If you were hurt in a crash in the District, a Washington DC car accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb can review your case for free. We will explain what your claim may be worth under DC law. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, Gelb & Gelb has stood as a leader in personal injury law in Washington, DC, since 1954. Attorney Roger K. Gelb, with 35 years of experience handling accidents and thousands of cases won, has dedicated his career to learning the ins and outs of personal injury law and maximizing compensation for his clients. Mr. Gelb has earned a reputation as one of DC’s best, making him the trusted choice among car accident lawyers in DC. Now, he leads a select legal team available around the clock to answer your questions and achieve justice for your injuries. We are here for you whenever you need us, available 24/7.
Just above the Farragut Metro station in the heart of Downtown Washington, DC, Gelb & Gelb offers quick, convenient access to top accident attorneys. We serve residents across all four quadrants of the District. This prestigious and strategic location makes Gelb & Gelb the preferred choice for anyone seeking a trusted DC accident attorney. Wherever you are in Washington, DC, our attorneys are ready to help. Even if your accident occurs in another jurisdiction, but the defendant resides in DC, Gelb & Gelb may be able to help. Call Gelb & Gelb today to avoid missing important deadlines and for the best chance to maximize your compensation. We guarantee a response from an attorney within the same business day, typically immediately.
The steps to take right after a crash are to get to safety and call 911, get a police report, exchange information, and photograph the scene. Then see a doctor the same day, and avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement. One DC-specific step is the 60-day Personal Injury Protection election. For the full checklist and the deadlines that protect your claim, see our dedicated guide on what to do after a car accident in DC.
We handle every type of DC car accident, including rear-end and side-impact collisions, hit-and-runs, rollovers, and crashes involving government vehicles. Each type changes how fault is proved and which deadlines apply. While the same set of Codes and laws govern car accidents in the District, different accident types require different approaches. They also contain different deadlines by which you must act. In these accidents, you may experience financial suffering, physical pain, and emotional trauma, all without the ability to work or even travel when you lose your car.
But different car wrecks have unique legal and financial implications. Each car accident type presents distinct challenges. For example, a side-impact collision presents different challenges than a rear-end collision. Meanwhile, a total loss comes with different legal rights. In short, we are here to help you navigate each case type. A hit and run adds criminal consequences for the fleeing driver. We cover those on our page about whether you can go to jail for a hit and run in DC.
Below is a list of auto accidents we handle. As you will learn, these different types present unique challenges.
Washington, DC built one of the largest automated camera enforcement networks in the country. Its future is now uncertain amid a federal push to remove the cameras, and speeding remains a perpetual hazard. If you are involved in a speeding accident or any other type of accident listed, contact a car accident lawyer in DC immediately for the best results on your case.
Washington DC car accident law has three features that distinguish it from most states: pure contributory negligence, no-fault PIP coverage, and a three-year statute of limitations under DC Code Section 12-301. In a DC car accident, these unique laws can complicate recovery. Our legal team lays out the two most frequently asked-about laws below.
Generally, negligence is the central issue in a car accident case. If it is not negligence, but instead intentional conduct, insurance likely will not apply. For insurance to cover the loss, we must establish that the defendant acted negligently while driving, causing you injury. Thus, arguing that the other driver meant to hit you could actually hurt you in the long run. For instance, the classic example of negligence in a car accident case is a rear-end collision.
A driver breaches the duty to drive safely by failing to maintain a safe following distance, losing control of the vehicle, or failing to brake in time. If that breach directly results in your injuries, negligence has been established. This is law established by the courts. To succeed in a DC car accident case, we must prove all four elements of negligence. We must prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence.
This means, based on the evidence presented to the finder of fact, it is more likely than not that each element has been satisfied.
Under DC’s strict contributory negligence rule (D.C. Code § 50-2204.52), even 1% fault can bar you from compensation. That makes this one of the most potent rules that affects car accident cases in DC. But regardless of your perceived fault, our team will work hard to explore all avenues for recovery.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 |
| Third-Party Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $5,000 (subject to $200 deductible) |
If your car is insured in Washington, DC, these are the minimum amounts. Unfortunately, just $25,000 per person is seldom enough to cover damages in a serious accident. Moreover, if your car is totaled and is worth more than $5,000, the uninsured motorist property damage minimum limits are strikingly low. These numbers highlight why it is so important to speak with an attorney who can explore all sources of recovery.
