The post How Mississippi Insurance Laws Affect Your Car Accident Case appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

But how do you know when and what to accept?

Remember that insurance adjusters will often start by offering a settlement that is lower than what you need and deserve.

To make matters more complicated, Mississippi’s comparative negligence law means that an insurance adjuster could argue that you deserve a lower settlement based on the percentage of your fault. There’s no empirical way to measure how much fault you or the other driver(s) contributed to the accident, so you’ll be dealing with the insurance adjuster’s subjective opinion.

Here are some quick tips on how to avoid accepting an unjust insurance settlement.

1. Remember you’re not obligated to accept the settlement that an insurance company offers. You can always say you want to talk to your attorney before making a decision.
2. Don’t give a statement to your insurance company (or the other driver’s insurance company) about who was at fault for the accident.
3. Don’t sign anything with either insurance company before consulting with a Mississippi personal injury attorney.
4. Do not negotiate with an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement until after you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

What Is MMI And How Does It Impact Your Insurance Settlement?

Nolo defines MMI as the point where:

• You have recovered completely from your car accident injuries OR
• Your condition is stable. This means you might not have recovered completely or be back to “normal” but your doctors have a clear picture of your medical future. You’ve received information from medical professionals about:
  • What kinds of ongoing medical care will be necessary.
  • What that ongoing care will cost.
  • Which physical limitations and/or disabilities will be permanent.

Obviously, it’s difficult to know how much compensation is fair until you know the full extent and cost of your injuries. You might be stressed and in a hurry to receive a settlement, but that’s exactly what insurance companies are counting on. Don’t rush into the first settlement offer that comes along. Instead, wait until you know how much money you need to cover your medical costs.

What Else To Know Before Accepting Compensation

In addition to learning the full story on your medical expenses, you should also talk to a Mississippi car accident attorney about what other types of compensation you’re eligible to claim. Depending on how serious your injuries were, you might be able to claim compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering – which can include:

• emotional distress
• depression/anxiety
• loss of sleep
• other mental symptoms related to the accident injuries

Patience and careful consideration are key components to maximizing your insurance settlement and other personal injury awards.

Need legal advice on what your claim is worth? Contact our Jackson office at 601-914-1025 or online.

Heilman Nisbett Polk, P.A

4266 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Phone: 601-914-1025

Fax: 601-960-4200

The post When To Accept An Insurance Settlement in Jackson, MS appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

According to BicycleSafe, the most common way to get hit is in a collision with a car pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or driveway on the right.

Bike accidents can be life-altering, to say the least. Bike accidents can result in serious spinal and brain injuries and death. Taking time to understand a few essential safety tips could make all the difference in the world.

1. Always wear a federally-approved bicycle helmet. Riders without helmets are 14 times more likely to suffer from fatal head injuries compared to those wearing head protection.
2. Follow the same traffic laws just like an average motorist. Stop at red lights and ride with the traffic flow.
3. Try to choose residential areas rather than congested highways and streets when riding a bike.
4. Wear bright clothing. Your bicycle should also have reflectors that will allow other road users to see you.
5. Before riding a bike, make sure the brakes and reflectors are working properly.
6. Maintain a safe distance to parked cars to prevent being hit by doors which may open.
7. When crossing a pedestrian lane, get off your bike. In case of an accident involving a car, the driver is generally held liable for injuries a rider has sustained if the rider is off the bike.
8. Rethink using headphones to listen to music or podcasts, and avoid talking or texting on your phone while riding your bike. The fewer distractions you have, the more you’re equipped to avoid a serious accident.
9. Respect the right of way of pedestrians.
10. Base your speed on the road condition and volume of traffic.
11. Make sure to use the proper hand signals when stopping, turning, or changing lanes, such as signaling with your arm in the direction you are turning.
12. Use care when crossing intersections.
13. Use the whole lane—not the edge of a street—to become visible and predictable to motorists.
14. Be extra careful when there is a passing truck or bus which has a larger blind spot than a passenger car.
15. Ride as if you were invisible. If a car has to see you and take action to avoid hitting you then they are much more likely to hit you. But if you stay out of their way, then you are less likely to get hit even if they didn’t notice you were there.

