Mississippi Truck Accident Attorney
No one expects to be involved in a truck accident. For most, the aftermath is overwhelming and stressful. You may be suffering from serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. Understandably, navigating the legal system can feel like an impossible task. If you’ve been injured in a Mississippi truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, securing the services of an experienced Mississippi truck accident attorney is crucial. Your lawyer guides you through the legal process, fights for the compensation you deserve, and ensures your rights are protected.
What to Look for in a Mississippi Truck Accident Attorney
Here’s what to look for when searching for a Mississippi truck accident lawyer:
- Experience in truck accidents. Truck accident cases are complex and require a deep understanding of federal and state trucking regulations. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of successfully handling truck accident claims.
- Local knowledge. Mississippi has specific laws regarding truck accidents. Choose an attorney familiar with Mississippi courts and local judges.
- Communication and availability. An open and easy communication style is essential. Your attorney should be readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the legal process.
- Contingency fee arrangements. Many truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees upfront. They only get paid if they win your case, with their fee typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
While this list is not exhaustive, these traits are a good place to start when looking for a Mississippi truck accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A variety of factors can cause truck accidents, but some of the most frequent causes include:
- Driver negligence—can encompass speeding, distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence;
- Improper vehicle maintenance—poorly maintained trucks can experience mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, leading to accidents; and
- Trucking company negligence—trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained, take required rest periods, and operate safe trucks.
Establishing the cause of your truck accident is vital to your claim. A truck accident lawyer in Mississippi reviews all available evidence and analyzes the events leading up to your accident and other crucial details to establish liability and secure your financial relief.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Due to a truck’s immense size and weight, even seemingly minor collisions can result in severe injuries. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)—TBIs can range from mild concussions to life-altering conditions;
- Spinal cord injuries—these injuries can lead to paralysis or permanent loss of function;
- Broken bones—the force of a truck accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body; and
- Internal organ damage—internal bleeding and organ damage can occur in serious truck accidents.
It’s vital to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident for your safety and to maintain recovery from your injuries for your truck accident attorney in Mississippi. Connecting your injuries to the accident makes it difficult for the responsible party to shift blame or claim that your injuries were due to another unrelated event.
Damages Recoverable in a Mississippi Truck Accident Case
If you suffered injuries in a Mississippi truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical bills—includes past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries;
- Lost wages—you can recover compensation for wages lost due to your inability to work while recovering from your injuries;
- Loss of earning capacity—if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work, you may be able to recover compensation for future lost wages;
- Pain and suffering—covers the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of your injuries; and
- Property damage—if your vehicle suffered damage in the accident, you can recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
You may also collect punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for their egregious conduct. A Mississippi truck accident attorney evaluates and determines whether punitive damages may be available in your case.
The unique facts of your case impact the specific amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. An experienced Mississippi truck accident lawyer assesses your case, determines the full extent of your damages, and negotiates an appropriate settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Contact Us
Smith & Holder, PLLC is a trial and appellate law firm known for taking on and winning cases. Our legal team comprises highly skilled attorneys focused on providing excellent service to our clients through close communication and effective strategies. We take a strategic approach to secure maximum compensation for our clients and get justice for our clients through negotiating favorable settlements or fighting for a fair verdict at trial.
Regardless of what happened or what you think may have happened, you owe it to yourself to discuss your rights with a lawyer. We have years of representing clients and ensuring responsible parties are held accountable for your injury-related losses. When you are searching for a “truck accident attorney near me,” look no further than Smith & Holder, PLLC, to represent you. With us, you work closely with your attorney throughout your case and can feel confident knowing we are doing everything possible to maximize your financial recovery.
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Brain Injury Lawyer Mississippi
–Qualified Mississippi Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Ready to Win Your Case
Serving Clients in Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula
If you have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) following an accident, there is a lot you need to know. Understanding how to navigate the claims process can seem daunting, especially while trying to recover from a brain injury. You may be wondering who will pay for your injuries, time off work, property damage, etc. It’s crucial to concentrate on your recovery, which is why you should call a skilled Gulfport traumatic brain injury attorney right away.
