After suffering from a car accident in Jackon, Mississippi, you’ll want to file an insurance claim to get compensation. When you do this, an insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss your case and offer a settlement.
But how do you know when and what to accept?
Remember that insurance adjusters will often start by offering a settlement that is lower than what you need and deserve.
To make matters more complicated, Mississippi’s comparative negligence law means that an insurance adjuster could argue that you deserve a lower settlement based on the percentage of your fault. There’s no empirical way to measure how much fault you or the other driver(s) contributed to the accident, so you’ll be dealing with the insurance adjuster’s subjective opinion.
Here are some quick tips on how to avoid accepting an unjust insurance settlement.
- Remember you’re not obligated to accept the settlement that an insurance company offers. You can always say you want to talk to your attorney before making a decision.
- Don’t give a statement to your insurance company (or the other driver’s insurance company) about who was at fault for the accident.
- Don’t sign anything with either insurance company before consulting with a Mississippi personal injury attorney.
- Do not negotiate with an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement until after you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
What Is MMI And How Does It Impact Your Insurance Settlement?
Nolo defines MMI as the point where:
- You have recovered completely from your car accident injuries OR
- Your condition is stable. This means you might not have recovered completely or be back to “normal” but your doctors have a clear picture of your medical future. You’ve received information from medical professionals about:
- What kinds of ongoing medical care will be necessary.
- What that ongoing care will cost.
- Which physical limitations and/or disabilities will be permanent.
Obviously, it’s difficult to know how much compensation is fair until you know the full extent and cost of your injuries. You might be stressed and in a hurry to receive a settlement, but that’s exactly what insurance companies are counting on. Don’t rush into the first settlement offer that comes along. Instead, wait until you know how much money you need to cover your medical costs.
What Else To Know Before Accepting Compensation
In addition to learning the full story on your medical expenses, you should also talk to a Mississippi car accident attorney about what other types of compensation you’re eligible to claim. Depending on how serious your injuries were, you might be able to claim compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering – which can include:
- emotional distress
- depression/anxiety
- loss of sleep
- other mental symptoms related to the accident injuries
Patience and careful consideration are key components to maximizing your insurance settlement and other personal injury awards.
Need legal advice on what your claim is worth? Contact our Jackson office at 601-914-1025 or online.
4266 I-55 North, Suite 106
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
Phone: 601-914-1025
Fax: 601-960-4200
