Vehicle collisions of all types are a common and inconvenient part of life. Luckily, in many car wrecks that occur, the people involved experience minimal damages. However, the aftermath of severe accidents can be a completely different experience. Injured motorists and passengers are left confused and unsure of where to begin the process of collecting compensation from the at-fault driver. If this has happened to you, let a seasoned Marshall County car accident lawyer guide you throughout the court procedure and handle the legal work on your behalf. Reach out today to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney from our firm.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant cause of crashes nationwide. This behavior often results in catastrophic injuries and other severe consequences. Digital distractions—like cell phones—are relatively recent issues but have caused just as many fatal crashes as intoxicated driving in recent years. Other common causes of wrecks include:
When they take on a case, a Marshall County car crash attorney investigates the scene and cause of the incident to determine the liable party. This allows them to start the process of recovering a settlement to cover the damages.
Mississippi traffic laws require motorists to report traffic accidents with the quickest means of communication possible. The statute applies to anyone involved in collisions leading to injuries, wrongful death, or property damage of more than $500. Drivers can avoid legal trouble by assuming they must report most crashes to the local police department immediately.
If the civil court determines an injured party’s case has adequately established how the defendant’s negligence caused the collision, they may award compensation for the following:
Economic damages are the provable expenses and monetary losses people sustain because of the defendant’s negligence. The settlement may cover current and future medical bills, as well as lost benefits and wages from missing work to recover from injuries.
Noneconomic damages refer to the more subjective aftershocks of a wreck. The award may include compensation for mental and emotional distress, pain and suffering, inconvenience, and more. A car wreck attorney in Marshall County could provide specific information about the estimated value of a lawsuit after reviewing the case.
Many car crash cases involve shared fault, and the courts in Marshall County follow a pure comparative negligence rule to calculate settlements. According to the Mississippi Code Annotated § 11-7-15, civil laws will not prevent the injured party from recovering compensation from the defendant if they were partly at fault for the collision. Instead, the civil court judge will minimize the award amount the injured person recovers by their percentage of responsibility for the event. To illustrate, if the court finds the total award amount is $150,000, but the injured motorist shares 10 percent of the fault, they will collect $135,000 in damages.
For more help determining fault in a wreck, reach out to a Marshall County car accident attorney today.
Car crashes are traumatizing and can leave you with severe injuries and other devastating consequences. When you are in an accident with a negligent motorist, you may be eligible for a settlement to cover your economic and noneconomic damages.
While hiring an attorney is not required, they can protect your best interests and fight for a fair settlement to cover your injuries and losses. An experienced Marshall County car accident lawyer is prepared to handle the legal work and litigation on your behalf and help you reach a favorable outcome. Reach out to the Reaves Law Firm, PLLC now for the help you deserve.
