Mississippi Accident Lawyer Blog

Just recently, a young man was killed by a hit and run driver when the boy was walking to get into his school bus. The driver left the scene of the accident after running over the boy, to add insult to injury. The negligent driver turned himself in and is presently being charged with numerous criminal charges.

WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST WHOM AND WHY? First, the insurance company for the driver who caused the accident will probably have to pay their policy limits to the family of the young man who was killed in the accident. These are called wrongful death damages. BUT, the family may also make a claim against their own insurance company for Underinsured motorist benefits. There are certain criteria to follow but a claim can be made against the families insurance policy or policies for these benefits. Also, a claim may be able to be made against the bus' insurance policy for the same type of benefits, since the boy would be considered a passenger of the school bus at the time of the accident. A Mississippi Accident Attorney can figure out all of the ins and outs of the insurance coverage and explain what is recoverable and why.

Our law firm represents families who have lost loved ones in accidents all over MS including covington county, simpson county, hinds, rankin, madison, warren, and all counties in MS.

If you have any questions about your accident case, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or toll free 1-800-640-4478 for a free consultation about your case or contact us online.

On November 14th, 2010, Ms. Kim Armstrong's life was changed forever because of a drunk driver who rear-ended her vehicle causing her to be paralyzed from the chest down. Ms. Armstrong is the mother of three children;the other driver has a history of driving while drunk. The accident happened in Marshall County, MS as she was slowing down for a stop sign. The at fault driver came over a hill going about 100 mph and rear-ended Ms. Armstrong with such force that the accident severed her spinal cord. Her doctors said that she will never be able to walk again.

Who can make a claim against whom and why? Ms. Armstrong can make a claim against her own insurance company for uninsured motorist benefits since the other driver did not have any insurance;also, she may be able to make a claim against the bar, package liquor store, or grocery where the drunk driver bought his alcohol. This is called liquor liability or "dram shop" liability. The seller of alcohol may be liable if they sold alcohol to a visibly intoxicated customer. So, if Mr. Woods, bought alcohol from an establishment while he was visibly intoxicated, then that establishment may be liable for contributing to the car accident. Of course, it would have to be an establishment that had insurance in order for Ms. Armstrong to try to collect a settlement from them.

The damages for Ms. Armstrong will be substantial. The cost of future medical treatment could exceed $10,000,000 easily. An MS accident injury lawyer who specializes in these types of cases should be consulted to see whether or not there is a case that can be pursued.

We offer a FREE consultation to anyone who has any questions about a case like this one. Call Paul Snow at 1-800-640-4478 or 601-969-1977. We do not charge any attorney fees up front, but only if we recover for you.

How to Get Your Car Fixed

If you were injured in an accident and want us to represent you, we'll take care of getting your car repaired for you, as well as your injury claim.

Question: Can I get a rental car while my car is being repaired?

Answer: Yes. Some companies specialize in providing cars to people whose cars are in the shop. Look for them in the Yellow Pages or feel free to ask us.

Question: Where do I have to take my car to get it repaired?

Answer: You decide which body shop you want to repair your car. Naturally, the insurance company may prefer that you go to the shop that gives you the lowest bid. But you have the opportunity to choose any repair shop you wish.

Question: How many estimates do I have to get?

Answer: You do not have to get more than one estimate. You might want to get more than one estimate if you are not sure where you want to have your car repaired. But the law - does not require that you get more than one. If you aren't sure where to take your car, we'll be happy to recommend repair shops that have good reputations.

Question: How much money will I get for my car?

Answer: You will get the amount of money needed to repair your car to the condition it was in immediately before the accident. If the amount of money needed for repairs is greater than the value of your car, the insurance company may declare your car a total loss. Then, rather than fixing your car, the insurance company may pay you what your car was worth based on industry price guidelines, like those found in the NADA Book.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977.

Do I need to hire a Lawyer?

You probably never thought about hiring a Mississippi accident lawyer until an accident or injury completely interrupted your normal life. If you are now experiencing stress and anxiety because you are uncertain about your future, we can help you. We listen to your concerns and quickly identify how the legal system can solve your problems. We then start working on your case immediately.

Discover The Key To Winning Your Case

Many people do not understand the importance of choosing the right lawyer for their case. Simply put, the Mississippi accident lawyer that you choose to represent you can be the difference between you receiving a fair settlement or no settlement at all.

The key to winning your case is really no secret. It is common knowledge that the person with the best attorney most often gets the best result. Just ask athletes, celebrities and the wealthy who always have a top lawyer at their side. The key for you is finding the best attorney for your case.

Avoid The Biggest Mistake By Asking These Questions

Choosing the wrong lawyer is a huge mistake and can be devastating to your case. Many people simply hire the first lawyer they see on television or the lawyer with the biggest phone book advertisement without knowing anything about the ability of the lawyer. Will you make this crucial mistake simply because you do not know the right questions to ask before you choose your attorney?