Unfortunately, even precautions can’t always protect you from negligent drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident involving a motor vehicle in Jackson, Mississippi, you could be entitled to significant compensation if the motor vehicle driver was at fault. Contact The Heilman Law Group for competent, compassionate representation in even the most complex personal injury cases. Call 601-914-1025 or send us a message online.

Heilman Nisbett Polk, P.A

Jackson Office

4266 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Phone: 601-914-1025

Fax: 601-960-4200

By John Nisbett | Published May 28, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post 15 Tips for Avoiding Serious Bike Accidents appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

• Your statute of limitations.
• When the clock starts ticking on your claim.
• Your timeline
• Your solutions

Understanding Your Statute of Limitations

If someone else’s negligence caused you injury in Jackson, MS, you’re protected by a statute of limitations. U.S. Legal defines a statute of limitations as a law which sets the maximum period which you can wait before filing a lawsuit. The time period depends on the type of case or claim, and varies by state. What’s essential to know is that if a lawsuit or claim is not filed before the statutory deadline, the right to sue or make a claim is lost forever.

Understanding When the Clock Starts Ticking on Your Claim

In most situations, the clock starts on your “date of harm,” according to Nolo. However, there is a significant exception to this rule. This exception exists to protect accident victims in situations

where they may not be aware that they were injured until months or even years after the “date of harm.” For example, many spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries take some time to develop obvious symptoms. In situations like this, the statute of limitations may not start the clock ticking until the “date of discovery.” FindLaw defines the date of discovery as the moment when the plaintiff (the person filing suit) knew or should reasonably have known that they had suffered harm, and understood the nature of that harm.

Understanding Your Timeline

Due to the delayed discovery of some injuries as discussed above, the statute of limitations clock can start ticking at three different times:

• The date of harm.
• The date on which the plaintiff reasonably should have discovered the harm.
• The date on which the plaintiff actually discovered the harm.

Because of the unique situation and complexity of every case, it’s difficult to accurately define the timeline for your particular statute of limitations without help from an experienced personal injury lawyer. It’s highly advisable that you consult a personal injury lawyer to define exactly how long you have to pursue a lawsuit, and what kind of lawsuit(s) you can pursue, and what kind of compensation you can expect.

Understanding Your Solutions

If you are the victim of a personal injury accident in Jackson, MS, or you know someone who is, you need to act fast in order to maximize your legal rights and claim the compensation you need and deserve. No matter how complicated your case is, The Heilman Law Group will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve your best possible result. Don’t let the clock run out on your case! Get justice before it’s too late! Call us at 601-914-1025 or send us a message online.

Heilman Nisbett Polk, P.A

Jackson Office

4266 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Phone: 601-914-1025

Fax: 601-960-4200

By John Nisbett | Published May 28, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim? appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

Responsibly sharing the road with motorcycles might seem stressful, but it’s actually fairly straightforward. Below are 11 ways that can help you avoid serious accidents with motorcycles.

