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Can I Obtain Punitive Damages for the Injuries I Received In a Mississippi Car Accident?

Many individuals are injured in automobile or trucking accidents everyday.  Many of these injuries are relatively minor and also, have common causes—minor rear-end accidents, minor side-swipe collisions, and other similar accidents.  Unfortunately, sometimes injuries are not minor.  In fact, they often result in death or catastrophic injuries to its victims.  And sometimes the accident results not from a minor fender bender but from a horrific collision involving gross negligence, recklessness, and/or criminal wrongdoing.  In these types of accidents, such as the accident caused by Ethan Couch, which is discussed in another one of our blogs, our firm often gets inquiries about whether punitive damages are recoverable.

Punitive damages, unlike all other forms of damages that are designed to compensate an individual for his or her actual past and future losses, are designed to do one thing—deter future conduct by the defendant and others.  They, in effect, are a punishment.  Because punitive damages are not intended to compensate the plaintiff, who will nevertheless receive all or a majority of the damages, punitive damages are rather difficult to obtain.  The facts at hand have to rise to the level of something so egregious as to be essentially shocking or intentional.  The one exception is in regard to cases against an insurance company wherein it is alleged that the insurance company refused to settle/pay out on a particular matter in bad faith.

Punitive damages are largely governed by state common law, but the United States Supreme Court has issued decisions finding that punitive damages in a ratio of four to one implicates constitutional concerns.  However, the United States Supreme Court has also found exceptions to this; accordingly, there are no absolute or hard-and-fast rules.  The general proposition, however, is that the greater the amount of punitive damages, the greater the likelihood they will be subject to challenge.  The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the damages awarded be reasonable as determined by the degree of reprehensibility of the defendant’s actions.

Cases involving automobile accidents that may be one in which punitive damages could be sought include:

  • Manslaughter;
  • Reckless driving;
  • Fleeing the scene of an accident;
  • Intoxication; and
  • Criminal behavior while operating a motor vehicle.

Punitive damages will very likely not be covered by an insurance policy.  Therefore, determining whether to pursue them should include a consideration of the likelihood that the defendant they are imposed upon has the means to satisfy the judgment.  Punitive damages are more typically sought against companies such as employers, truck manufacturers, component part manufacturers, and the like.  However, they certain can and should be sought against individuals in appropriate circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car or trucking accident, it is important to retain an attorney experienced automobile accident lawsuits.  The nuances of litigating automobile accident lawsuits can be difficult to navigate for an attorney inexperienced in such matters.  Matters of timing, obtaining medical records, knowing who to file suit against, obtaining records, retaining experts, and similar issues can easily lead to oversight and mistakes. You also need an attorney who understands how to fight for your rights.  We know how to do so and having been doing so for decades.  If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, please contact Barrett Law PLLC at (800) 707-9577 to schedule your initial consultation.

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How to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents in Mississippi

For over the past decade, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of fatal car accidents across the State of Mississippi.  According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, in 2000, 941 people sustained fatal injuries in vehicle accidents across the State, whereas in 2010, only 641 were killed.  Overall, between 2009 (with 700 fatalities) and 2010, there has been an 8.4% decrease in the number of accidents involving death in Mississippi. While these numbers are promising, they still represent an excessively large amount of unnecessary and perhaps preventable accidents.   Otherwise stated, Mississippi continues to maintain its reputation as having some of the most dangerous roads in the country.

There are several reasons why an overwhelming number of fatal accidents continue to occur on a yearly basis in Mississippi. Specifically, the State is crisscrossed by various busy roads and interstate highways that are frequented by thousands of cars, trucks and motorcycles on a daily basis.  Hence, it is not surprising that the majority of fatal car accidents in Mississippi occur on roadway departures, which is a crash that occurs when a car crosses the edge or centerline of a roadway.  Regardless of the cause of a crash, there are certain things you can do to prevent accidents.  Although not every collision can be avoided, the following are some safety tips you should consider to maximize your safety while driving:

