Mike Slocumb Law Firm Mike Slocumb Law Firm

Washington, D.C. Car Accident Attorneys

Get Help for Your Auto Accident Claim in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is notorious for having some of the worst traffic in the nation. Unfortunately, the sheer number of vehicles on the road in and around the District translates to thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year, many of which result in catastrophic bodily injury and death. 

If you were injured or someone you love died due to an auto accident in D.C. or the surrounding areas, you deserve justice. Mike Slocumb Law Firm can help. 

Our Washington, D.C. car accident attorneys bring decades of collective experience and a long track record of success to our firm. We understand the law and how it applies to your case, as well as how to protect your rights and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. 

To date, we have recovered more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Learn how our team can help you get back on your feet after a serious accident.

For a free consultation, call (202) 759-7807 or contact us online. Hablamos español. 

Why Choose Mike Slocumb Law Firm?

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our car accident attorneys in Washington, D.C. are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation. We are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why choose our law firm for your car accident case?

  • Proven track record: Our attorneys have a successful history of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients in car wreck cases. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
  • Extensive experience: With years of experience, our legal team has the knowledge and expertise to effectively represent your interests. We are well-versed in Washington, D.C. laws and regulations pertaining to auto accident claims.
  • Personalized approach: We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the specific details of your situation. Our attorneys will work closely with you to develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your needs.
  • Compassionate advocacy: We genuinely care about our clients and their well-being. We will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Our attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
  • No fees unless we win: We believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

If you have been injured due to someone else's negligence in Washington, D.C., don't hesitate to contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm today. We can help you seek the compensation you deserve after a car crash.

Does Washington, D.C. Have a No-Fault Car Accident System? 

Washington, D.C. does follow a no-fault car insurance and accident system. In no-fault systems, motorists carry “personal injury protection” (PIP) or “medical payments” (MedPay) coverage. After an accident, this coverage kicks in, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. In other words, if you have no-fault insurance, you can receive compensation for certain covered losses after an accident no matter who was to blame. 

D.C.’s no-fault system is relatively unique compared to other no-fault systems in the country in that it is optional. In most states that follow no-fault car insurance systems, this is the only insurance option. However, Washington, D.C. allows drivers to choose between no-fault and fault-based coverage in addition to mandatory minimum liability insurance. If you choose no-fault coverage, you have 60 days from the date of the accident to either claim those benefits or waive them in favor of bringing a claim against the other driver’s insurance provider. 

  • I thank Mike Slocumb so much for changing my life.

    “I thank Mike Slocumb so much for changing my life. David and Mike were like Angels to me. I didn’t know if I would ever walk again.”

  • Mr. Gracie handled my case, he was superb.

    “Mr. Gracie is really, really experienced and an exceptional lawyer.”

  • I Couldn't Have Been Happier

    “My case was actually settled earlier than projected and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.”

  • Great Communication!

    “I dealt with Lowell Moore here and I’ll recommend him to anyone, anytime! The defining factor was his communication... I was able to always deal with Lowell firsthand about any questions or concerns I had.”

  • Incredible Attorney!

    “Attorney Lowell Moore was awesome in the whole process! He kept us included in every move made for our accident/injury case. Never had an issue with communication and he really showed us he cares about his clients!!!”

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

No-fault insurance typically covers certain economic losses. This is true in Washington, D.C., where no-fault insurance pays for your accident-related medical expenses, a percentage of your lost wages, and other related out-of-pocket expenses. However, it does not provide any compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. 

If you have no-fault insurance in D.C., you have 60 days after an accident to decide whether to utilize those benefits or file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. If you choose to receive no-fault (or personal injury protection) benefits, you cannot file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance provider. 

The only way to step outside the bounds of no-fault insurance and bring a claim against another party for non-economic damages is to prove BOTH of the following:

  • Your accident-related medical expenses exceed your no-fault (PIP) coverage limits 
  • Your injury resulted in significant, permanent disfigurement or scarring or a qualifying impairment

Keep in mind that if you are found partly at fault for the accident, you will not be able to bring a claim against the other party’s insurance provider. Under Washington, D.C.’s strict rule of contributory negligence, you are barred from bringing a personal injury claim when you are found to be even one percent at fault for the incident that caused your injuries. 

Common Mistakes After a Car Accident and How an Attorney Can Help Avoid Them

After a car accident, the decisions you make can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Unfortunately, many accident victims unknowingly make mistakes that weaken their claims. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident, along with how an attorney can help you avoid them and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Common Mistakes After a Car Accident:

  • Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Many individuals underestimate their injuries and delay seeking medical care. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not present symptoms right away. Without medical documentation, it can be challenging to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
  • Not Contacting Law Enforcement: Some drivers skip reporting the accident to the police, especially in minor collisions. However, a police report provides an official account of the incident, which is crucial evidence in any personal injury claim.
  • Admitting Fault at the Scene: It’s common for people to apologize or admit fault instinctively after an accident. Unfortunately, these statements can be used against you in a claim, even if you are not legally at fault.
  • Failing to Gather Evidence: Many victims leave the accident scene without taking photos, collecting witness contact information, or documenting the conditions that led to the crash. This oversight can leave you with limited evidence to support your claim.
  • Accepting a Low Settlement Offer: Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that are far less than what victims deserve. Without understanding the full extent of your damages, you might accept an offer that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, or future expenses.
  • Delaying Legal Action: Washington, D.C. has strict laws, such as contributory negligence, which bar victims from recovering compensation if they are even 1% at fault. Delaying legal action can make it harder to build a strong case and gather evidence while it's still fresh.
  • Posting About the Accident on Social Media: Sharing details of your accident or injuries online can harm your claim. Insurance adjusters often scour social media to find posts they can use to undermine your case.

How an Attorney Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you sidestep these common pitfalls and strengthen your claim. Here’s how an attorney can assist you:

  • Providing Immediate Guidance: An attorney can advise you on what steps to take immediately after an accident, including seeking medical care, reporting the incident, and documenting evidence.
  • Handling Communications with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. An attorney will handle all communications with insurers, ensuring that you don’t make statements that could jeopardize your claim.
  • Thorough Investigation: Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather critical evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to prove fault.
  • Ensuring Compliance with D.C. Laws: With Washington, D.C.’s contributory negligence rule, proving that you were entirely free of fault is essential. An attorney will build a compelling case to protect your right to compensation.
  • Accurately Valuing Your Claim: An experienced attorney will calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs. This ensures you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
  • Meeting Deadlines: Legal claims are subject to strict timelines. Your lawyer will ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed on time, preserving your right to pursue compensation.
  • Protecting Your Online Presence: Your attorney can advise you on what not to share on social media to avoid providing insurers with ammunition against your claim.
  • Providing Peace of Mind: With an attorney handling the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your recovery without the stress of navigating complex laws and procedures.

Why Should You Hire a D.C. Car Accident Attorney? 

Washington, D.C.’s car accident and insurance laws are relatively unique. It is wise to hire an attorney who understands these laws and how to utilize them to your advantage. If you try to navigate the recovery process on your own, you could inadvertently make a mistake that costs you your recovery.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our Washington, D.C. car accident attorneys have decades of experience and a long, proven track record of success. We have helped victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving multiple vehicles, rear-end and head-on collisions, rollovers, large trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, mass transportation, and more. We understand the complexity of your case, and we know what it takes to maximize your recovery. 

Our team is ready to aggressively advocate for you, even if that means going to trial. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you hire our firm. Instead, we only collect attorney fees and litigation-related expenses if/when we win your case.

For more information, call (202) 759-7807 or contact us online and request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.

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