1. Treat motorcyclists with respect. Motorcyclists are required to follow the same road rules as motorists, and the law requires you to give motorcyclists the same respect that you give to other motorists. Understanding that motorcyclists have the same rights to the roadway as you do is the first step to safer road sharing.
2. Be aware of the unique safety challenges that riders face. Motorcycles are not only less protected than cars, but they are also smaller and less visible – significant disadvantages when it comes to roadway safety.
3. Prepare to think like a motorcyclist. Roadway hazards require fast thinking…especially if there are motorcyclists around. Now that you understand some of the challenges that riders face, you can better prepare for emergency conditions. If there are bumps, stopped vehicles, debris, or other roadway hazards, motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave differently than a car would.
4. Eyes on the road!  Sadly, in 78% of accidents involving cars and motorcycles, the car strikes the motorcycle from the front – often proving fatal to the motorcyclist, reports Nolo.
5. Be a defensive driver! Assume that others cannot see you. Assume that avoiding a crash is your responsibility. Assume that an emergency situation is possible at any time.
6. Always avoid distractions.  It might seem harmless, but taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds could be a deadly decision. While driving: don’t try to pick up items that have fallen on the floorboards or in between seats. Don’t let yourself be distracted by music, your phone, a passenger, or anything else that takes your focus off the road for even a few seconds.
7. Expect motorcyclists during left-hand turns. The single most dangerous situation for motorcyclists occurs when cars are making left-hand turns. These collisions account for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. Nolo reports that usually, the turning car strikes the motorcycle when the motorcycle is going straight through an intersection passing the car or trying to overtake the car. Remember: a motorcycle’s smaller size makes it even less visible to the turning vehicle. Assume that a motorcycle might try to pass you within the same lane.
8. Never drive drowsy! Only drive when you are alert and able to maintain focus throughout your entire trip.
9. Always drive sober. Even minimal alcohol levels impair your ability to drive safely.
10. Slow Down. Give yourself more time to react to the unexpected!
11. Follow the 4-second rule. Always have at least 4 seconds between you and a motorcycle in front of you. The safe following distance behind a motorcycle requires more space than when you’re following other cars. Why? Because motorcycles tend to shift down a gear instead of putting on the breaks, making it more difficult to judge if they’ve slowed down or not. To make sure you’re following at a safe distance, find a static object far ahead and count the number of seconds between when the motorcycle in front of you passes it and when you pass it. If it’s less than four seconds, you probably need to slow down.

Have you or a loved one been in an accident involving a motorcycle in Jackson, MS? Even if you believe you were innocent in the accident, it’s essential to get help in arguing your case. The vehicle which hits another vehicle – such as while making a left-hand turn – will almost always be found at fault for the accident. However, the fault can shift if the motorcyclist was speeding or in the wrong lane, according to Nolo.

Are you trying to get the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault? Don’t risk losing your opportunity to collect your personal injury damages. The Heilman Law Group is here to competently and convincingly tell your side of the story. Contact us online or at 601-914-1025.

Heilman Nisbett Polk, P.A

Jackson Office

4266 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Phone: 601-914-1025

Fax: 601-960-4200

By John Nisbett | Published May 28, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post Car Accidents Can Decrease with Safer Road Sharing: 11 Tips appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

Insurance policies, they advise, can become stagnant and no longer reflect drivers’ current lifestyle situations.

The origin of the holiday is unknown, but many insurance sales professionals believe that the recognition was in advance of the July 4^th holiday, when traffic accidents and injuries traditionally spike by more than 95 percent.

Steep fines

In the state of Mississippi, drivers are required to maintain liability insurance that provides coverage for their car and, in case they are found to be at fault in a crash, the other person’s car in the amount of $25,000 per person, per accident for bodily injury.

Also, if caught driving without insurance, drivers face a $1000 fine and mandatory suspension of their driver’s license and registration for one year.

Insurance coverage

Insurers suggest that reviewing insurance policies at least once every year can keep you and your loved ones safe and sound – and have peace of mind that, should you become involved in a car crash, you will have the coverage and protection that you need.  Some common changes include:

• Increase or decrease deductible for cars and trucks
• Adding or deleting drivers
• Increasing coverage for non-insured motorist coverage
• Change of address that might lower insurance premium
• Additional discounts for safe driving, accident free, good grades

Summer means far more crashes

In fact, according to the Los Angeles Times, July 4^th is the most dangerous holiday of the year.  The report includes data on car crashes, injuries from swimming and fireworks accidents, but the primary cause of catastrophic injury and death is vehicle accidents.

