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There’s always a lot to do in the wake of a motor-vehicle collision. This is especially true following large truck crashes since they tend to cause extensive property damage and serious injuries.

Besides coping with the pain and trauma associated with these accidents, victims often have to complete a long list of tasks such as arranging alternative transportation, organizing child care and domestic help, and finding someone to cover their shift at work. With such an exhaustive to-do list, it’s not hard to see why some injured parties put off their medical care.

If you were involved in a large truck crash, though, it’s critical to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Here are three reasons why:

1. To Prevent Serious Complications

Visiting a doctor shortly after leaving the scene of a truck accident will ensure you receive prompt treatment. Even if you feel relatively fine, you may have sustained impact injuries that have latent symptoms such as whiplash or internal bleeding. Sometimes a patient’s prognosis is far more favorable if they undergo immediate treatment.

2. To Officially Document Your Injuries

The insurance company won’t pay a settlement unless there’s official documentation to show the types of injuries you suffered, your symptoms, your prognosis, and the suggested treatment plan. If you delay your doctor’s visit, the insurer might say that your injuries were caused by something else. Depending on the circumstances, they may argue that you didn’t suffer the injuries you’re alleging because any person with your condition would have sought immediate care.

3. To Mitigate Your Damages

Personal injury claimants have an obligation to mitigate their damages. One of the most effective ways to do so is to visit a doctor right away. If you put off the medical assessment and suffer complications as a result, you could be found at least partially liable for your damages. And in the state of Minnesota, that could mean losing out on a considerable amount of compensation.

When it comes to shared liability, Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. That means the final settlement or verdict in a personal injury case can be reduced by the victim’s own percentage of fault. If you’re found to have been more than 50 percent liable, you’ll be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

It’s important to remember that seeking adequate care in a timely manner is just one component of mitigating your damages. Upon starting treatment, you must also follow your doctor’s orders. If your provider instructs you to rest, participating in virtually any kind of physical activity—from jogging to doing yoga to working—could end up jeopardizing your case (especially if you post about it on social media).

Call 320-259-5414 to Discuss Your Case with a St. Cloud Truck Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a truck accident in Minnesota, you may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. To determine the most strategic way to proceed, contact Bradshaw & Bryant.

For six years in a row, attorney Michael Bryant has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and has been named among the state’s Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers by Minnesota Law & Politics. Call 320-259-5414 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Cloud.

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