Can I File a Lawsuit During the Coronavirus Lockdown?

For car accident victims and their families, a lawsuit against the at-fault party is an important way to get justice, closure, and the financial support they need to move forward.  Unfortunately, many victims aren’t sure how the coronavirus outbreak will complicate their legal claims.

Thankfully, Alabama and Mississippi’s legal communities are working hard to protect people—while moving justice forward. If you or someone you love has been hurt in Alabama or Mississippi and needs to file a lawsuit, here’s what you need to know during coronavirus lockdown.

You Can Hire a Lawyer and File a Lawsuit During Coronavirus Lockdown

On April 30, 2020, the Alabama Supreme Court issued another COVID-19 order:

• Extending the judicial state of emergency until May 15, 2020
• Trial courts should continue using teleconferences and videoconferences for essential matters
• Clerks of court should use technology, like Alabama’s electronic filing system, to limit in-person contact
• Jury trials are delayed until July 1, 2020, at the earliest
• Court officials can start preparing their courtrooms for in-person hearings

Mississippi is taking a more varied approach, with most courts remaining open and limiting in-person hearings and contact.

Lawyers, judges, and court officials are still working, and you can still hire a lawyer. In general, it’s in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident happens, so they can get started working on your case right away. At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our team is working hard, investigating our clients’ cases, and negotiating with insurance companies. That way, when jury trials begin, we will be ready to take their case to trial if need be.

Because the courts are still adjusting to coronavirus, is it’s hard to say how long the lockdown will really last. If you’re waiting until it’s over to file your suit or hire a lawyer, you may want to reconsider, as these deadlines could be extended. If you have questions about your case and how the coronavirus impacts your legal proceedings, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer right away.

How the Coronavirus Crisis Affects the Statute of Limitations in Alabama and Mississippi

In Alabama, certain court deadlines have been extended to April 30 because of the coronavirus lockdown. The statute of limitations, which limits when you can file a lawsuit, is not one of them. If you or someone you love was hurt in Alabama and needs to file a lawsuit, you need to act quickly to protect your case. If you wait more than two years from the date of the crash, you may lose out on compensation.

Thankfully, Alabama and Mississippi’s clerks of court are still at work, and there are ways you can safely file a lawsuit. For example, both states have electronic filing systems, which let attorneys and others file and review court documents. However, you’ll still need to draft a series of documents, meet your state’s strict procedures, and pay filing fees.

RELATED: Need Legal Help During the Coronavirus? We’re Still Fighting

When you work with Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we take care of these details for you. Our experienced trial lawyers can explain the legal process to you—and we never charge our clients for costs and fees unless we win at trial or get them a settlement.

Stuck at Home? You Can Still Strengthen Your Case

Social distancing or self-isolation might keep you from daily activities outside your home, but they won’t stop you from strengthening your injury case. If you’re stuck inside, here’s how you can improve your claim:

• Keep track of your medical expenses
• Make daily journal entries noting your pain, activity level, and mood
• Track whether you’re able to take care of your house and home, play with your children, and other activities you enjoy
• Avoid posting about your case on social media
• Document your injuries and damaged property by taking photos of them

If you have any questions about how to protect and strengthen your case while in isolation, don’t hesitate to ask your lawyer.

Hurt in Mississippi or Alabama? Call the Andy Citrin Team Today

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we’re proud to put the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors first. We know how important your case is to you, which is why we’re still fighting for you during the coronavirus crisis, using video calls and other technology to make sure you get the help you need.

If you have questions about your case and how we can handle your case remotely, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can answer all your questions, help you understand the value of your case, and make practical suggestions about what to do next during a free case evaluation. To schedule your remote, no-risk consultation,  call our office at  251-888-8888 or send us a message using our simple online contact form.

References

Addendum to Revised Videoconferencing Plan (2020, April 9). U.S. Southern District of Mississippi. Retrieved from https://www.mssd.uscourts.gov/news/addendum-revised-video-conferencing-plan-4-9-20-rev

Administrative Order Suspending All In-Person Court Proceedings for the Next Thirty Days. (2020, March 13). Alabama Supreme Court. Retrieved from https://www.alabar.org/assets/2020/03/COV-19-order-FINAL.pdf

General Order. (2020, March 17). U.S. Northern District of Alabama. Retrieved from https://www.alnd.uscourts.gov/sites/alnd/files/General%20Order%20-%20Court%20Operations%20During%20the%20Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Caused%20By%20the%20COVID-19%20Virus%20effective%20March%2017%2C%202020.pdf

In re: Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by COVID-19 and Related Coronavirus. (2020, March 17). Retrieved from https://www.almd.uscourts.gov/general-orders/general-order-re-court-operations-under-covid-19

Standing Order (2020, March 13). U.S. Northern District of Mississippi. Retrieved from https://www.msnd.uscourts.gov/sites/msnd/files/announcement_attachments/320MC9%20NDMS%20Order%20COVID19%20-%201.pdf

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.