At Gelb & Gelb, we perform asset checks, check for other applicable insurance policies, and pursue each liable party to maximize your payout.
If these amounts sound low, that is because they are. Washington, D.C.’s City Council did not update these minimum limits between 1986 and 2026, nearly 40 years. That finally changed in 2026.
The Council passed Council Bill 26-0057, now the Motor Vehicle Insurance Modernization Amendment Act of 2026, by a 12 to 1 vote. It became law on August 14, 2026. For policies issued or renewed on or after October 1, 2027, the minimums double to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for third-party liability. Property damage rises to $20,000 (50/100/20).
The law also makes enhanced underinsured motorist coverage the default on DC policies, and the minimums will rise automatically every ten years starting in 2037. Until your policy renews under the new law, the old 25/50/10 limits still control your claim. Read our full guide to the new DC car insurance law to see what it means for your coverage.
Personal injury protection, or PIP, is no-fault coverage that pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Every DC auto insurer must offer it (D.C. Code § 31-2404), but accepting PIP benefits after a DC crash carries a tradeoff that most people do not know about.
Under D.C. Code § 31-2405, a victim who elects PIP generally gives up the right to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering unless the injuries meet a statutory threshold. The thresholds include substantial permanent scarring or disfigurement, a substantial and medically demonstrable permanent impairment, an impairment that prevents normal daily activities for more than 180 continuous days, or medical and rehabilitation expenses that exceed the PIP benefits available. The election must be made within 60 days of the accident. For a minor injury, PIP may be the right choice.
For a serious injury, it can cap what you recover. Speak with a car accident attorney before you file a PIP claim so you do not give up a larger liability claim without meaning to. Learn more about DC PIP coverage.
In most DC car accident cases you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, under DC Code § 12-301. If a District government vehicle was involved, D.C. Code § 12-309 requires written notice to the Mayor within six months of the crash, and missing that notice can bar the claim entirely. Claims against WMATA are governed by the WMATA Compact and WMATA’s own claims process rather than the District’s notice statute. Report a Metrobus or Metrorail crash to WMATA in writing right away. PIP must be elected within 60 days. For the full breakdown, see our page on the DC car accident statute of limitations.
As a starting point, the value of a DC car accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Meanwhile, while we evaluate the settlement value of your case, the insurance company will commence its investigation into the auto collision. This often holds up a settlement offer for weeks or even months. The insurance adjuster may request documents or a recorded statement from you. Insurance adjusters want to minimize settlement payments to keep their profits high. Their concern is the company and its shareholders, regardless of whether the settlement appropriately compensates you for your damages.
They certainly do not care about you, even if you pay their premiums each month. A good accident attorney will deal directly with the insurance companies to protect your rights and work toward a reasonable settlement quickly and effectively. If you have a strong case, we will ensure they know it. Our DC accident lawyers consider several factors when evaluating your case’s strength. Meanwhile, insurance companies take a formulaic approach by using algorithms in their software.
If they wish to increase their offer amount, they must get approval from a supervisor. This results in a slower process. However, the insurance company is not the ultimate judge or arbiter. It is often in their interest to settle to mitigate their risk. The elements below are those that a judge or jury will use should we go to trial. We point out these factors so their formula will adjust to a higher offer.
Thus, even if we settle before trial, here is a list of factors you should consider in determining your case’s value.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are tangible, documented financial losses. These are financial losses you can calculate. Thus, the analysis is objective and formulaic. The formula may include the following:
Non-economic, or general damages, are harder to calculate as they fall under a subjective classification. Generally, it is whatever a judge or jury would determine your damages are worth on that particular day. That depends on the credibility of our witnesses and other unquantifiable metrics. Some of these metrics include:
In nearly every case, the answer is no: You should not accept the insurance company’s first offer. An insurer’s primary objective is to protect its bottom line. At times, that coincides with providing adequate service to their clients. But often, an insurer will make you a settlement offer quickly before you speak with an attorney. Their goal is speed rather than service because they know your case is probably worth far more than they are offering.
They assume that you will see the money and take it. However, once you sign the release form, you can no longer sue the other driver for your personal injuries. You are hamstringing yourself, and it may be too late for a personal injury lawyer to help. You probably leave several thousand dollars on the table by jumping at the first offer.
