The Costly Mistakes You Must Avoid When Hiring An Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer In Jackson, MS
Mississippi ranks third in the nation when it comes to having underinsured and uninsured motorists on the road. This means that if you were to get in your vehicle right now and start driving on any road, highway or interstate in Mississippi, every fourth or fifth car that passes you by is being driven by someone who does not have insurance or is considered an uninsured driver. So, what should you do if you are in an accident with one of these drivers, and what mistakes should you avoid when selecting a lawyer to handle your case?
If you are involved in an accident with one of these drivers, who will be responsible for your medical bills? Who will pay for your lost of income and your pain and suffering, along with other legal damages?
Do You Have UI/UM Coverage?
Even if the driver who hit you is uninsured, it is still possible to take the driver to court. However, it may be difficult to collect a judgment against the driver depending on his/her assets.
On the other hand, if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage on your own policy, then under Mississippi law, you can file a claim against your own insurance company.
Under state law, auto insurance companies are required to offer customers UI/UM coverage when they are selling liability insurance. This means that the coverage will be automatically added to your policy unless you give the insurance company a written letter rejecting the additional coverage.
Unfortunately, even if this coverage is included in your policy, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to look for ways to minimize the amount they pay, or they look for ways to avoid liability. If this happens to you, you need to seek out the services of an experienced uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer who is knowledgeable about the laws in Mississippi.
How can you make sure you hire the right attorney for the job? The following is the most costliest mistakes you will need to avoid when choosing a lawyer to handle your case.
Hiring A Lawyer Who Does Not Have Trial Experience
The most important factors to consider when hiring a lawyer for your case is the professional knowledge, experience and skill he/she has handling injury claims. This also includes the experience the lawyer has taking injury claims to trial, as well as their overall experience handling injury cases.
In the majority of cases, any money that is awarded to you will be money that is recovered from the insurance company. This will either be the other driver’s insurance company, or your insurance company.
One of the reasons why insurance companies can stay in business is because they like to pay out as little as they can get away with to accident and personal injury victims. This is why it is important to choose a lawyer in Jackson, MS who has the experience needed with taking personal injury cases to trial.
Hiring A Lawyer Because You Like Their Advertising
A flashy commercial, website or social media profile only means that the lawyer is actively paying for promotion and marketing. In fact, almost any type of advertising can make attorneys appear as though they are an expert in their branch of law.
Never choose a lawyer based on the number of likes, tweets or subscribers he/she have on social media. The most important factors are the lawyers years of experience and track record when handling injury claims.
Hiring The Lawyer Who Promises To Get You A Large Compensation
The amount of money that you are entitled to, also known as damages, is based on several factors. Those factors are:
- The length of your recovery
- The total cost of your medical bills
- The total cost of your lost wages
- The complexity of your injuries
- Pain and suffering
So, no lawyer will be able to tell you what your case is worth until all of the facts have been gathered. If any lawyer is promising you a definite dollar amount before even looking at your case, the lawyer is likely making a promise he/she will not be able to keep.
If you have been in an accident in the Jackson area, and the negligent driver did not have insurance, you should call an uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer to discuss your case. After your consultation, you will have a better understanding of how you will need to proceed with recouping compensation for your losses.