The Dos & Don’ts of Building a Car Accident Claim

Was your life derailed in a major way by a drunk, drowsy, or distracted driver? If so, you may be entitled to compensation.

When it comes to motor-vehicle collisions, Mississippi takes a fault-based approach. That means the motorist who was responsible for the wreck is also responsible for the resulting damages.

In order to seek a payout, though, you’re going to have to put together a compelling car accident claim. If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few steps to take—and a few missteps to make sure you avoid—so your case ends up being as strong as possible:

1. Do Save Any Evidence You Gathered in the Aftermath 

Were you able to gather any documentation from the scene? What about in the days or weeks that followed? 

If you turn to a resourceful personal injury firm, your legal team will certainly be equipped to conduct a comprehensive investigation; however, you can support their efforts by preserving any potential evidence you already have on hand. Examples include dash camera footage, photos of the wreckage, statements from eyewitnesses, and the official accident report. 

2. Don’t Say Anything on Record to the Claims Adjuster

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash, one or more insurance carriers will probably reach out and ask for some kind of statement. It’s generally unadvisable to say anything on record, though, since doing so opens the door for disputes. This is especially true if you speak on what happened before your legal team has completed their investigation or if you delve into the nature of your injuries before reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI). 

3. Do Start Writing Daily Entries in an Injury Journal 

It’s wise to start writing in a journal immediately following the collision. Daily entries about your condition and how the limitations it imposes are hurting your quality of life will contextualize your medical records. This, in turn, will make it easier to build a case for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress. 

4. Don’t Accept Fast Cash 

With your financial security in jeopardy, it’s only natural to hope for a prompt settlement. Until you’ve reached MMI, however, there’s no way to be sure of the extent of the damages. 

No matter how tempting the carrier’s early offers might be, it’s reasonable to assume accepting one of them would mean leaving money on the table. At the very least, consider consulting a lawyer who’s well-versed in car accident damages before you sign on the dotted line. 

Speak with a Jackson Car Accident Attorney 

At Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC, we have the knowledge, resources, and experience needed to hold negligent parties accountable for their transgressions. If you’re struggling in the aftermath of a crash that you didn’t cause, we’ll help you seek every dollar you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Jackson, call 601-487-8448 or submit the Contact Form on our website.