Once you retain an attorney, the insurance company typically reassigns you from its fast-track unit to a more senior adjuster. The fast-track unit’s goal is to make a weak offer and pressure you to accept it. Then, they will make a more appropriate offer based on your damages and your accident attorney’s argument on your behalf. They may increase their settlement offer to something more reasonable due to our threat of litigation.
Insurers understand that paying a judgment at trial and their own litigation costs are not a winning combination. We leverage this understanding to leverage them into a fair settlement for you.
This hypothetical shows how a typical DC car accident claim is valued, from medical bills and lost wages to the final settlement figure. You can see how each number is calculated. In this hypothetical case, Gelb & Gelb represent Mr. Smith after a car accident. After following the recommended post-accident steps, his friend takes him to the hospital. The emergency room physicians determine there are no broken bones but recommend follow-up care and provide a note excusing him from work. Mr. Smith misses one week of work, causing him to fall behind on his bills. Following his doctor’s recommendation, he attends physical therapy regularly for two months. Below, we break down the value of Mr. Smith’s case.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | $16,000 |
| Hospital treatment | $5,500 |
| Doctor visits | $2,500 |
| Physical therapy | $8,000 |
| Lost Wages | $2,500 |
| Pain and Suffering | $11,500 |
| TOTAL SETTLEMENT AMOUNT | $30,000 |
This total of $30,000 is a reasonable settlement that reflects the injuries in the example. This covers the plaintiff’s financial, physical, and emotional impacts.
In addition, you may receive compensation for property damage beyond costs related to your bodily injuries. This is separate from your bodily injury claim but rooted in the same accident. Your property damage claim equates to the reasonable repair cost. Or if your car is totaled, it is valued at the fair market value at the time of the accident. When you are not at fault and have collision coverage in your insurance policy, you may have to pay a $500 or $1,000 deductible. If you drive for Uber, you may have to pay a hefty $2,500 deductible under their policy with Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Then, your car insurer will cover the repair cost. Next, your insurer will pursue a subrogation claim. If successful, your deductible will be fully reimbursed. If you have to make an uninsured claim, you will be responsible for half of your standard deductible. The adverse party will not reimburse it, because they have no insurance coverage to pay it from. Meanwhile, if the adverse insurer accepts liability immediately, you may not need to pay. They will set you up for a free repair with the help of a personal injury attorney.
Call us today for the best results in getting your car repaired at no cost.
You may choose to make a diminished value claim within your property damage claim. Our firm does not represent you in this claim and does not charge a fee for your recovery. But we are happy to guide you through this part of the process. But what is the claim? When a car you own is in an accident, even if it is fully repaired, its value diminishes because of the damage done to the vehicle. This is true even if it looks the same cosmetically.
Legally, you are entitled to the difference between the two values. However, you still must prove the claim. Proving this claim can be expensive. We are happy to refer you to an appraiser who will draw up a report. That report is evidence of your claim and costs roughly $1,000. And even then, there is no guarantee you will be successful in this small subset of your claim.
Accordingly, consult with Gelb & Gelb on whether making this claim is worthwhile and weighing the risks versus the rewards.
Usually your own rental coverage pays first, the at-fault driver’s insurer reimburses you once fault is accepted, and PIP or an out-of-pocket claim fills any gap. Which option works best depends on your policy and on how quickly the other insurer accepts liability. When you are in a DC car accident, you have at least three options to get a rental car.
These are recent motor vehicle recoveries our firm obtained for injured clients. The full list is on our case results page.
| Recovery | Case |
|---|---|
| $2,000,000 settlement | Car accident. Our client was struck by a negligent driver. The insurer denied liability until mediation. |
| $600,000 settlement | Car accident. Multi-vehicle crash with disputed liability among several drivers. |
| $600,000 settlement | Pedestrian accident. Our client was struck in a crosswalk by a rideshare driver. |
| $250,000 settlement | Bicycle accident. Our client was struck while riding in a marked bike lane. |
| $130,000 judgment | Bus accident. Our client was injured as a public transit passenger and the court entered judgment. |
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts, the evidence of liability and damages, and the insurance available.
