Car crashes are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence in Gulfport. While the majority of crashes only result in property damage, a significant number cause injuries and some result in death. In September 2019, two drivers died after colliding head-on on Highway 603. That same month, an off-duty Harrison County sheriff’s deputy died in a motorcycle wreck.
If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of an auto crash that wasn’t your fault, you may not know where to turn. Fortunately, Corban Gunn, Attorney at Law has extensive experience representing collision victims. When you work with a Gulfport car accident lawyer to build your personal injury claim, you’ll be on the path to receiving full and fair compensation for your losses so you can focus on recovering and moving forward.
Investigating Car Crashes in Gulfport
With any accident, there could be three different investigations. Police officers typically conduct the first investigation, as they’re first at the scene. They’ll collect statements, witness testimony, photographs of the damage and scene, and information on the weather condition and time during the crash. This will all be filed into an official police report.
The insurance company will also conduct its own investigation. The adjuster may try to find ways to reduce your compensation offer. They may ask for past medical records or recorded statements. It’s best to let your lawyer handle conversations with the insurance company.
When we conduct our investigation, we’ll determine how the wreck happened and what the other driver did to cause it. If necessary, we’ll bring in an accident reconstructionist who will have the tools to recreate the collision scene from beginning to end. The goal of our investigation will be to prove negligence on behalf of the other driver and calculate what your total losses are.
Breaking Down the Auto Accident Recovery Process
The recovery process after a wreck is multifaceted. Immediately after a crash it’s important to start the physical recovery process. This means seeking medical attention for a complete evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Some of the most common injuries after a wreck include broken bones, lacerations, bruising, sprains, and whiplash. If the injuries affect a person’s ability to be gainfully employed, they’re considered catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage often fall into that category.
The recovery process will vary from person to person, but the majority of individuals are able to recover in a matter of weeks or a few months. In order to make the most of your recovery, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations. Failing to do so could jeopardize your health and your car accident claim.
In addition to recovering from physical injuries, there may be emotional trauma for you to overcome. While any crash can result in emotional trauma, it’s more common if life-changing injuries or fatalities occurred. Because mental health is often not dealt with in the same way as physical health, the recovery process can take longer than you might expect. With proper therapy and counseling, however, most car accident victims are able to find peace with what they went through.
Addressing your physical and mental needs after a wreck is crucial, but you’ll likely start to run into financial trouble. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and more can add up quickly. That’s where we come in. We can calculate your losses and ensure the settlement offer you receive covers them entirely.
Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement
There are a number of factors that could impact the settlement offer you receive. As mentioned above, the insurance adjuster could try to reduce your compensation, but there are steps you can take to ensure that it doesn’t happen. If you want to maximize your monetary recovery, keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep Accurate Records. Your attorney will help you gather the necessary documents for your claim. You’ll need the police report, your medical records, potential witness statements, and detailed records of your injuries and recovery process.
- Listen to Your Doctor. Listening to your doctor not only ensures you will recover as quickly as possible, but it also helps your claim. If you return to work against your doctor’s advice or you neglect to follow their treatment plan, the insurance adjuster could use that as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claim and are not worth as much as you’re seeking.
- Take Photographs. While taking photographs immediately following a collision can be challenging, it will help you in the future. Having photos of the vehicle damage and your injuries is useful when proving how much you’re owed.
- Consider Noneconomic Damages. While your economic losses are the most pressing, like your medical bills, there are other damages to consider. Noneconomic damages like the pain and suffering you endured because of the accident can also be taken into consideration.
- Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer. The initial offer you receive is bound to be smaller than you expect or deserve. No matter how long negotiations take, it’s important to stand your ground to ensure you receive total compensation. If necessary, we’ll head to trial to ensure you have the means to move forward comfortably.
Filing a claim against a negligent driver can seem like a long and complicated process. When you work with a Gulfport car accident lawyer, we’ll make the ordeal as easy as possible for you. It’s best to get started with your case as soon as possible. To learn more about your legal rights and options after a wreck, get in touch with our office today.
