When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

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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Why Timing Matters After a Crash

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.

Handling the Insurance Claim Process

A well-dressed car accident attorney from Regan Zambri Long PLLC stands outside with a confident smile, wearing a navy suit and a yellow patterned tie. The natural green foliage in the background creates a professional yet approachable tone. This image reflects the importance of hiring an attorney after a car accident, especially when dealing with injury claims, insurance denials, or liability disputes. For trusted legal help in Washington, DC, contact Regan Zambri Long PLLC at (202) 937-3310.

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.

When a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary

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:

 

  • All related medical expenses
  • Lost wages from time off work
  • Reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental health treatment and support

Proving Fault Is Key—Let Us Handle It

The team of attorneys at Regan Zambri Long PLLC, featured on the cover of Best Lawyers, pose together in professional attire. The firm is recognized for its leadership in catastrophic injury litigation, including cases involving tanker truck explosions and fuel transportation crashes. Their legal team offers trusted representation for victims of hazardous material transport accidents.

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.

 

In Cases of Wrongful Death

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:

 

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Medical care provided before death
  • Loss of future income and benefits
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Emotional trauma and grief

Every state has its own deadline for filing:

 

  • DC: 2 years from the date of death
  • Maryland: 3 years
  • Virginia: 2 years

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.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Two people sit closely together in quiet reflection after a serious car accident. One rests their head on the other’s shoulder for comfort, while natural light filters softly into the room. The emotional moment represents the confusion and pain many victims or their families feel following a traumatic crash. This is often when the question arises—when should you hire an attorney? Regan Zambri Long PLLC provides guidance and legal support in Washington, DC. Call (202) 937-3310 to understand your rights and when to act after an accident.

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.

Table of Contents

Practice Areas

Construction Zone Accidents
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
Elderly Driver Accidents
Fatal Auto Accidents
Head-On Collisions
Hit and Run Accidents
Rear-End Accidents
Left Turn Accidents
T-Bone Accidents
Teen Driver Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents
Uninsured Motorist Claims
Vehicle Defect Accidents
Wrong Way Driver Accidents

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