Washington, DC combines commuter traffic from Maryland and Virginia, tourists, cyclists and dense pedestrian areas. DC follows contributory negligence, but a 2016 law changed the rule for many pedestrians and cyclists hurt by vehicles. Because DC also has an optional no-fault election, the order of steps after a crash can matter.
Is District of Columbia a no-fault state?
District of Columbia is a choice no-fault state. District of Columbia is a choice no-fault state. Drivers carry no-fault coverage, but the options chosen on your own policy can affect whether — and how easily — you can claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering.
Insurers in DC must offer PIP. If you have it, you may have a limited time after a crash to choose between PIP benefits and a liability claim.
Learn more in our guide to what a no-fault state is.
How does shared fault work in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia follows contributory negligence, one of the strictest rules in the US. If you are found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovering from the other driver, although there are exceptions — which is why an attorney's review matters here.
In District of Columbia, an insurer may deny a claim by arguing you were even 1% responsible — for example, by saying you were slightly over the speed limit or looked away for a moment. Exceptions such as the "last clear chance" doctrine can sometimes apply, which is why an attorney's review is especially valuable in District of Columbia.
Read more: what comparative fault means.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury, with some exceptions.
Other deadlines can be much shorter. Your insurance policy may require prompt notice of the crash, PIP and uninsured-motorist claims can have their own timelines, and claims against a city, county or the State of District of Columbia often need formal notice within months. Different rules can also apply to minors and wrongful death claims.
What are District of Columbia's minimum car insurance requirements?
District of Columbia requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.
Minimum limits are often not enough to cover a serious injury. If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, medical payments coverage or PIP may help. See what to do if an uninsured driver hit you.
What should I do after a car accident in District of Columbia?
Get safe, get medical care and protect your evidence. These steps apply anywhere in District of Columbia:
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move out of traffic if it's safe — especially on busy roads like I-395 or I-695.
- Call the police and ask how to get the crash report. District of Columbia generally requires reporting crashes that cause injury, death or significant damage.
- Exchange names, insurance and plate numbers, and photograph the vehicles, the scene and your injuries.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine.
- Notify your own insurer, but be careful about giving the other driver's insurer a recorded statement.
- Talk to an independent District of Columbia attorney before signing any release, keeping the three years deadline in mind.
Our full what to do after a car accident guide goes into more detail.
Where do car accidents happen in District of Columbia?
Crashes happen everywhere, but traffic is heaviest in and around . Major routes include I-395, I-695, I-295, Anacostia Freeway, US-50 (New York Avenue) and Rock Creek Parkway. Our attorney-matching service covers every county in District of Columbia.