Washington D.C. Car Accident Lawyer

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:

1. Get medical treatment right away.
Even if you feel okay, symptoms can show up later. Seeing a doctor creates a record of your injuries—and that matters. Here’s why it’s important to go to the doctor, even if you feel okay.

2. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
They may act friendly, but they’re trained to get information that can hurt your case. Let us handle the communication.

3. Save everything.
Photos from the scene. Medical bills. Doctor notes. Pay stubs showing missed work. These all help support your claim.

4. Talk to a lawyer if you’re missing work or facing big medical bills.
We’ll let you know if you have a case—and how we can help. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll find someone who is.

5. Don’t wait.
There are time limits to file a claim in the DMV, and the sooner we get started, the more we can do to help. Give us a call at 202-393-3320.

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 unsure or your injuries are keeping you out of work, causing serious pain, or requiring ongoing treatment—it’s always a safe bet to give us a call. We’ll talk it through and help you figure out your next step.

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. You should have someone working for you.

At Donahoe Kearney, we step in to:

• Make sure your medical bills get paid
• Help recover lost wages and future income
• Deal with pushy adjusters and confusing paperwork
• Build a strong case so you get the compensation you deserve

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’ve helped hundreds of hardworking people in the DMV after serious accidents. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

Navigating painful injuries, medical bills, and a tough insurance company, Ebony’s journey shows what’s possible with the right support. See how it happened.

Ebony and our Paralegal, Paul

We Help People Throughout the DMV

Most of the people we work with come from all over the DMV—whether it’s D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. That includes areas like:

• Northeast and Northwest D.C.
• Capitol Hill, Anacostia, and Columbia Heights
• Hyattsville, Silver Spring, and College Park
• Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

But no matter where you’re from, if you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, we’re here to help.

We know how different the laws and insurance processes can be across the DMV. Whether your crash happened on a city street or a major highway, we can guide you through it—step by step.

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.

Why UIM Coverage Matters After a Serious Crash

Even if the other driver caused the accident, there’s no guarantee they’ll have enough insurance to cover your injuries. In D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the minimum required insurance often isn’t nearly enough—especially if you need surgery, rehab, or time off work.

That’s where Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes in.

UIM is coverage you add to your own policy to protect yourself and your family. If the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover everything, your UIM steps in to make up the difference.

We’ve seen UIM coverage make a major difference for our clients—sometimes it’s the only reason they were able to recover the full amount they needed.

If you’re not sure what kind of insurance you have, don’t worry—we’ll go over your policy with you and help you understand your options.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Click here to see if you are covered after an accident with an uninsured driver.

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.

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.

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.

Here’s what to do when the insurance adjuster won’t stop calling.

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.

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.

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 whether a form was filled out right, if the insurance company is being honest, or whether you’re missing deadlines. That’s our job.

You’ve worked hard to take care of your family. Now let us take care of you.

Contact Donahoe Kearney Today

Call us at 202-393-3320 or you can click here to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

There’s no pressure. No obligation. Just answers and support from a legal team that’s here to help.