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What to Do in a Car Accident Where No One Gets Ticketed in Washington, DC

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Most people instinctively call the police after a car accident. But what happens when no motorist is issued a traffic ticket by the responding officer? If you are curious about the legal implications of traffic citations after an accident, keep reading. You’ll also learn the answers to usual questions regarding a car accident where no one gets ticketed.

When it comes to determining fault, most people assume that the driver who receives a traffic ticket from an officer is the at-fault party. However, that is not always the case.

What to Do in a Car Accident Where No One Gets Ticketed

After an officer responds to your accident and you make a claim with the appropriate insurance company, you should find a local attorney. There are several reasons why including:

In addition, your attorney will speak and negotiate with insurance companies. It might be the difference between receiving a reduced claim and being paid in full for all your damages.

Were You in a Car Accident Where No One Got a Ticket? Here’s What to Do

In the aftermath of a car accident, you may be in shock or too seriously injured to do much of anything. You should trust your instincts when it comes to moving with injuries, but if possible, you will want to be as proactive at the scene as you can.

If you are not able to move but have a trusted friend or family member with you, ask them to help. Otherwise, make note of as much as you can and contact a lawyer as soon as you are able.

Here Are the Important Things to Do After a Car Crash

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, you should get checked out by your doctor. Some injuries may not be visible to the eye, while other injuries might take time to show themselves. You are entitled to compensation for any medical expenses, including chiropractic visits for whiplash, counseling visits to address your mental health after the car accident, or prescriptions to deal with lingering pain.

Your doctor will also be able to provide a note if you must miss any time at work. Car accident compensation covers lost wages, as well.

Gather Evidence

Evidence is crucial for your independent investigation and a successful claim. Document anything that proves the damages you’ve incurred from the accident. This may be done through photos, videos, written notes, testimony, and bills. You should also get a copy of the police report.

You may also gather physical evidence, such as debris from the crash.

At a minimum, you will need to take down the contact and insurance information of any other parties involved. Also, look for potential witnesses and write down their contact information. You will need to retain a lawyer quickly and this initial information could really help with further investigation of your claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Unhappy Female Driver With Damaged Car After Accident Calling Insurance Company On Mobile PhoneWashington, DC, is a no-fault accident state, meaning that you will typically file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your property damage and medical bills.

To seek compensation from the at-fault party, your car accident must meet the exception criteria which are:

An experienced attorney from Regan Zambri Long will help you review the facts of your case, your insurance policy, and your injuries to determine whether you can take action against the negligent party.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Partner Paul Cornoni seated at deskOne of the most important things to do after a car accident is to consult with a reputable personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will review the evidence and documents you bring with you—including any bills you’ve accrued so far, the evidence you collected at the accident scene, and the police report. This information will help determine fault.

When an accident happens, police will write a ticket when there are obvious signs that one or more drivers committed a traffic violation. If the other driver was ticketed, that will strengthen your case. If you received a ticket, you will want to consult with a car accident attorney. A ticket will not exclude you from seeking compensation, but it will make your claim more challenging.

Our Washington, DC car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long are ready to share their expertise with you.

We will represent you if you or a loved one is the victim of a car accident and needs help recovering damages. Contact us at 202-960-4596 for your free consultation. We will explain your legal rights and help you decide whether bringing forward a lawsuit is the best thing for you and your family.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Female,Motorist,Involved,In,Car,Accident,Calling,Insurance,Company,OrThe effects of a car crash aren’t always immediately obvious right after the accident happens. And a quick review of the scene isn’t always enough to give a full picture of the negligence that occurred and who is liable. In an accident with no ticket issued, the other party is going to be doing their utmost to prove fault and establish liability.

It is in your best interest to have an experienced lawyer represent you in your car accident claim. The personal injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have decades of cumulative experience throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia metro areas.

They are ready to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss the next steps for your case.

Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims, through both settlements and trial verdicts. If the liable party is unwilling to offer satisfactory compensation through a settlement, we will not hesitate to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to win the financial recovery you deserve.

Call us today at 202-960-4596 to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Ticket Car Accidents in DC

Q: Does a police officer citation automatically make me liable for an accident?

Throughout different jurisdictions within the U.S., there are various car accident laws. In certain states, a police officer needs to arrive at the scene of a crash and inspect the damages. In others, police officers respond only to auto collisions where there is an injury. However, in Washington D.C., you must contact law enforcement. This serves several purposes.

First, a police officer can help you collect contact information, witness statements, and an accident report.
Second, an officer will determine who likely violated traffic laws and issue a citation to the allegedly liable party. Yet, what most do not know is that an officer does not determine civil liability for damages. Instead, that is up to a judge or jury to decide.

Q: Why do police officers ticket people after an accident?

While it can feel like adding insult to injury to receive a ticket after a car accident, responding police officers typically write a ticket when the evidence at the scene of the accident shows that someone committed a traffic violation.

Although a ticket can have implications for your resulting personal injury claim, it doesn’t guarantee or prohibit compensation.

Q: Can I still pursue compensation if no one was ticketed?

Business people discussion advisor conceptYes, you can pursue compensation even if no one was ticketed after your accident. Not writing a ticket doesn’t mean that no one was at fault, it simply means that the responding officer didn’t have enough evidence immediately available to make a judgment of fault.

Your car accident attorney will investigate to determine who was at fault and proceed with your claim accordingly.

Q: How will a ticket impact my case?

A ticket represents the responding officer’s judgment of fault. Although this may come into play as your claim proceeds, your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, and your respective lawyers will all conduct independent investigations to make their own judgments of fault.

If your case proceeds to a trial, a judge and jury will listen to the evidence and arguments of the lawyers to reach their judgments of the fault and render a final verdict. While the responding officer’s judgment may be a weighty piece of evidence in a trial, it isn’t guaranteed to seal the case one way or the other.

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

Each state has a different statute of limitation on filing personal injury claims. In Washington, DC, and Maryland you have three years from the date of the car accident to file your claim. In Virginia, you have two years to file your claim.

Q: Why is Regan Zambri Long the best law firm for my case?

Regan Zambri LongRegan Zambri Long has been practicing personal injury law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland for more than 25 years. Our law firm is recognized by press and peers alike as top-tier lawyers who win on behalf of our clients.

When you entrust your case to Regan Zambri Long, you entrust it to lawyers who will work tirelessly on your behalf without adding any additional drain on your resources. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win compensation for you.

You can schedule your free case review today online or by calling 202-960-4596.

Schedule a Free Consultation

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.

Call 202-960-4596

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