Clients choose Gelb & Gelb because we have handled DC car accident cases from one downtown office since 1954. We know the local courts and insurers, and you pay no fee unless we recover for you. To begin with, there are several advantages to choosing a local firm like Gelb & Gelb. Managing Partner Roger Gelb has spent his entire life in the DC area. He knows which streets are more prone to accidents.
We know when to file outside the District to best benefit your case. Sometimes, a DC jury is more favorable to a defendant. Other times, getting into a court in a neighboring state is quicker and more cost-effective. Our vast experience, effective communication, and client focus separate us from other DC law firms whose attorneys may not be local. Gelb & Gelb is a smaller firm with two attorneys who work alongside experienced paralegals.
Far from being a limitation, our size is our greatest strength. We offer the same depth of resources you would find at a larger firm, but with a level of accessibility and attention that is increasingly rare. Unlike at other firms, you will always be able to get in touch with your attorney. Clients consistently remark how pleased they are with our responsiveness, even on weekend nights or holidays.
It is this experience, close attention, and efficacy that sets Gelb & Gelb apart from every other firm in the region.
If you were injured, if fault is disputed, or if a government vehicle was involved, hiring a lawyer usually pays for itself. That is especially true given DC’s strict contributory negligence rule. For help deciding, read our dedicated page on do I need a lawyer after a car accident in DC.
Founded in 1954, we have handled accident cases in D.C. for more than seven decades. We utilize nearly a century of experience to obtain the best possible result in your case. Experience enables practical case assessment, negotiation skills, understanding of insurance company procedures, access to an extensive network and resources, and in-depth knowledge of legal precedents in D.C. Gelb & Gelb, P.C. stands proud as one of the most experienced car accident law firms in the region.
Above all, communication throughout your case is paramount. In particular, proper communication keeps you informed of all critical aspects of a case without badgering you or wasting your time. Striking that balance is vital. Your time is valuable, and the road to recovery is long. We will make sure your process goes as smoothly as possible. Responsiveness is a core value that everyone at Gelb & Gelb possesses. We know you will have questions, and we are always here to help answer any concerns.
With a practice dating to 1954, we know how to tailor a strategy that meets your unique needs. While personal injury law focuses on negligence, each case differs because of the client and available evidence. There are countless variations in insurance coverage for the plaintiff and the defendant. Some clients need cash right away to pay for essential needs, while others can afford to wait a few more weeks for a potentially larger settlement. We consult with you on all critical decisions because this is your case. So, we provide personalized legal representation that prioritizes your interests.
As a rule, insurance companies prioritize their profits, not your best interests. They often exploit loopholes to deny coverage, but Gelb & Gelb will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. This is why speaking to an accident lawyer is beneficial. We work to protect your right to compensation. The law protects accident victims for a reason. However, without legal representation, the insurance companies may dissuade you from using your rights.
In almost every case, they seek to give you a lowball settlement offer that does not approach the true value of your injuries. They sometimes aim to settle your case before you have time to contact an attorney. In one previous case, the insurance company got our client to sign a release of liability before our client could alert us to the accident.
Once Gelb & Gelb intervened, we determined that the release contract was unenforceable and were able to settle the case for a large sum. Of course, this varies from case to case. Ultimately, we know what your case is worth, and we certainly know how to deal with the insurance companies. Call a local DC car collision lawyer today. You can review our prior case results to see examples of matters our firm has handled.
Each case is unique, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we recover money for you. Gelb & Gelb handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain for you, whether by settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, you owe us no attorney fee. Your free consultation is free. There is no charge to call us, describe your accident, and learn whether you have a case.
You will speak with an attorney, not a screener, and there is no obligation to hire us afterward. Before representation begins, we put the fee agreement in writing so you know exactly how the percentage works and how case costs are handled. Costs are expenses like medical records, filing fees, and expert reports, and we explain how those are treated in your case before you sign anything. The contingency arrangement exists for a simple reason.
After a crash, most people cannot afford to pay a lawyer by the hour while medical bills pile up and paychecks stop. Contingency fees let anyone hire an experienced attorney regardless of their finances, and they align our interests with yours. We only get paid when you do, so we are motivated to pursue the full value of your claim, not a quick discount settlement.
If you have questions about how the fee would work in your specific situation, ask us during your free consultation. We will give you straight answers before you make any decision.
