Navigating Car Accident Claims in Washington, DC’s No-Fault Insurance System
Washington, D.C., follows a unique no-fault insurance system for car accidents, which can significantly affect how you pursue compensation for your injuries. Unlike at-fault states, where the responsible driver’s insurance pays for damages, DC’s no-fault laws require drivers to turn to their own insurance companies first, regardless of who caused the accident. Understanding these laws is essential to protecting your rights and knowing when you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit. More from our car accident lawyers here:
At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers PLLC, we help injured victims in Washington, DC navigate the complexities of no-fault insurance and fight for the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been in an accident and aren’t sure what your next steps should be, call us today at 202-972-3767 or visit our office at 1919 M Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.
What Is No-Fault Insurance?
Under DC’s no-fault insurance system, drivers involved in an accident must file a claim with their own insurance provider for medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs, regardless of fault. This coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
The goal of no-fault insurance is to reduce the number of lawsuits and streamline the claims process. However, it also limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver unless certain conditions are met.
What Does PIP Cover in Washington, DC?
Your PIP benefits typically cover:
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Medical expenses related to the accident
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Lost wages due to injury and inability to work
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Other reasonable expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments
However, PIP does not cover vehicle damage or pain and suffering. For those damages, you’ll need to file a claim under property damage liability or potentially file a lawsuit if your injuries meet certain legal thresholds.
Can You File a Lawsuit Outside the No-Fault System?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. In Washington, DC, you may step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if:
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You opt out of PIP coverage in writing at the time of policy purchase
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Your injuries result in permanent disfigurement, significant scarring, or substantial disability
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Your medical expenses exceed the PIP policy limits (often around $50,000, depending on your policy)
When these conditions are met, you have the right to pursue a traditional personal injury claim, which may include compensation for:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Future medical costs
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Loss of enjoyment of life
Our attorneys at Regan Zambri Long are experienced in determining whether your case meets the legal threshold to go beyond no-fault and pursue full compensation.
How Fault Still Matters in a No-Fault State
Even though no-fault insurance pays your initial medical bills, fault still plays a crucial role in the broader context of your case. If your injuries allow you to sue the other driver, you must prove they were at fault. But Washington, DC also follows a strict contributory negligence rule—meaning if you are found even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovering any damages in court.
This harsh rule makes it especially important to have a seasoned personal injury lawyer by your side to help gather evidence, establish liability, and present a strong case.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Washington, DC
If you’re involved in a car crash in DC, follow these steps to protect your rights and preserve your claim:
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Call 911 and seek immediate medical care even if you feel fine at the scene
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Get a police report for documentation
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Exchange insurance and contact info with the other driver(s)
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Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries if possible
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Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can
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Contact a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement or signing documents
At Regan Zambri Long, we’ll guide you through every stage of the process—from filing your PIP claim to determining whether you can sue for additional damages.
Why Choose Regan Zambri Long for Your DC Car Accident Claim?
With decades of experience representing injured clients throughout the District of Columbia, our legal team is deeply familiar with the city’s no-fault laws and insurance landscape. We offer:
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Personalized legal guidance tailored to your case
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Aggressive advocacy when dealing with insurance companies
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A proven track record of success in car accident claims
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Compassionate representation that puts your recovery first
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Call Our Washington, DC Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington, DC and aren’t sure how no-fault insurance affects your case, don’t wait. Let our experienced team at Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers PLLC help you understand your options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers PLLC
1919 M Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
202-972-3767
Your health and financial future matter. Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery with a team that knows how to win in Washington, DC.