Washington, DC, is known for its heavy traffic conditions. Intersections are often chaotic because drivers from all directions converge and must yield depending on traffic signals and regulations. Failing to yield at intersections leads to car accidents that can result in injuries.
When you were injured in intersection car accidents in DC due to someone else’s negligence, a seasoned car accident attorney can help you understand your options for seeking compensation from the at-fault driver.
DC’s insurance laws require drivers to maintain auto insurance with liability coverage. This coverage is the main source of compensation following car accidents, and the policy of the at-fault party compensates others for physical harm and property damage. Intersection car accidents are most often caused when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way at a light or stop sign, causing a T-bone collision, or a driver fails to stop when traffic ahead of them stops for the light, resulting in a rear-end crash.
Both T-bone and rear-end accidents can produce significant injuries for occupants of other vehicles. Injured claimants can seek compensation for the accident’s out-of-pocket costs and injuries, such as damage to their car, medical expenses, wage loss, and more. However, the costs of the injury are not just monetary. Claimants also can seek compensation for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment, inconvenience, and other non-economic losses.
A DC lawyer has an important role in handling the claims process for their clients after an intersection car accident. Some actions a lawyer and their legal team may take include determining the insurance resources that are available for the claim, assigning a value to the claim based on the claimant’s costs and impacts, and filing the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They also gather evidence to support the claim and communicate with the insurance company in an attempt to resolve the matter through an out-of-court settlement. If the at-fault party’s insurer fails to fully compensate the claim or settle, the lawyer can file the claim as a lawsuit. DC’s personal injury statute of limitations generally requires that the lawsuit be filed within three years of the accident date.
Once the lawsuit is filed, the claimant’s lawyer usually continues to work on settlement negotiations while preparing the case for trial. If a settlement is not reached before the trial date is set, the lawyer presents the case to a judge or jury, who will decide matters of liability and compensation.
When another driver fails to stop at an intersection as required by law, accidents and injuries can happen. If you were injured in an intersection car accident in DC, our experienced legal team can evaluate your case for free and help you determine your next steps in seeking compensation. Contact us today.
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