Mississippi Accident Lawyer Blog

Oil spills are probably some of the most devastating disasters to occur. The Exxon Valdez oil spill happened more than twenty-one years ago, but its effects are still being felt today. This oil spill occurred on March 24, 1989 and the leak was mostly confined to the surface of the ocean. The BP oil spill began on April 20,2010 caused when a damaged well pipe burst resulting in an explosion on the oil platform owned by Deepwater Horizon releasing oil 5,000 feet below the surface.

The Exxon spill was limited to a single tanker and spilled about 11 million gallons of oil in one day covering 1,300 square miles. The BP spill has spilled more than the Exxon spill so far and it is still going strong. Both spills have and will kill brown pelicans, egrets, terns, sperm whales, tuna, sea turtles and more. But, fish can't sue. Only people can.

The lawsuits in the Exxon spill were tied up in the courts for over 20 years. More than 32,000 fishermen, food processors, and Native Americans banded together to recover damages from Exxon. The case was drug out by Exxon lawyers for 19 years until it finally reached the Supreme Court. By this time, more than 7,000 plaintiffs have died. The lawyers won $500,000 million in actual damages and $5 billion in punitive damages. It took five years to get to trial;then it took another fourteen years in the appeals court where the case finally arrived in the Supreme Court before Justice John Roberts in 2008. By that time, the punitive damages were reduced to $2.5 billion.

The first question from Roberts was: "Isn't the question here how a company can protect itself from unlimited damages?" If Bush v. Gore had been decided differently, you might have had a chief justice who asked: "How can a fisherman protect himself from an oil spill?" But, by a 5-3 vote, the Roberts court cut the punitive damage award to one-fifth from $2.5 billion to $500 million. Another justice, David Souter,ruled with the majority and stated that Exxon's actions were not malicious. So if you drive a boat while drunk and cause millions and billions of dollars of damages, it is not malicious;but, if you drive a car drunk,it is not only malicious, but you go to jail. The Exxon case is a perfect example of judicial activism.

So, what is going to happen in the gulf of mexico? BP will pay for cleanup costs,various government agencies will assess huge fines for BP's conduct, but the real money will come during the tort claims process and trial. If we can prove punitive damages, i.e., that BP's conduct was grossly, wantonly, or maliciously done, then the door is open to punitive damages. The testimony of a rig worker claims that BP officials overrode rig operations and forced a speedy opening as opposed to considering the consequences of failing to repair several broken parts before opening. This proof, in and of itself, should make a jury issue on punitive damages.

TYPES OF DAMAGES AND LOSSES: People can make a claim for damages for loss of business, loss of job or reduced income, damage to property, vacation losses,etc. Some examples are: fishing, shrimping, oyster companies and employees, hospitality and tourism businesses and employees,property and boat owners, shipping and trade business and employees, vacationers (lost vacation deposits and expenses), cruise ship employees, charter services, restaurant owners and employees.

COMPANIES THAT MAY BE RESPONSIBLE: BP, Transocean, Halliburton,Anadarko, Cameron,Mitsui & co. and more.

We are working on investigations and damage claims to get compensation for those of you whose income, business, health, property, or other assets have been affected by the BP oil disaster. Investigated claims are settled faster. Your case could be settled quickly out of court to avoid long processes.

We will supply you with BP claim forms and information for maximum recovery. Call our toll free number if you have any questions, 1-800-640-4478. We cannot send out any claim forms until you complete our form under "contact us" on our website at www.accidentattys.com.

Your BP claim forms and information are free as a service to you and we will help determine if you are eligible for any recovery of damages.

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.

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.

The United States Supreme Court has decided to leave in place an award of $82 million against Ford Motor Company when a Ford Explorer rolled over causing the roof to collapse on the driver's neck resulting in her becoming paralyzed from the waist down. Ms. Buell-Wilson was driving her 1997 Ford Explorer on an interstate in January, 2002, when she swerved to avoid a metal object in the road,lost control of her Explorer which rolled over 4 1/2 times. When the roof collapsed on her neck, it severed her spine. Ford claimed that it was not liable for punitive damages because Ford contended that its design met federal safety standards. The jury concluded that Ford knew that the Explorer had design defects that made it prone to rollover in emergency maneuvers which resulted in roof collapses. The lower Court rejected Ford's contention, but the award was reduced twice by other Courts. The case is Ford v. Buell-Wilson, 09-297.

