Hit and Run Accidents in Washington, DC

Injured in a DC Hit and Run Accident?

Under DC law, all drivers are required to remain at the scene of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. When someone violates this law and leaves you injured, you need a lawyer experienced in these complex cases. For over 30 years, Regan Zambri Long’s Washington DC car accident lawyers have stood up for those abandoned on the road, uncovering the truth and holding reckless drivers accountable by identifying the responsible driver through traffic camera footage, witness statements, and collaboration with law enforcement.

With two partners ranked among the top 1% of trial lawyers in the United States, our award-winning team has achieved record-setting recoveries, including $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million for victims of serious collisions. We front all case costs, retain expert witnesses, and fight until justice is secured. Backed by over 100 5 star Google reviews, our clients trust us to deliver results when it matters most.

Have you been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Washington, DC? We know how deeply these moments can shake your life. 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 there’s no fee unless we win your case.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Why Choose A DC Hit and Run Accident Attorney From Regan Zambri Long?

A DC hit and run accident attorney from Regan Zambri Long can help hit and run accident victims in the following ways:

  • Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, review surveillance footage, collect witness statements, and coordinate with law enforcement to identify the fleeing driver.
  • We will analyze your insurance policy to determine your uninsured motorist coverage options and handle all communications with insurance companies to prevent them from minimizing your claim.
  • If the driver remains unidentified, we will explore all potential avenues for recovery, including claims against businesses, property owners, or government entities that may share liability.
  • We will handle negotiations, prepare legal documents, meet filing deadlines, and represent you in court if necessary to secure maximum compensation.

At Regan Zambri Long, our lawyers have almost 200 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of accident victims in Washington, DC. Our case results speak for themselves. Our team once secured a $15 million settlement for a car accident victim who suffered paralysis and a $10.6 million settlement for an automobile collision resulting in paraplegia, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury to the plaintiff. Attorneys Patrick Regan and Chris Regan settled on July 30, 2019.

Other multi-million dollar recoveries for car and pedestrian victims include:

 

  • $14 million for the victims of an automobile collision
  • $10 million settlement for a woman injured in a car crash
  • $9.5 million settlement for a man injured in an automobile collision
  • $3.9 million settlement for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle
  • $2.75 million settlement for a pedestrian hit by a bus in a crosswalk

Our partners and attorneys are widely recognized across Washington, DC, and nationwide for excellence in personal injury law:

 

  • Lawdragon has named all six of our partners to its 2025 list of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers. This is an annual ranking of the top plaintiff-side lawyers in the United States who represent individuals in consumer and other personal injury cases.
  • The attorneys at our firm all feature among Best Lawyers’ top personal injury lawyers in Washington, DC, with three partners honored as Lawyer of the Year for their outstanding results.
  • Salvatore Zambri is ranked among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, while Paul Cornoni and Patrick Regan have earned spots on the Top 100 Super Lawyers list out of the city’s more than 80,000 lawyers.

The data show that hiring an experienced hit and run accident attorney significantly increases your chances of recovering damages, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Past clients agree that you are treated like family at Regan Zambri Long. You can trust the expertise of our attorneys, which will reduce the enormous stress following a hit and run car accident. The initial consultation is free, and our DC personal injury attorneys do not collect a fee unless a settlement or verdict is reached in your favor. Call today to learn how our DC hit and run lawyers can help.

What Steps Should I Take After a Hit and Run in Washington, DC?

Following a DC hit and run accident, there are steps you should take to ensure your safety and the legitimacy of future car accident claims.

  • Ensure everyone is safe and move your vehicle to a secure spot on the road if possible.
  • Take note of where the accident occurred and check to see if any security cameras may have captured the accident. If you could get a glance at the car that hit you, write down the color of the vehicle, the make and model, and the license plate number. Note the car’s direction, or if you think it had any damage from the accident. For example, if the car hit you from behind, tell the police officers that they will look for a vehicle that will most likely have damage to its front bumper.
  • Call the police and emergency services immediately. The police will begin investigating to find the other driver. They will speak to any eyewitnesses and generate a police report, which will be very important in your claim.
  • If you speak with any witnesses, be sure to record their contact information.
  • You should contact your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible. However, do not admit fault or accept a settlement.
  • Contact an experienced hit and run lawyer at Regan Zambri Long to help guide you through the personal injury claim process.
Hit-and-run accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long standing together on the Court House steps.

