There are few things more frightening and frustrating than suffering a car accident. In many cases, responsible drivers are unexpectedly struck by careless or reckless motorists. Serious damages can occur whether the crash happened on a fast highway or a quiet street.
Negligent drivers can be held liable for the damages they cause. Our Gulfport car accident lawyers can help victims gather evidence, file their claims, and negotiate for fair compensation. The assistance of our experienced attorneys can be highly beneficial when pursuing a case.
If you were injured in a car accident because of a negligent driver, get help recovering the monetary damages available to you. Contact experienced Gulfport car accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After Car Accidents in Gulfport, MS
The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and confusing. These difficult times are often made worse by insurance companies who dispute your claim. Defendants’ insurers will employ teams of people and use various tactics to avoid paying the full value of your claim. Our experienced Gulfport car accident lawyers can help deal with insurance companies in each of the following situations:
Establishing Fault
Mississippi is an at-fault state. This means that claims for damages stemming from car accidents will be made against an at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our lawyers may use any of the following evidence to prove another driver was responsible for an accident:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reports
- Surveillance footage
- Expert witness testimony
- Crash scene photographs
- Crash diagrams
- Physical evidence from the scene
Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to avoid paying the full value of your claim. Mississippi uses pure comparative negligence to determine who is responsible for damages caused by a car accident. Accordingly, damages will be awarded based on percentages of fault. For example, if you were deemed to be 40% at fault for an accident and another driver was 60% responsible, the other driver will pay 60% of the damages and you will be responsible for paying out of pocket for the remaining 40% attributable to you.
Our Gulfport car accident lawyers can help deal with insurance companies by establishing fault on behalf of another, negligent driver.
Negotiating for Compensation
It can also be frustrating to negotiate with insurance companies after suffering an accident. Insurance companies may hire defense attorneys, doctors, and private investigators to dispute the value of your claim. These companies may employ various tactics to entice low settlement agreements during the negotiation process.
Accordingly, you can contact our Gulfport car accident lawyers for help negotiating for compensation. Our lawyers can deal with insurance companies throughout the negotiation process and advise you on what your case is truly worth.
Settling a Car Accident Case vs. Taking a Car Accident Case to Trial in Gulfport, MS
A settlement agreement is a type of legal contract that can resolve a car accident dispute. When parties reach a settlement agreement, they agree on an amount of damages to be awarded without going to trial. Trials can be long and expensive. A settlement agreement can allow plaintiffs to be compensated quicker. Furthermore, plaintiffs who settle may save money on out of pocket expenses.
However, not all settlement offers are fair. Our experienced Gulfport car accident lawyers will be able to advise you on the true value of your case. If you do not receive a fair settlement offer during the course of negotiation, you may take your case to trial. A positive outcome is not guaranteed at trial, but plaintiffs may be awarded more damages. Our lawyers can help car accident victims weigh the risks and rewards of taking a case to trial.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Gulfport, MS?
Car accidents can occur anywhere. However, there are certain areas where accidents more frequently occur. The following areas are where damage from negligent drivers is most frequently incurred:
Parking Lots
Car accidents frequently occur in parking lots. This may appear counterintuitive, because most of the cars in parking lots are usually not moving. However, the influx of cars moving opposite directions combined with pedestrian traffic moving to and from their cars makes parking lots a dangerous area. Serious bodily injury and property damage can occur. Our Gulfport car accident lawyers may help recover compensation if you suffered a car accident in a parking lot.
Intersections
Intersections are also a common location where car accidents happen. Intersections involve traffic merging and moving in opposite directions. When drivers are distracted, speeding, or not paying attention to traffic signals, serious accidents can occur at intersections.
Two Lane Roads
Furthermore, car accidents often occur on two lane roads. Often, drivers travelling on two lane roads will veer into the opposite lane when attempting to pass slower traffic. Improper passing can lead to serious accidents and devastating injury.
Rural Roads
Some drivers assume rural streets are safe because there are less cars on the road. However, many fatal accidents occur on rural highways. For instance, drivers travelling on rural roads will be on long trips and may experience driver fatigue, leading to accidents. Furthermore, rural roads are often poorly maintained. Our Gulfport attorneys can offer assistance if you have been injured in a car accident because of poor road conditions.
Causes of Car Accidents in Gulfport, MS
Drivers are expected to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Still, numerous car accidents occur each day because of motorists’ careless and reckless behavior. The following are common forms of negligence that lead to car accidents in Gulfport:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Failing to use turn signals
- Running red lights
- Improper lane changes
- Other traffic violations
Our Gulfport car accident lawyers can help prove that a car accident was caused by another motorist’s negligence.
If You Were Injured Because of Another Driver’s Negligent Actions in Gulfport, MS, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligent actions, seek assistance from our experienced Gulfport car accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case review.