  1. Do not speed.  As simple as this may sound, speeding is one of the main reasons why accidents turn deadly in Mississippi.  As tempting as it may be, follow the speed limit, as it could mean the difference between life and death.
  2. Always maintain your car, vehicle or truck.  Many car accidents are caused by the failure of a driver to keep his or her vehicle in good repair.  For example, tire blowouts on trucks, which often result in fatal injuries, could have been avoided had the driver checked his or her tire pressure before departing.
  3. Do not drink and drive.  Do the smart thing and have someone else drive you home should you drink too much.  If you must drive, it is always a good idea to avoid drinking before getting behind the wheel or waiting a while to take off in the event you have had a few drinks.  Moreover, you can also call a taxi or take a bus to avoid the inherent risks associated with driving while impaired.
  4. Do not text and drive.   Driving while “distracticated” has become a serious issue across the U.S. and accounts for at least 25% of accidents nationwide.  This amounts to over 2,500 deaths and more than 250,000 injuries each year to drivers across the country.

For more information, contact us today to learn more about your legal options.  We will take the time necessary to investigate the facts of your case and keep you well informed during your case.  We look forward to hearing from you.

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Christmas Day Crash Kills Baldwyn Woman

A Christmas Day crash claimed the life of a Baldwyn woman, according to a news report. Amanda Autrey, 25, sustained life-threatening injuries around noon December 25, 2012. She was a passenger in a pickup-truck that hydroplaned while traveling along Mississippi 245, overturning near Shannon.

At 2:30 pm, Amanda Autrey was pronounced dead at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Timothy Autrey, driver of the pickup-truck, was ejected from the vehicle, sustaining minor injuries in the crash. Amanda Autrey, a passenger, was trapped inside the crashed vehicle. Neither Timothy Autrey, nor his wife, were wearing seatbelts when the accident occurred.

The crash remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Sadly, when you lose a loved one in an automobile accident, insurance claims adjustors knowingly intrude on your grief, counting on your vulnerability to bully you into settling an insurance claim immediately – before you’ve had the opportunity to discuss the matter with your attorney. They do this to usurp a wrongful death or personal injury claim that you may be entitled to which, in most cases, has a substantially larger award value than the settlement the insurance adjustor is offering you.

Before you sign-off on any insurance company paperwork, ask your attorney to review the documents. This would be a good time to discuss the alternative option of filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim seeking compensatory damages to cover funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, and lost income. Depending upon the circumstances of the automobile accident that took the live of your loved one, you may additionally wish to seek an award of punitive damages. Seeking damages is especially important in terms of future economic support if, for example, the decedent left children behind who depended upon his (or her) income for support.

If you don’t already have an attorney, several attorney referral services are available through your local bar association or online. It’s important to find an attorney who is both experienced and reputable, and specializes in wrongful death and personal injury law. Your attorney is an advocate who represents your interests, files a claim on your behalf, and brings you the compensation you deserve.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our attorneys by calling (800) 707-9577.

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Impact of a Mississippi Car Accident Can Last Lifetime

An automobile accident occurs in a split-second, but the impact can last a lifetime. The resulting injuries too often necessitate changes in lifestyle or cause strife in relationships.  The dad who used to throw the football around with his kids is suddenly unable to care for himself – let alone enjoy the simple pleasures of parenting. In other words, there’s nothing frivolous about seeking compensation for injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Although impossible to reposition the lives of you and your family to exactly the way it was pre-accident, a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages makes it possible for you and your loved ones to garner the financial resources to create a brighter future.

The word “injury” is frequently tossed around and can be misleading, sometimes making the average onlooker perceive a compensable injury as inconsequential – like a hang-nail. The reality is that auto accident injuries can be quite severe, often resulting in chronic pain, permanent disability, or even death. Victims who seek a judicial remedy for their injuries, pain, and suffering are quite deserving of the awards allowed under the law and more.

Among the injuries that can result from a car accident are:

  • Broken bones
  • Concussion
  • Contusions
  • Disfigurement
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Internal organ damage
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of sensory function
  • Loss of limbs
  • Spinal injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Wrongful death

If you and your family are dealing with the immediate aftermath of car accident injuries, you understand the high-level of specialized medical care your loved-one-suddenly-turned-patient now requires. Some car accident victims require long-term care that families are generally not equipped to handle.  Medical care – especially long-term care – although necessary, is bank-breakingly expensive. Most families simply don’t have the resources lying around.