If you know of someone who has been seriously injured or killed in a rollover or roof crush case 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 if you have a case. We do not charge any attorney fees unless we win a settlement for you. Do not wait until it is too late, call now.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

Drunk drivers cause tragic accidents resulting in serious personal injury and, in more severe accidents, death. Mississippi drunk driving law allows financial compensation for victims and punishes intoxicated motorists and alcohol providers who served them, including bars, package liquor stores, and grocery stores.

These special laws allow for recovery of punitive damages against the alcohol provider. Punitive damages may be awarded, in addition to compensatory damages (compensatory damages include medical expenses, lost earnings and damages for pain and suffering and other losses).

Mississippi accident lawyer Paul Snow has the resources and experience to make alcohol providers and their insurance companies pay for the damages that they cause. In fact, Paul Snow has obtained a structured settlement for $4,500,000 for two high school students who were injured by a minor who bought alcohol from Kroger and Super D in Jackson, Mississippi.

If you have been injured or had a loved one killed as the result of a drunk driver, contact Paul Snow to insure that your rights are protected. Call us at 601-969-1977 or 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online to discuss your legal rights FREE of charge.

An 18 wheeler traveling north on I-55 crossed the median and struck a car traveling south on I-55 sending the driver, Crystal Emery to the hospital. Ms. Emery had to be extricated from her vehicle and transported to University Medical Center where she remained in critical condition.

Ms. Emery can make a claim against the 18 wheeler company for causing this accident. A lot of times these truck drivers work too many hours on the road and fall asleep or drive fatigued which contributes to accidents. If you compare the truck drivers log book to the number of hours that he/she is supposed to work and/or rest, then you can usually determine if they falsified they log books.

We have handled numerous cases where the truck driver falsified his log book in order to make more money by traveling more miles on the highway. This is a known, but tolerated practice by the companies who employ the truck drivers. If the attorney can get proof on the company that they had a practice of letting their truck drivers drive over the limit, then a claim could be made out for punitive damages against the trucking company. Here is a good example of what I am talking about. This 18 wheeler driver lost control of his tractor-trailer rig carrying a load of bananas.

If you know of someone who was injured or killed in an 18 wheeler accident and have some questions about the case, call Paul Snow to discuss your legal rights FREE. To find out if you have a case, call 601-969-1977 or contact us online. We represent clients all over MS including Madison, Ridgeland, Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, and Natchez.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

The Law Office of Paul Snow has handled a substantial number of cases involving severe injuries and death and has achieved structured settlements and verdicts totaling over $60,000,000 during our 34 years of practicing personal injury law, ONE CASE AT A TIME.

We represent people who are injured and/or killed in:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
ATV accidents
Train accidents
Offshore accidents
Boating accidents and
Brain and Spinal cord accidents.

Our cases also cover the areas of:

Products liability
Nursing home negligence
Medical malpractice
Legal malpractice and
Injuries on the job.

Our law offices are located in Jackson, Mississippi and we represent clients in Mississippi and Louisiana.

We encourage you to read your free copy of "8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting An Accident Lawyer." If you hire the wrong lawyer, you could lose a lot money and your case could drag out for months longer than necessary.

Don't be fooled by the TV attorneys. Compare our track record to theirs. Our record of personal injury verdicts and settlements speaks for itself. We aggressively pursue catastrophic personal injury claims, often leading to multi-million dollar recoveries.

The Law Office of Paul Snow represents clients who have suffered serious injuries, and loss of loved ones in car/truck/motor vehicle accidents in the counties of Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Copiah, Warren, and the cities of Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Greenville, Meridian, Tupelo, Southaven, Vicksburg, and Pascagoula.

No matter how complex the case is, we are here to serve you. If you need a personal injury attorney, contact Paul Snow by calling 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online.

Our Mission
To seek justice for our clients by leveling the playing field against big insurance companies and corporations and helping our clients get their lives back.

Our Track Record: $16,500,000 - Structured settlement for brain injury victim

$10,000,000 - Settlement for van rollover accident

$8,000,000 - Wrongful death verdict

Board Certified. Licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana

What We Do
Trucking Accidents Car Accidents Premises Liability Products Liability Offshore Accidents Wrongful Death Aviation / Helicopter Accidents Boating Accidents Drunk Driving Accidents Fire / Burn Injuries Maritime - Admiralty - Jones Act Motorcycle Accidents Paraplegia Pedestrian Accidents Serious Personal Injury Train Accidents / FELA Claims Traumatic Brain Injury Spinal Cord Injuries Birth Injuries Insurance Denial of Claim Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Negligence Quadriplegia Legal Malpractice On the Job Injuries ATV Accidents Uninsured Motorist Claims.

