If you were seriously hurt in a large truck crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation. While filing a personal injury claim won’t erase what happened, it might provide the funds you need to pick up the pieces of your life in the aftermath.
Mississippi tort law allows truck accident victims to include virtually all the losses they wouldn’t have incurred had they not gotten hurt in their claims. Along the way, however, they’re expected to take reasonable measures to mitigate these damages. Otherwise, they could be deemed partially liable for their severity.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways to mitigate damages in the wake of a large truck crash:
1. Seek Medical Care in a Timely Manner
Following a wreck, your health should be your priority, so visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident (ideally later that same day). Even if your injuries don’t appear to be life-threatening, they may need prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
Postponing treatment is one of the most common ways that personal injury claimants fail to mitigate damages. Thankfully, you can prevent medical-related disputes by undergoing a comprehensive exam as soon as possible.
2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Once you do start treatment, it’s imperative that you follow all medical advice as closely as possible. Should your doctor instruct you to stay off your feet, for example, returning to the workforce would likely be a bad idea.
Ignoring your provider’s orders is similar to postponing treatment in general. If you defy medical advice and end up suffering complications, the insurance adjuster may assume you’re responsible for them and, consequently, their associated damages.
3. Only Enlist Help When You Absolutely Need It
There are a lot of scenarios in which remaining in bed all day can actually hinder recovery. If at some point your doctor encourages you to start tackling housework again or making your own meals, delegating such tasks could be considered a failure to mitigate damages.
Under tort law, truck accident victims may seek compensation for the cost of reasonable and necessary replacement services, like cooking, cleaning, and dog walking. The key phrase, however, is “reasonable and necessary.”
If your doctor cannot vouch that you actually needed the help, the expenses for any such services are not recoverable. What’s more, a dispute over replacement services could lead the insurance adjuster to question your credibility in general. This, in turn, could threaten the entire foundation of your case.
Discuss Your Claim with a Truck Accident Attorney in Jackson
If you want to file a truck accident claim in Mississippi, get the knowledge, resources, and experience of a powerhouse practice backing your every move by turning to Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC. Our firm is proud to fight for those who have been wronged by others. To schedule a free case review with one of our Jackson truck accident lawyers, submit the Contact Form on our website or call 601-487-8448.
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