When faced with the adversity of automobile accident injuries, always contact a reputable attorney as soon as possible to discuss your circumstance before agreeing to sign-off on an insurance settlement. Hiring an experienced lawyer to handle your personal injury claim under Mississippi Code Annotated § 85-5-7 (2012) can bring you peace of mind and the compensation you deserve.

If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, make an appointment with one of our Mississippi attorneys by calling (800) 707-9577.

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Are GPS Devices Just as Dangerous as Cell Phones When Driving?

According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction is estimated to be the cause of approximately 25-30% of all vehicle accidents in the United States each year.  One cause of driver distraction is GPS tracking devices, which are an indirect cause of automobile accidents but contribute to driver inattention in the following ways:

GPS voice command has been disabled

Disabling (turning off) the audio voice function of a GPS tracking device forces the driver to physically look at the device in order to determine its data output – this means that drivers must avert their eyes and divert their attention from the road.

Command input while driving

Attempting to input coordinates or commands into the GPS tracking device while the vehicle is moving is similar to talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving.

The statistical link between GPS tracking devices and automobile accidents is a clear indication that many drivers rely heavily on their GPS unit to locate their destination.  Sometimes this reliance can lead to a more confused driver because the unit’s maps may be out-dated or may not accurately reflect new road construction.  Additionally, communication errors are common and may be caused by the satellite signal being blocked.  When a driver is concentrating on a GPS or relying heavily on it when driving in an unfamiliar area, the driver can experience confusion and anxiety that increases the risk of a Mississippi distracted driving accident.

GPS devices are commonly used throughout the United States in privately owned vehicles as well as commercial vehicles.  When GPS devices are used correctly and safely, they can greatly benefit drivers by saving both time and money.  Additionally, the installation of a GPS unit in commercial vehicles may contribute to a reduction in the company’s insurance premiums.  The installation of a GPS unit in commercial trucks also allows the company to track their fleet traffic as well as assist in locating and tracking individual drivers.

All drivers, both private and commercial, should exercise the utmost caution when using a GPS device to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others.  Drivers should exercise common sense when using a GPS device – never taking their eyes from the road to read the output generated by a GPS device and always bringing the vehicle to a complete and safe stop prior to entering the coordinates of a location into the GPS unit.

The incorporation of GPS devices in many smart phones also has contributed to the ineffectiveness of many cell phone driving laws.  Because using a GPS device while driving is not prohibited for non-commercial drivers anywhere in the U.S., it can be difficult for law enforcement to differentiate between prohibited uses of a cell phone and those like GPS functions that are permitted.  Ironically, there has been a widespread movement to restrict or ban cell phone use while driving because of the widely recognized risk associated with texting or talking and driving.  However, it is legitimate to wonder whether those who use a GPS device without exercising extreme caution are creating just as great a risk.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one has died in an accident involving a driver distracted by a GPS device, our Mississippi distracted driving attorneys may be able to help. If you or a family member is injured in a Mississippi distracted driving accident, the experienced districted driving accident attorneys at Barrett Law may be able to represent you in seeking financial compensation for any injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.  At the Barrett Law Offices PLLC, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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Study Shows Adapting Safety Equipment to Perception Limits Can Prevent Rear-End Collisions

During any hour of watching television, there is a good chance you will see advertisements lauding the new safety features that are now being equipped on many vehicles.  These safety features can include early crash warning systems, extra air bags, crash avoidance systems and other technologies designed to prevent Mississippi car accidents.  However, one of the factors that is critical to making vehicles more safe and preventing car accidents is understanding the way human being process information as well as the limitations of human perception.  One study that looked at the human perception factors in causing rear-end collisions provides a good illustration of how many car accidents could be avoided by building motor vehicles with the limitations of human perception in mind.

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology conducted a study that revealed that drivers cannot perceive the urgency with which the brakes are applied in the vehicle that a driver is following.  Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Mississippi and nationally.  Approximately a third of all car accidents are rear-end collisions.  These accidents are particularly common when driving in heavy traffic with an inconsistent flow.  A momentary glance at one’s cell phone or slightly delayed response because a driver is tired or drowsy can easily result in a driver slamming into you from the rear.

