Washington DC Auto Accident Attorneys

Were You Injured in a Car Accident in Washington D.C.?

Car and other motor vehicle accidents claim thousands of lives and cause innumerable injuries each year. If you've been hurt in a car crash in Washington D.C., you're likely facing a confusing and stressful situation. Medical bills may be piling up, your car could be totaled, and you might be wondering how you'll make ends meet while you recover.

You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses. Connecting with our Washington D.C. auto accident lawyers behooves you as they are on your side!

Farmer & Klopfer understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges car accidents bring. You can trust the Washington DC auto accident lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer to take on the insurance companies to ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Contact Farmer & Klopfer today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and get you the peace of mind you deserve.

We’ll Settle Your Case As Quickly As Possible

During the last 37-plus years, our Washington D.C. car accident attorneys have won tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients — some of whom have suffered life-altering injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Remember: Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without your attorney present. Call (301) 265-2220, and let our Washington DC auto accident lawyers handle the insurance company.

Navigate To:

• Handling All Types of MVA
• Types of Auto Accidents
• Common Causes of Car Accidents
• How Does No-Fault Coverage Work in D.C.?
• FAQ

Handling All Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Our Washington DC auto accident lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and legal skills to help you. Our team of D.C. car accident attorneys successfully represent clients injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents, including:

• Car accidents — caused by speeding, distracted, drunk and intoxicated drivers
• Truck accidents — involving truck drivers who are fatigued or who tailgate, drive while drunk or intoxicated, and poorly maintained commercial vehicles
• Motorcycle crashes — Caused by inattentive drivers, fail to signal lane changes, and follow motorcycles too closely
• Bike and pedestrian accidents — Involving drivers who drift into bike lanes, run red lights, and fail to yield the right of way

Types of Auto Accidents

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents)
• Sideswipe accidents
• Single-vehicle accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents

• Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, eating, talking to passengers, or any activity that takes your focus off the road significantly increases your risk of an accident.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and illegal. Even prescription medications can impair your ability to drive safely.
• Speeding: Speeding reduces your reaction time and stopping distance, making it harder to avoid accidents.
• Reckless Driving: This includes behaviors like aggressive driving, running red lights, following too closely, and illegal lane changes.
• Drowsy Driving: Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
• Disobeying Traffic Laws: Failing to yield, ignoring stop signs and traffic signals, and improper merging all contribute to accidents.

How Does No-Fault Coverage Work in D.C.?

Washington D.C. operates under a no-fault car insurance system with a twist.

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is Optional: Unlike true no-fault states, PIP coverage, which pays for your medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault, is not mandatory in D.C. You can choose to add it to your car insurance policy.
• Initial Claim Goes to Your Own Insurance: In the event of an accident, you file a claim with your own insurance company, regardless of who caused it. This applies to both medical expenses (if you have PIP) and property damage (covered by your collision and comprehensive insurance).
• Threshold to Sue the At-Fault Driver: D.C. has a "threshold" system. You can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, lost wages beyond PIP coverage, and other damages if your injuries meet a certain severity level. This severity is defined as:
  • Medical bills exceeding your PIP coverage limit, or
  • Injuries resulting in substantial permanent scarring or disfigurement, or
  • A qualifying impairment as outlined in D.C. law.

You Have Questions. Our Washington DC Auto Accident Attorneys Have Answers.

• Do I need a Washington D.C. auto accident attorney?
• Who pays to get my car fixed?
• Can I get a rental car?
• Who pays for my medical expenses?
• How will I pay my bills while I’m out of work?
• Will my job be secure?
• What benefits will I receive now and in the future?

Do I Need a Washington D.C. Auto Accident Attorney?

You may benefit from an accident attorney if:

• You've been injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault.
• The accident caused significant property damage or medical bills.
• You're unsure about how to handle the insurance claim process.
• The insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement.

An attorney can help you navigate the legal system, fight for fair compensation, and protect your rights.

Who Pays to Get My Car Fixed?

