What mistakes should I avoid when filing a car accident claim in D.C.?

In the District of Columbia, if you have been injured in a car accident due to another motorist’s negligence, you are entitled to file a claim against them to seek financial compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages. Oftentimes, after a car accident, victims are burdened with significant losses that negatively impact their lives and overall welfare. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to negligence, contact one of our trusted and experienced Washington, D.C. Car Accident Lawyers who can help you seek compensation for your devastating losses. In addition, please continue reading to learn more about the mistakes you should avoid when filing a car accident claim to increase your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. 

What are some common mistakes victims make when filing a car accident claim in D.C.?

After a car accident, there are certain things you should not do as it can hurt your case. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should refrain from doing the following:

Posting about your injuries on social media 

Social media platforms are commonly updated with photos and videos to share with your friends and family. However, after a car accident, posting on social media regarding your injuries could hurt your case. Insurance companies investigate the circumstances of the accident and try to collect pertinent evidence on behalf of their policyholder to discredit your claims. They will check your social media platforms to try to use your posts against you. If you share a video of you dancing yet you have claimed you have a broken foot, it will hurt your credibility and your chances of recovering monetary compensation for your damages. In addition, if you post a statement that says you are happy you are feeling better after being involved in a car accident, the insurance company may use that against you to claim you are exaggerating your injuries. It is in your best interest to refrain from posting on social media until after the case has been resolved.

Miss the filing deadline

In the District of Columbia, if you are injured in a car accident as a direct result of another party’s negligence, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the negligent party to seek compensation for your economic and noneconomic damages. You technically can file a car accident claim at any point within those three years, however, it is always better to file as soon as possible. If you miss the filing deadline, you will be barred from filing or recovering compensation in the future for your damages. It is important to file a car accident claim within the right time frame so you don’t lose your right to recover financial compensation for your damages.

If you have been injured in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our determined and adept team members who can help represent your interests in court to help you seek the justice you deserve. Allow our firm to fight on your behalf today.