{"id":372255,"date":"2016-10-03T16:09:58","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T21:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-03T14:59:00","modified_gmt":"2025-01-03T19:59:00","slug":"district-of-columbia-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Washington, D.C. has car accident laws like every other state. But, because of the district\u2019s unique position as a city and district between other states, it has some unique rules for the many non-resident drivers who work in the District of Columbia daily.<\/p>\r\n

As in all states, car accident victims are under the jurisdiction of the state\u2019s courts where the accident occurred. But in D.C., many people live in Virginia, Maryland, and other states. A driver not registered and insured in D.C. must have valid auto insurance equivalent to D.C. insurance requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article reviews the District of Columbia\u2019s car accident compensation laws.<\/p>\r\n

District of Columbia Car Accident Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In Washington, D.C., people involved in car accidents must stop and exchange insurance information. You and the other driver must move your cars out of the flow of traffic if it is safe to do so and check for injuries. Drivers must report auto accidents to D.C. law enforcement within five days if there are injuries or damage over $250.<\/p>\r\n

The police may not respond to a minor accident, but you should get the accident report or incident number. You will need the number for your insurance claim. Your insurance company may require you to report the accident within a certain period, usually 30 days.<\/p>\r\n

You should also see your doctor or urgent care and speak to a personal injury lawyer.<\/p>\r\n

D.C. requires all drivers to have minimum liability coverage<\/a>. All resident drivers must have no-fault motor vehicle insurance that includes:<\/p>\r\n