Car Accident Attorneys in Washington, District of Columbia

January 1, 2026 / Comments Off

1. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, brain injuries, medical malpractice, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, bus accidents, metro accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, rideshare accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, wrongful death claims, investigation services, expert witness coordination

Background: Firm established for over 50 years serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Four partners have served as Presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. One partner received 2024 Trial Lawyer of the Year from the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Past President of the Brain Injury Association of Washington, D.C. Two partners are board-certified in civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The firm was chosen as Preferred Lawyers by the Brain Injury Association of America. Has recovered over $1 billion for clients.

Location: 1232 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Contact: (202) 659-8600 | https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/

Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless compensation recovered), all legal expenses advanced

2. Cohen & Cohen, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents

Background: Over 30 years in practice representing injured clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Founding partner Wayne Cohen has been featured on ABC News, NBC, FOX, The Washington Post, and USA Today. The firm has represented thousands of accident victims and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Experienced in both litigation and trial practice. Strong understanding of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia contributory negligence rules.

Location: 1090 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

Contact: (202) 955-4529 | https://cohenandcohen.net/

Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless successful)

3. Regan Zambri Long, PLLC

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, birth injuries, pedestrian accidents

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, commercial truck accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation, investigation services, expert witness coordination

Background: Partners Patrick Regan and Sal Zambri have been recognized by The Washingtonian as among Washington’s best, most honest, and effective lawyers. Sal Zambri is counted among the “Top 1%” of Metro area attorneys. The firm has nearly 195 years of combined experience and has secured more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts. Recognized multiple times as one of the top personal injury law firms in D.C. Specializes in truck accident litigation with knowledge of FMCSA regulations.

Location: 1919 M Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20036

Contact: (202) 463-3030 | https://rhllaw.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, no-obligation case evaluation, contingency fee basis

4. Wingfield, Ginsburg & Lipp, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, parking lot accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, rideshare accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, property damage claims

Background: Over four decades handling personal injury and wrongful death cases exclusively. The firm serves the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Team members speak English, Spanish, and Farsi fluently. Every matter is handled by a dedicated team including attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff. The firm focuses on providing personalized attention and communication throughout the claims process.

Location: 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036

Contact: (202) 296-1110 | https://www.dmvinjurylaw.com/

Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement

5. Gelb & Gelb, P.C.

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, intersection accidents, side-impact accidents, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, asset investigation, uninsured motorist claims

Background: Gelb & Gelb has served as a personal injury law firm in Washington, D.C. for over 70 years. Attorney Roger K. Gelb has over 30 years of experience handling accident cases and has won thousands of cases. Located in the heart of Downtown Washington, D.C., just above the Farragut Metro station. The firm offers 24/7 availability and provides quick, convenient access for residents across all four quadrants of the District.

Location: 1875 I Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20006

Contact: (202) 331-1100 | https://gelbandgelb.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, available 24/7, contingency fee basis

Car Accident Laws and Regulations in District of Columbia

Statute of Limitations:
The District of Columbia provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (D.C. Code Section 12-301). Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death (D.C. Code Section 12-2702). For claims against the District of Columbia government or its employees, a written notice of claim must be filed within six months of the accident. Missing these deadlines typically results in the claim being barred.

Fault System:
Washington, D.C. operates under an at-fault (tort) insurance system. The driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. Injured parties must prove the other driver was negligent to recover compensation from that driver’s insurance.

Contributory Negligence:
The District of Columbia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest in the country. If an injured party is found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even by 1%, they are completely barred from recovering any damages. The only exception is the “last clear chance” doctrine, which may allow recovery if the defendant had the final opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so. A modified rule applies to vulnerable users (pedestrians and cyclists), who can recover if they are less than 50% at fault.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
D.C. requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:

$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 property damage liability per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
The District of Columbia requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of their insurance policy. This coverage protects you if you are injured by a driver without adequate insurance.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
D.C. has an optional no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) system. Insurance companies must offer PIP coverage, though it is not mandatory. If you purchase PIP and are injured, you have 60 days to elect to receive no-fault benefits. If you elect PIP, you generally cannot pursue a claim against the at-fault driver unless your injuries meet certain severity thresholds: significant impairment, permanent scarring or disability lasting at least six months, or medical costs exceeding your PIP limits.

Damage Caps:
The District of Columbia does not impose statutory caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. There are no limits on economic or non-economic damages. However, the contributory negligence rule often prevents recovery entirely if any fault is attributed to the claimant.

Reporting Requirements:
Drivers must report auto accidents to D.C. law enforcement within five days if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $250. Drivers must stop and exchange insurance information following an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., you have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to most injury claims arising from negligence. Wrongful death claims have a shorter deadline of two years from the date of death. If your accident involved a D.C. government vehicle or employee, you must file a written notice of claim within six months. Because D.C.’s contributory negligence rule can bar claims entirely if any fault is found, preserving evidence and consulting with an attorney quickly after an accident is particularly important.

How does contributory negligence affect my car accident claim in D.C.?

Washington, D.C. follows the contributory negligence rule, one of the strictest fault standards in the United States. Under this rule, if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any manner, even by 1%, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party. Insurance companies and defense attorneys aggressively look for any evidence of shared fault to deny claims entirely. The only exception is the “last clear chance” doctrine, which may allow recovery if the defendant had the final opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so. A modified comparative negligence rule applies to pedestrians and cyclists, who can recover if they are less than 50% at fault.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Washington, D.C.?

After a car accident in D.C., move your vehicle out of traffic if safely possible, then call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention if anyone is injured. Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some conditions may not be immediately apparent. Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid making recorded statements or admitting fault. Consult with a personal injury attorney before engaging in detailed discussions with any insurance company.

Can I recover compensation if the at-fault driver was uninsured in D.C.?

Yes, Washington, D.C. requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which protects you if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance. This coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limits. Additionally, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting a judgment may be challenging if the driver lacks assets. An attorney can help you identify all available sources of recovery and maximize your compensation.

Does D.C. have any special insurance requirements or no-fault provisions?

Washington, D.C. offers an optional no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) system. While PIP coverage is not mandatory, insurance companies must offer it to policyholders. If you purchase PIP coverage and are injured in an accident, you have 60 days to elect to receive no-fault benefits from your own insurer. If you choose PIP benefits, you typically cannot pursue a claim against the at-fault driver unless your injuries meet certain thresholds: you suffer significant impairment, permanent scarring, disability lasting at least six months, or your medical costs exceed your PIP policy limits. If you do not elect PIP within 60 days, you are deemed to have chosen to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.