Washington D.C. Car Accident Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights After a Washington, D.C. Car Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, taking the right steps quickly can be critical to protecting your health – and your ability to secure compensation later on. You should not hesitate to go to the nearest hospital if you are seriously injured and need immediate medical attention, but if you can stay at the scene, there are several things you should do to put yourself in the best possible position.

After a car accident, you should make every effort to:

• Get to a safe place. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further collisions. If this is not feasible, put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you are able and it is safe to do so, check on the occupants of the other vehicle and see if they need help getting to a safe location.
• Call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, calling the police is crucial – and if anyone was injured, it’s legally required. The responding officer will create a report detailing the incident, which can serve as an essential piece of evidence when pursuing a personal injury case. 
• Exchange contact and insurance information. You will need the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license information, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information, too. 
• Avoid unnecessary conversation. It’s only natural to want to discuss what just happened with the other driver, but beyond checking if they need an ambulance and exchanging information, you should keep any conversation to a minimum. Anything you say can (and likely will) be used against you.
• Take photos and videos. Using your smartphone, take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries sustained. 
• Get medical attention. Even if you feel relatively okay after an accident, keep in mind that some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Seeking medical attention ensures you receive the necessary treatment and documents your injuries, which could be vital evidence in your case. 
• Reach out to our team at Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC. Our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers are ready to handle all case communications and start building your personal injury claim so that you can focus on your recovery. 

Car Accidents Laws in Washington D.C.

If a car accident in Washington D.C. results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, the drivers involved are required to report the accident to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Washington D.C. follows a "fault" or "at-fault" system for car accidents. This means that the driver who is determined to be legally responsible (at fault) for causing the accident is also responsible for compensating the other party/parties involved.

The capital applies the doctrine of comparative negligence. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages.

In complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes over fault, seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in car accidents can be crucial. They can help navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit before this legal deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for any damages sustained in the accident. Three years can seem like a substantial amount of time, but it is in your best interest to consult a legal professional as early as possible. Our team can work to preserve evidence, advance your case, and secure the compensation you need to cover your losses as efficiently as possible. 

Compensation for Car Accident Victims in Washington, D.C.

We are committed to fighting relentlessly for the maximum compensation for our clients. Our approach is strategic, aggressive, and tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. We first undertake a comprehensive analysis of the accident, reviewing all available evidence and identifying all potential sources of liability and recovery. Our attorneys meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages, including not just obvious losses like medical bills and vehicle damage but also less visible costs such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses.

Our attorneys then leverage our extensive experience, negotiating skills, and trial prowess to build a compelling case, and we are always prepared to take your claim to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Remember, our goal is not just to secure compensation but also to achieve the maximum possible recovery to which you are entitled. Our fight is your fight, and we do not rest until justice is served.

We will work to obtain full and fair compensation for all losses stemming from your car accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering