prove Fault in a Car Accident?

Proving fault in a car accident is not always easy. In some cases, it may be clear that one driver is to blame for the crash. In others, it may be more difficult to establish liability. However, proving fault is a key component of any car accident claim.

There are several types of evidence that can be used to prove fault in a car accident:

• Police reports: If the police came to the scene of the accident, they likely filed a report. This report can be used to establish fault.
• Photos and videos: As mentioned above, photos and videos of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicle can be used as evidence.
• Witness statements: If anyone saw the accident happen, their statements can be used to establish fault.
• Expert testimony: Experts can help recreate the accident and provide their professional opinion on who is to blame.
• Cell phone records: If the other driver was using their cell phone at the time of the crash, their cell phone records can be used to establish liability.
• Police records: If the other driver has a history of traffic violations, this can be used as evidence of their negligence.
• Medical records: Your medical records can be used to prove that you were injured in the accident. They can also be used to establish the severity of your injuries.
• Vehicle maintenance records: If the other driver failed to maintain their vehicle, this can be used as evidence of their negligence.
• Driving records: If the other driver has a history of traffic violations, this can be used as evidence of their negligence.

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident?

Liability for a car accident will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the crash. In many cases, the at-fault driver is liable. However, in some cases, other parties may be responsible for the accident and your injuries.

Some potentially liable parties in a car accident include:

• Other drivers: If another driver is negligent and causes a crash, they may be held liable for your damages.
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable for your damages. This is known as vicarious liability or respondent superior.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a defective vehicle or vehicle part caused the accident or made your injuries worse, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable.
• Government entities: If a dangerous road condition caused the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable.
• Bars and restaurants: If a drunk driver caused the accident, the bar or restaurant that served them alcohol may be held liable under Mississippi’s dram shop laws.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to compensation.

It is important to note that different rules apply if you are filing a lawsuit for a loved one’s wrongful death. In these cases, you generally have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit.

Although three years may seem like a long time, it is important to remember that car accident claims can be incredibly complex. They often involve a significant amount of evidence and require negotiations with insurance companies. The sooner you call a car accident lawyer, the sooner they can get to work on your case.

If you are filing a claim against a government agency, you may have less time to take legal action. You may also be required to provide notice of your intent to sue. An attorney can help you understand the deadlines and other requirements that apply to your case.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

It is difficult to say how much your car accident claim is worth without first reviewing the details of your case. The value of your claim will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and the amount of time you have missed from work.

Several types of damages may be available in a car accident claim, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

It is important to remember that you will not be able to recover compensation for your damages if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. Under Mississippi’s comparative fault system, you may be able to recover compensation even if you are partially to blame. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Our Bolivar County Car Accident Attorney Can Help

After a car accident, you may be focused on your physical recovery. However, it is important not to overlook the importance of contacting an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the claims process and handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

At Calderón Law, we can help you by:

• Investigating the accident: Our team can conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident occurred and who is to blame. This may involve reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
• Gathering evidence: We can help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault and liability. This may include photos and videos of the accident scene, your medical records, and your employment records.
• Calculating your damages: Our car accident attorney can help you calculate the full cost of your injuries and other losses. We can help you determine how much your case is worth and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
• Negotiating with the insurance company: Our team can handle all communications with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can take your case to court.

Our team understands that no two car accident cases are the same. When you choose our firm, we will take the time to get to know you and understand your unique needs and goals. We will then work to develop a personalized legal strategy aimed at helping you obtain the compensation you are owed.

Contact Our Bolivar County Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, we are here to help. Our Bolivar County car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you are owed. We are committed to providing you with the compassionate, personalized legal counsel you deserve.

For a consultation with our car accident lawyer in Bolivar County, call (662) 594-2439 or contact us online.