Getting into an auto accident in the District of Columbia can be complicated, even when it is obvious which party is at fault, given that insurance companies and law enforcement authorities from multiple states and territories might become involved in your case. Things can get even more complex if fault for the collision is not apparent or if you need to seek compensation for injuries that your insurance will not cover.
No matter how your wreck happened or what losses you sustained, guidance from an experienced Washington, DC car accident lawyer can be key to getting through the aftermath effectively and efficiently. Numerous legal obstacles and pitfalls can complicate your civil claim after a traffic accident in the District, from disputed liability, conflicting accounts of the collision, or even denial of damages, so a capable personal injury attorney’s help could make all the difference in how well you can navigate around them.
Washington, DC follows a “no-fault” approach to car accident litigation to some extent, in that most individuals with a DC-based car insurance policy have 60 days to decide whether to seek coverage for an accident in DC under that policy on a no-fault basis. If they choose not to use this coverage, if their total medical expenses exceed their policy’s available coverage, and/or if they miss over 180 days from work as a result of their injuries, they can alternatively or also file suit against the party at fault for their wreck.
However, anyone who elects to use their no-fault coverage without meeting any of the criteria listed above is generally prohibited from pursuing any third-party litigation over their accident. Furthermore, and as a Washington, DC car accident attorney could explain, an injured person may also need to proactively contest allegations made by the defendant(s) in their claim that they—the injured person—contributed to causing the accident, as sharing fault could limit their ability to seek compensation.
A successful lawsuit or settlement demand after a serious auto accident in the District of Columbia can entitle a plaintiff to civil recovery for many different losses, including:
Importantly, though, D.C. Code § 12-301 requires car crash plaintiffs or anyone filing an injury lawsuit to submit their claim within three years of the accident. A proactive lawyer in Washington, DC could help file a claim on time after a car accident.
Auto accidents are all too common around the DMV, and many wrecks have life-changing consequences. Between dealing with your medical expenses and handling and the obstacles that DC law may put in your way if you try to file suit over your injuries alone, many complications could arise during your case process.
Instead of tackling the aftermath of a vehicle crash alone, consider working with a Washington, DC car accident lawyer at your side. Your legal representation could assess the details of your crash, answer questions about filing a claim, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Reach out today to learn more about your options.
Please complete this form, or give us a Call at (202) 600-9400
