Experienced Personal Injury Attorney In Picayune, MS
Personal injury accidents occur throughout Picayune, including crashes on Interstate 59 as well as along Memorial Boulevard, Highway 11, and numerous retail centers scattered throughout the city. Mississippi law allows injured individuals to seek recovery of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses if someone else’s negligence causes the injury. A Picayune personal injury lawyer can advise victims of their rights and options and help preserve evidence from a serious accident.
About WaideLaw
Daniel Waide represents clients throughout Mississippi, including families and individuals in Picayune and Pearl River County. Daniel grew up on a multi-generational family farm in Clay County, learning about personal accountability, hard work, and the importance of keeping your word.
Throughout his legal career, Daniel has been guided by the words of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” This verse motivates Daniel to seek justice on behalf of individuals and families who have been harmed through negligence, corporate wrongdoing, and other misconduct.
Daniel is proud to give back to his community by volunteering with youth sports organizations, health fairs, and public safety groups across Mississippi. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Employment Law Section of the Mississippi Bar.
Personal Injury Claim in Mississippi
A personal injury claim is a civil action brought by an injured person against the party whose negligence or wrongdoing caused the injury. The injured person, referred to as the plaintiff, seeks monetary compensation from the party who caused the injury, referred to as the defendant.
Negligence is one common basis for a personal injury claim. A defendant acts negligently by failing to meet the standard of care expected under the circumstances. In other words, a defendant did not act as a reasonable person would have acted, and that failure caused injury to someone else. Common examples of negligence include driving while distracted, allowing unsafe conditions to exist on your property, and violating safety regulations.
One of the most common causes of injury is road accidents. Mississippi had 3,205 serious traffic-related injuries in 2023, according to the 2024 Annual Report of the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety. This illustrates how motor vehicle accidents cause thousands of people in the state to sustain life-altering injuries each year. Personal injury claims can arise from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Unsafe premises
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Slip and falls
The facts and evidence involved in each case vary. In some cases, liability can be disputed based on how the accident occurred. Collecting police reports, witness information, photos from the scene, medical records, and other documents can help establish liability.
Mississippi Laws That May Affect Your Personal Injury Case
Mississippi has personal injury laws that may affect an injured person’s right to recover compensation from the person who caused the harm. An injured person should understand these laws before making decisions about their claim.
In Mississippi, injured individuals generally have three years to file a claim for damages, according to Mississippi Code § 15-1-49. If an injured person does not file a claim before the statute of limitations expires, they lose the right to pursue their claim.
Under Mississippi’s contributory negligence law, an injured person can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault. If more than one party is responsible for causing an accident or injury, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. The injured party’s compensation is then reduced by their percentage of fault.
Compensation Available in a Personal Injury Case
Damages in a personal injury claim can include whatever losses the injured person has suffered as a result of the incident that are legally recoverable. This could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future medical needs
- Pain and suffering
In cases involving especially egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available in very limited circumstances under Mississippi law.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people decide to hire a personal injury lawyer when they are dealing with extensive injuries, there are issues with who was at fault, more than one party may be liable, or an insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement.
A lawyer can help assess the evidence you have, identify legal issues that could limit your recovery, and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines. Additionally, consulting a Picayune personal injury attorney early can preserve records and evidence that may be important later.
Picayune Personal Injury Lawyer: FAQs
What Happens if My Injuries Do Not Appear Until Days After the Accident?
If your injuries do not appear until days after the accident, seek medical attention right away. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, concussions, and some internal injuries can take time to manifest. Waiting to seek medical treatment only prolongs your recovery and opens your case up to a dispute about how you were injured. If you develop pain or symptoms, see a doctor to get your injury on record.
Can I Pursue a Claim if a Defective Product Caused My Injury?
Yes, you can pursue a claim if a defective product caused your injury. Designers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all potentially be liable if an injured plaintiff was hurt by a defective product. Product liability claims can be based on design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn and instruct. These cases typically require technical testimony regarding the nature of the defect and how the defect caused injury.
Are Personal Injury Settlements Considered Taxable Income?
Personal injury settlements are not considered taxable income in all cases. Portions of a settlement may be taxable based on the damages received. For instance, if you receive damages for lost wages or certain types of interest, they may be taxable. Please consult a tax advisor with any specific questions.
What Should I Do if an Insurance Adjuster Contacts Me After an Accident?
Insurance adjusters usually reach out to an injured party soon after an accident. You should be careful about what you say. It is okay to answer basic questions about what happened. However, you should not guess as to the extent of your injuries, who was at fault, or what kind of medical treatment you need.
Contact A Picayune Personal Injury Lawyer At WaideLaw Today
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, WaideLaw can help you seek damages. Contact us today for a consultation.
