Fatal Car Accidents in Washington, DC

Seek Justice For a Fatal Car Accident in DC

Fatal car accidents change everything in an instant, leaving devastated families searching for answers, accountability, and a way forward. Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC car accident lawyers draw on our thirty years of experience in handling complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We’ve built our award-winning reputation in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Our board-certified attorneys take on even the most powerful insurance companies, backed by the firm’s extensive resources. We front all case costs, ensuring families have immediate access to the representation they need. Two of our partners rank among the nation’s top 1% of trial attorneys, and our team has secured multimillion-dollar results in crash cases, including $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million settlements. With over 100 five star Google reviews, our clients’ outcomes speak for themselves.

Have you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Washington, D.C.? We understand how traumatic this time can be. Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will call you back personally. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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What Are Your Legal Rights After a Fatal Car Accident in Washington, DC?

DC law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. You will need to prove negligence:

  • That the other party owed a duty of care.
  • The other party breached the duty of care.
  • The breach caused the accident and your loved one’s death.
  • Your family suffered losses as a result of the accident.

Regan Zambri Long’s car accident attorneys will gather evidence to prove your claim and recover the financial compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. We will fight for your right to compensation.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long for Your DC Fatal Car Crash Lawsuit

Fatal car accident cases add an emotional burden to grieving families. You may not recognize all your losses until months after the accident. Calculating the full financial value of your claim takes expert projections for the future.

The attorneys at Regan Zambri Long are your top choice for handling a fatal car crash lawsuit in Washington, DC:

 

  • Senior partner Salvatore Zambri has been named one of the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC. Six of our other attorneys also made the Super Lawyers list.
  • Regan Zambri Long has been included on the Best Law Firms annual list.
  • Seven attorneys, including all our partners, have been highlighted by Best Lawyers as top-tier legal counsel.
  • All six partners have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list.

 

Our named partners are members of the National Board of Trial Advocacy and are AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Patrick Regan and Salvatore Zambri are American Board of Trial Advocates members. Both are past presidents of the DC chapter, and Salvatore Zambri is a member and the National Board Representative for the DC chapter.

 

Our fatal car accident recoveries include:

 

  • A $2.95 million settlement for the estate of a woman struck and killed by a motor vehicle.
  • A nearly $2 million settlement for the family of a person killed in a fatal car crash.

Other significant car accident recoveries include:

 

  • $15 Million Settlement for a car accident victim who suffered paralysis
  • $14 Million Settlement of more than $14 million for the victims of an automobile collision.
  • $10.6 Million Settlement for an automobile collision resulting in paraplegia, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury
  • $10 Million Compensation for a woman injured in a car crash.

When you need guidance on your legal options, count on Regan Zambri Longe. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in Washington, DC?

A heavily damaged silver sedan and minivan are shown after a fatal car accident, surrounded by debris and crash recovery tools. The vehicles are positioned across the road with visible structural damage and open doors, indicating the seriousness of the crash. This image is used by Regan Zambri Long PLLC, a law firm in Washington, DC, that offers legal assistance for fatal accident cases. The visual conveys the severity and real-world consequences of fatal car collisions.

Metropolitan Police reported 52 traffic fatalities in 2024. By mid-2025, that number has declined sharply. District officials reported 11 traffic-related deaths through July 2025, down from 33 during the same period in 2024. City leaders attribute this progress to stronger traffic safety enforcement and public awareness campaigns that appear to be reaching drivers.

 

Negligence is the root cause of many fatal car accidents in Washington, DC. Common causes of fatal crashes include:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes off the road, such as:

 

  • Texting
  • Eating
  • Using in-car technology

 

A brief distraction is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Washington, DC was one of the first cities in the United States to pass a law restricting the use of handheld devices while driving.

Drunk driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs the ability of a motorist to drive safely. It is a major cause of fatal auto accidents. 27% of traffic fatalities in the Washington metropolitan area in 2022 involved alcohol or drug impairment. Drunk driving deaths increased by 180% over a decade, climbing from five in 2014 to 14 in 2023.

Speeding

Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speed-related crashes often result in fatalities, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the National Safety Council, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2023, claiming 11,775 lives.

Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving includes tailgating, weaving through traffic, road rage, and ignoring traffic laws. Aggressive drivers are less likely to notice others on the road or lose control of their vehicles.

Fatigue

Drowsy driving impairs concentration and reaction times, which can cause serious injuries and fatal accidents. The Sleep Foundation reports that drowsy driving plays a role in 21% of fatal accidents. 

