When you are hit from behind, you need a Washington, DC car accident lawyer who understands how these cases unfold and what it takes to secure meaningful compensation. Rear-end collisions are among the most disruptive crashes on Washington, DC’s busy streets, often leaving drivers with injuries that surface slowly and costs that rise quickly.
Regan Zambri Long’s award-winning car accident lawyers have 200 years of combined experience, and all six partners are among the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the United States. We are consistently named among the Best Law Firms in America, and have secured more than $1 billion for personal injury victims, including major car accident recoveries of $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million. We have over 100 5 star Google reviews, and retain top experts to help us document the full scope of injuries and losses so you can pursue the outcome your situation calls for.
Have you been injured in a rear-end accident in Washington, DC? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will personally 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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Washington, DC ranks as the second most dangerous US city to drive in. According to the 2025 best driver’s report from Allstate, DC drivers are involved in a crash every 3.87 years.
Additionally, Vision Zero crash data revealed that DC’s 7th and 8th wards, including Anacostia, Bellevue, and Capitol View, experience the most crashes. As of early October 2025, there were more than 3,000 crashes that resulted in injuries.
Rear-end collisions often look minor at first, but the injuries can be serious and slow to appear. Whiplash, back pain, and other symptoms can develop over days or weeks. That is why having an experienced legal team on your side matters.
Regan Zambri Long has spent three decades representing injured drivers across Washington, DC and our attorneys understand the immediate and long-term impact of these crashes.
Our attorneys are:
Our results in car accident cases show what that experience means in practice. We have achieved over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for personal injury clients, including multi-million-dollar recoveries for crash victims such as:
Our $3.8 million verdict in Tovar v. McKesson Corporation was the highest car accident jury verdict in Washington, DC in the last 10 years.
If you were injured in a rear-end crash, you deserve compensation. Regan Zambri Long will get it for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
A rear-end collision occurs when the front of a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. Speeding and running red lights are two main causes of rear-end accidents. All drivers must use reasonable care on the road, including watching for other road users and hazards. Drivers must also maintain control of the vehicle. Common negligent driving behaviors include:
It might be reasonable to assume that the rear driver is responsible for an accident. But sometimes the front driver is liable. A DC car accident lawyer can help you determine who is at fault and what compensation you can claim.
Either driver involved in the crash can be liable for a rear-end accident. Washington, DC is one of five jurisdictions (including Maryland and Virginia) that follow a contributory negligence rule. If a driver is found to share any responsibility for the accident, they cannot file a personal injury lawsuit.
The lead driver may be at fault in a rear-end accident if they were driving negligently, such as:
Regan Zambri Long has more than 200 years of combined experience. We have handled all types of rear-end accidents. We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We will take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. Call our DC office today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Washington, DC is not a true no-fault state. It uses a “choice” insurance system. DC drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and after a crash you generally have 60 days to make an election:
If you accept PIP, you can still step outside it and file a personal injury lawsuit when your losses exceed your PIP coverage or your injuries meet DC’s severity threshold, such as serious permanent injury or disfigurement.
When you do pursue the at-fault driver, DC follows a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the crash, you can be barred from recovering anything. DC is one of only a few jurisdictions — along with Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina — that still applies this harsh standard. In a rear-end case, insurers know this, so they look hard for any way to pin partial blame on you. Building the evidence that establishes the other driver’s full responsibility is the most important part of protecting your claim.
You generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (D.C. Code § 12-301(8)), but the PIP election deadline comes much sooner — which is one reason to speak with a lawyer quickly.
Your lawyer’s investigation will prove who was negligent. Your legal team will collect evidence, including:
We will consult with experts who will interpret the data and provide statements on the accident’s cause. Contact us today to begin filing your claim.
Rear-end accident injuries can range from minor to severe. Rear-endings can also lead to more severe crashes if one or both vehicles cannot be moved. Rear-endings were the first harmful event in 7.2 percent of traffic fatalities in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Common injuries include:
A rear-end accident happens quickly. The consequences can last a lifetime. When you choose a Washington, DC car accident lawyer from Regan Zambri Long, you choose peace of mind while you focus on your physical recovery. Our legal team will handle every aspect of your claim. We will pursue justice for you, no matter what it takes. Contact our DC law office today to discuss your next steps.
With more than 200 years of experience, Regan Zambri Long is one of the DC Metro’s best choices for rear-end crash legal guidance.
We know that the money we recover for you can dramatically improve your life. We will use all our knowledge and experience to fight for fair compensation for you.
Our DC rear-end car crash lawyers are always available to you. We will meet with you for a free consultation to answer your questions. We will handle settlement negotiations and trial preparation, if necessary.
Regan Zambri Long’s no-win, no-fee guarantee ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Every personal injury claim has a different timeline. You will need evidence that proves fault. You will also want to reach maximum physical recovery before agreeing to a settlement. However, your claim must be filed within the three-year statute of limitations under D.C. Code § 12-301(8).
Rear-end car accident claims can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of injuries and property damage. Victims are entitled to compensation for direct financial losses, medical bills, and emotional trauma.
Washington, DC is a no-fault car insurance state. In most cases, your own insurance policy will cover your damages. However, you may be able to file a personal injury claim if someone else was negligent. DC drivers must also carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance pays certain personal injury expenses regardless of fault. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed if your injuries cost more than your PIP benefits cover or meet a severity threshold.
Choose a firm with a track record in cases like yours and recognition from independent rating services. Look for trial credentials, such as board certification and peer honors like Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, verifiable case results, and client reviews. Because DC’s contributory negligence rule lets a defense pin even 1% of fault on you, it helps to have a firm experienced in proving the other driver’s full responsibility. Use a free consultation to confirm the firm is the right fit before you commit.
Law firms may have different pay structures, including hourly and flat fees. Regan Zambri Long works on a contingency fee basis. We don’t collect any payment until we’ve made a recovery for you.
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.