First, and most importantly, you are not alone. Professional help is available in the greater Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula areas. There are top-notch medical professionals who can assist you through every stage of the recovery process.
Third, if you are entitled to financial recovery, it should cost you nothing out of pocket to recover the compensation you deserve. Your initial consultation with a Gulfport brain injury law firm should be free, and you should not be asked to pay anything unless you win just compensation. Your situation is challenging enough without wondering if your lawyer is treating you fairly. This form of contingency-fee representation ensures that your Gulfport brain injury attorney will always have your best interests in mind.
Personalized Service and Contingency-Fee Representation for Claims
Our experienced Gulfport TBI attorneys have experience in cases involving a variety of different types of accidents, and we represent individuals and families in cases involving all types of traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of the following (or if you simply have questions and would like to speak with an experienced Gulfport traumatic brain injury lawyer), we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation:
- Concussion,
- Contusion,
- Coup-contrecoup injury,
- Diffuse axonal injury,
- Edema,
- Intracerebral hemorrhage,
- Penetrating brain injury,
- Skull fracture, and
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Even a seemingly minor brain injury can be serious and cause long-term problems. Don’t assume that your TBI is mild and that you don’t need medical treatment or representation by a skilled lawyer.
Let’s Talk About What Happened—and How We Can Help You Move Forward
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How Our Gulfport Brain Injury Law Firm Can Help
Pursuing a brain injury claim is complicated. You need an experienced legal advocate on your side who knows how best to proceed. When you retain Smith & Holder, PLLC, we will build the strongest case possible. We will immediately open an independent investigation, which includes:
- Gathering evidence that supports your claim;
- Identifying and pursuing all potentially liable parties;
- Compiling all your medical records and loss of earnings documentation;
- Determining the potential value of your claim;
- Hiring any necessary expert witnesses;
- Aggressively negotiating the best settlement possible;
- Meeting all legal deadlines; and
- Preparing your case for trial if unable to settle.
Don’t leave your case to chance. Your potential compensation is directly linked to the skill of your attorney. We have years of negotiation experience and can help you fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs): Seeking Financial Compensation for TBI in Mississippi
Q: When can a person seek financial compensation for a traumatic brain injury?
The general rule for traumatic brain injury claims (and all other injury claims) is that you must be able to prove negligence or a product defect in order to recover financial compensation. From running a stop sign to failing to fix a broken railing, negligence can take various forms. Our Gulfport traumatic brain injury attorneys represent clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries in all types of accidents, including:
- Vehicle accidents (car, truck, and motorcycle),
- Nursing home negligence and abuse,
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents,
- Premises-related accidents (slips, trips, and falls),
- Product-related accidents, and
- Sports accidents
We have a proven record of success with these types of TBI claims and aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if warranted. We know the tactics insurance companies use to try and reduce their potential payout an will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Q: What are the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?
The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can vary depending upon the severity and nature of the damage caused. Potential symptoms for a minor case can include:
- Confusion,
- Dizziness,
- Headaches,
- Lightheadedness,
- Nausea, and
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Signs of a potentially serious brain injury include:
- Disorientation,
- Loss of balance or coordination,
- Loss of consciousness,
- Memory loss,
- Mood swings,
- Persistent or severe headache,
- Seizures,
- Visual impairments, and
- Vomiting
If you are experiencing (or have experienced) any of these symptoms following an accident and you have not sought medical attention, you should do so immediately.
Q: How common are traumatic brain injuries?
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that traumatic brain injuries are exceedingly common. According to the CDC:
“Every day, 166 people in the United States die from injuries that include TBI. Those who survive a TBI can face effects that last a few days or the rest of their lives. . . . In 2018, 223,050 people were hospitalized for TBI-related injuries and in 2019, 60,611 people died from TBI-related injuries.”
