Why You Should Be Careful With What You Say After a Mississippi Car Accident

After a car accident in Mississippi, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company within days—or even hours—of the crash. They may sound polite and concerned, and they’ll likely say they just need to “get your side of the story” or ask a few “routine” questions. But make no mistake: insurance adjusters work for the other driver’s insurer, and their job is to minimize the company’s liability—not to help you.

Giving a recorded statement, discussing your injuries, or casually answering questions can seriously damage your ability to recover fair compensation. Here’s what every accident victim in Mississippi needs to know before speaking with the other driver’s insurance adjuster.

Why the Adjuster Wants to Talk to You

Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line. They gather information that could:

• Shift blame to you or someone else

• Downplay your injuries

• Create inconsistencies in your statements

• Lock you into a version of events before all the facts are known

The goal is often to reduce or deny your claim entirely. Anything you say—especially if it’s recorded—can be used against you later during negotiations or in court.

What Can Go Wrong When You Speak With an Adjuster

1. You May Accidentally Admit Fault

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Saying something like “I didn’t see the other car,” “I was going a little fast,” or “I might’ve overreacted” can be twisted into an admission of liability—even if the other driver clearly caused the crash.

2. Your Statement May Be Incomplete or Inaccurate

After a crash, you may be shaken, confused, or unsure of all the details. If you make a statement early on and later remember new information, the insurer may claim you’re being dishonest or changing your story.

3. You May Minimize or Misrepresent Your Injuries

It’s common for accident victims to say “I’m okay” or “It’s not too bad” out of habit or because symptoms haven’t fully developed yet. Unfortunately, these words can be used to argue that your injuries are minor or nonexistent. Once you give a recorded statement saying you feel fine, it’s very difficult to walk that back—even if your condition worsens later.

4. You May Be Pressured Into Settling Too Early

In some cases, the adjuster may use your statement as a setup for a lowball settlement offer. They may push you to accept a quick payout before you know the full extent of your injuries, medical bills, or future needs. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot reopen the case—even if your condition deteriorates.

Your Rights When Dealing With Insurance Companies in Mississippi

You are not legally required to speak with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. You can politely decline to give a recorded statement and refer them to your attorney instead. In fact, this is often the smartest move you can make.

If you must communicate with the adjuster, remember:

• Do not give a recorded statement without legal advice

• Do not discuss your injuries or medical treatment

• Do not speculate about how the accident happened

• Do not accept fault, even partially

• Do not discuss settlement offers on your own

You can provide basic information such as your name, contact details, and vehicle info—but nothing more.

Let Your Attorney Handle the Communication

When you hire an attorney, they deal directly with the insurance companies on your behalf. This protects you from saying anything that could hurt your claim and ensures that your rights are preserved throughout the claims process. Your attorney will:

• Review any request for statements or documents

• Help you prepare if a statement is truly necessary

• Handle negotiations to avoid low settlement offers

• Push back against bad-faith insurance tactics

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances of securing full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call Attorney Bill Kellum For a Free Case Review

If you’ve been injured in a Mississippi car accident, don’t let the other driver’s insurance company take control of your case. The attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or our Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 to schedule a consultation and let us handle the insurance companies for you.