Common Causes of Car Accidents in DC

Car accidents occur every day due to a many different reasons. The most common cause of accidents in the District of Columbia is distracted drivers, especially with the advent and proliferation of cellphones. Drivers are often distracted and not paying attention to what is on the road. Regardless of why the accident occurred, if a driver’s negligence caused an accident, you can pursue the claim. A local car accident lawyer can determine the exact cause of your wreck and help you hold the negligent driver accountable for your damages. Speak to an attorney to learn about the common causes of car accidents in DC as well as your legal options for seeking compensation.

Common Acts of Negligence While Driving

Motor vehicle crashes occur often in DC. There are a myriad of reasons why a collision could occur including:

• Driving while fatigued
• Distracted driving
• Lane switching
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

How Is The Case Impacted When An Accident Is a Result Of Drunk Driving?

When someone drives drunk and causes an accident, there may be a criminal claim that is pursued by the police and the prosecutor’s office. However, does not impact the value of the negligence claim of the claim for money damages for the bodily injury portion of a case. Whether the criminal claim is successful, it does not have an effect on the value of the injury claim itself.

What The Statute Of Limitations To File a Claim?

The statute of limitations in an auto accident claim means the point or the date, by which any lawsuit must be filed in order to preserve the claim against the negligent party. The statute of limitations varies by the type of claim being pursued. A claim for negligence has a three-year statute of limitations in the District of Columbia.

If the case is not settled or filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations, the case is not – cannot be pursued further. One exception is if an injured party was a minor when the accident occurred, the three-year statute of limitations does not begin to run for their claim for pain and suffering, until they turn 18. However, the parent’s claim for medical expenses does start to run from the date of the accident as long as the parents or adults do start to run from the date of the actual accident and has a three-year limitation.

Collecting Evidence To Prove Fault

There are many forms of evidence that could be used in a car accident case. Evidence from the accident could include any independent or any eyewitness testimony to the accident. Other important evidence regarding an accident would include photographs from the scene, photographs of the property damage, photographs of scarring, medical bills and records, lost wage documentation, and tax returns. Once the case is filed, other evidence could include testimony from the client, or if any testimony was provided prior to litigation, if that testimony was recorded, then that could also be admissible.

In every car accident case, a police report may be filed in an accident, but that is typically not admissible. As a general rule, a police report is considered hearsay unless it admissible and that’s because the police officer is simply writing down what other people tell him or her about how the accident occurred. There are exceptions to the hearsay rule, and the report may come in under an exception.

What Is Contributory Negligence?

When a collision occurs, the courts will look at the actions of both the plaintiff and the defendant to determine liability. In DC, if a plaintiff is even one percent at fault for causing the accident, then they are barred from recovery, in most cases. There is an exception to the rule. Generally, minors under a certain age, cannot be contributorily negligent. For example, when a child runs out off the sidewalk in front of a car, they may not be considered contributorily negligent depending on their age. It is best to speak to a local attorney to learn more about the laws regarding contributory negligence.

Contact a DC Car Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible

If somebody is injured in an accident, after seeking medical treatment, they should retain the services of a dedicated attorney. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer could investigate the cause of the crash and help them seek compensation from the responsible party. Reach out today to learn about the common causes of car accidents in DC.