It’s important to understand the local laws when you’ve been in a car accident, especially since failing to follow them can lead to legal trouble. In Washington D.C., certain accidents must be reported to the authorities, which means you should know your responsibilities before a collision ever happens. By learning what the law requires, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. For more information, reach out to our experienced car accident attorneys in Washington D.C. at Lightfoot Law, PLLC today.
Accident Reporting Las in Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., you are legally required to report a car accident if it results in personal injury or property damage. You must also stop at the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, and call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
Any person who operates or who is in physical control of a vehicle within the District who knows or has reason to believe that his or her vehicle has been in a collision shall immediately stop and:
(1) Where another person is injured, call or cause another to call 911 or call or cause another to call for an ambulance or other emergency assistance if necessary, remain on the scene until law enforcement arrives, and provide identifying information to law enforcement and to the injured person;
(2) Where real or personal property belonging to another is damaged or a domestic animal is injured, provide identifying information to the owner or operator of the property or the owner of the domestic animal or, where the owner or operator of the property or the owner of the domestic animal is not present, provide or cause another to provide identifying information and the location of the collision, to law enforcement or 911; or
(3) Where real or personal property or a wild or domestic animal, as a result of the collision, poses a risk to others, call or cause another to call 911 and provide identifying information, the location of the collision and a description of the nature of the risk posed to others.
If you fail to do so, you may face legal consequences, such as fines or even criminal charges.
Penalties For Failing to Report a Car Crash
Failing to report a car or truck crash in Washington D.C. can lead to serious legal consequences. If the collision causes, your first offense could carry a fine, a jail term of up to 180 days, or both.
For repeat offenses, the penalty increases to a larger fine and possibly up to one year in jail. If the crash involves only property damage or a risk to others, a first offense can result in a fine and up to 30 days in jail, or both. Repeated offenses raise that penalty to a fine, up to 90 days behind bars, or both.
The Importance of Reporting a Car Accident For Purposes of a Personal Injury Claim
Reporting a car accident isn’t just required by law; it can also help protect your right to seek fair compensation. When you report the crash right away, the police create an official record that documents what happened and who was involved. This record can play an essential role in any personal injury claim, as it offers valuable evidence to support your case.
Without a proper report, it may be harder to prove fault and get the full amount you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If you have any questions or need help with a car accident claim, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Washington D.C. personal injury lawyer.