419 S. State Street, Suite A-100 Jackson, Mississippi 39201
Local: 601-969-1977 Toll Free: 800-640-4478 Email: paulsnowiii@msn.com

Donald Bernius was arrested and charged with boating under the influence in an accident on the Tchoutacabouffa River near Biloxi, MS. Christopher Webb was thrown overboard and died as a result of the boating accident. His brother, Shane Webb, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The accident happened when the at fault boater was trying to get away from a marine patrol officer and hit the other boat head-on.

Anyone who was hurt by this drunk boat driver can make a claim against this person's insurance company. BUT, be careful who you make a claim against and what you say happened. The driver's homeowner's policy and car policy will probably not apply to this boating accident; but, the boat policy may provide liability insurance for the accident if it is not excluded from the policy. The boat insurance company may try to claim that since their driver was in the process of a crime, i.e., fleeing an officer, then there is no coverage. IF that happens , then the family of Mr. Webb should consult with a Mississippi Accident Lawyer as soon as possible to protect the families rights.

Also, the bar or alcohol establishment who sold the alcohol to the driver may also be sued for contributing to the accident. You would have to prove that the driver was visibly intoxicated when he bought the alcohol in order to recover against the bar. This is called liquor liability.

If the boater did not have any insurance, then the family may make a claim against their own boat policy for uninsured benefits if they bought that type of coverage on their policy.

This could end up being a complicated case. An attorney with experience in these types of cases is crucial. Our law office has been handling cases like this for over 30 years and has extensive experience in successfully settling these types of cases for our clients.If you would like a FREE consultation, call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or 1-800-640-4478 or contact us online. We do not charge any attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call now before it is too late.

A van containing the Smith family from Inverness, MS was stopped at a traffic light waiting for it to turn green when all of a sudden a JNJ Express 18 wheeler driver crashed into the rear end of the van. All four members of the Smith family were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as: Edgar Smith, Kimberly Smith, Edgar Smith,V and Emily Smith.

Magee Police asked the Mississippi Highway Patrol to help with the investigation.

All too often, these 18 wheeler companies pay their drivers by the mile, and tell them the quicker they deliver their load, the more money they will make. So what happens is that the drivers work over the legal driving time limit and end up getting fatigued, falling asleep and causing a wreck like this one. The corporation should be required to pay for the damages for over-working their drivers who cause these type of accidents. If the same corporation has repeated violations of over-worked drivers, then that corporation should be put out of business. JNJ Express is out of Memphis and employs 184 drivers; the company carries at least one million dollars of insurance.

Fatigued truck drivers are the most dangerous vehicle on the highway. This aspect of dangerous driving is so common that the FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS created one section dealing specifically with this problem. Section 392.3 states that: "No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver's ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue,illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle."

Tractor-trailer trucks are dangerous already;but, they become extremely dangerous when their driver is fatigued! We represent clients who have been injured or killed in 18 wheeler accident cases. If you know of someone who may need assistance with one of these type of cases, call Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow for your FREE consultation 601-969-1977 or contact us online. Compare our track record to any other lawyer's track record in 18 wheeler cases.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

A 67 year man from Florence, MS was injured in an accident when his vehicle was hit by a Mercedes-Benz which was going about 75 mph and ran a red light. The truck flipped so high in the air that it almost hit the traffic light according to eyewitnesses.  A Pearl Police patrolman ran the car's tag and discovered it was stolen. When the driver refused to pull over, the chase began. It ended when this accident happened on Gallitin Street in Jackson, MS.

Two suspects fled the scene and one was taken into custody. Officials stated that there is a lot of liability associated with these type of cases. This accident is similar to one involving a Raymond police officer when an SUV was being chased and ultimately caused the death of Alice Clausell. The chase started as a result of reckless driving of Alice Marie Wilson.

Who can sue whom and why? Well, you would think that the driver of the pick-up truck may have a claim against the driver of the car, but since the car was stolen, the insurance company will probably deny the claim; therefore, the injured party, then could make a claim against his own insurance company for uninsured motorist benefits. Also, a claim may be made against the Pearl Police Department for negligent pursuit.