With such an important decision, you must be equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to make the smartest choice. This means knowing the specific Questions You Must Ask before hiring a lawyer for your case. You should only hire an attorney after getting honest and direct answers to these questions.

Our Vast Experience Gives You the Advantage

We are the smart choice for your case. Our law firm has represented injury victims and their families since 1974. We have successfully obtained jury verdicts in the courtroom and have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.

When you become our client, your case will be handled with complete integrity and dignity.

It is essential that you choose a lawyer that has handled Mississippi accident cases just like yours and understands exactly what is needed to win your case, especially when the stakes are so high. We have. We utilize the latest technology, the best legal research tools, and work with world renowned experts on our cases. As a result, we have achieved extraordinary results for our clients. Let us do the same for you. Our record of successful settlements and verdicts is well-documented.

Warning: Secret Deadlines Can Destroy Your Case

The legal system can be very confusing and unforgiving. There are strict time limitations for filing your lawsuit and making your claims. If you miss these deadlines, your claims may be lost forever. A delay in hiring a lawyer will affect the outcome of your case. We will start working on your case immediately.

Our Guarantees To You:

When you choose our lawyers to represent you, we GUARANTEE the following:

An experienced trial lawyer is assigned to your case
A complete analysis of your case
Honest and direct answers to all of your questions
Immediate investigation of your case
Immediate preparation and filing of your insurance forms
Immediate action getting your medical bills and lost wages paid
Phone calls returned within one business day

Read why these are important to you

We Answer Your Questions

At the Law Offices of Paul Snow, we give you honest and direct answers to your questions.

What does it cost to speak with Paul Snow?
How can I afford to have the Law Offices of Paul Snow to represent me?
How soon after my accident do I need to hire a lawyer?
Do I really need to hire a lawyer to settle my case?
What type of settlement should I expect?
Will I have to go through a trial in a courtroom?
Who will pay my medical bills?
How can I get paid my lost wages?
How long does it take from start to finish on a case?

To see how we can help make the legal system work for you, simply complete our Free Confidential Consultation Form or call us now so that we can start working on your Mississippi case immediately.

LAW OFFICES OF PAUL SNOW, Mississippi Accident Lawyer

1-800-640-4478 or 601-969-1977

Trucking Accidents

If you know of someone who was seriously injured or killed in an 18-wheeler accident, you may want to investigate several 18-wheeler accident attorneys before you make a final decision. Don't be fooled by the TV attorneys. Compare Paul Snow's track record to theirs. A Mississippi accident lawyer who has several years experience in winning multi-million dollar settlements for his/her clients will best represent your interests instead of someone who does divorce work or is a general practitioner. Mississippi accident lawyers should know the rules and regulations unique to trucking accidents pertaining to such subjects as drug and alcohol testing, heavy-duty truck systems, and the transportation of hazardous materials. He/she should also be familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations:

Speeding
Failure to yield
Tire blow outs
Overloaded trucks
Drunk driving
Fatigued drivers

Before speaking with a Mississippi accident lawyer concerning your 18-wheeler accident case, you should familiarize yourself with the background and experience of that attorney. You should ask the law firm how many cases they have tried to successful conclusion and received multi-million dollar verdicts for their clients in trucking accidents.

WARNING! Don't hire an accident lawyer until you know the "8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting an Accident Lawyer." If you hire the wrong lawyer, you could lose a lot of money and your case could drag out for months longer than necessary. Do what smart accident victims do. Ask for your FREE copy of my "8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting an Accident Lawyer." If you or someone you know has been injured or has been killed as the result of an accident, or if you are having trouble getting the insurance company to pay your claim, you are entitled to know your legal rights. That's why we invite you to call Paul Snow. Paul Snow's track record speaks for itself. Some examples are:

$16,500,000 structured settlement - truck crash
$8,000,000 verdict - wrongful death
$2,450,000 settlement - 18-wheeler accident

Residents of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee, who have been injured in truck accidents should contact our law firm. It is important that you realize trucking companies act immediately after accidents to assess and limit their liability to the victims involved. Your case may be stronger if you hire a qualified tractor-trailer accident attorney soon after the accident. A Mississippi accident lawyer in the Law Offices of Paul Snow has the experience and resources necessary to handle your case to maximize your recovery and help you fight for your legal rights.

If you do intend to hire Paul Snow to advise you concerning your injuries or death case sustained as a result of a truck accident, you should do so as soon as possible. In Mississippi, the law imposes a statute of limitations which sets the maximum amount of time that legal proceedings can occur after the accident. Once the proceedings are initiated, there is no time limit on settling your claim. Each year at the Law Offices of Paul Snow, people call me to ask me for help that have legitimate cases only to find out that their statute of limitations has run out. It is one of the most difficult things for me to tell them that I cannot help them because they waited too long to call me.

