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What you do immediately after a car crash can shape everything that follows, which is why turning to Regan Zambri Long’s award-winning Washington, DC car accident attorneys to step in early keeps things moving in the right direction.
We’re named one of America’s Best Law Firms, and bring nearly 200 years of combined experience to car accident cases in Washington, DC. Our board-certified partners are listed among the nation’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers, and we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for injured clients, including car accident results of $15 million, $14 million, $10.6 million, and $10 million. We front all case costs and work with top-tier experts to fully document how a crash happened and how it has changed a client’s life. A crash can leave you shaken, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. In the immediate aftermath—especially if your injuries are serious—it’s not always possible to think clearly or take the right steps. But if you’re able, what you do in those first moments can shape what happens later with your injury claim.
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If you aren’t seriously injured and can move safely, here are the steps to take:
Car accidents are a daily reality in Washington, DC, and the consequences can be severe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47 people were killed in DC car accidents in 2024, with a fatality rate of 1.35 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, placing the District among the top 10 nationwide. Vision Zero data shows that around 3,600 drivers and roughly 1,500 passengers were injured in DC car accidents during the same year. WTOP’s traffic reporters also recorded well over 17,000 traffic incidents across the District in 2024 alone. Taken together, these figures highlight why what you do in the minutes after a crash matters.
It sounds simple, but in reality, these steps can be easy to miss or mix up—especially when you’re in pain or just trying to get home. That’s why our team helps make sure nothing gets overlooked. Regan Zambri Long is ready to protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.
Photos and video are some of the most powerful evidence you can gather at the crash scene. They show what words might miss: the damage to both vehicles, debris in the road, tire marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and more.
Try to get wide shots of the scene and close-ups of specific damage. If you’re too injured to take photos yourself, ask a friend, bystander, or responding officer if they can help.
Tempers can flare after a collision. Even if emotions are running high, try to stay calm and keep the conversation short.
Confirm that everyone is okay. Then ask for their name, contact info, insurance company, and policy number. Write it down or take a photo of their insurance card and driver’s license if they allow it. Don’t apologize or suggest blame, even as a polite gesture. What seems like a harmless “I’m so sorry” could be twisted into an admission of fault.
A neutral witness can make or break a case. If someone saw the crash, get their contact info. Their account could support your version of events—especially if the other driver tries to change their story or deny fault.
If they’re willing to wait until the police arrive, even better. Witness statements taken at the scene carry more weight than those gathered weeks later.
After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain. Some injuries—like soft tissue damage, whiplash, concussions, blood clots, internal bleeding, back injuries, or emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—take hours or days to show symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out, even if you think you’re fine.
If you or a passenger were pregnant, it is also critical to have an evaluation of the pregnancy to ensure there were no complications because of the collision.
Keep records of everything: ER visits, follow-up appointments, prescriptions, X-rays, and physical therapy. This documentation could help prove the extent of your injuries when it’s time to demand compensation.
Once you’re home and trying to recover, the phone calls start. Insurance adjusters will want your version of events—but their goal is often to minimize what they pay out. And in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, where strict contributory negligence rules apply, they may try to argue you were even 1% at fault to deny your claim entirely.
If you’re already dealing with pain, missed work, or a totaled car, arguing with insurance companies is the last thing you need.
Let our team handle that. At Regan Zambri Long, we know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We push back when they try to downplay your injuries or shift the blame. Our team will make sure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
People sometimes skip this step if the damage seems minor or no one looks badly hurt. But in Washington, DC, involving law enforcement is key.
Not only can police document the crash with an official report (which could be valuable later), but if the other driver was speeding, texting, intoxicated, or behaving aggressively, the officers may note that in their report. That information can be critical when you’re trying to recover compensation for your injuries.
Make sure to get the responding officer’s name and badge number. Ask when and where you can get a copy of the police report—it might take a few days.
When the police arrive, you’ll be asked to explain what happened. Keep it simple. You’re not expected to tell the full story or figure out who’s at fault—that’s not your job.
Stick to what you saw and experienced. Don’t guess, exaggerate, or make assumptions. And most importantly, don’t say things like, “I didn’t see them coming,” or “I might’ve been going too fast,” even if you feel unsure. These types of comments can be misinterpreted or used against you later.
Whether the accident just happened or you’re weeks into dealing with bills and paperwork, you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Regan Zambri Long, we’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for people hurt in car crashes across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. That includes eight-figure car accident results of:
These results are backed by leadership with deep roots in Washington, DC and national recognition for trial advocacy. Partners Patrick Regan, Salvatore Zambri, and Paul Cornoni have each been named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year and recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, with Sal Zambri also earning a place in the Top 10. Patrick Regan has been named one of the National Law Journal’s “Top Ten Power Lawyers” in Washington, DC.
All six partners are featured on Lawdragon’s list of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the nation, selected from more than 135,000 personal injury lawyers across the United States, and we are consistently recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America.
All of that comes down to having people in your corner who know how these cases unfold and what it takes to keep things moving forward. It means you can hand things over to a team that’s handled moments like this before and knows how to carry the load when you need breathing room. If you’re not sure what to do next—or just want someone to take the weight off your shoulders—we’re here for you.
There’s no upfront cost. We only get paid if we win.
Call us today at (202) 946-5322 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation.
If you can move safely, call 911 right away after a car accident so that police and medical help can assess the situation. Even if the crash seems minor, having officers respond creates a record that can be important later.
Yes, it’s smart to call the police, even for low-speed crashes or minor damage. An official report can document fault, road conditions, and driver behavior, which can help protect you if questions come up later.
Yes, you should get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t feel injured at the scene. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries take hours or days to show up.
When speaking to an insurance company after a car accident keep your report brief and factual, and avoid giving a recorded statement right away. You can share basic information, but it’s okay to wait until you’ve had a chance to understand your injuries and your options.
Contacting a DC car accident lawyer early on can help you avoid mistakes that affect your claim and take pressure off while you recover. A lawyer can handle insurance calls, preserve evidence, and guide you through next steps from the start.
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.