Driving under the influence of alcohol could have severe consequences. An accident could cause serious injury, damages and even death. If you or a loved one were injured due to an individual driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be eligible to seek compensation. There is limited time to file a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. The sooner you speak with to a Pascagoula drunk driver accident lawyer, the sooner they could get started on your case.
Preparing a case when another driver was potentially under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious matter that requires meeting the court’s burden of proof. A skilled car accident attorney could work hard to prove your case in order to help you recover the compensation you need.
Filing a civil lawsuit alone may seem overwhelming. A dedicated Pascagoula drunk driver accident lawyer could provide help with legal aspects of the case including gathering evidence, preparing paperwork and correspondence related to a case, as well as communicate with eyewitnesses and expert witnesses. The complainant could simply be kept informed of the progress of the case and whether any important decisions need to be made, such as if a settlement offer is presented by the defense.
The statute of limitations refers to state law that places a time limit on a complainant’s ability to bring a lawsuit to court. Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49 applies to the vast majority of lawsuits regarding property damage, vehicle damage, or car accident injuries. The statute dictates that the injured claimant has no more than three years to file a civil action claim. An experienced attorney could help ensure that all claims and supporting documentation are filed within the statute of limitations.
With the help of a knowledgeable driving under the influence attorney, an injured claimant may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. Depending on the nature and severity of the injuries, an individual may be eligible to recover damages such as:
The State of Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system. Comparative negligence means that a plaintiff could still collect compensation from the party responsible for their accident even if they were found partially at fault for their own injury. As outlined under Miss. Code Sect 11-7-15, the plaintiff’s recovery will be reduced proportionately to their fault. For example, if a jury finds a plaintiff to be 50 percent at fault for an accident, their total compensation reward will be reduced by their amount of fault.
The determination of fault is an essential step in any civil case. An experienced intoxicated driver car crash lawyer in Pascagoula could defend a plaintiff from any claims of contributive negligence to help them recover the best settlement possible for their situation.
From reviewing police reports to speaking with eyewitnesses or even using experts to help reconstruct the scene of the accident, a Pascagoula drunk driver accident lawyer could help investigate and litigate a personal injury claim.
Speaking with a seasoned attorney could help you better understand your legal responsibilities, rights, and options under Mississippi’s personal injury laws. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.