Q: What are the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries?
According to the CDC’s data, the two most common causes of traumatic brain injuries are all accident-related. These are:
- Falls and
- Motor vehicle collisions
TBI injuries resulting from falls account for nearly half of all TBI-related hospital visits, and they are particularly common among the elderly and children under the age of 17. Contact a Gulfport traumatic brain injury lawyer at Smith & Holder, PLLC, to discuss your case.
Q: What are the costs of treatment for TBI?
The costs of treatment for TBI are heavily-dependent upon the severity of a person’s injury. Common forms of treatment for TBI include:
- Pain medications,
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
- Diuretics,
- Anti-seizure medications,
- Surgery,
- Physical therapy,
- Psychological therapy, and
- Occupational rehabilitation
Combined with the loss of income and the out-of-pocket costs associated with severe accident-related injuries, these costs can far exceed what most people can pay. This makes it vital for TBI victims to seek legal advice about filing a claim for just compensation.
Q: Can I seek financial compensation if my spouse, parent, or child has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury?
Possibly. Depending upon the circumstances involved, you may be able to file a claim on behalf of your loved one. You may be entitled to compensation for your own financial and non-financial losses as well. Please contact our Gulfport traumatic brain injury attorney to schedule a free consultation or for more information. We serve the greater Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula areas.
Call an Experienced Brain Injury Attorney in Mississippi
Mississippi Criminal Defense Attorney
Experienced Mississippi Criminal Defense Attorney Ready To Serve You
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we provide experienced and aggressive legal representation for individuals and businesses facing criminal charges in southern Mississippi. Licensed to practice in state and federal court, our criminal defense legal team in Gulfport are strategic advocates and vigorous litigators who pursue all available opportunities to protect our clients against conviction and sentencing. Whether your best option is to negotiate a plea deal with federal prosecutors or take your case before a jury in state court, we can help you choose the best path forward and seek the best outcome available under the circumstances at hand. Contact us today.
Put a Former Felony Prosecutor on Your Side
Whether you are facing a first-time DUI charge in Mississippi state court or you are being prosecuted for a federal white-collar offense that carries the potential for decades of imprisonment, your needs are the same. You need a law firm with relevant experience, and you need a legal team that is prepared to do what it takes to protect you from a conviction at trial. At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we will work tirelessly to defend you, and we will stay in the fight for as long as it takes to secure the justice you deserve.
Gulfport Criminal Defense Lawyers for State and Federal Charges
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
For many people, facing a DUI is their first introduction to the Mississippi criminal justice system. If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), it is important to understand what is at stake in your case. If you are convicted, you could lose your license to suspension, you could face up to $1,000 in fines, and you could be forced to spend 48 hours in jail. This is for a first offense. The penalties for repeat offenders are even greater. Having a number of DUI convictions on your record can lead to substantially increased insurance premiums, difficulty finding a job, and various other practical consequences.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence offenses are among the most heavily-prosecuted criminal charges in Mississippi. The consequences of a conviction can be severe. Some of these consequences include fines, jail time, and is subject to a protection order that prevents you from seeing your children or spending time in your own home. Unfortunately, many domestic violence cases arise out of false allegations, and the facts are rarely as straightforward as conveyed to the police and prosecutors. Our Gulfport criminal defense lawyers can tell your side of the story, and we can make sure that you are not unfairly punished for something that didn’t happen.