Roger K. Gelb is the managing partner of Gelb & Gelb and has handled DC car accident cases for 35 years. Over the years, Roger Gelb has resolved thousands of car accident cases in Washington, DC. Experience with thousands of car accident cases develops a thorough understanding of the intricacies of personal injury law. Some cases are clear-cut. But in other cases, insurance contracts interact with each other in unique ways.
For example, the law is different if you are in a car accident in Washington, DC, but hit a car insured under a Maryland policy. The same applies to Virginia insurance policies, South Carolina policies, etc. Roger Gelb’s comprehension of the various statutes and how they interact has put him at the forefront of the industry. Attorneys across Washington, DC, call Roger Gelb for advice on handling a seemingly novel case.
However, it is one that Roger has dealt with many times.
Mr. Gelb graduated from law school in 1991, receiving his Juris Doctor. Since then, Roger Gelb has practiced law in DC for 35 years. During this time, he has been an active member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., the Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and more.
Mr. Gelb has also been listed in The Washington Post Magazine and The Wall Street Journal’s list of top personal injury attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area. Moreover, Washingtonian Magazine has listed him as one of the District’s “Big Guns”.
It classifies him among “the top 1% of lawyers in the city” and goes on to describe Mr. Gelb as one of “Washington’s best – most honest and effective – lawyers who sue” and “One of the area’s most respected and sought-after legal minds.” His commitment to honesty and client-focused representation has made him a trusted choice in DC. Call DC car accident lawyer Roger Gelb to handle your car accident today.
The most dangerous conditions on DC roads are distracted, drunk, and drugged driving, speeding, failure to yield, potholes, and bad weather. Each one is covered in a dedicated guide linked below. An alarmingly high number of car accidents occur every day. In 2023 alone, 47 fatalities and over 6,000 injuries resulted from car crashes in DC, underscoring the urgent need for skilled DC car accident lawyers.
These statistics exist despite recent initiatives by the District of Columbia to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths. Despite those efforts, the danger is getting worse. According to Metropolitan Police Department traffic data, the District recorded 29 traffic fatalities through August 31, 2026, compared with 15 at the same point in 2025, an increase of 93 percent.
The District recorded 18,167 crashes in 2025, with 289 people suffering major injuries and roughly 5,300 more suffering minor injuries, according to the Crashes in DC dataset maintained by DDOT and MPD.
Ward 2, which covers downtown, saw the most crashes, while Wards 5, 7, and 8 recorded the most serious injuries. Pedestrians accounted for about four in ten of the District’s traffic deaths over the past seven years. Speeding was flagged in about 3 percent of all DC crashes but, according to the regional Transportation Planning Board, in roughly a third of fatal ones. See our full DC car accident statistics page for the year by year numbers. There is no surefire way to avoid a negligent driver.
But by understanding the most dangerous situations on the road, you can anticipate dangerous scenarios and react appropriately.
Please contact our DC car accident lawyers for express instructions on the steps following a crash.
Yes, dash camera footage can be powerful evidence in a Washington, DC car accident case. Under DC law, video evidence is generally admissible if it is relevant, authentic, and not unduly prejudicial. Dash cam footage that captures the moment of impact, traffic signals, and road conditions can definitively establish fault. However, you must act quickly to preserve this evidence, because video files can be overwritten or deleted automatically within days of an accident. If another vehicle involved had a dash cam, your attorney can send a legal preservation letter demanding that the footage be retained before it is lost. At Gelb & Gelb, P.C., our DC car accident lawyer team has the experience to identify, subpoena, and authenticate all available video evidence, including dash cams, traffic cameras, and nearby surveillance footage, to build the strongest possible case for you.
In Washington, DC, winning a car accident case requires meeting a preponderance of the evidence standard. That means your evidence must show it is more likely than not that the other driver was negligent and caused your injuries. Key categories of evidence include the police report, photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, medical records documenting your injuries, witness statements, and any available video footage.
DC follows a contributory negligence rule under D.C. Code § 50-2204.52, which means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovery, making thorough evidence gathering especially critical here compared to other jurisdictions. You should also document your medical treatment consistently and keep records of all expenses, lost wages, and how the injuries have affected your daily life.
The attorneys at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. know exactly what evidence DC courts and insurance companies find persuasive. We work swiftly after an accident to gather and preserve everything needed to protect your claim.
