At Hearn Law Firm, we understand the profound impact a car accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our dedicated Madison team is experienced in handling car accident claims and is dedicated to providing you with the effective legal representation you need. We are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering. With our extensive knowledge of Mississippi’s traffic and insurance laws, combined with a proven track record of success, Hearn Law Firm stands ready to advocate on your behalf and help you through every step of your recovery journey. Contact our Madison car accident lawyers today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm in Your Madison Car Accident Claim
Opting for Hearn Law Firm for your Madison car accident claim will give you an advantage over the defense. Here’s why our Madison personal injury lawyers are a standout choice:
- Understanding of Mississippi Laws and the Legal Community: Our founder, Philip C. Hearn, is a proud University of Mississippi law school graduate. Our team understands Madison’s roads, traffic patterns, and common accident hotspots. We have strong professional relationships with the legal community, including judges and even opposing attorneys, that allow us to anticipate challenges and tailor our approach.
- Strong Relationships with Local Medical Providers: To support your claim, we leverage our strong relationships with Madison’s medical providers so that your injuries are thoroughly documented and supported by medical experts. This is a crucial step that can determine the strength of your claim.
- Dedicated Advocacy in Negotiations and Trials: Whether it’s battling with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we have a reputation as opposing counsel for never backing down when fighting for you. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you and we will do what it takes to win your claim.
- No Risk Representation: We offer our services on a contingency fee basis so you face no financial risk. We’re invested in your recovery. We believe that you should face no additional upfront fees, and we only will get paid if we win your case.
Why a Car Accident Lawyer is Necessary in a Madison Car Accident Claim
Having a Madison car accident attorney is crucial in fully recovering what you are entitled to. Some ways in which our lawyers will assist you include:
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our lawyers do not fall for their low-ball tactics and have the experience to know how to get an offer that your case is worth.
- Gather Evidence: To establish liability, we will collect and analyze evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case.
- Represent You In Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to trial. Our lawyers will prepare you for court, manage all legal filings, and represent you before a judge or jury so that your side is fully portrayed.
- Saving Time and Reducing Stress: Handling a car accident claim on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. Our goal is to take on the burden of managing your claim, from paperwork to negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Reporting Requirements in Madison Car Accidents
Madison car accident reporting requirements are laid out in Mississippi Code Ann. § 63-3-411:
(1) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or total property damage to an apparent extent of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or more shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the collision to the local police department if the collision occurs within an incorporated municipality, or if the collision occurs outside of an incorporated municipality to the nearest sheriff’s office or highway patrol station. (2) The department may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident, of which report must be made as provided in this section, to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the department. Additionally, the department may require witnesses of accidents to render reports to the department.”
What this means is that Following an accident that results in either personal injury, death, or property damage amounting to $500 or more, the involved driver must promptly report the incident. The method of reporting depends on the accident’s location: within the city of Madison, the police department should be notified; for accidents outside of the city, the nearest sheriff’s office or highway patrol station must be contacted. The official report can serve as key evidence when proving liability.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases in Madison, Mississippi
Car accidents in Madison can occur in various ways. Each has its unique circumstances and important facts when proving liability. Here are some common types we see at Hearn Law Firm:
- Rear-End Collisions: Resulting from tailgating or sudden stops, rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. These can cause whiplash and other neck injuries, especially at high speeds.
- Head-On Collisions: These occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front. Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities, usually caused by wrong-way driving or veering into oncoming traffic.
- Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as “T-bone” accidents, side-impact collisions happen when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. These are common at intersections and can cause significant injuries due to the less protective structure on the sides of vehicles.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents, where a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof, are often caused by sharp turns at high speeds or collisions with another vehicle or obstacle. These accidents can be particularly deadly.
- Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Involving three or more vehicles, multi-vehicle pile-ups usually occur on highways or freeways and can be triggered by a single collision that subsequently involves other vehicles. These accidents complicate rescue efforts and injury assessments.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: These accidents involve at least one party fleeing the scene before police arrive. Victims of hit-and-run accidents may face challenges in seeking compensation due to the difficulty of identifying the fleeing driver.
- Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Cyclists: Vehicles colliding with pedestrians or cyclists can lead to serious injuries, given the lack of protection for the latter. These accidents often occur at crosswalks, intersections, or when vehicles are entering/exiting driveways.
Each type of accident requires a unique approach to investigation and legal representation, especially when seeking compensation for damages or injuries.
Statute of Limitations in Madison Car Accident Claims
Mississippi Code Ann. § 15-1-49 sets out the law for which a victim must file a Madison car accident claim:
“(1) All actions for which no other period of limitation is prescribed shall be commenced within three (3) years next after the cause of such action accrued, and not after. (2) In actions for which no other period of limitation is prescribed and which involve latent injury or disease, the cause of action does not accrue until the plaintiff has discovered, or by reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury.”
This law mandates that any lawsuit related to a car accident must be initiated within this three-year period. This is a critical legal deadline that must be met to be eligible for the protections of the law. If a lawsuit is filed after this deadline has passed, it is highly likely that the court will dismiss the case and prevent the victims from pursuing a legal remedy for their damages or injuries. This law underscores the importance of acting promptly after a Madison car accident.
Contact Our Madison Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a Madison car accident, reach out to Hearn Law Firm to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our team understands how to effectively pursue car accident claims and has the experience to provide you with effective legal representation tailored to your case. We will monitor deadlines to make sure you meet the critical statute of limitations. Our Madison car accident attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step of your claim. Don’t let the window for seeking justice close on you. Contact Hearn Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation today.