The National Safety Council predicts that when the fourth falls on a weekend, the number of car accidents doubles – this year Independence Day falls on a Wednesday.  NSC officials warn that when the holiday falls in the middle of the week, the celebration is usually held the weekend prior.   

Next Steps

If you are involved in a crash, please pay close attention to how you feel, both at the scene of the accident and hours after. While at the scene of the crash, gather all of the information that you can regarding the other driver.  Document everything with pictures, collect the other driver’s information and go immediately to the doctor for a full medical evaluation.

If you believe that it is possible that the driver that hit you has no insurance or is under-insured, call the Heilman Law Group immediately.  We have the experience and to achieve success in the most complex personal injury cases – and get you the justice that you deserve.

Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a free consultation.

Safe driving

Safe driving tips for holiday travel:

• Reduce speed to accommodate road congestion, weather and traffic pattern conditions
• Employ seat belt and child car seat use at all times
• Avoid alcohol use when you know you will have to drive
• Do not be distracted by cell phone and other devices while driving

Mississippi insurance

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Mississippi Commission of Insurance, more than 5 million wrecks occur every year in our great state.

Even with the strict laws regarding insurance – $1000 fine and revocation of driver’s license, nearly 25 percent of Mississippians surveyed say that they do not have car insurance.  Mississippi has the third highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the nation.

The Heilman Law Group is dedicated to listening to your specific needs and finding a resolution that provides the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Heilman Law Group, PA

4266 I-55 North

Suite 106

Jackson MS 39211

601-914-1025

By John Nisbett | Published May 27, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post National Insurance Awareness appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

Although work zones are especially dangerous for the vulnerable workers who are out on foot trying to complete the job they were sent out to do, they can also pose as a threat to motorists as well. According to the MDOT, in the past five years, work zone crashes have caused more than 4,400 deaths of which 85% were drivers and passengers. In that same timeframe, nearly 200,000 people suffered injuries in a work zone-related accident.

Tips for Preventing a Work-Zone Related Accident

Based on the statistics above, MDOT has shared some tips they recommend drivers implement to reduce the chances of an accident occurring in a work zone. Some of these tips include:

1. Stay alert and minimize distractions. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car wrecks today. Rather than worry about answering a call or trying to multitask while driving, it is best that you “dedicate your full attention to the roadway.” It is also important that you avoid changing the radio station, eat while driving, or engage in any other type of behavior that is going to “remove your concentration from the road.”
2. Pay attention to the road. The MDOT says you should:

• Listen to the signs. If workers are guiding traffic with signs, follow their directions. If you see signs posted that indicate the speed limit is reduced, be sure you lower your speed to comply with the law.
• Keep an eye out for brake lights on the vehicles traveling ahead of you.
• Remain cognizant of the flow of traffic around you and be prepared to stop.
• Keep your headlights on when necessary.

3. Never tailgate. Be sure to always keep a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you. When approaching a work zone, it is common for traffic to come to an abrupt stop. That means if you are driving too closely, you reduce your chances of stopping which could result in a rear-end collision.
4. Expect the unexpected in a work zone. You should be prepared for the following:

• Workers, work vehicles, or equipment entering your lane without any sort of warning.
• Other vehicles may slow down or change lanes unexpectedly if they are attempting to get around the work zone traffic.
• Flaggers directing traffic and providing you with instructions on which lane you should travel in given there is roadwork occurring.

5. Be patient. “Patience is a virtue” and it can save your life and others when traveling through work zones. While it is understandable that a buildup of traffic or a detour can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to get to work, it isn’t worth allowing yourself to get upset over.

For more work zone safety tips, be sure to visit MDOT’s website.

As much emphasis as the MDOT places on work zone safety, unfortunately, not all accidents can be prevented. And if you are a worker in Jackson, MS who was injured in an accident while working on a roadway project, consider contacting the MS accident lawyers at the Heilman Law Group, PA located in Jackson. At our office, we take the time to listen to our clients’ needs and concerns and we work to address them. We understand how difficult life can become after suffering an injury which is why we want to help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to.