There are a number of frequent contributing factors to rear-end collisions, including the following:

  • Failure to adhere to the two-second following rule (tailgating)
  • Speeding
  • Not slowing down in inclement weather
  • Inattentive driving because of distractions
  • Drunk driving or drugged driving
  • Poor brake maintenance

While these factors have long been recognized as causes of Mississippi rear-end collisions, the Georgia Institute of Technology used a driving simulator to gauge the ability of motorists to perceive the speed of a vehicle directly in front of them.  The study showed that drivers generally are unable to detect when the vehicle they are following is moving at a slower speed until the difference in speed reaches 8-10 mph.

Gregory Corso, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta commented, “Well, if people can’t detect that the car in front of them is going slower, you’re going to run into it.”

While current safety devices are designed to reduce the seriousness of injuries when a rear-end collision occurs, the researchers have developed an algorithm that can be incorporated into a collision warning system that makes adjustments based on your actual driving and braking behavior.  The system could notify drivers that the vehicle they are following is traveling at a slower rate of speed and predict a potential collision based on the rate that the trailing vehicle is gaining on the lead vehicle.  If this technology is implemented, it could prevent some of the most common types of Mississippi car accidents – rear-end collisions.  This provides a good example how vehicle manufacturers can be expected to adapt vehicles to protect vehicle occupants.  Sometimes when a manufacturer builds a vehicle without adequate safety equipment, this may form the basis for a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer.

Our experienced Mississippi rear-end accident attorneys offer a free consultation so that we can evaluate your Mississippi rear-end auto collision claim and explain your rights and remedies.  At the Barrett Law Offices PLLC, our experienced Mississippi rear-end accident lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.

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Rural Areas in Mississippi May Pose Greatest Risk of Serious Car Crashes

Most people presume that the greatest risk of being involved in a serious car accident is in the biggest cities within Mississippi because of increased traffic congestion.  This belief is the reason many drivers speed in rural areas because they have a false sense of security about the likelihood of being involved in a collision because there are fewer vehicles on the road.  Ironically, these intuitive feelings that many have are not supported by auto accident data.  Car accidents are more common in rural areas and the resulting injuries from such accidents are also more severe.

Although only about a quarter of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, these areas account for well over half of all auto accidents in the U.S according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  There are a number of reasons that may contribute to this counterintuitive result including the following:

  • Drivers in rural areas tend to drive at higher rates of speed
  • An Increased risk of alcohol impaired drivers in rural areas
  • Drivers in rural areas may be less attentive or vigilant
  • Rural areas may promote driver fatigue or drowsy drivers

Speeding is a substantial risk factor linked to the increased accident risk in rural areas. The lack of traffic congestion in rural areas is a double-edged sword.  While there are fewer drivers and vehicles with which to contend, the average speed of traffic is greater meaning that drivers can more easily lose control of their vehicle and have less response time when confronted with a potential auto accident hazard.  According to NHTSA data, speeding was a significant factor in 33% of all rural car accidents.

Drivers who operate their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol also play a major part in the high accident rates associated with urban areas.  Alcohol was a factor in 13 percent more rural accidents then accidents in urban centers.  Because high rates of speed and alcohol impaired driving are common causes of accident fatalities, it is hardly surprising that 57 percent of fatal car accidents occur in rural areas though only 23 percent of the U.S. population resides in rural area.

The sparse volume of traffic and extended stretches with little need to alter speed or direction on rural stretches of roadway can lead to inattention or fatigue.  Because drivers must be alert because of traffic congestion and obstacles in urban centers they are more likely to remain alert and sharp for potential hazards.  This is supported to some degree by data that shows night driving also is more dangerous in rural areas. If you or a loved one has been injured or you have lost a loved one in a Mississippi car accident, the experienced Mississippi car accident lawyers represent clients throughout Mississippi so call us today for a free no obligation initial case evaluation at (662) 834-2376.  Our law firm has roots that reach back over 75 years helping car accident victims in Mississippi just like you.

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What To Do After A Mississippi Car Accident

Car accidents, even minor ones, can be very unsettling to both drivers. Know in advance what to do in the event of an accident. Your primary concerns should be the safety and well-being of all parties, and taking steps to protect your interests in the aftermath. Here are a few steps that will help you respond appropriately.

