What do I do if I'm in a Car Accident in Mississippi?

When you pursue an insurance claim for an accident, insurance companies are notorious for low payouts for damages and injuries. You need tough representation to advocate for your rights so that you receive a settlement that will cover your repair and medical bills.

Read on to familiarize yourself with what to do and not do after a car accident, as well as learn why attorney representation is so critical to get your costs recovered.

What to do immediately after a car accident

• Remain calm. You won’t do anyone any good if you panic, keep calm as you go through the following steps.
• Call 911 and request medical assistance if needed, or a police officer is no immediate medical attention is needed. A police officer will file a report which is helpful for insurance claims.
• Exchange all vehicle and insurance information with the other driver. Make sure you get their driver’s license information as well.
• Contact your insurance company immediately. Give them the details of the accident and the information you obtained from the other driver.
• Complete a police report as soon as possible. In most cases, police will respond to the accident, interview people at the scene, and file a report. If no officer responds, fill out a police report as soon as you can.
• Take pictures of your car, injuries, and the other party’s car. Use photos to document accident details: where the cars stopped, skid marks, damage to both cars, etc.
• Write down the names and phone numbers for all witnesses to the collision. If the other party in the accident changes their story down the road, having witnesses who can corroborate your story is critical.
• Get medical treatment if you have any injuries. If you have any injuries, minor or major, get medical treatment as soon as possible after the accident. This not only helps you get treatment for the injuries but documents them for insurance purposes. Read more about dealing with medical issues following an auto accident here.
• Retain an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Do not wait until you start having trouble with your insurance company to retain an attorney. An experienced attorney knows how to go about your claim to make sure you will recover the costs involved, both medical and property.
• Do not call your insurance company until you have talked to your attorney. Your attorney knows how insurance companies work and will prevent you from being misled as you discuss the accident.
• Be honest but thorough about your injuries. It is important, to be honest about your injuries, but just as important not to minimize them or brush them off.
• How long do I have to report an accident?
• In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a car accident is three years from the date of the accident. This includes all damages related to or arising out of, the accident, including both physical injury and damage to the vehicle.

How do insurance companies decide who is at fault for the accident?

The state of Mississippi is considered an “at fault” state, which means that information will be gathered and analyzed from both parties and then a decision will be made about who was at fault for the accident. This process can happen through a settlement process, or by taking the case to trial.
While the investigation is pending it is important to relay accurate and detailed information about the accident. The more accurate the information is that you provide to the insurance company and your attorney, the more likely a legally fair decision will result.

When to consult a car accident attorney

At the Law Offices of Amanda Daniels, we realize that car accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial hardships for you and your family. Costs can mount quickly: a simple ambulance ride and emergency room visit can quickly surpass $2000. Add car damage and further medical treatment and the need for an experienced attorney to represent you becomes clear. Our experienced attorneys know the law and how to recover your costs quickly so you can move on with your life and avoid the financial and emotional stress that might otherwise occur.

It’s important to remember that the opposing insurance company has a team of lawyers working on their behalf – you should too. The Law Office of Amanda Todd Daniels has handled many auto accident cases and knows what it takes to build your case before the important aspects of the case disappear. We will relentlessly pursue all aspects of your case, enabling you to focus on your recovery. Call us today at (662) 678-8009 to schedule a free consultation.