Hopkins Barvie and Hopkins, P.L.L.C.: February 2014

Friday, February 14, 2014

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT

After a truck accident it is normal to be confused and uncertain on what to do next as it can be devastating and overwhelming for you and your loved ones. If you are like most people, you have no idea where to turn and what to do. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath can greatly assist in your case and protect your legal rights.

We understand that not all these actions may be practically taken. If someone is seriously injured it may not be possible to perform some or all of the following steps suggested as focusing on their health is more important.

RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT

· Call 911 immediately, even if no one appears seriously injured as everyone should be examined by a qualified medical professional. Not all injuries have obvious symptoms.

· Call the police as quickly as possible and get a copy of the police report from the officer(s). Be sure to take down their names and badge numbers of the police officer(s) at the scene.

· Contact your insurance company to report the accident.

· Gather the contact information from everyone involved, all drivers, passengers and possible witnesses, including driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers.

DOCUMENT THE SCENE

· Take pictures with your camera or cell phone and observe the accident scene.

· Take pictures of Vehicle Department of Transportation license number for both the truck and the trailer.

· Take pictures of any skids marks made by the truck, the condition of the truck, trailer tires and all vehicles involved in the accident.

· Write down everything you can remember while it is still fresh in your mind including what happened right before, during and afterward.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO

· Do not speculate as to what occurred, stick to the facts and do not admit any fault.

· Do not discuss the truck accident with anyone else at the scene, except the police.

· Say as little as possible to the truck driver – do not say “I’m sorry,” as this can be brought up later in a lawsuit.

· Do not discuss the truck accident with the trucking companies’ representatives or insurance provider without your own legal counsel present.

· Do not sign any insurance company waiver or other documents other than the police report without legal representation.

· Do accept any settlement payment.

EXPERIENCED TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., focuses on representing individuals and their family members in personal injury and wrongful death cases, such as those often involved in truck accidents. Contact us and we will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The Yellow Dog Project

Have you seen someone walking a dog with a yellow ribbon lately? If so, they may be part of the Yellow Dog Project, which is a global movement for owners of dogs that need extra space. The yellow ribbon works as a signal to others to ask before coming near and to use caution when approaching these dogs.

These dogs are not necessarily aggressive dogs but often may be dogs that have issues of fear, have not had sufficient training, mastered obedience or are in training for work or service or other reasons. The wearing of the yellow ribbon may be temporary but whatever the reason it is not an excuse. Keep in mind that if you have an aggressive dog you must seek proper training from a qualified professional.

By wearing the yellow ribbon you are identifying that your dog has space issues, that they may be in training for these issues and you are taking responsibility for your dog’s actions. As this is a relativity new project many people are not aware of it so you cannot assume you can let your guard down once you put a yellow ribbon on your dog.

The Yellow Dog Project may prevent injuries by reminding people to approach with caution it does not prevent owners from legal consequences if their dog bites or harms you. As a dog owner you are encouraged to find a local positive reinforcement trainer and to look for programs to help you with your dog.

Mississippi follows the “One Bite Rule,” which is a bit of a misnomer. It implies that every dog gets one "free" bite (free for its owner) and from then on the owner is on notice that the dog is dangerous. It is true that if a dog bites someone, its owner is on notice that the dog is dangerous. Less serious behavior, is also enough to put an owner on notice. For example, if a dog growls or snaps at people, the owner should know that the dog may injure someone and if the dog does hurt someone, the owner will be liable, even for the first bite.

If you have been a victim due to a dog bite or attack you should contact an experience personal injury attorney at Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. and we will evaluate your case at no cost or obligation. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

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