What to do after a car accident in D.C.
Protect Your Rights Immediately
If you've been in a car accident in Washington, D.C., you may be wondering: Do I need a lawyer? Who pays my medical bills? What if I don’t feel pain until later?
This guide answers the most common legal questions we hear from D.C. drivers — and explains why acting quickly is more important here than in many other states.
Step 1: Get Medical Care — Even for “Hidden” Injuries
After a car accident, it’s crucial to see a doctor within 24–48 hours, even if you think you're okay.
What happens if I don’t feel pain until later?
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage often appear days later. But if you delay treatment, the insurance company may claim you weren’t really injured.
Don’t wait — medical records are the foundation of any claim in D.C.
Step 2: Do NOT Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Alone
You may get a call from the other driver’s insurance company asking for a “recorded statement.” Don’t fall for it.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
Not without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used to deny your claim — even something innocent like “I didn’t see them coming.”
Insurance companies use these tactics to shift blame, especially in Washington, D.C., where the law is extremely strict.
Step 3: Understand D.C.'s Harsh “Contributory Negligence” Law
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Washington, D.C.?
Yes — absolutely.
Washington, D.C. follows the contributory negligence rule. That means:
❌ If you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
This is one of the harshest liability rules in the country. Having a skilled personal injury attorney is essential to protect your case and push back against false blame.
Step 4: Know Who Pays for Your Medical Bills in D.C.
Who pays for medical bills after an accident in D.C.?
It depends on:
Fault determination
Your insurance coverage
Whether the other driver was insured
If the other driver is clearly at fault, their liability coverage should pay. If they are uninsured, your own uninsured motorist (UM) policy may kick in.
Some D.C. drivers also have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical costs regardless of fault. But it may not be enough for serious injuries — that’s where a legal claim matters.
Step 5: What Is Your D.C. Car Accident Case Worth?
How much is my car accident case worth in Washington, D.C.?
Every case is different, but you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills (including rehab and future care)
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or scarring
Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
Never accept a settlement without knowing the full impact of your injuries. Many clients come to us after receiving lowball offers — and we often recover much more.
Why Choose HH Law Firm in D.C.?
We know D.C. law, D.C. courts, and the high stakes of contributory negligence. At HH Law Firm:
We take on tough cases
We don’t get paid unless we win
We come to you — hospital, home, or phone
We speak English, Spanish, and Arabic
You need a lawyer who understands D.C. strategy, not just general car accident law.
Injured in a D.C. Car Accident? Here's What to Do:
Get medical attention — even if you feel fine
Don’t speak to any insurance company alone
Contact HH Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation
Time matters — evidence disappears fast, and D.C.’s legal system can be unforgiving.
Call us now or message us online.
WHERE WE TURN PAIN INTO POWER.