Motor Vehicle Accidents in Washington, DC

At Gelb and Gelb, we provide effective and efficient legal advocacy for people hurt by the negligent conduct of others. Washington, D.C. motor vehicle accident attorney Roger Gelb handles every case accepted, and is available for direct communication with clients throughout the course of representation. Vehicle accidents such as train collisions and bicycle accidents require careful analysis of the facts in order to recover damages. Whether you have been injured as a pedestrian on a sidewalk or as a passenger on the Metro, Attorney Gelb is prepared to strongly advocate your claim for compensation on your behalf. Our firm has represented over 10,000 clients, and can help you explore your options.

Holding all At-Fault Parties Accountable for a Vehicle Accident

Following a vehicle accident, injured individuals have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for expenses related to the accident, including their injuries. In many cases, these claims allege the negligence of the at-fault party. Negligence refers to a failure to use the required care for the situation.

The elements of negligence include duty, breach, causation, and damages. In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured individual must set forth evidence that supports each of these elements. Additionally, depending on the defendant, there may be specific procedural rules. For example, filing a claim against Amtrak requires notice of the lawsuit be provided in a short time period. Additionally, Amtrak as well as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (the “Metro”) are held to a higher standard of care because they are both common carriers. A motor vehicle accident lawyer serving Washington, D.C. can help you meet all of the procedural requirements that apply to your case.

Individuals are required to use reasonable care to avoid injuring others, regardless of their activity. Train conductors and other drivers must operate their respective vehicles in a way that ensures the safety of others on the road or track. Bicycle riders have the same duty of care as others on the road, including drivers. The Metro, for example, has a duty of care that includes transporting passengers without causing them unnecessary harm. In some instances, the operator may be at fault for reckless conduct, while in other cases, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as an agency may be responsible. Depending on the facts, a negligence claim may be asserted against an entity, such as the Amtrak passenger rail service.

When an Amtrak train operator or a Metro driver places others at risk, they may have breached their duty of care. In a lawsuit, an attorney would provide evidence showing that the individual or the entity did not act reasonably, as others would have under similar circumstances. A biker texting while riding and consequently striking a pedestrian may be deemed negligent since their conduct is not reasonable given the situation. A jury or a judge may determine that these actions breached the duty of care because they increase the likelihood of harm. If this breached duty of care is the direct cause of an accident and injuries, the plaintiff may have a strong claim for damages. A Washington, D.C. motor vehicle accident lawyer can review the facts of your case to determine whether you may be able to fulfill the elements of a negligence claim.

Damages That may be Recovered in a Vehicle Accident Injury Claim

Vehicle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, including spinal damage, broken bones, and even fatalities. For instance, bicyclists injured by a motor vehicle tend to suffer severe injuries due to the lack of a buffer between their body and the vehicle. In a personal injury lawsuit, the injured person will claim damages that cover current medical expenses as well as future medical treatment. Medical costs will include hospital stays, doctor fees, and physical therapy needed to treat your injuries. If the injuries are particularly severe, a medical professional may provide testimony concerning the anticipated scope of future medical costs. Your legal counsel can help you calculate your damages so that you are protected from future medical expenses and lost wages, especially if you have not yet fully recovered.

If a wrongful death occurs due to a vehicle accident, family members or dependents may pursue damages. These costs are compensation for the tragic death of a loved one. In many cases, they include wages the deceased would have earned, and funeral costs.

Skilled Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Vehicle accident attorney Roger Gelb assists injured people and their families throughout Washington, D.C. as they assert their right to recovery in a legal claim. Through the diligence of Attorney Gelb and our team, we have secured more than one hundred million dollars on behalf of clients. We continue to advocate for those in need of a dedicated accident attorney, and can be reached by calling (202) 331-7227 or online.