If you know of someone who was injured or killed during a police pursuit, call Paul Snow to discuss your legal rights, 601-969-1977 or contact us online.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

A six year old girl was killed in a fatal car crash in Southaven, Mississippi when John Henry Brown while speeding hit an 18 wheeler and then the 18 wheeler hit a 2002 Ford Taurus driven by the child's mother, Patricia Sledge. The at-fault driver was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and depraved heart murder which means a disregard for human life which results in a death.

The Mississippi Crime Lab performed an autopsy shortly after the accident. It was concluded that the girl died from personal injuries in the crash and not from being ejected from the vehicle. All the children in the car had their seat belt on.

Who can sue whom and why?  Anyone injured by the at-fault driver may sue his insurance company for damages that he caused including the family members of the six year old girl who have a claim for wrongful death. Also, the actions of the 18 wheeler driver must be looked into to see if he could have avoided the accident with the Taurus. Vehicles pull out in front of 18 wheeler drivers all the time; sometimes vehicles come in contact with the 18 wheeler. But the question is, did the 18 wheeler driver act reasonably under the circumstances?  It's not feasible for a car to physically knock a heavy 18 wheeler into another car. So, did the truck driver swerve over onto the Taurus when he didn't really have to? What if he never swerved over at all? Then we know that the six year girl would still be alive today. The only injury would be to the speeding motorist who left the scene of the accident. You read and hear about an 18 wheeler truck driver saying that he swerved over and saved some lives, or that he went into the median in order to avoid hitting a car. More facts need to be determined to see if this driver did everything that he could have done before he made the decision to totally demolish the Ford Taurus full of young children.

If the truck driver did not have to pull over into the Ford Taurus, then his insurance company may be liable for damages to those injured and killed by his actions. In other words, both of these drivers can be at fault for causing this little girl's death.

Our prayers go out to the family of the little girl.

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in an accident, you should consult with an experienced Mississippi Accident Lawyer. Paul Snow handles all types of accident cases, one case at a time. We handle cases involving car, truck, motorcycle accidents and injuries from defective products. If you have any questions, call us at 601-969-1977 or contact us online now.

Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow.

The United States Supreme Court allowed an $80 million dollar punitive damages award alone to be upheld in essence requiring Phillip Morris to pay the award. The case involved a deceased smoker and was awarded to his widow. The litigation lasted ten years and started in 1999 when a jury in Oregon held that Philip Morris was liable for misleading her husband that cigarettes were not harmful, nor addictive. The $80 million award doubled to $150 million because of all the appeals and delays of Philip Morris.

Just how foolish are these juries? We've all heard about the woman awarded "millions" just for spilling coffee on herself. But how many people know the actual facts of the case: That McDonald's brewed its coffee about 20 degrees hotter than anyone else,despite the risk of spilling as customers fumbled with their cups while in the drive through lane? That this scalding coffee could cause third degree burns in just a few seconds? That several hundred other customers had suffered burn injuries before this one? How many people know that the 81 year old woman suffered third degree burns requiring skin grafts? How many people know that the attorneys for McDonald's refused a request to settle just for the payment of her medical bills?  Did you know that the judge reduced the award more than 80% from $2.9 million to $480,000? I'm sure you read the front page article regarding the $2.8 million award, but how many of you read the newspaper( if anyone reported it) when the judge cut it back to $480,000? Most people do not know the whole story. So the moral of this story is don't make any opinions on any case UNLESS you know all of the facts. Just like in this tobacco case.

The case was appealed to the Court on two previous occasions where it was returned to the Oregon Supreme Court who left the verdict stand. The decision to leave the award alone by the Supreme Court, indirectly states that in some cases such an award is justified. Of course, if Philip Morris had paid the award back in 1999, then Philip Morris would not owe any additional money,i.e., the extra $70 million that was incurred in interest over the ten year period, but they chose not to.

Punitive damages are awarded to discourage companies from reprehensible conduct. Reprehensibility is the most important factor in judging the reasonableness of a punitive award. The Oregon Court expressed outrage at Philip Morris's conduct. This is the third time that the United States Supreme Court has passed on deciding that the award was too high which should send a message to big business.

As a footnote, under Oregon law, 60% of the money must go to the state. Philip Morris is refusing to pay the money to the state. Go figure. Sounds like someone may have another claim for punitive damages. When will they ever learn? 

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