Safety First

If anyone involved in the accident sustained injuries, call 911 immediately. Don’t try to move someone with injuries or allow yourself to be moved. Paramedics can determine the extent of injuries and move victims without causing more harm to the victim. Leave the vehicles where they are if there were injuries or the physical damage to the vehicles was extensive. Otherwise, move the cars off the road to a safe place. Be careful when exiting the vehicle, doing so on the side away from traffic.

For the Record

Call the police to report the incident. In some areas, the police respond only to serious accidents, so give them the basic facts and ask for instructions. Whether the policy of local police is to respond or not, you will need to exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle. Get their name, address and phone numbers, insurance information and license plate number. Provide your information as well.

Take pictures of both cars and any other evidence you can, such as skid marks or rubble from the damage. Use the camera from your cell phone if you have one. Alternatively, some drivers buy a disposable camera and keep in the glove compartment specifically for this purpose.

What To Avoid

When speaking to the police and to the other driver and/or passengers, cite only the facts. Do not admit or imply guilt, by apologizing, for example. The shock and anxiety people often experience following a collision, even a minor one, color your perspective, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to feel it was their fault in the immediate aftermath of an accident, even when it wasn’t. This is important, because in many states, liability is decided under a system called comparative negligence. This system recognizes that in a lot of cases, both parties had at least some responsibility for the accident. Admitting guilt at the scene could affect how much liability you are later assigned.

After the Fact

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to report the facts. They will need to know when and where the incident occurred and the other driver’s information. They will also ask if a police report was filed and whether any injuries occurred. Don’t offer any additional information. Then, if you feel there is a need, you can contact an attorney, who can advise you whether any additional steps are needed to protect your interests further.

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The Incidence of Teenage Drivers’ Auto Accidents in Mississippi

Over 5,000 teenaged drivers will die this year as a result of fatal injuries caused by an automobile accident, while another 400,000 will be seriously injured. Teenagers in the 16-20 age category are at a higher risk than any other group for being involved in a car accident, and while teenaged drivers are only 10 percent of the overall population, they account for over 12 percent of all fatal car accidents. If you’ve ever wondered why insurance rates are so astronomically high for male teenaged drivers, it could be due in part that the death rate due to auto accidents for teen male drivers is more than one and a half times that of their female counterparts.

These young male drivers are also much more likely to drink while driving, drive at excessive speeds and drive without wearing a safety belt. The first couple of years after a teenager gets his or her license is the riskiest period of time during the teen years. Inexperience and recklessness create a volatile combination—one that is very difficult to fix with new teenage drivers taking to the road every day.

Distracted Driving Among Teens

Even though there are more laws being passed against texting or using cell phones while driving, teenagers are among the worst offenders. Because teenagers tend to believe they are bulletproof, they may not always pay such close attention to the laws designed to keep them and others on the road safe. Teens are tied to their phones in ways few adults can understand, and it’s up to the parents to impress upon them the seriousness of texting and driving. Quite often there are numerous other teenaged passengers inside the car being driven by a teenager which multiplies the distractions.

The Responsibility of the Parents

When all is said and done it is the responsibility of the teen’s parents to teach proper driving techniques and practice those techniques every day. Children who grow up observing their parents driving in a consistently safe manner are more likely to do so themselves when they are teenage drivers. If the parents see they are not driving responsibly, it is up to them to take away the driving privileges until proper safety practices are put into place. Your teen’s life could depend on it.

Graduated License Programs Can Prevent Teenage Accidents in Mississippi

Graduated driver licensing programs have proven quite successful in allowing teenagers to get the experience they need before they are fully licensed. A graduated driver licensing program delays a full license for first-time drivers while they drive in low-risk conditions and no more than one passenger. First year drivers are also prohibited from driving after midnight, which is typically a high-risk time for young drivers to be on the road. Programs such as this have led to an almost 39% reduction in fatal car accidents among teens, however no all states are currently on board with the graduated license programs for teens.

Tips to keep Teens Safe in Mississippi

Set limits on after-dark driving for your teen, especially on the freeway, and set a strict limit on the number of friends your teen is allowed to have in the car with them. Maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding texting and driving and require seat belts to be worn at all times. Make sure your teenage driver fully understands the impact of driving while intoxicated as well as the consequences of underage drinking.

