If You’ve Been Seriously Injured, You’re in the Right Place
One minute you’re driving to work, picking up your kids, or running errands. The next, everything changes. A reckless driver crashes into you, and suddenly you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, lost income, and stress you didn’t ask for.
That’s where we come in. At Donahoe Kearney, we help people across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia after serious car accidents. If you need surgery, physical therapy, or time off work to recover, you don’t have to handle this alone. We deal with the insurance companies and paperwork so you can focus on getting better.
Whether the crash happened on I-495, Georgia Avenue, Route 1, or a side street in Alexandria, we’re ready to help you move forward.
Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side
Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, their insurance company is trained to protect their bottom line. They’ll try to delay your claim, minimize your injuries, or deny your case altogether.
You only get one chance to get this right. With the right legal help, you can recover compensation for:
Medical bills and future treatment
Lost wages and reduced income
Pain, suffering, and long-term impact
We know how these companies operate—and we don’t back down when it comes to fighting for you.
Let’s Get Started
Request a Free, Confidential, No-obligation Consultation
What to Do After a Serious Car Accident
If you’re seriously hurt after a car crash, your first priority is your health. But there are a few critical steps that can protect you and your case from the start:
If you’re seriously hurt after a car crash, your health comes first. These steps can help protect you and your case:
1. Get medical care as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay, symptoms can show up later. Seeing a doctor creates a record of your injuries.
2. Save everything. Photos from the scene, medical bills, doctor notes, and pay stubs showing missed work can all matter later.
3. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company. They may sound helpful, but they are trained to protect themselves, not you.
4. Get legal guidance before things move too far. If you’re missing work, dealing with serious pain, or facing major medical bills, waiting can make things harder to fix.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If your injuries are minor and you’re already feeling better, you may not need a lawyer. But if you’re missing work, in serious pain, or need ongoing medical care, waiting or handling things on your own can cost you.
Insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves. Getting advice early helps protect you.
Who Pays My Medical Bills While the Case Is Pending?
Your medical bills are usually paid through your health insurance or auto insurance at first, and if the other driver caused the crash, their insurance may pay you back as part of your case.
What to Do If You Cannot Work After a Car Accident
If a car accident in Washington, D.C. has taken you out of work, get medical care right away and keep records showing why you cannot work, including doctor notes and missed pay.
Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company about your injuries or your job. They may try to push you back to work before you are ready.
If missing paychecks or ongoing pain is putting pressure on you financially, talking to a lawyer early can help protect your income and medical care.
Why UIM Coverage Matters After a Serious Crash
Even when the other driver caused the crash, their insurance may not be enough to cover your injuries, especially if you need surgery, rehab, or time off work.
Underinsured Motorist coverage, called UIM, is part of your own policy and can help cover the difference when the other driver’s insurance falls short.
What Causes Car Accidents in the DMV?
Most crashes aren’t random. They happen because someone makes a bad decision—like speeding through a red light or checking a text instead of watching the road.
We’ve seen it all:
Drivers on their phones
People ignoring stop signs
Drunk or high drivers
Speeding and tailgating
Changing lanes without looking
When someone else breaks the rules and you get hurt, it shouldn’t be your burden to carry. You deserve answers, accountability, and compensation for what you’ve been through.
We help people throughout the DMV figure out what went wrong—and who’s responsible.
We Help People Throughout the DMV
Donahoe Kearney helps people after serious car accidents across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, including areas like:
Northeast and Northwest Washington, D.C.
Capitol Hill, Anacostia, and Columbia Heights
Hyattsville, Silver Spring, and College Park in Maryland
Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax in Northern Virginia
If your accident happened outside these areas, you can still reach out to us for help.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the insurance adjuster contacts me?
Don’t give a recorded statement or agree to anything without legal advice. Adjusters work for the insurance company—not you. Let us handle it.
You may still have a case, but waiting to get medical care can make things harder, so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible and get guidance before dealing with the insurance company.
What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, damage to your vehicle, and future treatment if you need it.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Not without talking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies usually offer less than your case is worth. We’ll review the offer and tell you what’s fair.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You can still get help. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance—or not enough to cover your injuries—you may be able to use your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) through your own policy. This helps pay for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. We’ll go over your coverage with you and make sure you’re protected.
How long will it take to settle my car accident case?
Some cases settle in a few months. Others take longer, especially if the injuries are serious or the insurance company delays. We’ll keep you updated the whole way.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
In most D.C. cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. But don’t wait. The sooner we get started, the more we can do—like gathering evidence and dealing with the insurance company while you focus on healing.
Get Help from a Lawyer Who Knows What You’re Going Through
We help people dealing with real injuries, real stress, and real financial pressure. You shouldn’t have to worry about paperwork, insurance tactics, or missed deadlines. That’s our job.
You’ve worked hard to take care of your family. Now let us take care of you.
We’ve been helping people in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with serious injuries for over 30 years.
You’re here because of a serious injury or medical condition. Now you’re dealing with an insurance company. You want your life back. We get that. We help guide you through this process so you can stand up to the insurance company and get back your financial security, control and independence.
I owe the people of Donahoe Kearney a kidney. They’re the best and only law firm you should go to for anything related to workers’ compensation law.
As someone who has never navigated the legal system before, I was initially very nervous and apprehensive about the process. Despite it all, Paul remained incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and patient. I couldn’t have asked for a better paralegal for my case.
They recovered several months of back pay and ensured that the medical treatment for my work injury would be covered. I can’t thank them enough for the peace of mind they’ve provided me, and I wish I could give more than five stars.
