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When who lose a loved one in a car accident, speaking with a Washington, DC car accident lawyer is part of protecting your family and understanding what comes next. The days after a fatal crash are filled with unanswered questions, pressure from insurers, and decisions that feel urgent even while you are still grieving. Having the right legal team involved early can shape how the case unfolds.
Regan Zambri Long’s auto accident attorneys have represented families after fatal car accidents across Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia since 1997. Best Lawyers has named our board-certified partners as Lawyer of the Year on multiple occasions and consistently includes us among the Best Law Firms in America. We have handled some of the most serious wrongful death cases in the region, and secured over $1 billion in recoveries, including fatal car accident results of $15.2 million, $6 million, $5 million, and $4 million.
Have you or a loved one been affected by a fatal car accident in Washington, DC? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our award-winning attorneys will personally call you back. 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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Fatal car accidents continue to affect families across Washington, DC. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47 people were killed in car crashes in the District in 2024. That year, DC recorded a fatality rate of 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, placing it among the top 10 jurisdictions nationwide for traffic-related fatalities.
This reflects a broader national picture as well. The National Safety Council reported that 44,680 people died in traffic crashes across the United States in 2024, with Washington, DC seeing an 11% increase compared to 2023. More recent figures show signs of improvement. By July 2025, traffic-related deaths in the District had declined significantly, and by mid-December 2025, the total number of fatalities for the year stood at 25. That represents an almost 50% decrease from 2024, while still highlighting how devastating these crashes can be for the families involved.
When a loved one dies in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence in Washington, DC, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These legal actions seek compensation for the tremendous losses families experience, including lost income, funeral expenses, and the emotional pain of losing a family member.
According to §16–2702 of the Code of the District of Columbia, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the death, and only specific family members can initiate these claims. The personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or siblings.
Washington, DC follows “contributory negligence” rules, meaning compensation may be denied if the deceased was even partially at fault for the accident. This makes having experienced legal representation crucial when pursuing these complex claims.
If you’ve lost a family member in a DC car accident, consulting with an auto accident attorney who specializes in wrongful death litigation can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves during this difficult time. Call Regan Zambri Long.
Typically, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed by the family of the deceased. In Washington, DC, a claim will be filed by the deceased’s estate on behalf of the spouse or domestic partner. If the lost loved one did not leave behind a spouse or domestic partner, their next of kin would be able to seek compensation. Depending on the case, this can include parents, children, siblings, and other relatives.
If the claim is successful, any monetary damages will be paid to the deceased’s estate, which will then distribute the amount per the deceased’s will.
Losing a loved one greatly impacts the lives of surviving family members. From left behind medical bills to lost income to support any dependents, a fatal car accident can be complicated for the family of the deceased. Damages for surviving family members can range from economic to punitive if the at-fault driver was reckless.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be entitled to damages such as:
For lost wages, the surviving family can sometimes recover the amount the deceased would have earned in the long term through retirement. In Washington, DC, you cannot fight for any damages, including emotional stress, loss of love, or affection. However, you cannot recover anything if you do not file your claim within the two-year window to do so by law.
After a fatal car accident, families are often asked to make important decisions while still grieving and trying to process an overwhelming loss. The right legal team can help bring order to a difficult situation, managing the legal process with care, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what families are facing at every step.
Since our incorporation in 1997, Regan Zambri Long has recovered more than $1 billion in personal injury settlements and verdicts for clients across Washington, DC and beyond. That experience includes significant results in fatal car accident cases, such as:
Behind those outcomes is a leadership team with deep trial experience and long-standing respect within the legal community. All six of our partners are named to Lawdragon’s list of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America, selected from more than 135,000 personal injury lawyers nationwide.
Our three founding partners are board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction held by only about 4% of lawyers in the United States. Each also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest peer recognition for legal skill, judgment, and professional integrity.
Patrick Regan is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, two invitation-only organizations that recognize trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional advocacy, professionalism, and ethical standards at the highest level. Both Patrick Regan and Salvatore Zambri are members of the International Society of Barristers and have served as past presidents of the DC chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Salvatore Zambri has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, while Patrick Regan and Paul Cornoni have each been recognized among the Top 100 Super Lawyers in the District. Patrick Regan has also been named one of the National Law Journal’s “Top Ten Power Lawyers” in Washington, DC, reflecting his influence and leadership in complex, high-stakes litigation.
For families navigating the aftermath of a fatal car accident, this depth of experience matters. It means your case is handled with care, preparation, and a clear strategy from the very beginning. It also means having lawyers who understand how to build strong wrongful death claims, work with respected experts, and pursue accountability with compassion and precision.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, Regan Zambri Long is here to help you take the next step when you’re ready. Contact us today to speak about the details of your case in a free consultation.
After a fatal car accident, contact emergency services immediately and follow instructions from law enforcement at the scene. In the days that follow, gathering key information and speaking with an experienced attorney can help protect your family’s rights during an overwhelming time.
A criminal case focuses on whether the at-fault driver violated the law and may result in penalties such as fines or jail time. A wrongful death claim is a civil action that seeks financial compensation for surviving family members, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.
Yes, a wrongful death claim can move forward even if no criminal charges were brought or if the driver was acquitted. Civil cases use a different legal standard and focus on negligence rather than criminal guilt.
In Washington, DC, a wrongful death claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of eligible family members. Those beneficiaries typically include a surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, or other close relatives, depending on the circumstances.
Any compensation recovered in a wrongful death case is paid to the deceased’s estate and then distributed according to the will or DC intestacy laws. This process is handled through the estate to ensure the funds are allocated properly and fairly.
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.