If you’ve been the victim of an accident due to an inexperienced driver or if your teen has been involved in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about the potential consequences of teenage driving.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, a dedicated Mississippi car accident lawyer from our law firm is committed to representing Mississippi car accident victims with the compassion and personal attention that has allowed our law firm to develop a leading reputation throughout Mississippi.  We have been helping Mississippi car accident victims in Lexington and across Mississippi for over 75 years so call Barrett Law, PLLC today at (662) 834-2376.

 

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Do I Really Need a Mississippi Car Accident Attorney?

Most people are completely unprepared when they are involved in a car accident in Mississippi.  This is unfortunate because the actions that you take immediately following a Mississippi auto accident can have a significant impact on the likelihood of pursuing a successful personal injury claim as well as the amount that you recover for your injuries.  While it is not always essential that you have an attorney handle your Mississippi auto accident claim, it is important that you obtain legal advice from an experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer.

It is also important that you seek medical treatment and evaluation if you suffer even minor injuries.  Minor symptoms are frequently a sign of serious injuries that only become completely apparent much later.  Even though you may not need to retain an attorney for some car accidents, it is critical to obtain legal advice during a free initial consultation before making this determination.  Some of the factors that may be relevant in dictating whether you need an attorney include:

  • If the other driver was cited and paid the ticket (i.e. how clear is liability)
  • If you have a property damage claim for your car only
  • If you sustain very minor injuries as confirmed by a physician
  • If you don’t mind doing paperwork and working directly with insurance companies
  • If your case is uncomplicated
  • If your educated about your rights when it comes to insurance claims

When your accident involves serious injuries or the fault of the accident is in doubt, then it is very risky to proceed without an experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer.  It is rarely if ever the case that a person will recover more dealing directly with the insurance company directly.  Insurance companies make money by paying as little as possible on auto accident claims or by denying claims entirely.  They handle a myriad of car accident claims everyday and have teams of accident experts and attorneys so you are at a distinct disadvantage dealing directly with insurance companies.

A person can damage their claim by disclosing the wrong information to an insurance adjuster.  It is always advisable to let an attorney who can distinguish helpful from damaging information negotiate with insurance carriers.  Sometimes insurance company may request that you sign papers or that you provide a recorded statement.  You should never agree to sign anything or provide a statement to the insurance company without seeking legal advice.  This statement is for the sole purpose of gathering evidence to deny or minimize the value of your claim.

An additional benefit to retaining a Mississippi car accident attorney is that our law firm may be able to reach a settlement with the other party without the hassle of going to court.  Because insurance companies know that they have a huge advantage when dealing with someone who is not represented by counsel, they are much less likely to offer a fair settlement if you do not have an attorney.  While the insurance company may offer to settle the case, the offer will typically be for far less than the value of the claim.

When assessing the cost of retaining a Mississippi car accident lawyer, it is also important to assess the likelihood of recovering substantially less on your claim.  The average layperson has no idea how to assess the value of non-pecuniary damages like pain and suffering.  A common tactic used by insurance companies when processing a claim by a party without an attorney is to delay the process.  The insurance company may ask you to provide additional unnecessary information or offer a lowball settlement simply to drag out the process.  The insurance company understands that the longer the claim is pending the greater your medical bills and lost wages if you are off work.  Many times those who are not represented by an attorney following a car accident in Mississippi end up settling out of financial desperation because their personal bills and medical expenses are mounting with little progress toward a fair settlement.

If you are seriously injured, then you are going to need to devote your time and energy to your recovery rather than running around trying to resolve legal matters and fighting with insurance companies.  Our experienced Mississippi car accident lawyers can handle your insurance and legal issues so that you can focus on your recovery.  If you are involved in a car accident anywhere in Mississippi, we invite you to contact the auto accident attorneys at the Barrett Law Office PLLC to learn how we can help.

We have seen the consequences when victims come to us after settling with an insurance company only to realize they have serious injuries that were not apparent at the time of settlement.  We have also seen the negative consequences of speaking to the insurance company and waiting too long to contact us so that valuable evidence disappears and the insurance company uses these statements to avoid or mitigate damages.  You have nothing to lose by coming to see us for a free consultation and everything to gain so call us today at (662) 834-2376.

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