Car Accident
- You don’t pay unless we win your case – no recovery, no fee
- We’ve secured millions of dollars for accident victims in DC, MD & VA
- We have over 1,000 testimonials from the people we have helped
- We will start your case with a FREE, no-obligation consultation
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, our lawyers have helped thousands of car accident victims and secured several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on their behalf. When you call us for help, we will evaluate your auto accident case for free and help you determine how much your claim could be worth. Then, we help you fight for it.
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Washington, D.C. Car Accident Attorneys
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we’ve spent decades representing car accident victims in Washington, D.C., helping them recover the compensation they need to move forward. With a strong record of results and deep knowledge of local traffic laws and court procedures, our attorneys understand what it takes to build a successful personal injury claim. We don’t just handle cases—we guide real people through one of the most difficult moments in their lives. If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, our Washington, D.C., car accident lawyers are ready to protect your rights and fight for full and fair compensation.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
Here at Simeone & Miller, LLP, we handle car accident cases involving the following:
- Whiplash
- Herniated Discs
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Uninsured Motorists
- Red Light Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- Distracted Driving
- Drunk Driving Accident
- Passenger Injuries
- Rear-End Accidents
- Distracted Driving
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Contact a Lawyer
In most accident cases, the first 24-48 hours are regarded as the most important. Depending on the accident, it may be necessary for an investigator to examine the scene.
A car accident lawyer can increase your odds of success by:
- Gathering evidence with the help of other experts in the field
- Managing all communication with the other driver’s insurance company
- Communicating with your doctor and specialists regarding medical records
- Working with your physician to ensure all injuries are properly documented
- Presenting evidence and making a solid case for the other driver’s fault
- Negotiating with any insurance providers involved in your claim
It is also important to remember that, while your own insurance company may claim to be on your side, its primary goal is to pay as little as possible. Thus, their interests may not be the same as yours, particularly if you are making an uninsured motorist or property damage claim. It never hurts to have a car accident lawyer look out for your interests.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on the specific facts, such as the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and the impact on your life. Some cases involve clear liability but moderate injuries, while others involve serious harm like brain or spinal trauma with disputed fault.
After reviewing your case, our attorneys can estimate a fair settlement range—something insurers often hope you won’t know without legal help.
Common damages in a car accident case include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
If the accident was fatal, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for their loss, including compensation for emotional suffering.
Contributory Negligence in Car Accident Cases
If you were in a car accident in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, you need to understand contributory negligence. These are three of just six U.S. jurisdictions where even being 1% at fault can bar you from recovering compensation.
That said, not all fault ends a claim—your negligence must have directly caused the crash. Common examples include speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield. But there are exceptions to D.C. Code § 50–2204.52, so don’t assume you’re ineligible.
Our attorneys can review your case and determine whether you still have a path to recovery.
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
Fault in a car accident is determined by analyzing all available evidence to identify which driver—or drivers—acted negligently. In Washington, D.C., fault is especially critical due to the contributory negligence rule, which may bar recovery if you're found even 1% at fault.
Key factors used to determine fault include:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Driver behavior before the crash
Common causes of driver fault in D.C. include distracted driving (texting, eating), DUI, running red lights, illegal turns, failing to yield, and tailgating.
Because Washington, D.C. follows a strict contributory negligence standard, proving the other driver was entirely at fault is essential. Even small mistakes, like failing to signal, could impact your right to compensation.
Car Accident Property Damage Claims
After a car accident in Washington, D.C., property damage claims typically begin with the insurance company assessing your vehicle's value. Insurers conduct a market analysis by reviewing local dealer listings and sales data to estimate the fair market value of a car similar to yours, considering age, mileage, and condition.
If your car is declared a total loss (or "totaled"), meaning repair costs exceed about 90% of its value, the insurer may offer a payout intended to cover the cost of a comparable replacement vehicle.
In addition to helping clients recover the value of their damaged vehicles, Simeone & Miller, LLP also assists with rental vehicle reimbursement during the repair process. This service is provided at no cost to you unless court intervention is needed to force repayment.
To avoid lowball offers and delays, it’s important to work with a Washington, D.C. car accident attorney who can help protect your rights and maximize your property damage claim.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After a Car Crash in Washington, D.C.?
You should never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without first speaking to your attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions that may get you to downplay your injuries or admit fault, even unintentionally.
These statements are often taken while you're still in shock or unaware of the full extent of your injuries. Even comments made to your own insurer can be accessed by the other driver’s insurance company and used against you.
Let your D.C. car accident lawyer handle all communication with insurers. It protects your rights and ensures you don’t say anything that could harm your claim.
What Is PIP Insurance and How Does It Work in Washington, D.C.?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is no-fault insurance that covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Coverage amounts vary but typically range from $2,500 to $100,000.
However, PIP laws differ across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. In D.C., filing a PIP claim may waive your right to sue the at-fault driver, making it critical to understand your options before submitting a claim. Cross-state accidents can also create complex "choice of law" issues.
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we help clients navigate PIP claims and only charge a flat $150 fee, taken from your final recovery, not from your PIP payout. If you’re not eligible, there’s no fee at all.
Car Accident FAQs
Can I file a claim if I only suffered minor injuries?
It is advisable to contact a Washington DC car accident attorney, even if your injuries are minor. You may not know the full extent of your injuries until you complete medical treatment. Moreover, the amount of time you would be required to assist us with your claim is minimal. Most of our clients settle their cases without going to court.
How involved do I have to be if I file a claim?
In all cases that we accept, we are responsible for the vast majority of the work, and we provide you with plenty of notice before you need to be involved in the case. We also make every effort to reduce the disruption to your schedule. Plus, our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so smaller cases will result in smaller legal fees.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in DC?
If you don't have PIP coverage, or it isn't sufficient to cover your losses after an accident, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. For your lawsuit to be valid, you must submit the claim within the statute of limitations, which may differ depending on where your accident took place. Both DC and Maryland have a three-year statute of limitations, but in Virginia, it is only two years.
Let Our Firm Help You Through This Process by Contacting Our Car Accident Lawyer
The best thing to do after a car accident in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland is to call Simeone & Miller, LLP as soon as possible so that we can assist you. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation, and our contingency fee policy means that you won't pay any legal fees unless we make a recovery in your case. Get started today by discussing your options with a Washington DC car accident lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP.
Simeone & Miller LLP, based in Washington, D.C., also provides personal injury and medical malpractice legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.