Large truck crashes are responsible for thousands of traffic fatalities every year. Every truck crash also tends to cause catastrophic injuries, leaving those who survive such collisions in dire straits.
If you were seriously hurt in a truck crash that you didn’t actually cause, you may be entitled to compensation. To build a compelling claim, though, you must take reasonable measures to mitigate damages. Otherwise, the insurance adjuster may try to pin at least some liability onto you, thereby reducing the total losses you’re able to recover.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective steps you can take in the wake of the accident to demonstrate your commitment to mitigating damages:
1. Head to the Hospital Within 24 Hours of the Truck Crash
If you don’t need life-saving interventions at the scene, it’s crucial that you undergo a comprehensive exam as soon as possible. The adrenaline that accompanies traumatic events like crashes can mask symptoms of serious injury. That means even if you feel relatively fine, you may need prompt care.
If the emergency department at your local hospital has especially long wait times, head to an urgent care center so you can see a doctor right away.
2. Prioritize Your Recovery
If it turns out you did sustain injuries that demand treatment, follow all medical advice diligently. This might mean taking it easy for a while, which may include taking time off work.
If you think your doctor is being overly cautious, do not just ignore their instructions or skip your follow-up exams. Instead, seek a second opinion, and make sure to document every step of the process with your new physician.
3. Do What You Can, When You Can
As your injuries heal, you should be able to do increasingly more by yourself. In fact, being self-sufficient usually facilitates the recovery process.
Put another way, there may come a time when you no longer need assistance around the house. Once this happens, you should stop using the replacement services you’re planning on including in your claim.
While the cost of domestic help, child care, and alternative transportation are recoverable, you’ll open the door for disputes if you continue relying on such services despite being able to complete the associated tasks yourself.
Speak with a Long Beach Truck Accident Attorney
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
At the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, we’re determined to make things right for those who have been wronged. If your life was forever changed because someone else was being negligent, we’ll help you take the steps needed to pick up the pieces. Call (562) 206-1939 or submit the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Long Beach.
Download Our Car Accident Emergency Response .PDF
Unfortunately, as long as you drive in traffic, you run the risk of getting in another collision. No matter how cautious you might be when behind the wheel, you cannot rely on other motorists to exercise the same level of care. As such, it’s wise to be prepared. By keeping a copy of our Car Accident Emergency Response .pdf in your glovebox, you’ll always have a checklist on hand that helps you record the scene of a wreck thoroughly. Download it HERE for free.