One of the worst decisions individuals can make is to negotiate directly with trucking companies, insurance adjusters, or the trucking company lawyers. Most trucking companies are highly skilled at truck accident investigation and claims. Anything you say or sign may be held against you further down the road. When truck accidents occur, trucking companies often send their own representatives to accident scenes to pressure accident victims when they are most vulnerable. You need someone on your side. Do you know your rights? Large trucking companies have their own investigators and attorneys fighting for them. You need someone on your side, fighting for you.

We have been handling complex trucking injury litigation since 1974. We have obtained many settlements and verdicts worth millions of dollars. Paul Snow is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy,

We get results. If you have any questions about accidents, injuries or your legal rights, let us go to work for you.

If you are a victim of an accident with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer, NOW is the time to contact the Law Offices of Paul Snow to protect your rights. Your choice of a lawyer is important, so choose carefully. Call 1-800-640-4478 now.

Why I became a Lawyer?

I was in the eighth grade and approximately 13 years old when I decided that I either wanted to become a golf pro or a lawyer. After graduating from high school, I was one of the best golfers in the State of Mississippi and received a golf scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). My freshman year, I became a pledge in one of the fraternities on the Ole Miss Campus among 50 other pledges. After the first semester, only 10 of the 50 pledges made passing grades. 40 of the pledges flunked out of college. Of the 10 pledges that made their grades the first semester, three of us became lawyers, two of us became doctors, and one of us became a flight instructor in the Navy. I knew then that I must have some common sense and hard-working ability to succeed in school. I married my high school sweetheart and went to a local community college for my sophomore year. My junior year, I returned to Ole Miss and graduated with a business degree in May of 1972. Two weeks later, I entered the University of Mississippi School of Law. Because I was paying my own way through law school, my goal was to finish the three year curriculum course in two years and three months. I worked extra jobs during college and knew that I would have to work extra jobs during law school, in addition to obtaining student loans. I took extra courses during the summertime in order to complete law school early. At that time, my income was below the average poverty level for the country. I was married and at that time, had one child, and just did the best I could.

Midway through my law school career, my father became paralyzed and I had to miss one summer of law school to help take care of my father. While I was taking care of my father, I worked for a local law firm as a law clerk and learned valuable experience in how a law firm operated. When I returned to law school, I had a new-found knowledge that assisted me in my classes. Also, while I was in law school, I was the President of the legal fraternity, President of the Lamar Society of International Law, and I drafted legislation which was passed by the Mississippi lawmakers. I graduated law school in December of 1974, which took two years and six months instead of two years and three months. Of the 360 students who started law school when I did, only 80 graduated.

After graduating from law school, I started working for the law firm of Barnett, Montgomery, McClintock & Cunningham. Ross Barnett was an ex-governor of Mississippi. These lawyers were trial lawyers and I received valuable experience learning how to try cases while working for this firm. I tried 10 jury trials by myself my first year out of law school. After a year and a half of working at the law firm, I went out on my own and have been on my own ever since, for the past 34 years. I was the youngest President of the Hinds County Trial Lawyers Association and joined numerous organizations during my career.

I have devoted my career to representing individuals who have been injured or killed in accidents or wronged by big corporations and insurance companies. I represent the little guy against the large businesses and corporations who try to take advantage of the less fortunate. There is nothing more satisfying than taking on one of the biggest corporations in the world and making them answer for the problems they have caused numerous victims. I am proud to be a trial lawyer who represents individuals against corporate America.

When those who have been injured or killed have nowhere else to turn, they turn to me. I believe one of my goals and duties as a human being is to help others. I am always in favor of the underdog. When we walk into the courtroom, there is no other place on this planet where an individual can stand on equal footing with a huge corporate defendant. This is the war that I fight. It is waged at a battlefield on which I gladly stand. My strength is derived from the belief that my God-given talents are given to me for a reason. My goal is to make myself available to those who have been wronged by others' misconduct. It is not a glamorous calling and there is no guaranteed income. My goal is to achieve justice for my clients, working to right wrongs, not hide them, working against the wrongdoers, not for them. At the end of the day, I know that I have given someone without hope a fighting chance.

I have litigated and settled just about any type of accident or injury case that you can think of. I have spoken at seminars and taught other lawyers how to handle accident and injury cases across the country. I have written numerous articles, also teaching other lawyers how to handle these type of cases. A lot of lawyers hire my law firm in order to represent their clients in working-up serious injury and death cases.

