Car accidents are serious and, unfortunately, occur every day. While an accident alone is bad, if it occurs because of someone else’s negligence or reckless actions while behind the wheel, the situation is made even worse – and more complicated. If you find yourself in this type of situation, the best thing you can do is contact our team of skilled, experienced Washington DC car accident lawyers. We can review you case, gather evidence and take the necessary steps to help you get the justice and recover the compensation you deserve.
Washington, DC Car Accident Claims at a Glance
- Three-year deadline. Most DC car accident injury lawsuits must be filed within three years (D.C. Code § 12-301).
- Contributory negligence applies to drivers. A driver found even slightly at fault can be barred from recovering in DC. Pedestrians and cyclists have added protection (D.C. Code § 50-2204.52).
- Government vehicles require quick notice. If a District vehicle or road defect caused the crash, written notice to the Mayor is generally required within six months (D.C. Code § 12-309).
- Commuter crashes often cross state lines. Many DC collisions involve Virginia or Maryland drivers and policies. Hilton & Somer handles claims in all three jurisdictions.
Common Types of Washington DC Car Accidents
There are many ways a car accident may occur. There are also some collisions that are more likely to result in a serious injury than others. We can handle all types of car accidents that may occur, including the following:
- Head-on collisions: These take place when two vehicles hit each other (as the name implies) head on. In many cases, these collisions prove to be fatal for one or both of the individuals involved.
- Rear-end collisions: This type of accident takes place when one vehicle hits the vehicle directly in front of it. It can happen because of a sudden deceleration, or if one of the vehicles accelerates more quickly than the vehicle in front of it. In most cases, the injuries that occur in the passengers in the car hit will be more severe, with whiplash being extremely common in this type of accident.
- Side impact collisions: Commonly called being “broadsided,” or a “T-bone” wreck, this occurs when the side of one vehicle is hit by the back or front of another car or some object. The injuries that occur in this type of accident are often extremely serious, especially compared to the other accident types, but there are a number of variables that will impact the extent of injuries and damages that occur.
- Sideswipe collisions: This type of accident occurs when the sides of two vehicles that are right next to one another “swipe” each other or touch.
How to Maximize Compensation After a Washington DC Car Accident
The damages that occur after a car accident can be significant, not to mention the injuries that the driver and passengers may incur. When you hire our team of attorneys to represent you in a car accident claim, you will find that we can help you recover compensation for many damages, with some of the most common being:
- Lost wages
- Medical costs (present and future)
- Property loss
- Pain and suffering
Keep in mind, the goal of the insurance adjuster is to settle a car accident case for as little as possible. It is our goal to help our clients recover the maximum amount of compensation allowed by law. Our Washington DC car accident lawyers are working for you and will continue to fight diligently to ensure you receive the amount you deserve from the insurance company.
Get Our Washington DC Car Accident Lawyers Working for You
Don’t let the devastating aftermath of a car accident keep you from recovering and seeking justice. While this experience can be traumatizing and is often devastating to those involved, we are here to help you recover. Our team will work diligently on your case and ensure you understand each step of the process along the way.
If you have questions or would like to set up an initial consultation, contact our Washington Dc car accident lawyers at Hilton & Somer today at 703-560-0700. We are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Areas We Serve
Hilton & Somer is based in Fairfax, Virginia and represents injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland, including:
- Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Manassas, Annandale, McLean, Falls Church, Centreville, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, plus Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties
- District of Columbia: Washington, DC
- Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill and College Park, plus Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and Washington Counties
DC Car Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington, DC?
Most DC car accident injury claims must be filed within three years. If a District government vehicle or road condition was involved, notice to the Mayor is generally due within six months.
What if I was partly at fault for a DC car accident?
DC follows contributory negligence, so a driver found even slightly at fault can be barred from recovering. The other side will often try to shift blame, which is why early evidence and witness statements matter.
What should I do after a car accident in DC?
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, get a police report from the Metropolitan Police Department, photograph the vehicles and scene, collect witness information, get medical care, and speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
How much does it cost to hire a DC car accident lawyer?
Hilton & Somer handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, and the first consultation is free.
