Meridian Car Accident Lawyer

For many in Meridian, the city’s major thoroughfares are lifelines for work, school, and daily life. But the steady flow of traffic on highways like I-20/I-59 and busy local routes like Tom Bailey Drive also carries a constant risk. In a fraction of a second, a moment of another driver’s negligence can shatter that routine, resulting in a devastating collision.

Suddenly, you are faced with a startling new reality: a confusing maze of insurance claims, mounting medical debt, and the immense physical and emotional toll of recovery. Dealing with this crisis while trying to heal can feel impossible. The insurance companies involved have teams of professionals working to minimize their payout, leaving the injured at a significant disadvantage.

This is where experienced legal guidance becomes critical. A dedicated Meridian car accident lawyer can level the playing field, investigating the crash and fighting to ensure those harmed by carelessness receive the full compensation they are owed. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we believe your fight is our fight. Contact our team for a free case evaluation to learn how we can help you secure the justice you deserve.

Why Choose Richard Schwartz & Associates for Your Meridian, MS Car Accident Claim?

When you’ve suffered injuries in a serious car accident, choosing the right law firm is one of the most critical decisions you will make. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a team of advocates who are deeply invested in your well-being and have the proven experience to win. At Richard Schwartz & Associates, our roots in Mississippi run deep, and our commitment to the communities we serve, including Meridian, is at the core of everything we do.

For over 40 years, we have been a pillar of support for injured individuals and their families across the state. Our firm, recognized by Attorneys and Practice Magazine as one of the top Personal Injury firms in Mississippi, combines decades of legal experience with a genuine sense of compassion for our clients.

Here’s why so many Mississippians trust us with their fight:

• Proven Results: We have successfully recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, a testament to our skill, resources, and unwavering dedication.
• Unwavering Compassion: Our mission is "Leading with Compassion. Winning with Excellence." We know you are going through a difficult time, and we treat you with the respect, empathy, and personal attention you deserve. Your care resides beyond the courtroom.
• Available When You Need Us: Accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we are available 24/7 to take your call and offer a free, confidential case evaluation.

When you choose a trusted Meridian car accident attorney from Richard Schwartz & Associates, you are not just hiring a lawyer—you are gaining a dedicated partner committed to ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

Shortly after your accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They may sound friendly, concerned, and eager to help. They might even make a quick settlement offer, telling you it’s the best way to put this incident behind you and get the money you need quickly. While this may seem tempting, especially when medical bills are piling up, it is crucial to understand the insurance company's true objective.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which means paying out as little as possible on claims. The first settlement offer is almost always a lowball amount that fails to account for the full extent of your injuries and losses.

Adjusters often present these offers before you have a complete understanding of your medical prognosis. You may not yet know if you will need future surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, or long-term care. You may not have realized the full impact on your ability to work and earn a living. Once you accept a settlement, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for this accident, even if your injuries turn out to be far more severe and costly than you initially thought.

Accepting that first offer can be a devastating financial mistake. Before you speak with an adjuster or sign any paperwork, it is vital to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Meridian. We can accurately assess the true value of your claim by considering all of your past, present, and future damages. We will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from their tactics and fighting for a settlement that is fair and just. Remember, the insurance company has a team of professionals working for them; you deserve to have a powerful advocate working for you.

Laws that Impact Car Accidents in Mississippi

In Mississippi, several key statutes will directly influence your ability to recover compensation. Here are three of the most important legal principles that will affect your Meridian car accident claim.

Mississippi is an At-Fault Insurance State

Mississippi operates under a traditional "at-fault" or "tort" system for car insurance. This means that the person who is legally responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for the damages that result. If another driver’s negligence—such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light—caused your crash, you have the right to file a claim against their liability insurance policy to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other losses.

Unlike in "no-fault" states, you are not required to turn to your own insurance policy first (unless the at-fault driver is uninsured). The at-fault system allows you to pursue a full and fair recovery directly from the party who harmed you. Proving fault is the cornerstone of your case, which is why a thorough investigation and collection of evidence are so critical.

Mississippi’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

In some car accidents, a court may find that more than one person shares blame for the crash. Mississippi follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule to address these situations. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at-fault for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, imagine you were in an accident and the court determines that the other driver was 80% at fault, but you were 20% at fault (perhaps for being slightly over the speed limit), your final award would be reduced by your 20% share of the blame. 

Insurance companies often try to use this rule to their advantage by unfairly shifting as much blame as possible onto the victim to reduce their payout. Our attorneys are skilled at fighting back against these tactics and working to minimize any percentage of fault assigned to you, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Mississippi’s Statute of Limitations

The law places a time limit on your right to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Mississippi, you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act quickly.

Waiting too long can jeopardize your entire case. As time passes, evidence can disappear. Witnesses' memories fade, surveillance footage may be erased, and the physical evidence from the crash scene will be gone. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this three-year window, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover any compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and that all legal deadlines are met.

Compensation Available in a Meridian Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for all of the ways the crash has impacted your life. The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to "make you whole" again, at least from a financial standpoint. The compensation you can recover is known as "damages," and it is typically broken down into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages: These are the tangible, verifiable financial losses you have incurred due to the accident. They have a specific monetary value and can be proven with bills, receipts, and financial statements.

• Current and Future Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor's appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any anticipated future medical care.
• Lost Wages or Income: Compensation for the income you have lost while being unable to work during your recovery.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries have resulted in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your previous job or diminishes your ability to earn a living in the future.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the crash.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs for things like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and in-home care.

Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more subjective and compensate you for the intangible, personal losses you have suffered. While they don't have a specific price tag, they are a very real and significant part of your suffering.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Emotional Anguish: Damages for mental suffering such as anxiety, depression, fear, sleep disturbances, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Damages for permanent scars or physical disfigurement that can impact your self-esteem and quality of life.

In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Meridian Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions our attorneys hear from clients.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer from your firm?At Richard Schwartz & Associates, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if and when we win your case by securing a settlement or a court verdict in your favor. Our fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the total recovery. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything. This arrangement allows everyone to access high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

What happens if the driver who hit me is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance?This is a frighteningly common situation. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy limits are too low to cover your damages (underinsured), you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. This is done by filing a claim under your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Mississippi law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage, and it is a vital protection. Our attorneys can help you navigate the process of filing a UM/UIM claim with your own insurer.

How long will it take to resolve my car accident case?The timeline for a car accident case can vary significantly depending on its complexity. A straightforward case might settle in a few months, while a more complex case involving severe injuries or disputed liability could take a year or longer. A critical factor is reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), the point where your medical condition has stabilized. We cannot know the full value of your claim until we know the full extent of your medical needs. While we work efficiently, our priority is not to settle your case quickly, but to settle it for the maximum value you deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Meridian Car Accident Lawyers Today

The road to recovery after a car accident can be long and challenging, but you do not have to walk it alone. The legal team at Richard Schwartz & Associates is here to lift the burden from your shoulders, manage the complexities of your claim, and fight tirelessly for the financial security you need to move forward. Our commitment to you extends beyond the courtroom; we are dedicated to providing the compassionate guidance and unwavering support your family needs during this difficult time.

When you trust us with your case, we will:

• Conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident to gather crucial evidence.
• Identify all liable parties and sources of compensation.
• Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full value of your damages.
• Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies.
• Protect you from adjuster tactics and fight for a full and fair settlement.
• Prepare your case for trial and advocate for you in court if necessary.

Contact our Meridian office today at (601) 988-8888 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to listen to your story and explain how we can help.