The insurance company will not have your best interests in mind. You will speak to an adjuster after reporting the accident to your insurance agency, where the adjuster’s job is to save as much money as possible for the insurance company. Many adjusters use manipulation tactics to keep compensation at a very low level.

Regan Zambri Long understands insurance policies and are experts in Washington, DC law. We will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation for your case and help guide you to financial recovery. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and explore your legal options.

How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents in Washington, DC?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the District of Columbia reported 0.75 fatal hit-and-runs per 100,000 residents in 2022. While this number is not as significant as the data from other states suggests, it remains an estimate, as hit and run accidents are often underreported.

 

According to the Washington Post, no driver has been charged in any of the 15 fatal hit-and-run crashes reported in Washington, DC in 2024.

 

Nationwide, other key hit and run statistics include:

 

  • 14.5% of all accidents involved a hit and run driver in 2022.
  • Less than 5% of drivers involved in a fatal crashes were charged with “reckless/careless/hit-and-run” offenses.
  • In 2023, 2,872 people were killed in traffic crashes involving hit-and-run drivers.
  • As of 2021, 23% of pedestrian fatalities involved hit and run drivers, and by 2023, that percentage had increased to 25%.
  • 23% of the 1,166 pedalcyclist deaths in 2023 involved a hit and run accident.
  • According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in five pedestrian deaths is a result of a hit and run accident.
  • A 2012 study found that drivers were four times more likely to flee the scene of a pedestrian hit and run accident if it occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. compared with those between 8 a.m. and 11:59 a.m.

How Long Do I Have to File a Hit and Run Claim in Washington, DC?

The statute of limitations to file a claim after a hit and run accident is three years. This may seem like a long time, but it’s always better to file a claim quickly so that facts and memories are fresh in your mind. Medical bills pile up quickly following a car accident, so the earlier you file a claim, the earlier you can receive compensation to help offset medical and property damage costs.

How Do I File an Uninsured/Underinsured Claim After a Hit and Run?

To file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim after a DC hit and run, first report the accident to the DC police to get a report number. Then, contact your own insurance company to file a Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claim.

 

If you have questions about filing an uninsured motorist claim, call Regan Zambri Long.

How Can I Protect Myself from the Insurance Company After a Hit and Run in Washington, DC?

Following a DC hit and run, there are things you can do to protect yourself from the insurance company’s tactics.

  • Only state the facts when talking to the insurance adjuster.
  • Do not tell the insurance adjuster you feel fine or feel improved, as they may use this to minimize medical payments.
  • Only provide medical information relevant to your injuries.
  • Do not accept blame or say you’re sorry for the accident.
  • Do not lie.
  • Don’t accept the first settlement offer.
  • Do not cash any checks from the insurance until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Sometimes the insurance settlement offer will be enough for your injuries, but when it’s not, you need a DC hit and run lawyer who can guide you through the process. Call Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation.

Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for a Hit and Run?

If a pedestrian’s negligent actions contribute to a hit and run accident, they may be held liable for the collision. Negligent actions include jaywalking, ignoring traffic signals, and other similar behaviors.

Is It a Crime to Leave the Scene of an Accident in Washington, DC?

Yes. There are two crimes for which the offender can be charged after leaving the scene of an accident in Washington, DC. If the offender caused damage to your vehicle and then fled the scene, they can be charged with “leaving after colliding, property damage,” which has a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the hit and run accident caused an injury, then the individual would be charged with “leaving after colliding, personal injury,” which carries a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The law states that individuals involved in an accident must call the police after the crash and wait for them to arrive. This is why it is critical to remain at the scene of the accident and not try to chase after the driver who hit you.

If you were involved in a hit and run, call the DC hit and run accident lawyers of Regan Zambri Long today. Sal Zambri and his team will fight for your rights.

