Best Car Accident Lawyers in Washington DC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Washington DC?

  The Washington Police Department can be reached at (202) 576-8222 and (202) 698-0555.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Washington DC?

  1. You can pick it up yourself by going to Room 3075 in the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, the Henry J. Daly Building, 300 Indiana Avenue, N.W. Please provide the time, date, and place of the incident, along with the report number.

  2. You can also obtain the report by mail. Write a letter asking for a copy of the incident report and send it to the following address:

  Metropolitan Police Department, Public Documents Unit ATT: Accident/Incident Reports, Room 3075 300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001

  The mail must include:

  • Your full name
  • Time, date, and place of the incident
  • The six-digit report number or CCN

  Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with $3 made out to the DC Treasurer.

• I was in a Lyft in Washington, D.C. and the car crashed. Should I sue Lyft or the driver?

  Unfortunately, Lyft and other similar ride-sharing companies have fought to have their drivers be classified as independent contractors instead of employees. This makes it challenging to have them be held liable for accidents caused by their operators. However, there may still be other factors that contributed to the accident that need to be considered before placing all the blame on the driver. A skilled attorney who deals with cases like this would know how to gather evidence such as eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction, and police reports to build a strong case for your compensation claim.

• I got in a car accident in Washington, DC, and couldn't work for 7 months. Can I sue the other party for this?

  Yes, you can. Washington, DC is a no-fault state, but there are exceptions to the rule.

  1. If your medical or repair expenses can no longer be covered by your policy. If your insurance can only cover $10,000, but your expenses go over that, then you can file a claim against the other party.
  2. If you suffered severe injuries that include disfigurement, permanent scarring, and impairment that lasted 180 days or more.

  In cases like these, it would be wise to acquire the assistance of an attorney, since this would require proving that the other party was at fault.

• The other driver caused the accident which wrecked my car in Washington, DC. How come I am not eligible to receive compensation?

  The court must have found that you were partially responsible for the crash. Washington DC follows the contributory negligence law which states that if the plaintiff was proven to have contributed to the accident, they will not be entitled to receive compensation from the defendant.

• I got in a car accident in Washington, DC. What information should I take down for later use?

  It is important to take note of the following information that you can give your attorney later:

  The other driver's

  • Full name
  • Contact information
  • License and plate number
  • Vehicle type, color, and model
  • Insurance company and policy number

  Other helpful information you can add:

  • A copy of the accident report from the responding officers
  • Pictures and videos of the scene
  • Names of the responding officers
  • Names of everyone involved in the accident
  • Location of the accident

• How long do I have before my car accident case in Washington, DC gets dismissed by the court?

  You have three years from the date of the accident to start taking steps toward filing your claim before the deadline expires. Some people think that it is long enough to wait, but building a case may take longer than you think. In addition, some evidence may be lost with time, such as eyewitnesses forgetting what happened. However, if you are filing for a loved one who passed away as a result of the accident, then the starting date moves to the date of death instead of the date of the accident. Pursuant to D.C. Code section 16-2702, this should be filed within two years.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.