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4 Things To Know If You’ve Been Hurt In A Car Accident

Posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents.

Car accidents in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia can cause serious injuries and leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and a long recovery. Whether your crash happened on the Beltway, I-270, or I-295 in the District, knowing what to do next is critical to protecting your rights.

1. Time Limits to File a Car Accident Lawsuit

Each state has a statute of limitations that sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. These deadlines can be different if the at-fault driver was a government employee working at the time of the crash.

  • Washington DC: Most cases must be filed within 3 years. If a DC government employee caused the accident while working, you must notify the District within 6 months (D.C. Code § 12–309).

  • Maryland: Generally 3 years from the date of the accident.

  • Virginia: 2 years for most cases.

Do not wait until the deadline. After a serious crash, notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible.

2. Proving Fault After a Crash

To recover compensation, you must prove the other driver was at fault. The insurance company will be doing its own investigation, so start gathering evidence right away:

  • Police report with diagrams and driver statements

  • Witness names and contact information

  • Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene

  • Video footage from nearby businesses or homes

3. Getting Medical Treatment

If you were injured in a car accident in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, get medical care immediately and tell your doctor the injuries are from the crash. Your treatment records are key evidence for your claim.

Follow your treatment plan without long gaps. Insurance companies use missed appointments to argue that you were not seriously hurt. Choose your own trusted doctors rather than providers suggested by the insurance company.

4. Understanding Liens on Your Settlement

Some parties may have a right to be repaid from your settlement:

  • Medicare/Medicaid: They must be reimbursed for accident-related treatment, though liens can sometimes be reduced.

  • Private Health Insurance: Many policies have repayment rights. Using your health insurance often saves money because of lower negotiated rates.

  • Workers’ Compensation: If you were working when another driver caused the crash, you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party claim.

Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

With medical bills, lost wages, and strict legal deadlines, you need a lawyer who knows how DC, Maryland, and Virginia laws work. At Donahoe Kearney, we have over 30 years of experience helping people stand up to insurance companies.

Call us today at 202-393-3320 or schedule a free consultation by clicking here  to see if we are the right car accident lawyers for you and your family.

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