Hopkins Barvie and Hopkins, P.L.L.C.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

In Mississippi you are not required to report an auto accident to the Department of Public Safety as long as all the parties involved in the accident agree about the circumstances of the accident and the responsibilities for repairs. However, it is always a good idea to call 911 and report the accident.

If you and the other driver make a verbal agreement to let the insurance company handle things and not report the auto accident to law enforcement ask yourself these questions? Is their auto insurance up to date? Do they have auto insurance? Do they have any expired driver’s license? Do they need medical attention? Remember it never hurts to call the local law enforcement and report what happened. USA Today reported that as many as one in seven drivers have no car insurance and in Mississippi 28% of drivers are uninsured. Many drivers are skirting the system by carrying an expired or fake insurance card.

NEVER leave the accident scene as you could face criminal charges. Regardless of whether a wreck looks serious, you always have to stop, check on the other person involved and exchange insurance information. In Mississippi you must report it to the law enforcement if someone has been injured or there has been a death or the accident resulted in $500 or more in damages to the vehicles or property. If someone is injured call an ambulance as soon as possible.

If you have called the police once you have filed an accident report ask for a copy of it. If you do not get a police report documenting your accident, what proof do you have that it happened? And you insurance company will want a copy of it for your claim.

When dealing with the other driver you should always ask them as soon as possible, “Are you all right?”

Do not yell, do not lay blame on anyone and always be polite. Never admit liability or in any way say it is your fault. If you do, you are legally admitting liability, which could expose you to a law suit.

Take some deep breaths and stay as calm as possible as you need to assess the situation and document it. Be sure to collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses or others involved in the accident. If possible, take photographs to document skid marks, vehicle damage, road obstructions and injuries. Document what you were you doing just before the crash? Where were you going and what street were you on? When did you see the other driver enter into the picture? You'll need to have a consistent and accurate account of the accident to give to the law enforcement and your insurance provider.

Make sure that you get the other driver's name, address, and insurance company name and policy number. Then make notes of the make, model and color of vehicle they were driving and their license plate number. If there were any witnesses get their names and phone numbers too.

If there were severe injuries or a death has resulted from the accident you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. All too often valuable evidence disappears, witnesses move, memories grow dim and the ability to prove your case may diminish.

An experienced Personal Injury attorney can provide you guidance if you are being treated by a physician, guidance with your our medical care and help you deal with unpaid bills. Legal advice can also be useful if you have questions about the settlement value of a claim, your insurance policy's terms, or suspect bad faith on the part of your insurance company. It is a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney before providing any other information to the insurance company.

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 auto 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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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.

Or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

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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Thursday, December 19, 2013

INSURANCE BAD FAITH

Bad faith is when an insurance company has illegally denied or delayed paying a valid claim. Doing so can have consequences for you and your loved one. Insurers have a duty to act in good faith toward their policyholders; failure to do so can be considered bad faith. If this happens, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against your insurance company. In cases where the insurance company's conduct is beyond unreasonable, punitive damages may be awarded.

Bad faith can occur with automobile insurance coverage for collision, comprehensive losses, medical payments, homeowner’s coverage, commercial insurance and mishandling liability insurance claims. If a claim is denied, the insurer must explain to the insured the reason for the denial and the policy provision supporting that denial. There are numerous additional ways that an insurance company may act in bad faith to deny legitimate claims. The following are types of conduct with may be bad faith:

· Repeatedly lost or misplaced paperwork/documents, requiring you to fill out the same paperwork over and over;

· Ignored information for your doctor indicating you have a valid medical problem;

· Delaying payment of a claim, which puts you in position of having to cover expenses while waiting for the claim to be paid;

· Paying only partial benefits for a claim;

· Offering an amount below what the claimant is entitled to;

· Using a policyholder's previous claims as grounds to deny a new claim;

· Misrepresenting important facts or insurance policy provisions as they relate to coverage;

· Misuse of claimants' medical records;

· Canceling a policy after a claim is made; and

· Ignoring an expert’s opinion in cases where that opinion would result in a claim being paid out (such as finding that a death was suicide when a medical examiner has ruled it accidental);

If a claim is denied, the insurer must explain to the insured the reason for the denial and the policy provision supporting that denial

If you have to file an insurance claim for any reason, chances are you already have suffered enough. We work to help you make sure you do not suffer again at the hands of your insurance company. Call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. if you have been denied a legitimate insurance claim, and we will evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation. With more than 65 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Thanksgiving week one of deadliest for auto accidents

You are not alone, if you are planning on traveling at some point during Thanksgiving week. According to AAA, nearly 40 million people plan to drive 50 or more miles from their home in order to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally the most deadly time of the year, with a significant increase in car accidents, injuries and fatalities throughout the country.

The statistics alone are staggering. In 2010, 431 people were killed in car accidents on Thanksgiving Day alone. During Thanksgiving week from 2005 to 2010, there was an average of 798 traffic fatalities nationwide, which are about 50 more deaths than on any other week of the year. In 2011, accidents on interstate freeways increased by 25 percent from the previous year.

There are many different causes for the increase in crash deaths during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Perhaps the most significant is relatively simple: when there are more vehicles on the road, there are more opportunities for them to collide with one another.

