What to Do After an Intersection Car Accident in DC

Injured in an Intersection Crash in DC?

Busy intersections across Washington, DC bring together cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians from multiple directions, and one mistake can cause a serious crash. Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC car accident lawyers have guided victims through these moments for almost 30 years, uncovering what went wrong and proving who is responsible. With over 100 5 star Google reviews, our firm fronts all case costs and retains expert witnesses to reconstruct accidents, document medical impact, and strengthen your claim.

Our board-certified attorneys know how to navigate the complex evidence of intersection crashes, from traffic-light data and skid marks to right-of-way disputes and eyewitness testimony. All our award-winning attorneys are listed among the best personal injury lawyers in Washington, DC, and our firm has achieved multimillion-dollar results including $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million for victims of catastrophic collisions.

Have you been injured in an intersection crash in Washington, DC? We understand how a moment can have life-altering consequences. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back personally. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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What Are the Most Common Causes of Intersection Crashes in Washington, DC?

Intersection accidents occur where roads intersect and vehicles converge from multiple directions, which is a significant source of concern for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. These accidents often lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), each year roughly one–quarter of traffic fatalities and about one–half of all traffic injuries in the United States are attributed to intersections.  25% of all pedestrian traffic deaths occurred at intersections in 2024, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC).  

Some of the most common causes of intersection crashes include:

  • Failure to Yield the Right of Way: One of the leading causes of intersection accidents is failing to yield the right-of-way. In 2023, these violations were linked to 7.9% of all traffic fatalities, claiming 4,584 lives. An accident can occur when a driver disregards traffic signals or signs, misjudges the distance or speed of oncoming traffic, or simply ignores the road rules. Ensuring all road users understand and adhere to right-of-way rules is crucial in reducing the risk of intersection accidents.
  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals or stop signs is another common cause of intersection accidents. Running a red light or stop sign can result in a side impact or T-bone accident, which can cause severe injuries to vehicle occupants. To prevent such accidents, drivers must always obey traffic signals and signs.
  • Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, whether due to texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, can reduce awareness of one’s surroundings and increase the likelihood of intersection accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed in crashes caused by distracted driving in 2023. Eliminating distractions while driving is essential in maintaining focus on the road and anticipating potential hazards.
  • Speeding: Speeding through intersections reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing traffic conditions, increasing the chances of an accident. According to the National Safety Council, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, resulting in 11,775 deaths. Adhering to posted speed limits and slowing down when approaching intersections can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Poor Visibility: Caused by weather, glare, or obstructions, poor visibility can also contribute to intersection crashes by making it harder to determine right-of-way. In these cases, investigators often rely on traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis to determine how the crash occurred and who may be liable.
  • Inadequate Traffic Control: Accidents can also occur at intersections with insufficient traffic control measures, such as poorly designed or malfunctioning traffic signals or unclear road markings. Proper maintenance of traffic control devices and regular assessments of intersection design can help prevent accidents.
  • Left Turns: Left turns at intersections can be particularly hazardous, as drivers must navigate across multiple lanes of oncoming traffic. An accident may occur if a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles or fails to yield the right-of-way. Practicing caution and patience when making left turns is essential in avoiding collisions.

Understanding the common causes of intersection accidents is the first step in preventing these potentially deadly accidents. By being aware of these factors, drivers can make more informed decisions and exercise caution when navigating intersections.

However, if you are involved in an intersection wreck because of negligent driving practices, Regan Zambri Long can help you make a car accident claim.

What Steps Should I Take After an Intersection Car Accident in Washington, DC?

Intersection crashes often come down to questions of timing, right-of-way, and traffic signal control, which makes early documentation especially important.

 

  • Check whether traffic lights, stop signs, or pedestrian signals were involved and note their status at the time of the crash
  • Look for nearby traffic cameras, transit cameras, or business security cameras that may have captured the collision
  • Gather contact information from witnesses, since intersection crashes often have multiple observers with different viewpoints
  • Photograph vehicle positions before they are moved, if it is safe to do so, since location in the intersection is often key evidence
  • Request the police report and make sure it reflects signal timing, lane position, and direction of travel

Because intersection crashes frequently involve disputes over right-of-way, this early evidence often plays a central role in determining fault.

Accident victims must understand that each accident is unique, and having a knowledgeable legal professional by their side can help ensure the best possible outcome.

unprotected left turn

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Intersection Accident Claim in Washington, DC?

Intersection accidents can lead to complex legal proceedings, with victims seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses. The timeline to resolve an intersection accident case can vary widely, as can the potential accident compensation awarded.

Several factors can influence the length of time it takes to resolve an intersection accident case, including:

  • The severity of injuries: Cases involving severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue injuries, often require extensive medical treatment and documentation, which can prolong the accident settlement process.
  • Liability disputes: If multiple parties are involved or liability is disputed, the case may take longer to resolve as all parties gather evidence and negotiate.
  • Insurance company negotiations: Negotiating with accident insurance companies can be time-consuming, particularly if they are unwilling to offer fair compensation initially.
  • Litigation: If an accident settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, the case may proceed to litigation, significantly extending the timeline.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After an Intersection Accident in Washington, DC?