If someone asked me what kind of lawyer I am, I say I am a trial lawyer. I believe in America, our form of government, individual freedom, and our American legal system. I represent and help people to protect, enforce and preserve those precious rights and individual freedoms which were so wisely granted by the founding fathers of our great nation. The spark that was ignited in me in 1964 has kept me satisfied for over 34 years of trial practice. I am proud to be an American and I am especially proud to be a trial lawyer.

One day, we will all be judged for our actions. As far as my actions go as a plaintiff attorney, I look forward to placing them before the ultimate judge. I represent plaintiffs and I would not change that for all the money in the world.

He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13.

Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow 601-969-1977.

You probably never thought about hiring a Mississippi accident lawyer until an accident or injury completely interrupted your normal life. If you are now experiencing stress and anxiety because you are uncertain about your future, we can help you. We listen to your concerns and quickly identify how the legal system can solve your problems. We then start working on your case immediately.

Discover The Key To Winning Your Case

Many people do not understand the importance of choosing the right lawyer for their case. Simply put, the Mississippi accident lawyer that you choose to represent you can be the difference between you receiving a fair settlement or no settlement at all.

The key to winning your case is really no secret. It is common knowledge that the person with the best attorney most often gets the best result. Just ask athletes, celebrities and the wealthy who always have a top lawyer at their side. The key for you is finding the best attorney for your case.

Avoid The Biggest Mistake By Asking These Questions

Choosing the wrong lawyer is huge mistake and can be devastating to your case. Many people simply hire the first lawyer they see on television or the lawyer with the biggest phone book advertisement without knowing anything about the ability of the lawyer. Will you make this crucial mistake simply because you do not know the right questions to ask before you choose your attorney?

With such an important decision, you must be equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to make the smartest choice. This means knowing the specific Questions You Must Ask before hiring a lawyer for your case. You should only hire an attorney after getting honest and direct answers to these questions.

Our Vast Experience Gives You the Advantage

We are the smart choice for your case. Our law firm has represented injury victims and their families since 1974. We have successfully obtained jury verdicts in the courtroom and have obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our clients.

When you become our client, your case will be handled with complete integrity and dignity.

It is essential that you choose a lawyer that has handled Mississippi accident cases just like yours and understands exactly what is needed to win your case, especially when the stakes are so high. We have. We utilize the latest technology, the best legal research tools, and work with world renowned experts on our cases. As a result, we have achieved extraordinary results for our clients. Let us do the same for you. Our record of successful settlements and verdicts is well-documented.

Warning: Secret Deadlines Can Destroy Your Case

The legal system can be very confusing and unforgiving. There are strict time limitations for filing your lawsuit and making your claims. If you miss these deadlines, your claims may be lost forever. A delay in hiring a lawyer will affect the outcome of your case. We will start working on your case immediately.

Our Guarantees To You:

When you choose our lawyers to represent you, we GUARANTEE the following:

An experienced trial lawyer is assigned to your case
A complete analysis of your case
Honest and direct answers to all of your questions
Immediate investigation of your case
Immediate preparation and filing of your insurance forms
Immediate action getting your medical bills and lost wages paid
Phone calls returned within one business day

We Answer Your Questions

At the Law Offices of Paul Snow, we give you honest and direct answers to your questions:

What does it cost to speak with Paul Snow?

How can I afford to have the Law Offices of Paul Snow to represent me?

How soon after my accident do I need to hire a lawyer?

Do I really need to hire a lawyer to settle my case?

What type of settlement should I expect?

Will I have to go through a trial in a courtroom?

Who will pay my medical bills?

How can I get paid my lost wages?

How long does it take from start to finish on a case?

To see how we can help make the legal system work for you, simply complete our Free Confidential Consultation Form or call us now so that we can start working on your case immediately.

In some instances, you may be able to settle your claim with the insurance company by yourself, without an attorney's help. It's important that you realize you are going up against trained adjusters who probably get praised and promoted for keeping their side's cost down.

Still, you may be able to settle your claim by yourself:

1. When you don't mind gathering all of the information necessary to determine the value of your claim;

2. When you don't mind going to the time and trouble of interviewing necessary witnesses;

3. When you think you have all of the bases covered;

4. When you know the insurance company is not trying to take advantage of you.

If your case is complex, you should consider hiring an attorney. Your accident lawyer can advise you on the proper course of action, tell you your legal rights, tell you what to expect regarding the progress of your case, evaluate your case, negotiate a replacement auto and repairs, negotiate a full and fair settlement of your claim, put an estimated value on your case, and represent your interests aggressively to get you fully compensated for the accident.

Injured victims often share this concern: Will I get more money handling my case myself? Or should I hire an attorney?

As you may know, your attorney usually charges a portion of the amount he recovers for you as his attorney's fee. Fortunately, the amount of money your lawyer recovers is usually much more than you could have recovered on your own. In nearly all cases, your lawyer gets enough money to pay his fee and add money you receive.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation to discuss your case. DO NOT wait until it is too late to do anything on your case. There are time deadlines that must be met. Call now.

