Best Car Accident Lawyers in Gulfport

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gulfport, Mississippi?

  You can dial 868-5959 for non-emergency situations in Gulfport.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gulfport, Mississippi?

  You can obtain a copy of a car accident report in person at the Gulfport Police Station, which is located at 2220 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501. The records department is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. You can also call the department ahead of time at 228-868-5962. Additionally, you can request an accident report through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s online crash report portal at https://www.ms.gov/dps/crash_reports.

• What is the time limit for filing a car accident claim in Gulfport?

  In general, you have three years from the date of the Gulfport car accident to file a case. This is due to Mississippi's three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. However, if the accident involved a city, county, state, or any government entity, claims must be filed within one year. If you make a claim after the statute of limitations has expired, your case may be dismissed and you may be restricted from pursuing compensation for your injuries.

• Can a car accident lawyer in Gulfport help with claiming insurance benefits?

  A Gulfport car accident attorney can assist you in obtaining insurance benefits through a settlement or a lawsuit. An attorney can help you estimate the length of the case and guide you through the insurance claims and investigation process. In some circumstances, a lawyer can negotiate adequate compensation from the at-fault driver's automobile insurance company without having to go to court.

• Can insurance companies deny car accident claims in Gulfport?

  Insurance companies decline car accident claims for a variety of reasons, including when a policyholder was found driving without a license, driving while intoxicated, neglecting to notify the insurer, failing to pay the policy's premium, and providing incorrect information. Other grounds for car accident claim denial include exceeding your driving range, failing to report the accident, and grossly violating traffic rules. For legal advice on this matter, it is best to contact a Gulfport car accident lawyer.

• Is Gulfport located in a no-fault state for car accident claims?

  Gulfport is in Mississippi, which is a fault state for insurance claims. This means that victims of car accidents caused by another party can seek compensation from the driver or their insurance carrier for full insurance coverage. Mississippi, in particular, is a pure comparative negligence state, which means you can sue the other party in your car accident if that person is even 1% to blame for what happened. You can be 99% at fault and yet have the right to sue.

• Who determines the at-fault parties in a Gulfport car accident?

  The police, insurance companies, or the court will determine who is at fault in Gulfport car accidents. They depend on hard evidence, witness statements, police records, and technical analysis to assess the degree of accountability attributed to each party. After an accident, proving fault involves demonstrating that the other person was negligent, such as whether they were texting while driving or driving while intoxicated. If you were involved in a Gulfport car accident, consult with a lawyer to understand your legal options.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.