Car Accident Lawyer in Washington, DC
Supporting Auto Accident Victims & Their Families in Maryland and D.C.
Traffic injuries and fatalities have increased throughout Washington, D.C. in recent years. While most incidents are minor fender-benders, some collisions cause severe harm or tragic loss. Car accidents in the District of Columbia occur for many reasons, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. Many crashes could have been prevented if drivers paid attention to their surroundings and followed traffic laws at all times.
Our Washington, DC car accident lawyers at Fay Law Group, P.A. know how overwhelming a motor vehicle crash can be. After an accident, you face complicated legal steps to protect your rights against the at-fault party. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, you may qualify for compensation under District of Columbia law. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Washington, D.C., handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Learn more about what to do after an auto accident by calling our Washington, D.C. car accident attorneys at (202) 589-1300 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Maryland's Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In Maryland, car accident victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a car accident claim. You must complete your claim paperwork within those three years, or the court may dismiss your case. If you have been involved in a car accident in Maryland, contact a car accident lawyer in Washington, DC right away to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Is Maryland a No-Fault State for Car Accidents? Key Insights
Maryland operates as a no-fault state for car accidents. Drivers may file claims through their own insurance regardless of who caused the crash. However, you can only take legal action against a negligent driver if your injuries meet the specific threshold defined by no-fault laws. In practice, most claims move through medical and auto insurance first, rather than the court system.
Why Should I Seek Immediate Medical Care After a Car Accident?
It is critical to seek medical attention following a crash. Getting medical care helps you create a plan for recovery and documents your accident injuries. A care plan allows you to heal as quickly as possible and respond in a timely manner to any issues that arise. Documenting your injuries with healthcare professionals also helps support your case if you need to pursue compensation.
When Should You Call an Attorney for a Car Accident?
If you have been in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Washington, DC as soon as possible. Our team helps you manage the insurance process and court proceedings, and makes sure your rights stay protected when you deal with insurers or the other party. We guide you in completing paperwork promptly so you do not miss deadlines that could impact your case.
Assisting You in Negotiations with Insurance Companies in Washington, DC
We negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company or attorney for the other party when a settlement offer is inadequate. Insurance companies operate to protect their profits, not to pay the full value of your accident claim. They might offer a quick settlement, but it often covers less than what you deserve under Washington, D.C. law. Rapid settlement offers capitalize on stress, as you may face unexpected medical and repair bills after a crash.
We can review each settlement and help you understand whether it truly covers your medical bills and other losses. Our team explains all options clearly and helps you make informed decisions about any offer you receive.
You should always consult with a Washington D.C. car accident lawyer before negotiating with an insurance company or the defendant’s legal representative.
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Types of Damages in a Car Accident Claim
You may recover two types of damages after an accident: compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages
These break down into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages cover expenses like past, current, and future medical bills, or lost wages. Non-economic damages account for pain, suffering, disability, or loss of consortium as a result of your accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury claims. These are reserved for conduct by companies deemed as egregious. It is used to punish companies for their conduct and deter them from acting the same way in the future.
It is crucial to keep good records of every expense and impact from the date of your crash to support your claim. Our team can walk you through the documentation that helps strengthen your case under local law.
What Causes Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Car accidents happen every day across roads and highways in Washington, D.C. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving claimed approximately 3,100 lives in the United States in 2017. Distractions such as cellphone use, conversation with passengers, eating, using GPS, or adjusting the radio increase risk on the roadway. Accidents can happen in seconds if drivers lose focus, making it vital to stay alert behind the wheel.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair thinking, judgment, and motor skills needed for driving safely. DUI continues to cause preventable accidents and brings strict penalties in D.C.
- Product Liability: Defective vehicles or faulty parts may be responsible for some crashes. In these cases, the designer or manufacturer may be held accountable instead of another driver.
- Driving Conditions: Weather, road construction, or poor road conditions can all contribute to accidents. Even in these situations, drivers must act carefully, and sometimes a municipality may share responsibility if road maintenance fails.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, running red lights or stop signs, and other aggressive behaviors frequently cause car accidents in Washington, D.C. These actions put everyone on the road at greater risk.
If you've been injured in a Washington D.C. car accident, speak with us as soon as possible so that you can maintain your rights at (202) 589-1300.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am partly at fault for my car accident in D.C.?
Washington, D.C. applies contributory negligence. If you are found partly at fault, even as little as one percent, you may not be able to recover damages from the other party. This is why it is crucial to consult a car accident lawyer in Washington, D.C. to have help in pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Do I need a police report to pursue an insurance claim?
In most cases, a police report strengthens your claim and ensures proper documentation. Reporting is mandatory in D.C. if the accident involves injuries, death, or significant property damage.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Washington, D.C. Car Accident
The law does not require that you hire a lawyer after a car accident in Maryland or Washington, D.C., but consulting with an attorney gives you an advantage, especially for severe injuries, vehicle damage, or disputes about who caused the crash.
Here are some reasons why seeking legal counsel after a car accident can be beneficial:
- Legal Insight: An attorney can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights, and clarify the details of laws about car accidents and insurance claims.
- Investigation: A car accident attorney can thoroughly look into your case and work with experts to aid in the investigation.
- Navigating Insurance Claims: Negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when you need fair compensation for your injuries and losses. An attorney handles communications with adjusters and works to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Determining Liability: Figuring out who is responsible for a car accident is essential for compensation. An attorney investigates the facts, gathers evidence, and builds a case to support your claim.
- Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys help you calculate the full value of your injuries, medical costs, wages lost, and other damages, working towards a fair outcome.
- Organization: A car accident lawyer helps you complete all necessary paperwork and meet all deadlines.
At Fay Law Group, our car accident lawyers in Washington, DC have defended the rights of clients in Maryland and the District for over 50 years. We handle each step of the process with clear, timely communication and a client-first approach. From start to finish, we communicate with you about every phase of settlement or litigation.
Work with Our Washington D.C. Car Accident Attorney
Court proceedings, insurance negotiations, and opposing attorneys often make stressful situations worse. Choose a legal advocate who guards your rights and offers support after an accident disrupts your life. At Fay Law Group, P.A., we have served clients in Washington, D.C. for over 50 years. We charge no upfront fees or costs, our contingency arrangement means we only get paid if you recover damages through settlement or litigation.
Injured in a car accident? Please contact one of our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers immediately at (202) 589-1300 to get started on your claim.