Seven Misconceptions About Injury Cases

MISCONCEPTION #1: I can settle my case without hiring a lawyer.

If you're happy with the amount of money the insurance company offers for your car - and if you're happy to have your medical bills paid - then you're right. You don't need to hire a lawyer.

Still, it's important that you understand what you're entitled to. In most cases, you are entitled to more than merely payment to cover your medical bills and repairs to your car. That's why I urge you to talk with a lawyer over the telephone before you accept an insurance company's offer.

When you speak with a lawyer, you'll learn that a lawyer can help you in a number of ways. First, he can help you get your car repaired. Second, he can help you get the fair value for your car. Third, he can help you get a fast settlement on your car.

Your lawyer takes the hassle out of dealing with the insurance company. And, in our office, we provide all these services for our clients at NO CHARGE. In other' words, we don't take one penny of the money we collect for damage to your car. Our fee is limited to a percentage of what we recover for your injuries and damages - nothing more.

MISCONCEPTION #2: An attorney requires a down payment to accept your injury claim.

No. In our office, we accept most accident cases for a contingency fee. This means we get paid out of the money we recover for you. If you collect nothing, you pay nothing for our services. To start, you can talk with us for free. And if you hire our services, you pay nothing until your case settles and we recover money for you.

MISCONCEPTION #3: I'll have to go to court to get what my case is worth.

Usually not. Most injury cases are settled before your case goes to court. When the insurance company realizes you and your lawyer are ready and willing to go to court, usually the insurance company starts making reasonable offers for your injury claim. If we don't like the first offer, we make a counteroffer. Then we go back and forth until both sides agree on a certain amount. In most cases, injury claims don't require a court trial.

MISCONCEPTION #4: You have to accept what your lawyer tells you.

Certainly not. Anytime you feel confused - anytime you don't understand what's going on anytime you don't feel right about something - you're entitled to get a second opinion. In the field of medicine, if your doctor suggests major surgery, you know it's wise to get a second opinion. Likewise, anytime you speak with one lawyer, you're perfectly free to confirm his advice by seeking a second opinion from another lawyer. In our office, we offer second opinions without cost or obligation of any kind.

MISCONCEPTION #5: Once you settle your claim, you can get more money in the future if you have additional medical bills.

Not true. Usually, once your claim is settled, it is over forever!

MISCONCEPTION #6: You have only one year to file a lawsuit.

No. You have three years from the date of the accident and, maybe, even longer if you were under 21 years of age at the time. Even so, the evidence you need to prove your case may disappear over time, so the sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

MISCONCEPTION #7: If you are partly at fault for causing the accident, you are not entitled to any money.

No. Both sides may contribute to an accident and you are still entitled to recover money.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. DO NOT wait until it is too late to pursue your case. There are time deadlines that will prevent you from pursuing your case if they are not met, so call now.

16 Tough Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer

1. How long have you been practicing in the specific field of accident and injury law?

2. Are you board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy?

3. How many cases have you handled that involve injuries like mine?

4. How many jury trials have you tried that involve injuries like mine?

5. How much money have you gotten for persons who have injuries like mine?

6. How many of your articles have been published in the area of accident and injury law?

7. How many seminars have you presented concerning this area of the law?

8. Do you have expert witnesses available who will help in cases with my type of injury?

9. Are you admitted to practice law in more than one state?

10. Are you admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court?

11. Do you offer a 24-hour telephone answer-line for injured victims?

12. Will you give an estimated opinion of my case for me without cost or obligation?

13. If I can't come to your office, will you come to my home or office?

14. Will you send me a free Consumer's Guide for Injured Victims?

15. Do you conduct free educational seminars so I can learn more about injury cases?

16. How many multi-million dollar verdicts and/or settlements have you achieved for your clients?

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. DO NOT wait until it is too late to discuss your case. There are time deadlines that must be met. Once the deadline has passed, your case will be over forever.

8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting An Accident Lawyer

MISTAKE #1: Choosing a lawyer who doesn't have enough trial experience.

The most important factor in choosing an accident lawyer is his knowledge, skill and experience handling injury claims. This includes (1) experience handling injury cases, and (2) experience taking injury cases to trial. In most cases, the money you hope to recover for your injuries will come from an insurance company - either the other person's insurance company - or your own. And one of the reasons insurance companies have so much money is because they pay accident victims like you as little as possible - often less than you deserve. Make sure the lawyer you select has extensive experience handling personal injury cases at trial. Your best choice is to select a lawyer who is a board certified trial lawyer.

MISTAKE #2: Choosing a lawyer only because you like his advertising.