What Compensation is Available Following a Hit and Run Accident in DC?

There are three different types of damages you can recover from a hit and run accident in Washington, DC. The first is economic damages, which cover all expenses you incur from the accident, such as:

  • Medical expenses include ambulance rides, ER visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, treatments, and follow-up appointments.
  • Property damages include car repair or replacement, rental car, and property damaged inside the vehicle during the collision.
  • Wages include loss of income and wages due to missing work because of your injuries and loss of earning capacity (when the injuries you sustained during the accident keep you from returning to work).

Non-economic damages are often referred to as “intangible” because they lack a specific monetary value. However, they cause massive lifestyle changes and add pain to the victim’s life. They include:

  • Physical pain (pain caused by the accident).
  • Mental trauma, anguish, and hardships (grief, depression, nervousness, anxiety, etc.).
  • Unexpected loss (loss of a loved one, loss of enjoyment of life).
  • Physical reparations (disfigurement, physical impairment, sexual dysfunction).

In rare cases, you may receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the behavior of the at-fault party.

If you or someone you love is a victim of a hit and run accident, call 202-972-3767 to learn how the attorneys at Regan Zambri Long may be able to help you through these difficult times and seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our consultations are free.

How Does Washington, DC’s Contributory Negligence Law Impact Hit and Run Claims?

D.C. follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which could prevent victims from recovering damages if they are found even one percent at fault. In the case of hit and run accidents, this means that if it is found that the pedestrian or motorist who was hit in the accident was also negligent in their actions, they may be barred from receiving financial compensation. For example, if the driver were hit after running a red light, they would be found partially liable.

However, under DC Code § 50–2204.52, this rule has an important limitation. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users involved in collisions with motor vehicles are not automatically barred from recovery unless their negligence exceeds that of the driver. This exception offers critical protection in hit and run cases where vulnerable users share only minimal fault, allowing them to still pursue compensation for their injuries.

Do I Need a Police Report to File a Hit and Run Insurance Claim in Washington, DC?

Yes, a police report is generally required to pursue an insurance claim after a hit and run in Washington, DC Here’s why:

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage often requires proof that the accident was a hit and run incident.
  • Most insurers require a police report filed within 24–72 hours.
  • D.C.’s Uninsured Motorist Fund also mandates a police report for eligibility.
  • Without it, your claim may be denied or delayed due to a lack of evidence.
  • Filing promptly strengthens your case and supports both property and injury claims.

Filing a police report not only protects you, it strengthens your legal claim.

Two DC personal injury attorneys are consulting with a client in a bright modern office setting. They are discussing legal options following a hit and run car accident involving injury and property loss. The client appears to be receiving guidance on next legal steps. This image represents the supportive legal consultations offered by Regan Zambri Long PLLC in Baltimore, MD. Their experienced hit and run lawyers handle cases involving uninsured motorists and driver negligence.

Will My Insurance Rates Increase after a Hit and Run Accident?

Yes, your insurance rates can increase after a hit and run incident in DC, but not always. If you’re not at fault and file under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your rates may stay the same. However, using collision coverage or having a history of claims could lead to an increase. Each insurer handles this differently, so check your policy or ask your provider directly for their specific rules.

What Should I Do if I've Been Injured in a Hit and Run Accident?

If you were injured in a hit and run accident, the most critical steps you should take are seeking medical attention and contacting the police. By seeking medical treatment, you create a record of your injuries and any medical needs you have resulting from the accident. Furthermore, by contacting the police, you guarantee a legal account of how the accident occurred.

What are the Most Common Causes of a Hit and Run Accident?

The most common causes of DC hit and run car accidents include:

  • Drunk driving
  • Fear of legal or financial consequences
  • Uninsured or unlicensed drivers
  • Distracted or reckless driving
  • Attempting to avoid traffic tickets or arrest
  • Vehicle defects or poor visibility conditions

Contact Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC Hit and Run Lawyers Today

If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident in Washington, DC, act quickly to protect your health, rights, and financial recovery. From filing a police report to navigating complex insurance rules, every step matters. At Regan Zambri Long, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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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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