To schedule a consultation where we can explain in detail how we may be able to help you get through this tough time, give us a call at 601-914-1025.

The Heilman Law Group, PA is located at:

42661 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, MS 39211

601-914-1025

By John Nisbett | Published May 27, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post MDOT Urges Motorists to Drive with Caution Around Work Zones appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

While most drivers have grown accustomed over the last few months to driving when the sun is still out or partially shining during the early evening hours, with the clocks turning back, it will now get dark earlier. That means more individuals who get out of work or school later will be required to travel when it is dark outside. Although it may not seem to be too much of a concern right now, the fact is, “depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can be comprised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver” [Source: National Safety Council (NSC)].

Aside from it being more difficult for some motorists to operate their vehicles in the dark, it is also riskier. The NSC says that “the risk of a fatal crash [occurring] is three times greater at night.” With this fact in mind, below we share a few tips on how to combat the darkness provided on behalf of the NSC as daylight savings time approaches to ensure your safety is not compromised while out driving.

1. Make sure your headlights are working and are clean, especially if you drive on desolate roads and those with few street lights.
2. Dim your dashboard.
3. Avoid looking into oncoming lights. This can impair your visions for a short period of time but long enough to cause you to collide into someone else or run off the roadway.
4. If you wear glasses, be sure they are anti-reflective.
5. Keep your windshield and mirrors clean.
6. Drive at a slower speed to “compensate for limited visibility and reduced stopping time.” Did you know that “even with [your] high-beam headlights on, [your] visibility is limited to about 500 feet [which creates] less time to react to something in the road?”

While some accidents are inevitable, a majority of them are preventable. Therefore, aside from getting yourself adjusted to the new time change, it is also important you adjust your driving so that you decrease the chances of engaging in an accident or causing one.

What should I do if I was recently injured in an auto accident in Jackson, MS?

If an automobile accident recently occurred in Jackson that left you injured, you should consider contacting the car accident attorneys at the Heilman Law Group, PA located in Jackson, MS. Although you may have already filed an insurance claim under your policy or with the other driver’s insurer, you may be entitled to more compensation than what they are offering, and our attorneys can help determine what this amount is.

The fact is, insurance companies will often try and settle quickly without taking into account the true damage that has been caused. So, to avoid being provided with a lowball offer that won’t be enough to cover your injuries and/or property damage, it is best that you have a qualified team of MS car accident lawyers working by your side, helping you recover the amount of compensation you are actually entitled to receive.

The Heilman Law Group, PA can be reached at:

42661 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, MS 39211

601-914-1025

By John Nisbett | Published May 27, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post Daylight Savings Time Driver Safety Tips appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

Some of the fun and exciting activities that are going to be held in Jackson this year include:

1. Canton Christmas Festival – “City of Lights”

Up until December 23^rd, you and the family can attend the Canton annual Christmas Festival and “City of Lights” tour every night from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The lights and character parades will also be held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Kids will be able to enjoy carousel rides, horse and buggy rides, trolley rides, and more. Now, because there will likely be a large number of people attending this event, especially on the weekends when there is more happening, remember to keep a close eye on your children to prevent any type of accident from occurring.

2. Journey to the North Pole

This event is open to the public up until January 6^th and you can attend on Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. as well as on Sundays from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Children will be able to enjoy “a white wonderland filled with train cars and a 45-foot Snowflake Slide. Santa will also be available to take photos.

3. Christmas in Natchez

Natchez is a charming town located just a short distance from Jackson where many holiday events will take place. Between the outdoor activities that will be held along with the Christmas Parade, there is plenty for you and the family to do here. Again, we do recommend that be extra cautious and careful when driving on the roadways in Jackson, especially as we draw nearer to the holidays and keep your small children close by to you when attending any type of parade or other outside events.