A flashy TV commercial or Yellow Page ad doesn't mean anything except that the lawyer agreed to pay for the ad. Advertising can make almost any lawyer look like an expert. Don't choose a lawyer solely because you like his ad. Make sure you ask questions about the attorney's experience and his track record in handling injury claims.

MISTAKE #3: Choosing the lawyer who promises you the most money.

The amount of money you're entitled to recover, called "damages," is based on many components: (1) the length of your recovery, (2) the dollar amount of your medical bills, and (3) the dollar amount of lost wages, (4) pain and suffering, and (5) the severity of your injuries and damages. No one can tell you exactly what your case is worth until they gather all the facts. Anyone who promises you a certain amount of money before he gets this information is making a promise he probably can't keep.

MISTAKE #4: Choosing a lawyer because he expects to settle your case.

Most injury cases are settled without going to trial. Even so, if you hope to get a fair settlement for your injuries, your lawyer must be willing to take the insurance company to court. Otherwise, the insurance company has no incentive to offer you a fair amount of money for your injuries. If you hire a "settling attorney" - one who usually settles his cases and seldom goes to court - you can expect to receive less money for your injuries than if you hire a skilled trial attorney. Remember: The most powerful weapon you can use against the insurance company is your willingness and ability to take your case to trial.

MISTAKE #5:Choosing a lawyer because of a referral from a friend.

When a friend refers you to a lawyer, be careful. Yes, your friend probably means well. But your friend may not be the best source for a referral. You see, people often select a lawyer because they like him. But you need a lawyer who is much more than just a nice person. You need an attorney who has the trial experience to go up against billion-dollar insurance companies. Insurance companies hire experienced investigators, adjusters and lawyers to work against you. You need a highly experienced lawyer and his investigators working for you. Your best choice is to select a board-certified trial lawyer who will discuss his track record with you, case by case.

MISTAKE #6:Choosing a lawyer because he appears successful.

A handsome office and an expensive car don't tell you anything about the lawyer's experience. Don't judge a lawyer by appearances. Judge a lawyer by whether he has the knowledge, skill, experience and willingness to (1) sue the other party, and to (2) take your case to trial, if necessary. That's the BEST way you can be sure you recover the amount of money you deserve.

MISTAKE #7:Choosing a lawyer because of the location of his office.

You may be inclined to select a lawyer who has an office down the street from your home. But this could be a big mistake because what you gain in convenience you may lose in experience and knowhow. Most of the work between an injury lawyer and his client is done by mail and over the telephone. I encourage you to hire a board-certified trial attorney, even if you must drive a little farther to his office. You may find that the extra minutes on the road will be well worth your effort in the end. And if travel is difficult for you, we will be glad to come to your home or office. Just ask. We serve clients all over Mississippi and Louisiana.

MISTAKE #8: Not reviewing the lawyer's track record.

You can get a good idea of a lawyer's experience by reviewing his track record of cases that he has settled or taken to trial. Ask the attorney how many cases he has settled for over $1,000,000, between $500,000 and $1,000,000, and so forth. This will give you a way of determining the level of the attorney's experience.

If you have any questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. Do NOT wait until it is too late to pursue your case. There are time deadlines that will end your case forever if the deadline is not met.

15 Secrets to Getting a Fair Settlement for Your Injuries

SECRET #1: Conduct a complete investigation. Make sure you collect witness statements, police reports, medical reports and anything else related to the accident. You may need to hire private investigators and accident reconstruction experts. They can gather added physical evidence, such as pieces of the -automobile. The other party's insurance company will collect all sorts of information which may be used against you. You'll be at a serious disadvantage if you don't conduct a thorough investigation to help support your claim.

SECRET #2: Get photographs of all important elements in your case: Your car and the car that hit you. The accident scene. Your injuries. And so forth. Photos are vivid evidence of what you experienced. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Juries find photos to be powerful proof of your injuries. So make sure either you or your attorney gets plenty of photographs.

SECRET #3: Don't release your medical records to the other party's insurance company. Many accident victims make the mistake of signing a release for the other party's insurance company. This gives your opponent access to your medical records. YOUR insurance company is entitled to your medical information. But the other party's insurance company should NOT have this information because it may use the information against you. Don't release your medical records to the other party's insurance company.

SECRET #4: Get the insurance company to set up a high reserve account. After an accident, the insurance company establishes a reserve account to cover all the costs they expect to pay for your claim. The amount of money put on reserve is based on whatever facts the insurance company has soon after the accident occurs. If the reserve set aside for your injuries is greater than your damages, you shouldn't have much trouble collecting for your injuries. But if the reserve is too small, you'll need to get the reserve increased. Rather than increase the reserve, the insurance company will first put pressure on the adjuster to settle your claim. And, naturally, he'll put more pressure on you.

