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Because Washington, DC is a no-fault insurance jurisdiction, injured drivers and passengers often face extra hurdles when pursuing compensation after a serious crash. At Regan Zambri Long, our Washington, DC car accident lawyers know how to navigate these complexities to help victims recover what they’re owed. With nearly 200 years of combined experience, our board-certified team understands the fine details of DC’s insurance laws and what it takes to challenge low settlements from insurers.
We handle PIP from day one, organize medical proof, and build the record required to qualify for a liability claim when the law allows it. We front all case costs and bring in experts to establish lasting harm, while coordinating UM/UIM coverage if the at-fault driver’s insurance is missing or insufficient. Each of our partners is listed among the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation, and we’ve earned over 100 5 star Google reviews from satisfied clients.
Have you been injured in a Washington, DC car accident? Contact Regan Zambri Long today. One of our award-winning attorneys will call you back . We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
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A no-fault insurance system requires drivers to file a claim with their own insurance, regardless of who was at fault for a car accident. In most no-fault accident jurisdictions (there are 14 in total, including 12 states, and DC and Puerto Rico), the drivers’ auto insurance will cover the property damage and medical costs.
In Washington, DC, the District of Columbia’s Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act requires mandatory coverage, which includes:
Washington, DC is one of the few jurisdictions that require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage. This particular insurance will help compensate for injuries if you are involved in an accident with a motorist who doesn’t have insurance, such as a hit and run, to cover your injuries or property damage.
Nationally, one in seven drivers (15.4%) were uninsured in 2023, while 18% were underinsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. Across the United States and the District of Columbia, one in three drivers lacked sufficient coverage, marking a 10-percentage-point rise since 2017. The District of Columbia ranked third in the nation for uninsured drivers in 2023, with 23.1% of motorists lacking coverage. This makes uninsured motorist protection especially important for anyone driving in the District.
There are exceptions to the no-fault rules in Washington, DC. If you are injured in a car accident, you may still be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver if specific requirements are met. The thresholds that need to be met in Washington, DC, to pursue a claim against the negligent driver who caused your car accident are:
A Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyer will work with you to determine if your case meets DC’s required thresholds. During your free initial consultation, a skilled DC car accident attorney will give you a reasonable assessment of your claim and discuss all your legal options moving forward.
The Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyers are experts in their field. They are deeply knowledgeable about Washington, DC law, the DC court system, and various insurance policies. We have secured millions for our clients, including a recent $14 million settlement for a car accident victim. Our record also includes a $15 million settlement for a paralysed victim of a car accident, $10.6 million for a collision resulting in paraplegia, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury, $10 million for a woman injured in an automobile crash, and $9.5 million for a man hurt in a car accident.
On top of the restrictions of a no-fault jurisdiction, Washington, DC, is also one of the few jurisdictions that still practice contributory negligence laws. Contributory negligence means that if the claimant (the person who files the personal injury claim against another driver) bears any responsibility in the car accident, then he or she cannot collect compensation. For example, if your car accident was mostly due to the other driver being distracted by his cell phone, but you were also speeding at the time of the accident, you could be partially responsible for that accident and you would not be able to recover any compensation for your accident.
Because contributory negligence is so strict, you must have a Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyer by your side during the claims process. We will obtain the police report, investigate the scene of the accident, speak to eyewitnesses, and collect other documentation to prove you played no role in causing the crash. We will determine all negligent parties and hold them fully accountable for your injuries.
Under District law, there is a limited exception for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. In those cases, a claimant may still recover damages if their own negligence was less than the combined negligence of the drivers involved. However, for most motor vehicle collisions, DC’s contributory negligence rule continues to apply in full.
Although it may seem limited in a no-fault state, you have many options to secure enough compensation to offset any medical and property damage costs. Here is a step-by-step process of what you should do:
Before you speak to your insurance company, especially if you are making a recorded statement, contact the car accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long. We know how insurance companies work and the manipulative tactics insurance adjusters use to lowball you. Wait until you have an experienced lawyer by your side to call your provider. Your legal advocate will take care of the correspondence and make sure you do not commit to a low settlement.
If you sustained severe injuries that are ongoing or permanent and will require more compensation than your insurance coverage provides, a Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a claim against the other driver. Your attorney will seek the following damages:
Being involved in a car accident is traumatizing. The aftermath, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens, can be overwhelming. Navigating the DC no-fault insurance system, as well as various laws and policies is often too much for a car accident victim to do alone. With a Regan Zambri Long car accident lawyer by your side, there is no need to take this one by yourself.
Our lawyers will take care of the paperwork, the deadlines, and the negotiations. We prepare every case as if it were going to trial, so if you do not receive a favorable settlement, we will use our extensive resources to take your case to court. Car accident cases can be lengthy. Smaller firms in the DC area may not have the financial backing to see your case through as DC is a no-fault accident state, but Regan Zambri Long does. You can rest assured your lawyer will be with you until the very end.
Regan Zambri Long’s award-winning attorneys are recognized among Washington, DC’s most accomplished trial lawyers. Salvatore Zambri has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, while Paul Cornoni and Patrick Regan have been named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers list. All of our partners recognized by Best Lawyers as being among the Best Lawyers in America. Patrick Regan has twice been named their Lawyer of the Year for Mass Tort Litigation and twice for Medical Malpractice Law. Paul Cornoni earned Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation, and Salvatore Zambri received the same honor for Product Liability Litigation.
Leadership is part of our firm’s foundation. Four partners have served as president of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, while Jacqueline Colclough currently serves on the Board of Governors, and Christopher Regan is Co-Chair of the New Lawyers Division. Patrick Regan and Salvatore Zambri are both past presidents of the DC Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Salvatore is the current National Board Representative for the DC chapter.
Call the Regan Zambri Long Washington, DC car accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation. Let us take on the insurance companies and claims process while you focus on recovering and rebuilding your life. Call (202)960-4596 today.
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.