How to Maximize Compensation After a Car Accident in Mississippi

A car accident in Mississippi can leave you dealing with injuries and medical bills while also figuring out how you’ll replace your car. All of these unpleasant consequences are also costly, which means that one of the most important aspects of the recovery process is making sure you secure the compensation you need to cover your losses. Along with your lawyer, you can take certain steps to build a stronger case, increase the value of your claim, and avoid common mistakes.

Prioritize your health: Get medical attention right away

After a car accident, your first step should be getting medical attention. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, some injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries — might not show symptoms right away. When you get checked out by a medical professional, you both protect your health and create an official record of your injuries.

Your medical records serve as evidence that the accident caused your injuries. This makes it more difficult for insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Don’t delay in seeking medical attention, and ensure you follow up on all recommended treatments. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.

Document everything from the scene

The key to building a strong claim? Evidence. Right after the accident, if you’re able to do so, start gathering as much evidence as possible at the scene. You can:

• Take pictures of all vehicles involved, any damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Recording a video of the accident scene can help capture details that might not show up in photos.
• If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information and see if they’re willing to provide a statement. Witness accounts can be valuable in proving fault.
• A police report is a critical document for any car accident claim. When the officers arrive, explain the accident and stick to the facts to ensure the report is accurate.

The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to show how the accident happened and how it is affecting you. This can go a long way in maximizing your compensation.

Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone

Insurance adjusters might contact you after the accident, often seeming friendly and sympathetic to your plight. However, make no mistake – their job is to protect the insurance company’s interests, meaning they might try to minimize your claim or get you to accept a lowball settlement.

It’s best to avoid discussing the accident details or your injuries with insurance adjusters until you have an attorney on your side. Our experienced car accident lawyers can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf, preventing you from accidentally saying something that could hurt your case.

Calculate all your damages

Calculating your damages is about more than just adding up medical bills and car repair costs. Damages in a car accident are divided into two categories:

• Economic damages. These are your tangible, out-of-pocket costs. They include medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, and repair or replacement costs for your car. Be sure to keep all receipts, bills, and pay stubs to support your claim for economic damages.
• Non-economic damages. These damages are harder to quantify, as they cover the emotional and physical toll of the accident, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Non-economic damages can add significant value to your claim, so don’t overlook them.

Working with a Mississippi personal injury attorney can help you make sure all your damages are accounted for. We have the experience to know what losses you may be entitled to and can help you calculate a fair value for your claim.

Don’t settle too quickly

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly. Sometimes they’ll try to settle even before you’ve had a chance to see how much your injuries will affect you in the long term. It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement and move on with your life, but this can lead to receiving less compensation than you need – or are entitled to.

Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if your injuries worsen or new medical bills come up. It’s best to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries, including any potential long-term effects, before settling.

Work with an experienced Mississippi car accident lawyer

Working with a skilled car accident lawyer can make a serious difference in the outcome of your case. Car accident cases can be complex, especially when there are disputes about who was at fault or if your injuries are serious.

Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure you’re asking for the right amount of compensation. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years, but it’s still wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., we can start working on your case right away, building the strongest possible argument on your behalf.

Consider the long-term impact of your injuries

It’s important to consider how your injuries will affect you in the future, especially if they’re severe. Many injuries can require long-term medical care, affect your ability to work or affect your ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident.

Our attorneys work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and financial planners to estimate the true cost of your injuries over time. We include future damages in your claim, helping you seek compensation that covers both your current and future losses.

Stay off social media

It can be tempting to share updates about your life on social media, but this can be risky if you’re involved in a car accident claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys might look for anything they can use to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you say. Even innocent posts, like photos of spending time with family or friends, can be twisted to minimize your claim.

To protect your claim, it’s best to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or anything that could be interpreted as conflicting with your injury claims. Keeping a low profile on social media is a smart move until your case is resolved. If you have any questions about this, talk to our injury attorneys.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Mississippi? Reach out to the experienced car accident lawyers at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. today. We can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Your recovery is important, and having the right legal support can make all the difference. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Jackson, Clarksdale, Greenville, or Oxford.