SECRET #5: Keep the adjuster informed about the seriousness of your injuries. If the adjuster sets up a small reserve account, he will be surprised if you ask for much higher damages in the weeks or months ahead. If your injuries have grown worse - or if other problems have arisen - make sure you keep the adjuster informed so he can increase the reserve account as your case progresses. Then, when the time comes to settle your claim, the adjuster will have the amount of money he needs to pay you for your injuries. If his account is too small and he needs to increase it, he'll look bad to his supervisor. This will only work against you. Keep the adjuster informed as your case progresses.

SECRET #6: Don't let the insurance adjuster pressure you into settling your case. Adjusters use all kinds of methods to get you to settle for a smaller amount than the fair value of your case: The insurance adjuster may try to get you to admit that the accident was your fault, or at least partly your fault. The adjuster may try to get you to give a recorded statement or sign a statement, either of which may be used against you later at trial. What's more, don't be surprised if the insurance adjuster is polite. His kindness may be a tactic to get you to settle for less than your case is worth - and to get you to settle soon, often BEFORE you hire an attorney. The longer your file remains open, the more heat the insurance company puts on the adjuster to resolve your claim. Don't give in to the adjuster's pressure or kindness. Instead, hold out for every penny you rightfully deserve. If the insurance company does not offer a reasonable amount to settle your case, your lawyer can file suit and tell you whether the insurance company offers are reasonable or unreasonable.

SECRET #7: Keep a day-by-day diary of your injuries. If your case goes to trial, you need to be able to tell the jury how many days, weeks or months you were in pain, how long you suffered from headaches, how long you experienced muscle spasms - and so forth. Unless you keep a daily log, your answers may be vague and inaccurate. Don't risk hurting your credibility. Keep a detailed diary so you can back up your claims for damages.

SECRET #8: Know all your damages. They include (1) cost of medical treatment, (2) pain and suffering for your injuries, (3) loss of income for time off work, (4) loss of consortium, (5) loss of business, (6) cost of a rental car, (7) cost of fixing your car, (8) cost of hiring a housekeeper, (9) cost of hiring an in-home nurse, (10) cost for psychological counseling caused by stress or some other aspect of the accident, (II) cost of hiring a taxi service to and from your doctor's office - and ANY OTHER money you paid out or lost as a result of your injury.

SECRET #9: Keep all bills and receipts related to your accident. If you don't save your bills and receipts, you may not be able to prove the amount of your damages. Be sure to save everything: doctor bills, hospital bills, pharmacy bills and all other bills you incurred because of your accident.

SECRET #10: Know all your injuries. Many victims feel that if it doesn't hurt, it isn't injured. Yet injuries caused by accidents may not develop for days - even weeks. Don't be too quick to rule out injuries just because they haven't yet appeared. Also, accidents can cause the injured victim to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This means the victim becomes less able to cope with stresses in his or her life. Depending on how well you cope with stress, you may want to be evaluated for this problem in addition to your physical injuries.

SECRET #11: Know your sources for insurance coverage. In many cases an injured victim can legally collect from two or three different insurance policies at the same time. Yet many accident victims don't know where to look for various insurance coverages. If you're interested, call me and I'll tell you how to determine whether you can collect from more than one policy.

SECRET #12: Stay under your doctor's care until your doctor releases you. Many people stop going to their doctor when they feel better, before the doctor releases them from treatment. Make sure you continue going to the doctor until your doctor releases you! He knows the complications that could result from your injury. And the cost of going to the doctor will, in the end, be paid by the other party's insurance company if your case is settled. If you can't afford the continuing cost of treatment, I invite you to call me to discuss your options.

SECRET #13: File your lawsuit right away. After your doctor releases you from treatment, prepare your case quickly and file your lawsuit. Insurance companies are not in a hurry to settle cases (1) unless they can settle the suit for far less than it's worth,or (2) unless they feel the pressure of the approaching court date. Insurance companies usually get serious about settling if they see they'll have to start paying lawyers to defend your case. So file your lawsuit right away and put pressure on the insurance company.

SECRET #14: Ask a qualified trial lawyer to evaluate your case. You probably had a doctor evaluate your injuries. So doesn't it make sense to have a lawyer evaluate your legal claim? The insurance company wants you to settle quickly in hopes that you'll settle for far less than your case is really worth. An experienced personal injury trial attorney can help you by reviewing your file. He will look at the police report, doctors' statements, medical bills, time lost from work and other information. Then he can give you an informed opinion about the estimated value of your case. If you'd like me to evaluate your case - without any cost or obligation - please don't hesitate to call.