The value of an intersection accident claim depends on how badly you were injured and how clear the evidence is about what happened. In Washington, DC, intersection crashes often happen at high-traffic and complex junctions where drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are all moving at once. Locations like Florida Avenue NE and the former Dave Thomas Circle area, Dupont Circle approaches, Chevy Chase Circle, and other busy multi-lane intersections are known for heavy congestion and frequent conflicts.

 

Compensation may include:

 

  • Medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital visits, surgery, and follow-up treatment
  • Lost wages if you missed work or cannot return to the same job
  • Property damage such as vehicle repair or replacement

Intersection cases often rely on evidence that shows exactly how the crash happened. This can include:

 

  • Traffic camera footage from DC intersections showing signal timing or the moment of impact
  • Security camera footage from nearby buildings or transit areas
  • Witness statements about who entered the intersection first
  • Accident reconstruction based on where the vehicles ended up

When the evidence clearly shows that a driver ran a red light or failed to yield, it can strengthen the claim and may lead to higher compensation, especially in serious injury cases.

 

Non-economic damages like pain and suffering may also be higher when intersection crashes involve high impact or multiple vehicles.

How Can a Washington, DC Car Accident Lawyer Help Me After an Intersection Crash?

Given the complexities involved in intersection accident cases, having an experienced attorney representing your interests is essential. An attorney can help you:

  • Gather evidence to support your claim.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and other parties.
  • Calculate the potential worth of your settlement or verdict.
  • Represent you in court, if necessary

To ensure you receive fair compensation, consult an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at fault if both drivers entered the intersection at the same time?

Fault usually depends on who had the right of way at the moment the vehicles entered the intersection. Even if both drivers entered at close to the same time, investigators look at factors like signal timing, lane position, speed, and whether one driver had a green light while the other was turning or running a red light. Traffic camera footage and witness statements are often key in resolving these disputes in Washington, DC.

Does running a yellow light count as failure to yield?

It can, depending on the circumstances. In Washington, DC, a yellow light means drivers should stop if it’s safe to do so. If a driver enters the intersection when they have enough time to stop safely and causes a crash, it may be treated as a failure to yield or a violation of the duty to exercise caution. These cases often come down to speed, distance from the intersection, and traffic signal timing evidence.

 

What happens if a driver turns left and another driver goes straight through the intersection?

Left-turn crashes are very common in Washington, DC intersections and often come down to right-of-way. In most cases, a driver making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight. If a left-turning driver enters the intersection without yielding and a crash occurs, they are often found at fault. These cases are frequently proven using traffic camera footage, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements showing which vehicle entered the intersection first.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long as Your Washington, DC Intersection Accident Lawyer?

Having a skilled and experienced lawyer from Regan Zambri Long by your side in an accident case can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Our lawyers will navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests. They can gather essential evidence, calculate the potential worth of your case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

They can also represent you in court, ensuring your voice is heard and you receive the compensation you deserve.

 

Over the last three decades, Regan Zambri Long has achieved over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims across DC,  Maryland, and Virginia, including dozens of multi-million dollar awards for accident victims:

 

  • $15 million settlement for a paralyzed victim of a car accident
  • $14 million for the victims of an automobile crash
  • $10.6 million settlement after an automobile collision resulted in paraplegia, spinal cord and traumatic brain injury 
  • $10 million settlement for a woman injured in an automobile collision
  • $9.5 million settlement for a man injured in a car crash

Our three named partners, Patrick Regan, Salvatore Zambri, and Victor Long, are all board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and are AV Preeminent-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, one of the nation’s oldest law firm directories. All three have also acted as president of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, as has partner Paul Cornoni. Salvatore and Paul have also been named as that association’s Lawyer of the Year. Partner Jacqueline Colclough currently sits on their Board of Governors, and partner Christopher Regan is Co-Chair of the New Lawyers Division.

 

Washingtonian Magazine has described Patrick Regan as “one of the most successful advocates for clients in negligence”, and named Salvatore Zambri to their Top Lawyers Lifetime Achievement honor roll. Salvatore is also among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, while Patrick and Paul Cornoni join him in the Top 100.

 

All six of our partners are featured among Lawdragon’s list of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the United States, as well as being on Best Lawyers list of the leading personal injury lawyers in Washington, DC, with Patrick, Salvatore, and Paul all having been named as that organization’s Lawyer of the Year.

 

Working with our attorneys means having a team that gathers evidence, works with accident reconstruction experts, negotiates with insurance companies, and prepares each case as if it may go to trial. We handle the legal process so you can focus on your medical care and day-to-day recovery while your claim is being pursued.

Contact Our DC Car Accident Attorneys Today

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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