Road trips are a classic American pastime—windows down, music up, and miles of adventure ahead. But what happens when your journey through Virginia or Washington, D.C. takes an unexpected and painful turn? If you’re injured in a car accident far from home, it can be overwhelming to navigate medical treatment, insurance claims, and legal processes in an unfamiliar state. That’s where the experienced team at Hilton & Somer steps in.
Injured While Traveling Through Virginia or D.C.?
Virginia and D.C. are major travel corridors, especially during spring and summer. With interstates like I-95, I-66, and I-495 (the Capital Beltway) buzzing with out-of-state drivers, accidents involving non-residents are common.
If you’re visiting from another state and are injured in a crash in Virginia or D.C., your case must be handled under the local jurisdiction’s laws—not your home state’s. This includes following Virginia’s unique “contributory negligence” rule, which prevents an injured party from recovering damages if they are found even 1% at fault for the accident.
Washington, D.C., follows a more lenient comparative negligence system, where injured parties can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, though compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
What Should You Do After an Out-of-State Accident?
If you’re involved in a car crash while on vacation or passing through the region, here are key steps to take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, visit a local hospital or urgent care. This ensures your health is prioritized and creates essential documentation.
- Call the Police and Get a Report: Virginia and D.C. law enforcement will respond and file official reports—critical evidence for your claim.
- Gather Information: Take photos of the scene, exchange contact and insurance info with other drivers, and collect witness details.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly report the accident to your insurer.
- Contact a Local Personal Injury Attorney: Working with a lawyer who knows the local laws is vital, especially with differing state regulations.
How Hilton & Somer Helps Non-Residents
At Hilton & Somer, LLC, we’ve represented countless travelers who were injured while visiting Virginia or Washington, D.C. We understand the added stress of dealing with an injury when you’re far from home, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our firm assists with:
- Navigating Virginia’s strict liability laws
- Coordinating with your home-state medical providers
- Communicating with out-of-state insurance companies
- Filing personal injury lawsuits in local courts
We also help coordinate remote consultations, digital document signing, and long-distance communication so you don’t have to worry about returning to Virginia for every step of the process.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References:
https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-2701
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter3/section8.01-58/
