If you’ve just been in a car accident, you might be wondering whether you need a lawyer—and when to bring one in. The truth is, you’re not legally required to hire an attorney. You’re allowed to handle an insurance claim on your own. But that doesn’t always mean it’s the best move.
At Regan Zambri Long, we’ve spent decades helping people across DC, Maryland, and Virginia deal with the aftermath of serious crashes. And one thing we know for sure: the sooner you get legal help, the stronger your chances of a fair recovery.
When you should hire an attorney after a car accident will be completely up to you–the DC, VA, and MD, car accident attorneys of Regan Zambri Long can help you at any step in the process.
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You don’t have to hire an attorney the minute the airbags go off. But the longer you wait, the more complicated things can get. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies start building their case—often to minimize your payout.
Having a lawyer early in the process means you can focus on your health while we handle the rest. From gathering evidence and identifying who’s at fault to dealing with insurance adjusters and filing a lawsuit if needed, at Regan Zambri Long, we’re in your corner from the start.
For most people, the first step after a crash is filing an insurance claim. But here’s the catch—DC, Virginia, and Maryland follow strict contributory negligence rules. That means if you’re even slightly at fault, you could be barred from recovering anything at all.
That’s why insurance companies waste no time trying to shift blame. They might twist your words or lowball your injuries. An experienced attorney knows how to spot those tactics and push back. We gather the right documentation, talk to the right experts, and make sure your side of the story is backed by evidence—not just assumptions.
And if the other driver doesn’t have insurance—or doesn’t have enough—your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might come into play. We can help you figure that out and work to get every dollar you’re owed under your policy.
If the insurance money doesn’t come close to covering your losses, or the other side refuses to take your injuries seriously, a personal injury lawsuit might be your next option.
Some injuries—like brain trauma, spinal damage, or internal bleeding—don’t always show up right away. And insurance offers made too soon after a crash often leave out the costs of long-term care, lost income, and emotional distress.
We help our clients pursue lawsuits when it makes sense. That means building a strong case, bringing in experts, and making sure your claim is filed before the deadline runs out (each state has its own statute of limitations).
You might be entitled to recover:
Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or taking your case to court, proving that someone else caused the crash is a must. Maybe the other driver was texting. Maybe they ran a red light. Or maybe they were drunk or exhausted behind the wheel.
We don’t rely on guesses. Our team works with crash scene investigators, medical professionals, and sometimes even accident reconstruction experts to get the full picture. We know what insurance companies look for—and how to beat them at their own game.
Some crashes are so severe, they claim a life—either at the scene or in the days, weeks, or even years that follow. These cases aren’t just emotionally devastating. They also bring major financial strain to surviving families.
If your loved one was killed in a crash caused by someone else’s actions, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These cases can compensate you for:
Every state has its own deadline for filing:
Wrongful death cases can get complicated, especially when more than one party might be responsible. Our team is here to guide you through it with compassion and clarity.
After a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Maybe you’re dealing with pain, car repairs, medical bills, and phone calls from insurance companies—all at once. You don’t have to handle this on your own.
At Regan Zambri Long, we’ve helped injured drivers and grieving families in DC, Maryland, and Virginia recover millions in verdicts and settlements. Whether you just had your accident or you’ve been stuck in the middle of a messy claims process, we can step in and help.
We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us at (202) 946-5322 or reach out online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about your options and how we can help you move forward.
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