"Whenever traffic volume goes up, crashes generally go up as well," says Allen Parrish, director of the University of Alabama Center for Advanced Public Safety. "This isn't really rocket science here: You have a lot of people on the roads over Thanksgiving, so the crashes are naturally going to get worse."

Drunk driving is another common cause of Thanksgiving accidents, as many families include wine or beer with their holiday meals. Also, people who are late to Thanksgiving celebrations or who are driving to unfamiliar locations are more prone to speeding and distraction behind the wheel.

Whatever you are doing to mark the Thanksgiving holiday, we hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and happy throughout the weekend.

Source: USA Today, "Thanksgiving week one of deadliest on the highway," Larry Copeland, Nov. 18, 2012

If you suffered a vehicle injury and need to hire an experienced auto accident attorney who can help make sure you receive the benefits you need call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. With more than 65 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer clients throughout Mississippi the representation they need.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Head Injuries

Most of us know that minor head injury and knocks to the head are common, particularly in children. Following a head injury, if the person is conscious (awake), and there is no deep cut or severe head damage, it is unusual for there to be any damage to the brain.

Sometimes a head injury can cause damage to the brain or to a blood vessel next to the brain. A damaged blood vessel may bleed into the brain, or more commonly, into the area between the brain and the skull. Symptoms of damage or bleeding may not develop for several hours, or even days, after a knock to the head. In rare cases, symptoms from a slow bleed can develop even weeks after a head injury.

If the following symptoms occur after a head injury you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

Drowsiness when you would normally be wide awake;
Worsening headache - which does not go away with a mild analgesic or ibuprofen;
Confusion, strange behavior, any problems understanding or speaking;
Vomiting;
Loss of use of part of the body - for example, weakness in a leg or arm;
Dizziness, loss of balance and/or walking strangely;
Convulsions or collapse followed by feeling strange afterwards;
Visual problems, such as blurring of vision or double vision;
Blood or clear fluid leaking from the nose or ear;
New deafness in one or both ears; and
Unusual breathing patterns.

Other symptoms that may occur

Some people develop some mild symptoms after a head injury that are not serious and usually go away within two weeks. These can include a mild headache, feeling slightly sick (without vomiting), being irritable and grumpy, tiredness, poor appetite and some difficulty concentrating. These may develop just as a reaction to a knock on the head and not due to bleeding or serious injury. If you have any doubt about a symptom following a head injury then it is best to have it checked by a doctor as soon as possible. If you have not completely recovered after two week you should see a doctor.

Some tips and general advice

If at all possible, do not stay at home alone for the first 48 hours after being assessed for a head injury;
Stay within easy reach of a telephone and medical help for the following few days;
Do not take any alcohol or drugs for the following few days;
Do not take sleeping tablets or sedatives unless prescribed by a doctor;
Discuss with your doctor about playing contact sports such as football and it is often advised that you should not play contact sports for three weeks following a head injury; and
You should not drive a motor vehicle, ride a motorbike or bicycle, or operate machinery until you feel completely recovered.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. we handle head injury claims involving workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability. We handle serious injury claims arising from car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and more. To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

Call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. today for your free case evaluation with a top personal injury attorney in your area. Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

WORKPLACE INJURIES

Statistics tell us that serious workplace injuries are far too common. The Workers Compensation Fund is seeing a slight increase in the number of workplace injury claims in 2013, but the real concern is the severity of claims and the number of fatalities. As of the end of August, WCF saw a three percent increase in claims count, but had received 14 fatality claims compared to seven in 2012.

Out of the 10 most common injuries on the job, the majority are those random incidents that can happen to anyone and at any time. Listed below are the top 10 reported worker's compensation injuries as listed by top insurance companies around the country:

1. Overexertion Injuries - This includes injuries related to pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying and throwing activities at work. Overexertion has not only consistently been the number one workplace injury but is also the most expensive

2. Slipping/Tripping – This pertains to falls on wet and slippery floors or trips over something lying on the floor.

3. Falling from Heights - This type of fall happens from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders and stairways. They can be caused by slip and fall accidents or due to faulty equipment.

4. Reaction Injuries - These are injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling. These incidents can cause muscle injuries, body trauma and a variety of other medical issues.

5. Falling Object Injuries - Objects that fall from shelves or dropped by another person can cause very serious injuries.

6. Walking Into Injuries - This happens when a person accidentally runs into concrete objects such as walls, doors, cabinets, glass windows, table, chairs etc.

7. Vehicle Accidents – Employees who drive for business purposes are often injured in auto accidents, some of which can be fatal.

8. Machine Entanglement - This type of injury usually occurs in a factory where heavy equipment and machinery are used.

9. Repetitive Motion Injuries - This type of workplace injury is one of those less obvious but definitely harmful ones in the long run.

10. On the Job Violent Acts - Attacks caused by office politics and other arguments have led to serious physical injuries.

If you or a loved one is involved in a work place injury it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. our personal injury lawyers have more than 66 years of combined legal experience and our attorneys offer our clients the representation they need. In the event of a fatal accident we work with the surviving family members to develop a wrongful death claim.

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.