Starkville is a college town with all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it, especially when the universities are in session. The influx of students and visitors means more cars on the road and an increased likelihood of being involved in a car accident. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash, you should speak with a Starkville car accident attorney to discuss your options.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Starkville
There are infinite possibilities for the causes of car accidents. However, Starkville’s demographics often lead to increased car accidents in specific categories.
Some common causes of Starkville car accidents include:
- Driver negligence, including driving while intoxicated, being on the phone while going, and ignoring traffic signals;
- Inclement weather (e.g., flooded streets);
- Poor road conditions (e.g., untreated potholes, uneven pavement);
- Road rage;
- Driving too closely;
- Mechanical failures, including brake and engine failures; and
- Manufacturing defects.
Sometimes an accident is just an accident, but often it results from someone else’s negligence. If that is the case and you are injured, you might be entitled to compensation. The best way to know if you have a valid claim after a car wreck is to speak with a qualified car accident attorney in Starkville, MS.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents range in severity, and as a result, so do the potential injuries. It is possible to walk away from a crash with minor scrapes and bruises. But at other times, the victim may not be so lucky and can sustain catastrophic injuries. As big and powerful as motor vehicles are, they crush and collapse in accidents. While there are an infinite array of injuries that can happen, we routinely see several types of injuries over and over from car crashes.
These include the following:
- Lacerations,
- Seatbelt and airbag burns,
- Bumps and bruises,
- Fractures,
- Whiplash,
- Back and neck injuries,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Paralysis, and
- Death.
You should seek immediate medical care even if you can walk away from the wreck. Some injuries can be invisible such as internal bleeding or a concussion, and some develop slowly in the hours and days after the impact. You should be seen by a doctor, regardless of your injury.
Steps You Should Take Following a Car Accident
Car accidents are unexpected and can send you into shock and confusion. Being familiar with specific steps you should and could take after can help ease the anxiety you will experience in the aftermath of a car accident.
There are three simple steps to remember immediately after a car accident.
Call 911
First, call 911 after any motor vehicle accident. By calling 911, you ensure that you and anyone involved in the car receive emergency medical assistance. In responding to the scene, the police will secure the location, investigate the circumstances of the crash, and complete a police report.
Document the Scene
If you are not seriously injured, you should document what you can of the scene. This can include:
- Taking pictures with your cell phone,
- Talking to witnesses and getting their contact information,
- Jotting down anything you can remember from right before the crash, and
- Noting of any potential video cameras in the area.
Don’t panic if you cannot do any of these things; that’s what lawyers are for. We can assist in investigating and documenting the crash, even at a much later date.
Avoid Social Media
It may seem insignificant at the time, but you should avoid posting about the accident on social media accounts. Anything you post now, even if it seems harmless, can hurt your case later. Insurance companies will look into your social media presence and use your comments, posts, and pictures against you.
Go See Your Doctor
In addition to those immediate actions, you should seek non-emergency medical attention from your primary care doctor to determine appropriate medical treatment. Even if you do not require a trip to the emergency room, you still may need medical attention, including:
- Radiological diagnosis,
- Orthopedic care,
- Surgical repair,
- Rehabilitation, and
- Pain management.
Not every injury is immediately apparent, so getting a quick checkup is a prudent step.
Get an Attorney
Finally, you should also speak with a car accident attorney in Starkville, MS, to discuss your legal options. After a car accident, you’ll likely be dealing with turmoil that will likely impact every aspect of your life. You will have a lot on your plate and should dedicate your time to your recovery. Let us help ease your stress and anxiety. Our lawyers can answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Mississippi Law
In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Of course, there are exceptions to most rules, so we always recommend you meet with an attorney soon after the accident to preserve your rights.
Additionally, Mississippi is considered a pure comparative fault state, meaning an accident victim can recover damages even if they are partially at fault for causing the accident.
What Damages are Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you are contemplating filing a lawsuit due to a car accident, you may wonder what compensation you can seek. If your case is successful, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for your injury, including:
- Medical bills,
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffering.
Our Starkville car accident lawyer will be able to discuss your case with you in detail and determine how much compensation you might be eligible to receive.
How to Prove Damages in a Car Accident Case?
Even if the liable party is identifiable, it does not automatically mean you will receive compensation. As the injured plaintiff, you must prove the defendant was negligent and caused your injuries.
To do this, your attorney will investigate the accident and gather evidence.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be and the more likely you will recover damages through a successful settlement or award.
Common examples of evidence used in car accident cases are as follows:
- Medical bills and records,
- Police report,
- Eyewitness statements,
- Photos of the accident scene,
- Video surveillance,
- Expert reports and testimony, and
- Accident recreation technology.
Don’t panic if you read this list and think, “I don’t have any of that.” Much of the evidence used in a car accident lawsuit will come to light through investigation and discovery requests. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to obtain the necessary evidence.
Car Accident Lawyer in Starkville, MS
Since 1981, Harris Law Firm has been helping Starkville residents seek the justice they deserve following even the most horrific car accidents. We take a deep interest in each case we handle, and we see our clients as people who need our help and not just another name on the file. Contact us for a free, no-obligation case review. We are standing by to help you.