{"id":372256,"date":"2016-11-01T18:53:33","date_gmt":"2016-11-01T23:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timelin.html"},"modified":"2025-07-25T14:37:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T19:37:33","slug":"district-of-columbia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timelin","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timelin.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

District of Columbia Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

Our nation’s capital is the destination for hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. With so many motorists on the road, accidents are going to happen. Most car and truck accidents<\/a> are minor fender-benders that are easily resolved. When a car crash causes serious injuries, things can become much more complicated.<\/p>\r\n

In the best outcome, the insurance company will immediately pay your claim. If the insurance adjuster<\/a> denies your claim, you may need the help of an experienced D.C. car accident lawyer<\/a>. They’ll fight to get the insurance carrier to pay your claim or, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.<\/p>\r\n

This article explains the car accident settlement process and timeline in the District of Columbia. It also examines the benefits of settling your car accident claim<\/a> rather than going to trial.<\/p>\r\n

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, contact a Washington, D.C., car accident attorney<\/a>. We’ve also included links to helpful FindLaw articles on related topics at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\r\n

The District of Columbia Is a "No-Fault" State<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

When it comes to car accidents, Washington, D.C., is a no-fault state<\/a>. Car accident victims must file a claim with their own insurance carrier before pursuing the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance carriers will do their best to avoid paying any big claims.<\/p>\r\n

You have options if your insurance company denies your insurance claim or refuses to pay it in full. You can file a claim with the other motorist’s insurance carrier. If their policy limits don’t cover your full damages, you can file a personal injury claim<\/a> against them in court.<\/p>\r\n

Damages You Can Demand in a Car Accident Case<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The whole point of filing a car accident lawsuit is to collect damages from the other driver. To do so, your personal injury attorney<\/a> must prove that the other driver caused the crash. This means that they must demonstrate that the other driver was negligent.<\/p>\r\n

Proving that the defendant was negligent<\/a> requires that your D.C. personal injury lawyer show the following:<\/p>\r\n