Modern safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning systems, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights have been shown to significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of car accidents. Forward collision warning systems and rear-view cameras are now required as standard features on new vehicles sold in the United States, and studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show AEB alone can reduce rear-end crashes by up to 50%.
Side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and reinforced safety cages further protect occupants during a crash. While technology can reduce accidents, it cannot eliminate them entirely. If you have been injured despite having safety systems in your vehicle, the presence or absence of this technology may also become relevant evidence about the severity of the impact.
If you have been in a DC car accident, contact a DC car accident lawyer at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. Crash circumstances, including any technology failures, can affect the value of your claim.
It depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost and duration of your medical treatment, your lost income, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. DC’s contributory negligence rule can affect all of it. This page walks through each category under How Much Can I Get for My Car Accident Injuries, and our DC car accident settlement guide covers valuation in more detail.
In Washington, DC, the most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving (especially cell phone use), speeding, and failure to yield the right of way at intersections. Running red lights, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also frequent causes. Dense urban traffic, heavy pedestrian and bicycle activity, and complex intersection layouts at DC’s many traffic circles also contribute to a higher-than-average accident rate in the District.
Weather conditions such as rain, ice, and snow on roads that are frequently untreated can also play a significant role in accidents. Regardless of the cause, you must be prepared to prove that the other driver’s negligence was responsible for the crash, which is why identifying and preserving evidence of the cause is crucial.
If you have been injured in a DC car accident for any of these reasons, the attorneys at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. are available 24/7 to begin investigating your case immediately.
Car accidents in Washington, DC commonly result in whiplash and other soft tissue injuries to the neck and back, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, lacerations, and internal organ damage. In serious cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis. Whiplash is particularly common in rear-end collisions and can cause chronic pain even when vehicle damage appears minor. That is why seeing a doctor immediately after any crash is essential, regardless of how you feel.
Traumatic brain injuries are often underdiagnosed at the scene, as symptoms such as headaches, memory issues, and mood changes may not appear until days or weeks after the accident. The nature and extent of your injuries will directly determine the value of your personal injury claim, making consistent and thorough medical documentation critical.
Gelb & Gelb, P.C. will work with your medical providers and, if necessary, independent medical experts to fully document the impact of your injuries and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Washington, DC requires that all auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident under DC Code § 31-2406. Your own insurance policy is designed to step in when the at-fault driver has no coverage. UM coverage also applies when the at-fault driver’s insurer denies coverage or when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, as in a hit-and-run. Those UM minimums double to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident as policies renew beginning October 1, 2027 under the Motor Vehicle Insurance Modernization Amendment Act of 2026.
If an uninsured driver hits you, you can file a UM claim with your own insurer, which will compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits. You can also pursue a personal lawsuit against the uninsured driver, though collecting a judgment from an individual with no insurance can be difficult. It is important not to assume your insurer will treat you fairly, because insurance companies have financial incentives to minimize payouts even on UM claims. Gelb & Gelb, P.C.
regularly handles DC uninsured motorist cases and will negotiate aggressively with your insurer, and if necessary pursue litigation, to make sure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
If you are involved in a crash while riding as an Uber passenger in Washington, DC, you should call 911, seek medical attention, and document the scene just as you would in any accident. Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up, which is a significant resource if you are seriously injured.
However, navigating a rideshare claim is more complex than a standard car accident case because it may involve Uber’s insurer, the driver’s personal insurer, and even the insurer of another at-fault vehicle. Each of them will try to minimize its own exposure. You should report the crash through the Uber app, but be cautious about giving recorded statements to any insurance adjuster before consulting an attorney.
Gelb & Gelb, P.C. has extensive experience handling DC Uber accident claims and will identify every available source of compensation and fight to maximize your recovery.
After a car accident in Washington, DC, there are several critical mistakes that can seriously damage your injury claim. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, even if you feel partially responsible. DC’s strict contributory negligence law means any admission of fault could completely bar your recovery. Do not decline medical treatment or wait days before seeing a doctor, as gaps in treatment give insurance companies grounds to argue your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else.
Do not accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney, as initial offers are almost always far below the full value of your claim. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your activities on social media, since insurers actively monitor these platforms for evidence to use against claimants. Call Gelb & Gelb, P.C. as soon as possible after your accident so we can guide you through the process and protect your rights from the very beginning.
