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Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.
Legal Rights and Compensation Guide
Motor vehicle accidents in Washington D.C. are governed by a distinct set of local laws that differ significantly from those of surrounding states. Understanding the fault rules, insurance requirements, and litigation timelines is essential for anyone involved in a car accident in the District.
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1. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: No-Fault vs. Tort-Based System
Unlike neighboring Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C. follows a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. This means injured parties must initially seek compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, victims may opt out of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit under a fault-based tort system if their injuries are considered “serious” — such as permanent disfigurement, fractures, or significant medical expenses.
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Minimum Insurance Requirements
All drivers in Washington D.C. are required to carry the following minimum auto insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): same limits as above
Drivers must also carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
3. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Reporting and Legal Deadlines
Under D.C. law, any motor vehicle accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $250 must be reported to the Metropolitan Police Department within 5 days.
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit due to a motor vehicle accident is three years from the date of the incident. Failure to file within this period can result in a permanent bar to recovery.
4. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Contributory Negligence Doctrine
Washington D.C. applies a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if a plaintiff is found to be even 1% at fault, they are completely barred from recovering damages.
This is a major departure from comparative negligence systems used in most other jurisdictions. Therefore, even a minor fault — such as slightly speeding or failing to signal — can prevent a successful claim.
5. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Pedestrian and Bicycle Protections
D.C. laws provide enhanced protections for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and failure to do so can result in both civil liability and criminal charges.
Importantly, even though contributory negligence applies, recent court rulings have allowed pedestrian plaintiffs some flexibility in establishing negligence when vehicles violate D.C. traffic laws.
6. Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Available Compensation
Victims of motor vehicle accidents in D.C. may be entitled to the following damages:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property repair or replacement
- Wrongful death damages (for families of deceased victims)
Plaintiffs must prove damages with documentation such as medical bills, wage statements, and repair invoices.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit-and-run accidents are taken seriously under D.C. law. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a criminal offense and may result in imprisonment and license suspension.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may still recover compensation through their Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is mandatory in D.C.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Washington D.C.: What to Do After a Collision
If you are involved in a crash in Washington D.C., take these steps:
1. Check for injuries and call 911.
2. Exchange information with all parties.
3. Document the scene (photos, license plates).
4. File a police report if required.
5. Seek immediate medical attention.
6. Notify your insurance company.
7. Consult with a legal professional if needed.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