Facing Criminal Charges? Speak with a Trusted Defense Team Now
Felonies
We represent clients facing felony charges at the state and federal levels. Our practice includes defending clients charged with drug crimes, property crimes, and violent crimes such as:
- Aggravated assault
- Aggravated domestic violence
- Arson
- Burglary
- Drug manufacturing, distribution, and possession
- Grand larceny
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sexual battery
Misdemeanors
Although punished less severely than felonies, misdemeanors are still serious charges that can lead to fines, jail time, and other legal and practical consequences. We routinely represent individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses including:
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Criminal mischief
- Disorderly conduct
- Drug possession in small quantities (e.g., 30 grams or less of marijuana)
- Petit larceny (theft of less than $500)
- Resisting arrest
- Shoplifting
- Simple assault
- Stalking
- Trespassing
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are offenses that are non-violent in nature and that typically involve some form of financial motivation. These crimes are prosecuted at the state and federal levels, and they often carry severe penalties. Our highly respected Gulfport criminal defense attorney defends individuals and businesses facing all types of white-collar charges, including:
- Bank, check, and credit card fraud
- Blackmail and extortion
- Bribery
- Computer and Internet crimes
- Counterfeiting
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Money laundering
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs): Defending against Criminal Charges in Mississippi
Q: Is there a statute of limitations for criminal charges in Mississippi?
Mississippi law establishes statutes of limitations for some criminal charges but not others. For crimes that are subject to a statute of limitations, in most cases, state prosecutors have two years to file charges from the date of commission of the crime. Crimes that are not subject to a statute of limitations in Mississippi include (but are not limited to):
- Aggravated assault
- Arson
- Counterfeiting
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Rape
- Robbery
Q: What are some potential defenses to state and federal criminal charges?
There are numerous potential defenses to criminal charges at both the state and federal level. When we represent you, we will explore all potential defenses and develop a comprehensive case strategy focused on attacking the government’s case from as many angles as possible. Some of the types of defenses that we may be able to assert on your behalf include:
- Alibi
- Expiration of the statute of limitations
- Failure to meet the government’s burden of proof
- Justification
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Violation of your Constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful search and seizure or violation of your right to a speedy trial)
In many cases, there will be charge-specific defenses available as well. For example, let’s say you are being charged with possession of a controlled substance. However, the arresting officer was mistaken as to the substance that was in your possession. This mistake can provide a complete defense to criminal culpability. Likewise, if you are facing a DUI charge and you blew a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) because you had recently eaten chocolate or breath mints (both of which can produce faulty breath test results), you should not be convicted of drunk driving.
Q: What is the 'burden of proof' in a criminal case?
In a criminal case, the burden of proof is the legal standard for establishing the defendant’s guilt. At the state and federal levels, the government has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If the factfinder (either the judge or jury) is not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime alleged, then you deserve to walk free at the end of your trial. Let a knowledgeable Gulfport criminal defense attorney at Smith & Holder, PLLC help you today.
Q: What is a grand jury?
A grand jury is the legal procedure used to determine whether the target of a criminal investigation should be indicted on felony charges. Grand juries are used at the state and federal levels. Appearing before a grand jury is very different from presenting a legal defense during a jury trial. If you have been summoned to appear before a grand jury in Mississippi, you need to begin preparing with a Gulfport criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: What are my rights if the police arrested me illegally or performed an illegal search or seizure?
If the police arrested you illegally or performed an illegal search or seizure, we may be able to use this to defeat the charges against you. These are both violations of your Constitutional rights. As a general rule, any evidence obtained as the result of a Constitutional violation is inadmissible in criminal court. If we can successfully argue that the government’s evidence against you must be excluded from your trial, the prosecutor’s office may have no choice but to drop your charges.
Your Aggressive Mississippi Criminal Defense Attorney
- Former prosecutorial experience
- Experience defending clients in hundreds of criminal cases
- Detail-oriented legal representation focused on securing the best possible result in your case
- Direct access to your criminal lawyer
- An unwavering commitment to protecting your rights and preserving your future
Don’t Let A Mistake Define You—Let Gulfport Criminal Defense Attorneys Protect Your Rights
To speak with one of our Gulfport criminal defense lawyers about your case, contact us today. You can contact us 24/7. If we are not available immediately, we will be in touch as soon as possible. Our law firm is located in Gulfport, Mississippi and we are honored to serve Biloxi, Pascagoula, and all of Jackson and Harrison Counties with many types of legal representation.
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