It’s natural to feel reluctant to file a car insurance claim due to the fear of having your premiums increase. Some people simply do not want to deal with the hassle of filing a claim, but if you wait too long, your insurance company has the right to deny your claim and you might lose the right to bring a lawsuit if it becomes necessary.
In Mississippi, the amount of time you have to file a car insurance claim is ultimately up to the discretion of your insurance company. The easiest way to find out this deadline is to review your policy or to contact your provider.
The deadline (also called the “statute of limitations”) for filing a personal injury lawsuit in the state of Mississippi is usually three years from the date the injury occurred. If you wait more than three years to file your lawsuit, it is almost certain that the court will dismiss your case.
How To Gather Evidence At The Car Accident Scene
The process of filing an auto insurance claim in Mississippi begins at the accident scene, where you should collect evidence to help you prove negligence, liability, and damages. Be sure to take these five steps immediately after any collision:
- Call the police. Even if nobody was seriously injured, you will need an accident report to strengthen your claim.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.
- Take pictures of the scene. You’ll want to document any property damage, injuries, skid marks, and traffic signs.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers involved in the collision. You should also write down the contact details of eyewitnesses.
- Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Evidence you gather at the accident scene will be essential for proving negligence, liability, and the value of your damages.
How To Strengthen Your Car Insurance Claim’s Chance Of Approval
One small mistake during the claims process could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you recover or cause your claim to be denied. Here are a few tips to strengthen your claim’s chance of approval:
- Visit a doctor immediately to get a medical evaluation, even if you do not appear to be seriously injured.
- Review your insurance policy to learn your obligations as a claimant.
- Keep a record of all bills and invoices related to your injuries, time off work, and property damage.
- Be honest with your insurance company. Providing false information could cause your claim to be denied.
- Avoid posting information about your collision on social media. Insurance adjusters review social media accounts to find evidence that can be used to undervalue claims.
What Information Will I Have To Provide When Filing A Claim In Mississippi?
You will have to provide the following information when filing a claim:
- Date, time, and location of the accident;
- The number of vehicles involved as well as their year, make, and model;
- List of people involved and their contact information;
- Details about damage to your vehicle;
- Details about any other property damage;
- An account of how the crash was caused;
- The police report; and
- Receipts of expenses accrued from the accident.
It is important that you file the insurance claim as soon as possible. Bear in mind that providing more information about your collision, including photos, medical records, and the police report, may increase your claim’s chance of approval.
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