If you are attempting to handle a Washington, D.C., personal injury claim without the assistance of an attorney, common mistakes can make a big difference in whether you are successful and recover the compensation you should, such as the following:
- Failing to understand the process: It is important to research and become familiar with Washington, D.C., laws before getting involved in a personal injury claim, whether it was a car accident, defective product or others such as a slip and fall. You need to know what type of damages are available, how long you have to file a claim and what kinds of evidence will be needed to support your case.
- Not seeking medical attention: Medical treatment should be sought immediately following any accident or incident that results in an injury. Failure to go directly for medical attention could weaken your case.
- Misjudging or underestimating the value of your claim: Even if you may not feel that your injuries are severe, it is important to have your medical records evaluated by a qualified physician to consider any long-term effects. Further, it’s also possible the liable party has insurance coverage beyond what their policy covers up to.
- Not having evidence: Collecting photographs, witness statements, or other corroborating material can help support your case. It is important to remember that these items should be collected soon after the incident, as memories fade over time and evidence slowly disappears.
- Neglecting deadlines: In Washington, D.C., personal injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of the incident. The District is no-fault under DC Code 31-2404, which allows you to obtain damages through your PIP policy initially. When it isn’t enough to pay for damages, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault party.
- Not recognizing red flags: Sometimes, it may seem like the liable party is trying to pay out as little as possible or even deny liability altogether. Having an experienced attorney to help protect your rights and interests during negotiations can be advantageous in these instances.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Having an experienced injury lawyer on your side can make a huge difference regarding personal injury claims. An attorney will be able to evaluate your case, provide you with the necessary legal advice, as well as helping you to avoid any common mistakes. Here are some of the ways in which an injury lawyer can help you get the compensation that you deserve:
- Identify all liable parties: In many cases, more than one party could potentially be held responsible for causing an accident or injury.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts and deny coverage altogether.
- Prove negligence: In order to obtain damages, it is necessary to prove that the other party was negligent in some way and that their negligence caused your injury.
- Filing a lawsuit: If the negotiations with the at-fault party or the insurance company fail, you may have to file a lawsuit in civil court to get the compensation you deserve.
Having an experienced injury lawyer on your side can ensure that you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available to you for any personal injury claim you may have. They will be able to provide expert advice throughout this process and help protect your rights every step of the way.
Roeser Law Firm – Personal Injury Accidents
We at the Roeser Law Firm are here to help you if you have been injured in an accident that was caused by negligence. Our team can be reached at (202) 660-4070 or by contacting us online. A lawyer can make all the difference in fighting for your rights and obtaining maximum compensation for your injury.
