How Insurance Companies Work to Pay You Less Than You Deserve

After a car accident in Mississippi, one of the first calls you receive will likely be from an insurance adjuster. They may sound helpful and concerned about your injuries, but their job is not to ensure you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. Understanding the tactics they use can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics That Reduce Your Settlement

Pressuring You to Accept a Quick Settlement

One of the most common strategies insurance companies use is offering a fast settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages. While this may seem like an easy way to get some money quickly, early settlement offers rarely cover long-term medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost income, or pain and suffering. Once you accept, you cannot request more money later, even if new medical issues arise.

Requesting a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement soon after an accident. They may claim it is a routine part of the process, but their real goal is to use your words against you. Anything you say can be twisted to minimize your injuries or shift some of the blame onto you. Even innocent statements such as “I feel okay” can be used to argue that your injuries are not severe. It is best to decline recorded statements and let an attorney handle communication with the insurance company.

Blaming You for the Accident

Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Insurance adjusters use this to their advantage by attempting to shift as much blame onto you as possible. The more fault they assign to you, the less they have to pay. They may argue that you were speeding, distracted, or could have avoided the crash. Having strong evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, can counter these tactics.

Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries

Even if medical records clearly show your injuries, adjusters often downplay their severity. They may argue that your injuries are pre-existing, not as serious as you claim, or that they should have healed faster. They may even send you to a doctor of their choosing for a second opinion that favors their position. Working with your own medical professionals and keeping thorough records of your treatments and symptoms is crucial.

Delaying the Claims Process

Insurance companies know that accident victims often struggle financially after a crash. Medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs add up quickly, and many people feel pressured to settle just to pay their expenses. Adjusters may intentionally delay processing your claim in the hopes that you will become desperate enough to accept a low offer. This is why having an attorney handle negotiations can make a difference—they know how to keep the process moving forward.

Using Social Media Against You

Anything you post on social media after an accident can be used as evidence against you. Even something as simple as a picture of you at a family event can be misinterpreted as proof that you are not seriously injured. Adjusters and defense attorneys will look for anything they can use to question the severity of your injuries or contradict your statements. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your activities while your claim is ongoing.

Telling You That You Don’t Need a Lawyer

One of the biggest red flags is when an adjuster suggests that hiring a lawyer is unnecessary. They know that claimants who work with attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who negotiate on their own. Without legal representation, it is much easier for them to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Hiring an attorney ensures that your claim is handled properly and that you receive the full amount you are entitled to.

The Risks of Accepting a Quick Settlement

Insurance companies want to resolve claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you waive your right to pursue any further compensation. Many accident victims later realize that their settlement does not cover their future medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering. Some risks of quick settlements include:

• Undiagnosed or Worsening Injuries – Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal issues, may not show symptoms immediately. If you settle too soon, you may be left paying for treatment out of pocket.
• Future Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working in the future, a low settlement may not provide enough compensation for long-term lost income.
• Pain and Suffering Damages – Insurance companies rarely include full pain and suffering damages in their initial offers. These non-economic damages can be a significant part of your claim.

Before accepting any settlement, it is important to evaluate the long-term impact of your injuries and ensure all damages are accounted for.

Pursuing Legal Action When Insurance Companies Refuse to Pay Fairly

When an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. Lawsuits often push insurers to settle for a more reasonable amount rather than risk going to trial. Legal action can help recover:

• Full medical expenses, including future treatments
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Compensation for permanent disabilities or disfigurement

An attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company, gather evidence, and build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in a Mississippi car accident, do not let the insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. The attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. can fight for your rights and ensure you receive full compensation. Call our Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or our Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 to discuss your case and protect your future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do insurance adjusters offer quick settlements after a car accident?
Insurance companies want to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. They know that accident victims may not yet understand the full extent of their injuries or long-term financial losses. By offering a low settlement early on, they hope to close the case before the victim has time to assess the real value of their claim.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Even simple statements can be taken out of context. Let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company to avoid potential pitfalls.

How do I know if the insurance company’s offer is fair?
A fair settlement should cover all medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to your injuries. Insurance companies often offer much less than what a claim is truly worth. Speaking with an attorney can help determine if the offer adequately compensates you.

What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal or file a lawsuit. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, including disputing liability, downplaying injuries, or arguing that medical treatment was unnecessary. Legal representation can help challenge a wrongful denial and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to assign more blame to victims to reduce their payouts. Having strong evidence can help protect your claim.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Mississippi?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Mississippi is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

Call For Your Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a Mississippi car accident, understanding how police reports impact your claim is crucial. At Kellum Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys can guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected. Contact our Jackson office at (601) 969-2709 or our Port Gibson office at (601) 590-9000 to discuss your options and secure the compensation you deserve.