[Source: Fairview Inn].

To see what else is happening this holiday season in Jackson, check out Fairview Inn or even the Clarion Ledger’s website as both sources provide a list of additional events that will be held over the course of the next few weeks.

While we do encourage you to have fun this holiday season, we must remind you that now is the time to be vigilant and alert. Accidents happen much more frequently during the December holidays so you need to be prepared for any situation and know what you can be doing to prevent from engaging in one yourself. When you are out driving to any of the events cited above, keep a watchful eye out for any distracted or drunk drivers, even if you aren’t traveling too far from home to attend. Auto accidents have a tendency to occur closer to your residence so just because you won’t be spending too much time in the car doesn’t reduce your chances of engaging in a crash.

You and your children are also encouraged to be on the lookout for careless drivers when out walking. Whether it is through your neighborhood to look at festive lights or to get to one of the events being held this holiday season, remember to keep an eye out for cars that might not see you or aren’t willing to stop as most disregard pedestrian right of way which often leads to accidents occurring.

In the event you or a loved one recently suffered an injury in an accident or car crash in Jackson, MS, contact the MS accident lawyers at the Heilman Law Group, PA to speak with a legal professional who can explain your rights. As stressful as this time may be for you and your family, the Heilman Law Group, PA is here to help and support you through this difficult time and will work endlessly to help you recover the compensation you might need right now to afford to unexpected expenses that have accrued.

The Heilman Law Group, PA can be reached at:

42661 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, MS 39211

601-914-1025

By John Nisbett | Published May 27, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post What Events are Being Held in Jackson, MS this Holiday Season? appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.

Because this is the time of year when parking lots become rather chaotic as you have individuals driving erratically and even fighting over parking spaces, below are a few parking lot safety tips North Shore News shares that will help keep you safe and avoid a parking lot catastrophe this holiday season.

1. Don’t forget the roadway rules that apply in the parking lots.

This means you should not be using your cell phone while operating your vehicle nor should you allow any other distractions to deter your attention away from the road. More and more pedestrians will be out walking through parking lots, so you need to keep a watchful eye out for them at all times. You are also encouraged to drive up and down parking lot lanes rather than cut across diagonally as you never know if another driver might be attempting to do the same thing or approaching from either direction at the same time you are attempting to cut through.

2. Consider parking your vehicle with your car facing out.

Rather than struggle to back out of your parking space while avoiding cars and pedestrians that might attempt to pass behind you, it is easier to back your vehicle into a parking space so that you can just pull out when the time comes to leave.

3. Don’t be afraid to take a spot that is a little farther away from the store or the mall.

Although we all would like to get that close up spot that doesn’t require us to have to walk too far, it might be better to just take a spot that is located farther back in the parking lot to avoid the parking spot battles that might ensue.

4. Drive slowly and be on alert.

Although some pedestrians and drivers are walking and operating their vehicles cautiously, there are a large number who aren’t so it is best to drive slowly at all times when traveling through any parking lot.

5. When walking through the parking lot, be aware of your surroundings.

Not only do you need to look out for drivers who aren’t paying attention or cars that may be backing up, but you also need to be on the lookout for any suspicious individuals who might be preying on vulnerable shoppers who are walking through the parking lot.

Now, if you were recently injured in a parking lot accident in Jackson, MS and need help recovering compensation for the injuries and/or the damage your vehicle sustained, contact a Jackson, MS accident lawyer at the Heiman Law Group, PA today. Our firm has extensive experience in handling all types of accident cases and would be more than happy to review yours and explain how we can assist you.

The Heilman Law Group, PA can be reached at:

42661 I-55 North, Suite 106

Jackson, MS 39211

601-914-1025

By John Nisbett | Published May 27, 2020 | Posted in Uncategorized

The post Parking Lot Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers appeared first on Heilman Nisbett Polk Group.