Understanding Washington, D.C. Car Accident Laws
Car accident laws differ between cities and states, often leading to confusion about responsibilities, liabilities, and rights following a collision. Washington, D.C., has a unique legal framework that can be challenging to grasp without clearly explaining its key aspects.
Are There Unique Insurance Requirements in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $10,000 for property damage.
Additionally, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage, which protects in cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Optional insurance coverages, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or collision coverage, can offer additional financial security. While these are not mandated, they can be useful for covering medical expenses and repair costs, regardless of fault.
What Are the Specific Fault Laws in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is a no-fault jurisdiction, making personal injury claims challenging when other drivers cause your accidents. If there are injuries or property damage, you must file a claim with your auto insurance provider unless:
- Your medical expenses and loss of income exceed your policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) limits.
- Your injuries include total or partial impairment (lasting 180 days or more), disfigurement, or permanent scarring.
Washington, D.C., also operates under a contributory negligence system, which is stricter than comparative negligence laws used in many other jurisdictions. In this system, if a driver is found even slightly at fault for an accident, they are barred from recovering damages. This approach underscores the importance of accurately determining responsibility in every collision.
For example, if one driver speeds and another fails to yield at an intersection, both may bear some degree of responsibility. Even if one driver’s fault is minimal, they may not receive compensation for damages.
How Does the Statute of Limitations Affect Car Accident Claims?
The statute of limitations sets the time frame in which legal claims must be filed following a car accident. In Washington, D.C., individuals generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to act within this period typically results in losing the ability to seek compensation. Exceptions to the statute of limitations may exist in certain cases, such as accidents involving minors or government entities.
What Happens If a Government Vehicle Is Involved in a Car Accident?
Collisions involving government vehicles in Washington, D.C., are handled differently from standard car accidents due to sovereign immunity laws, although some of those are outdated. These laws protect government entities and employees from certain types of legal claims. However, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a pathway for individuals to seek compensation in some cases.
Specific procedures must be followed when filing a claim against a government entity. For example, individuals must file a notice of claim with the District of Columbia or the federal government, depending on the agency involved. This notice generally includes a description of the incident, the damages incurred, and evidence supporting the claim.
It is important to act quickly, as deadlines for filing claims against government entities are often shorter than the standard statute of limitations. Claims can be filed through the D.C. Office of Risk Management’s online portal or through the mail.
Get a Free Consultation From a Knowledgeable Washington, D.C. Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King
A Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer can clarify your options and protect your rights. For a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Duane O. King at 202-331-1963 or submit our online form. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.