 

Drowsy driving is common among truckers who may be pressured to violate regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Poor roadways

Government entities are responsible for road maintenance. Roadway neglect includes:

  • Potholes
  • Poor lighting
  • Inadequate signage
  • Failure to warn of construction or hazards
  • Unsafe road design

Washington, DC ranks 8th in the nation for pothole-related searches, highlighting how visible this problem has become for local drivers.

Defective car parts

Catastrophic wrecks can be caused by vehicle defects, including:

  • Faulty tires
  • Brake flaws
  • Defective airbag systems

Manufacturers and designers must be held accountable for negligence.

When negligence causes a fatal car accident in Washington, DC, your family deserves justice. Regan Zambri Long’s DC legal team will file your wrongful death claim so your family can grieve in peace.

Call today to discuss your case with our DC fatal car accident lawyers.

Proving Wrongful Death in a Fatal DC Car Crash

Wrongful death occurs when someone’s careless or reckless actions cause another person’s death. Liable parties can include:

  • A negligent driver.
  • A negligent trucking company.
  • A government entity responsible for road maintenance.
  • A company that designed or manufactured defective parts.

Your legal team must prove that a reasonable person would not have committed the wrongful action that caused the accident.

Additionally, Washington, DC’s contributory negligence standard requires you to prove that your loved one didn’t share any responsibility for the accident.

Regan Zambri Long has decades of experience protecting futures through wrongful death claims. Call our DC injury lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in a Fatal Car Crash?

Washington, DC law outlines who can file a wrongful death claim. In some cases, the personal representative will file a claim on behalf of the estate and beneficiaries. Othertimes, a primary beneficiary will file a suit.

Estate representative

After death, a personal representative is named or appointed to manage the estate. The representative can file a survival action to compensate the estate for medical bills and funeral costs.

Primary beneficiaries

Certain dependent family members can also claim compensation for a wrongful death in DC. The deceased’s spouse, children, and parents are the primary beneficiaries in a wrongful death claim.

Two attorneys meet with a client in a bright, modern office with large windows overlooking greenery and urban buildings. The legal team is focused and professional, using a laptop and taking notes while discussing details of a personal injury case. This scene reflects the importance of seeking expert legal help after suffering the worst types of car crash injuries, such as spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. Regan Zambri Long PLLC offers trusted representation in Washington, DC. Call (202) 937-3310 to speak with an experienced car accident injury lawyer.

Compensation for Fatal Car Crash Lawsuits

A fatal DC car crash leaves families with emotional trauma and financial burdens. Compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit gives families space to adjust to their new reality.

While money cannot bring back your loved one, it can provide much-needed support following the loss.

Economic damages

Economic damages address the financial impact of losing a loved one, including:

  • Loss of the essential services the deceased provided. Childcare, housekeeping, and other domestic responsibilities are included.
  • Lost income and future earnings. Raises, promotions, and benefits are included in future earnings.
  • Burial and funeral expenses, if the estate does not file a survival action.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages address your family’s intangible losses, including:

  • Physical pain and suffering your loved one experienced.
  • Mental anguish, including fear, anxiety, and emotional distress.
  • Loss of consortium or family relationship due to the death.
  • Loss of companionship, affection, and support of a spouse.

Punitive damages

Sometimes, punitive damages are awarded in fatal car accident cases. Punitive damages punish especially egregious or reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact Our DC Car Accident Attorneys Today

File Your DC Fatal Car Accident Claim

In Washington, DC, the wrongful death statute of limitations is two years from the date of the death. Your lawsuit must be filed within this time frame, or your claim may be dismissed. Some exceptions to DC’s statute of limitations apply. An experienced DC wrongful death attorney will help you file your claim on time.

Regan Zambri Long operates on a contingency fee basis. We don’t collect any fees until we’ve won your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay anything.

A fatal car accident in Washington, DC is tragic. Let Regan Zambri Long support your family while you grieve.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Washington, Fatal Car Accident Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Car Accidents in DC

How can a fatal car accident lawyer help?

An experienced DC car accident lawyer will demand a fair settlement for your family that accounts for all your losses. They will negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.

Negligence is the primary cause of fatal car accidents in DC. Distracted driving, violating traffic laws, and unsafe roads cause fatal crashes.

The personal representative of the estate may file a wrongful death claim. Additionally, family members who were financially dependent on the deceased may be able to file a claim.

DC law requires lawsuits to be filed within two years of the death of your loved one. Failing to file within that time frame may result in your case being dismissed.

Regan Zambri Long has nearly 200 years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys are consistently recognized as some of the best in the DC Metro area. Our legal team will fight for your rights until we secure the justice you deserve.

. Our attorneys are consistently recognized as some of the best in the DC Metro area. Our legal team will fight for your rights until we secure the justice you deserve.

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.

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