How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters After a Mississippi Car Crash Claim

After experiencing a car accident in Mississippi, one of the first things you’ll need to handle is working with the insurance adjusters on top of the insurance companies involved. These professionals play a key role in the claims process, and how you interact with them can significantly affect your compensation.

Concerned about your rights and legal options after a car accident? Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 to set up a consultation now.

Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are hired by insurance companies to evaluate car accident claims. Their job is to investigate the incident, review documents, and figure out how much money the insurance company should pay. They look at police reports, medical records, photos, and other evidence to understand what happened. Adjusters also talk to witnesses and gather statements. Their goal is to determine the insurance company’s responsibility and decide on a settlement amount. It’s important to remember that adjusters work for the insurance company, so they may aim to minimize the payout.

Gathering Important Information

Before you talk to insurance adjusters, it’s important to gather all the pertinent documents and evidence related to your accident. Start with the police report, as it contains vital details about the incident. Collect your medical records to show the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received. Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, get their statements and contact information.

Organize these documents before talking to insurance adjusters and make the documents also easy to find. Keeping everything together in one place will help you stay organized. It’s also helpful to create a timeline of events, detailing everything from the accident itself to medical treatments and communications with your insurance company. This will make it easier to present a clear and accurate account when speaking with the adjuster.

Communicating Effectively

When dealing with insurance adjusters, clear and precise communication is crucial. Start by keeping calm and staying polite during all interactions. Stick strictly to the facts of your case and avoid admitting any fault or making guesses about what happened. Always keep detailed records of every communication, including emails and phone calls. These records can be useful if any disagreements come up later.

Note that while you do have to talk to your own insurance company about what happened, you may want to avoid communicating with the other party’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney. The other driver’s insurance company has no vested interest in your health and well-being, so whatever you tell them could be used against you. A personal injury lawyer can advocate for you in this situation.

Dealing With Settlement Offers

When an insurance adjuster presents a settlement offer, it’s important to examine it closely. The first offer might be lower than what your claim is truly worth. Review all related expenses, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, and any other costs you’ve incurred due to the accident. If you believe the offer is insufficient, don’t be afraid to push back.

Understanding Mississippi-Specific Regulations

Mississippi has certain laws that can impact your car accident claim. One important rule is the statute of limitations, which gives you a specific time frame to file a lawsuit—usually three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can mean you lose the chance to pursue your claim.

Another key point is Mississippi’s “pure comparative fault” rule. This means that if you are partly at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. How does this work in practice? If a jury finds that you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Being aware of these regulations can help you make better decisions as you go through the claims process. It is essential to act quickly and gather all necessary documentation to support your case. If you are unsure about any legal details, consider consulting with a lawyer who is familiar with Mississippi’s laws. This can help ensure that you don’t miss any critical deadlines or overlook important aspects of your claim.

Discuss Your Legal Options with Reeves & Mestayer

Our team is ready to learn more about your accident and help you plan your next steps. Give us a call at 228-374-5151 or send us a message online to claim