In a Washington D.C. car accident, who pays to get your car fixed depends on the circumstances and the type of insurance coverage you and the other driver have. Here are some examples of how it works:

Scenario 1: At-Fault Driver with Collision Coverage

• If the other driver caused the accident and they have collision coverage on their insurance policy, their insurance company will typically cover the repairs to your car.
• Your insurance company won't be involved in fixing your car in this scenario.

Scenario 2: You Caused the Accident (or Other Driver Has No Insurance)

• If you caused the accident or the other driver has no insurance, things get tricky.
  • Your collision coverage: If you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, it will cover repairs to your car, minus your deductible.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage (UM): This covers repairs to your car if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover the damages.

Washington D.C. operates under a no-fault system with a threshold. This means you typically file a claim with your insurance company first, regardless of fault, to cover property damage (through collision coverage). However, suing the at-fault driver for car repairs becomes an option only if their negligence caused serious injuries that meet the district's specific thresholds.

Can I Get a Rental Car?

Rental car coverage may be available through your own car insurance policy or the at-fault party's policy.  An attorney can help you understand your coverage options and navigate the process of obtaining a rental car.

Who Pays for My Medical Expenses?

PIP is optional in D.C., but highly recommended. It covers a portion of your medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses arising from an accident, regardless of who caused it. PIP coverage has limitations on the total amount it will pay.

If the other driver caused the accident and they have liability coverage, their insurance company becomes responsible for your medical bills beyond your PIP coverage limits. However, suing the at-fault driver directly for medical expenses becomes an option only if your injuries meet the district's specific severity thresholds. These thresholds involve:

• exceeding PIP limits
• experiencing permanent disfigurement
• suffering a qualifying impairment

An attorney can help ensure all your medical needs are accounted for in your claim.

How Will I Pay My Bills While I'm Out of Work?

Lost wages due to a car accident can be compensated for through a personal injury claim. An attorney can help document your lost income and fight for compensation to cover your bills while you recover.

Will My Job Be Secure?

Unfortunately, job security after an accident depends on your employer's policies and the severity of your injuries.  However, some laws protect your job in certain situations. An attorney can advise you of your rights and options regarding your employment.

What Benefits Will I Receive Now and In the Future?

The benefits you receive will depend on the specifics of your case.

Present Damages:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all your medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: This compensates for income you lose due to your injuries and inability to work. This may include salary, bonuses, commissions, or self-employment income. Documentation like paystubs is crucial.
• Property Damage: This covers repairs or replacement of your car if it was damaged in the accident.
  • Collision Coverage: If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will typically handle this, minus your deductible.
  • At-fault driver's insurance: If the other driver caused the accident, their insurance may cover your car repairs depending on their policy.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical and emotional pain you experience due to the accident. It's a subjective evaluation and can be a significant portion of your claim, especially for severe injuries.

Future Damages:

• Future Medical Expenses: This covers anticipated medical costs related to your injuries, such as ongoing treatment, surgery, or therapy. A medical professional will estimate these costs.
• Future Lost Wages: This compensates for the potential loss of income due to permanent disabilities or limitations caused by your injuries. Your earning capacity and future career prospects are considered.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Even if you can return to work, your injuries might limit your ability to perform certain tasks or earn the same income as before. You can be compensated for this loss.

Additional Considerations:

• Emotional Distress: This covers mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: This compensates your spouse for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or household services due to your injuries.

Our team at Farmer & Klopfer can help ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve, both for current and future damages related to the accident.

Our Washington DC Auto Accident Attorneys Are On Your Side. We Fight Insurance Companies And Win.

Our team of Washington DC auto accident lawyers have assembled to provide aggressive representation regarding injuries in car accidents. Farmer & Klopfer represents individuals in Waldorf; the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area; and all of southern Maryland.

Please connect with our Washington DC auto accident lawyers as they serve DC, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Clinton, La Plata, Waldorf, Leonardtown, Bladensburg, Hyattsville, Suitland, Landover, Lanham, Greenbelt, Takoma Park, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton, Maryland.

Call us at (301) 265-2220 or contact us for a free consultation about your case.