SECRET #15: If you decide to hire a lawyer, choose a trial attorney who isn't afraid to go to court. Insurance companies keep tabs on lawyers. They know which lawyers will take them to court - the fighters. And they know which lawyers will not go to court - the settlers. The fighters usually get more money for their clients than the settlers. An experienced trial attorney can usually get you enough additional money to cover his fee and increase the amount of money you receive. While I can't say for sure that you need a lawyer, I urge you to at least talk with an accident lawyer to make sure you're not settling for less than you deserve.

If you have any questions, you may call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 for a FREE consultation or contact us online. Do NOT wait until it is too late to do something on your case because there are time deadlines that must be met or else your case will be over forever.

Dorothy Gwin of Southaven, MS was killed in a car crash when a man ran a stop sign while fleeing police officers from Southaven and Horn Lake police departments. A toxicology test was done on the at fault driver to see whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. The police were chasing the driver for at least five miles before the accident happened. The driver was charged with manslaughter for causing the death of Ms. Gwin who was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

The family of Ms. Gwin can make a claim against the driver and owner of the vehicle's insurance company for causing the accident. If there is no insurance coverage on the at fault driver, then the family can make a claim against Ms. Gwin's own insurance company for uninsured motorist and med pay benefits.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed in a car accident and have some questions, call Paul Snow in Jackson, MS at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We represent clients all over Mississippi including Southaven, Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, Tupelo, Vicksburg, and Pascagoula.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

A longtime newspaper carrier, Winston "Ringo" Minor, was hit by an 18 wheeler when Mr. Minor attempted to cross Hwy. 182 near Starkville, MS. Mr. Minor was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer with his dog, Abigail, a German Shepard who always rode with him. The 18 wheeler was a 2007 Freightliner who was going west on Hwy. 182. The front of the tractor-trailer truck hit the driver's side of Mr. Minor's SUV. The dog was not hurt, but Mr. Minor, in critical condition, was taken to Oktibbeha County Hospital and then transferred to University Medical Center in Jackson, MS by helicopter. He sustained serious wounds to his head and face. He is presently in the Intensive Care Unit.

Mr. Minor may have a claim against the insurance company for the 18 wheeler because a vehicle who enters the intersection first has the right of way even though that vehicle may be crossing from a side street. See Mississippi Code 63-3-801(1). Also, when two vehicles enter an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right. See 63-3-801(2). It appears that Mr. Minor either entered the intersection first or was there at the same time, therefore, the 18 wheeler should have yielded the right of way to Mr. Minor's vehicle.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed by the actions of an 18 wheeler driver and have some questions, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online. We will talk with you FREE of charge to see whether or not you have a case. We represent clients all over MS including Starkville, Jackson, Columbus, Meridian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Laurel, Greenwood, Natchez, Ridgeland, Clarksdale and Olive Branch.

Charmaine Maxey, who was pregnant at the time, was shot in the stomach by Clifford Noel while they were parked inside a car in front of Noel's house. Ms. Maxey was in the passenger seat and Noel was in the driver's seat. Apparently, Noel and another man were playing around and the gun went off. The fetus died and the mother is in serious condition at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS.

WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST WHOM AND WHY? The family members of the deceased infant and the mother can make a claim against the shooter of the gun and the other man who was involved in the horseplay which resulted in the gun being discharged. This incident will probably be covered by each man's homeowner's insurance policy since the shooting was an accident. Also, the medical pay parts of the car policy may help cover the funeral bill for the infant and the medical bills of the mother. Separate limits should apply to each one. A close reading of the car policy may provide liability coverage for the shooter's actions.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed as a result of a shooting that was an accident, call Paul Snow now at 601-969-1977 to discuss your legal rights FREE or contact us online. We do not charge any fees unless we recover for you. We represent clients in all kind of accident cases including accidents with guns. We represent clients all over Mississippi including Edwards, Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, and Hinds, Rankin and Madison Counties.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

Kevin Craig of Brandon, MS was charged with vehicular homicide as a result of an accident on I-55 near Amite, LA. Craig was driving a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro at a high rate of speed in the northbound lane of I-55 when he struck the rear of a 2007 Dodge pickup truck causing the truck to spin, leave the interstate and then overturn. Leon Perry was killed in the accident and Sanike Dyson was taken to North Oaks Medical Center with injuries. Police think alcohol was involved.

WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM AGAINST WHOM AND WHY? The family of Mr. Perry can make a claim against the at fault driver's insurance company for causing the accident. If he didn't have any insurance, then the family can make a claim against the insurance company on the Dodge in addition to Mr. Perry's insurance company for uninsured motorists benefits. Also, if the at fault driver were drunk, then a claim may be made against the bar that sold the alcohol to the drunk driver. The other injured passengers may also make the same type of claims.

If you know of someone who has been injured or killed in a truck accident and have some questions, call Mississippi Truck Accident Lawyer Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We represent clients in all kinds of accidents all over MS and LA.