No matter how much we try to ignore it, the reality is that car accidents are a common occurrence. If you’re reading this then unfortunately you may already know this to be true. If you’ve been injured during a car accident, continue reading and consider contacting our Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers for more help.
What to do after a car accident?
The first step to take directly after a car accident is to seek medical attention for any potential injuries, so contact the authorities and wait for help to arrive. If possible, document any damage to your vehicle since much of your case will be based on the police report and the evidence you’ve gathered. In the case of a negligent driver, remember to keep contact to a minimum, and never apologize, even if you believe the accident may be partially your fault. Simply collect their insurance information and await the arrival of law enforcement.
What if I’m partially responsible?
If you’ve been hurt following a car accident then you are likely entitled to some form of compensation. However, it is important to remember that these rules vary by state. In Washington, D.C. drivers who suffer severe and life-long injuries are able to file a claim against the negligent driver. Washington D.C. observes what’s known as “modified contributory negligence, meaning that drivers may recover adjusted compensation even if they are up to 49% responsible for a car accident. If you find yourself in an accident that you may have contributed to then you may want to consider hiring some of our experienced Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyers.
How is fault determined?
While there is no specific formula that the court can use to determine who is actually at fault in a car accident, there are some factors that will help guide the investigation. These generally include:
- Did you ignore a stop sign or run a red light?
- Did you recklessly disregard unsafe weather conditions?
- Were you driving too fast?
- Were you distracted by your phone while driving?
- What do witnesses say happened?
The process of determining who is at fault in a car accident is subjective, but with Washington, D.C.’s strict rules, the outcome of this process can be quite costly. Consider giving us a call so that we can do our best to assign fault to the right person.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WASHINGTON D.C. FIRM
Contact the experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC for help with your injury claim.
