When injured in a car accident or collision involving other motor vehicles, the immediate actions taken by the injured party can affect their ability to submit a successful claim, as well as the potential compensation they can recover. Any mistakes made can have a substantial impact, particularly since insurers look to deny claims or pay out as little as possible when offering settlements. Find out what to do after an accident, and discover how an experienced Mississippi auto accident attorney can advise motorists on the steps after a car accident and assist with insurance/legal claims; call Lott Law at (228) 215-2787 to schedule an initial discussion.
What To Do After an Accident in Mississippi
According to the Mississippi Insurance Department, drivers might consider anticipating breakdowns and accidents in advance and making preparations for these events; this may include understanding the terms of the insurance policy (such as liability limits, deductibles, or rental car or towing coverage) and storing the driver’s insurance card and accident checklist with the car registration in the vehicle. Shortly after an accident, find out what each involved party’s insurance policy covers, and remember that since Mississippi is a fault state, insurers need to determine who the at-fault party is before they reimburse individuals for damages, so start gathering evidence to demonstrate what and who caused the incident.
Post-accident, the motorist may want to promptly file an insurance claim, while they can still clearly remember what happened, and have the insurance information, evidence collated at the accident scene, and police report to hand to facilitate this process. If the accident involved multiple vehicles, the insurer is likely to investigate thoroughly, which may involve examining vehicle damage and discussing the circumstances of the incident with the drivers, and may use the findings of this investigation to determine a settlement amount. For minor collisions where the vehicles are still operational, insurers may recommend using certain vehicle repair shops that might also perform the role of a claim adjuster; during all interactions with insurers and repair shops, keep detailed notes of any conversations, as well as claim documentation.
Steps After a Car Accident To Take
Involvement in auto accidents can be both traumatizing and challenging to deal with without knowing how to do so. In addition to the tips above, here are the steps motorists can take to effectively handle the repercussions of motor vehicle collisions in Mississippi:
- Stay at the scene until permitted to leave by the police, offer assistance to injured parties if needed, and call an ambulance in the event of serious injuries.
- Make other road users aware of the accident location by using hazard lights and flares (if possible).
- Move the vehicles if they are driveable so they do not disrupt traffic flow, and contact the police to acquire a police report; during police interactions, be honest about what happened and avoid making speculations and assumptions.
- Take well-focused photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle exteriors and interiors, scattered debris, road surfaces, road signs, road markings, traffic signals, road obstructions, and visible injuries.
- Exchange contact details, driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards.
- Seek medical attention as quickly as possible, even if uninjured or if the injuries are very minor.
- Notify the insurer, but avoid admitting fault or unnecessarily volunteering information.
Learn more about what to do after an accident in Mississippi, including the immediate steps after a car accident, by speaking with a Mississippi motor vehicle accident attorney. Contact Lott Law to organize a preliminary consultation.
Does Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver in Mississippi?
Motor vehicle insurance follows the car instead of the driver in Mississippi, meaning in the event of a car owner lending a vehicle to a family member or friend who then causes a collision, the vehicle owner’s insurance policy is the main coverage that handles the claim. Because of this, motorists may wish to carefully review their insurance policies and the implications of lending their vehicles to others before agreeing to do so, as this may lead to claims that increase drivers’ insurance premiums or deplete their policy limits.
How Long Do You Have To Report an Accident in Mississippi?
Per The Mississippi Bar, auto accident victims must file a written report of the incident to police no later than 10 days after the accident date if the collision led to property damage totaling more than $250 or if someone suffered an injury. Motorists who fail to meet this reporting requirement could face a misdemeanor charge and the prospect of a driver’s license revocation (with additional criminal charges for providing a report containing false information). Notably, this differs from the time limit for reporting an accident and submitting an insurance claim to an insurer, with the deadline and other reporting conditions typically specified within a motorist’s specific auto insurance policy documentation.
Continue This Discussion With a Mississippi Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
Auto accidents can have life-changing consequences, leading to victims experiencing financial uncertainty, mounting medical bills, and severe injuries. By taking immediate steps after these events and avoiding common errors, drivers can safeguard their legal rights, potential claims, and their health while maximizing compensation. Drivers who have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident might consider contacting a Mississippi car accident attorney from Lott Law to learn more about what to do after an accident, including the steps after a car accident, and get help with their claim; call us today at (228) 215-2787 to arrange a case review.