Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of crashes on Washington, D.C. roads. These accidents happen for numerous reasons and can result in painful injuries, particularly to the occupants of the vehicle hit from behind.
If another driver rear-ended your vehicle, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim demanding compensation for your injuries. The knowledgeable and dedicated team at Marks & Harrison can help. For over 100 years, our car accident attorneys have provided trusted legal representation to injured people throughout the D.C. area. With 30 attorneys and over 100 support staff, we have the resources to fight for the money you deserve after a rear-end collision. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Washington DC?
Rear-end collisions frequently occur due to driver negligence.
Some of the top causes of rear-end accidents in Washington DC include:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Attempting to beat yellow lights
- Failure to adjust to sudden changes in conditions
- Inadequate brake or tire maintenance
What Injuries Can Happen in a Rear-End Accident?
The severity of injuries in a rear-end collision often depends on the speed and force of impact. However, even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause significant injuries and complications.
Common rear-end accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Airbag and seatbelt injuries
- Broken bones, especially in the wrists
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, abrasions, and bruises
What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Rear-End Crash?
You can protect your right to seek financial compensation at the scene of a rear-end crash in several ways.
After a rear-end accident, you should:
- Call 911 to initiate a police response, establish an official record of the crash, and secure emergency medical assistance.
- Get checked for injuries, even if you don’t feel hurt right away.
- Follow all medical treatment and recovery instructions.
- Contact a Washington, D.C. rear-end accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
- Work with your attorney to file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim with your insurance company.
- Keep all medical records, bills, invoices, receipts, general communications, and other documentation associated with the accident and your medical treatment.
Consulting a rear-end car accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible after a crash is critical in preserving your right to file a personal injury claim. Your attorney will gather evidence, review the facts, identify all liable parties, and determine what insurance coverage may apply in your case.
Under DC’s no-fault insurance system, your PIP coverage should compensate you for your medical expenses and lost income. However, if your losses exceed your coverage limits or your injuries cause scarring, disfigurement, or a permanent impairment hindering your ability to work or perform daily activities, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the other driver.
Is the Rear Driver Always At Fault in a Rear-End Accident?
Traffic rules in Washington, D.C. require drivers to maintain a safe following distance based on traffic speed and road and weather conditions. Many rear-end accidents happen when drivers tailgate, which makes those drivers liable for any injuries they cause in a crash.
However, other circumstances may point to another driver or party being responsible for a rear-end crash. Suppose a driver cuts off another vehicle and immediately slams on the brakes. In that case, that driver may bear responsibility for a subsequent rear-end collision because they left no time for the other driver to respond appropriately. A driver also may be liable for a rear-end accident if they stop suddenly in an unexpected place, like the middle of an intersection. Contact our car accident attorney in Washington DC today for a free case review.
What Compensation May I Be Entitled to in a Rear-End Accident Claim?
When you have a rear-end accident claim, you may have the opportunity to seek compensation for ongoing and future financial and personal losses you incur due to serious injuries sustained in the crash.
A rear-end accident attorney from Marks & Harrison can help you seek financial recovery for your:
- Medical treatment, including any surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing care
- Long-term disability care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity and employment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Lost enjoyment of life
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Washington DC?
Washington, D.C. sets a time limit for filing personal injury claims. In general, the statute of limitations for a car accident case gives you three years from the date of the collision to file suit. However, there are exceptions.
For rear-end accidents involving district-owned government vehicles, D.C. law requires you to file a notice of your claim within six months unless the police respond to the crash and file an official report. If the rear-end accident involved a federal government vehicle, the Federal Tort Claims Act requires you to file a notice of your claim with the relevant federal agency within two years of the collision.
Additional exceptions apply in cases involving minors, incapacitated victims, and other circumstances. Talk to an attorney from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible to learn the deadline for your case. If you file too late, you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our Washington DC rear-end accident lawyer is here to help.
Contact a Washington DC Rear-End Collision Lawyer
After a rear-end accident, you deserve to focus on recovering from your injuries without shouldering the burden of filing insurance claims and navigating complex legal processes and settlement negotiations. The legal team at Marks & Harrison can help.
Our experienced car accident attorneys can manage all elements of your injury claim, including negotiating with insurers to secure full and fair compensation for your losses. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Washington, D.C. rear-end collision attorney.