If you are a passenger injured in a taxi cab crash in Washington, DC, you have the right to seek compensation from the taxi driver and their employer or cab company. DC taxicabs are required by the DC Department of For-Hire Vehicles to carry commercial liability insurance. Take photographs at the scene, obtain the driver’s name, taxi license number, and medallion or license plate information, and call the police to file an accident report. Seek medical attention promptly and preserve all documentation of your injuries and treatment. DC taxi operators and their insurers are experienced at defending these claims and will move quickly to limit their liability, so having legal representation is important. Contact Gelb & Gelb, P.C. right away, because our attorneys understand the specific regulations governing DC taxis and limousines and will pursue every avenue of compensation available to you.
If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car in Washington, DC, the first steps are the same as any accident: call 911, seek medical care, and document the scene. Then report the accident to both the rental company and your own insurance carrier. Coverage for a rental car accident in DC can come from multiple sources: the liability portion of your personal auto insurance policy typically extends to rental vehicles. So does any credit card collision damage waiver (CDW) benefit if you paid for the rental with that card.
The rental company’s own damage waiver, if purchased, covers damage to the rental vehicle but does not protect you against liability claims from other parties. If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance is responsible for your injuries and damages, just as in any other accident. Gelb & Gelb, P.C. can help you navigate the overlapping insurance coverages and ensure that whether you were driving the rental or were injured by someone in one, you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Also note that for rentals under a written rental agreement, the renter’s own liability coverage becomes primary and the rental company’s coverage becomes secondary once the new law applies on October 1, 2027.
Developing a fear of driving after a serious car accident is a recognized psychological injury. In Washington, DC, compensation for emotional distress and psychological trauma is a legitimate part of a personal injury claim. You should seek help from a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist or therapist, both for your own well-being and to create medical documentation of your condition. Consistent treatment records will support your claim for emotional distress damages.
Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are well-documented consequences of traumatic accidents, and courts and insurers recognize these as real, compensable injuries. Do not downplay your psychological suffering when speaking with your attorney, since these non-economic damages can be a significant portion of your total recovery.
The compassionate legal team at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. will take your emotional injuries as seriously as your physical ones and fight to make sure they are fully compensated in your claim.
In nearly all cases, not before an attorney has reviewed it. First offers rarely account for future medical costs, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering, and once you sign a release the claim is closed for good. See Should I Accept the First Offer From Insurance above for the tactics adjusters use and how to respond.
Duty of care is the first element of a negligence claim: the legal obligation every driver owes to others on or near the roadway to operate their vehicle safely. In most car accident cases this element is not in dispute. The remaining elements are explained under Negligence above.
A DC car crash plaintiff can recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earnings, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Each category is described under Economic Damages and Non-Economic Damages, and our page on recoverable damages in a DC car accident goes deeper.
At Gelb & Gelb, we are proud of the results we achieve for our clients after car accidents. Here is what some of them have to say about their experiences working with us:
I highly recommend Gelb and Gelb law firm for your car accident. Roger was very personable and worked hard to get me the best settlement possible!
Mr. Roger Gelb and his team were absolutely amazing in handling my car accident insurance claim. From start to finish, they were professional and responsive. Anytime I had a question (and I had plenty!), they answered it quickly and clearly. What stood out was how accessible Mr. Gelb himself was. I never felt like just another case file. He took the time to explain everything and made sure I understood the process every step of the way. If you need a top-notch attorney who cares, look no further than Gelb & Gelb.
I was in a terrible car accident and went through so much, but with Mr. Gelb and his team’s support, they were able to help make sure I was compensated well after this whole ordeal. They were very professional, attentive, and patient in explaining the process. Great team!
These testimonials reflect our commitment to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation for every client our lawyers represent. Past results do not guarantee future success.
As you might expect, car accidents can significantly impact physical health and finances. This can stress even the calmest of plaintiffs. A personal injury claim can remove the financial pressure from this situation and help you afford the medical care you need. Over the years, we have recovered over $400 million for our clients, including a recent case where we secured a six-figure settlement for a client involved in a complex hit-and-run accident. Our services include representing victims with claims as car accident attorneys in Washington, DC, providing sound legal advice as your accident lawyer, and navigating the complexities of auto accident law in DC. Contact a DC car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
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