DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Tourist activities, such as Segway rentals, guided walking tours, and bike excursions, bring crowds to cities like Washington, D.C., and nearby areas of Maryland. While these outings can be enjoyable, they sometimes result in serious accidents. When a visitor or local resident gets hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, they may have the right to pursue compensation. But as a recent case decided in 2025 shows, the clock starts ticking the moment an injury occurs.
The underlying incident happened in October 2019 during a guided Segway tour in Washington, D.C. Two individuals sustained injuries after being struck by a rider taking part in the tour. They later brought a claim against the tour operator, alleging that it had failed to train and supervise the participant who caused the harm properly.
Although the facts appeared to support a negligence claim, the timing of the filing presented a major obstacle. The personal injury complaints were submitted more than three years after the incident, beyond the statutory deadline in the District of Columbia. The claimants believed the court’s COVID-19 emergency tolling orders paused the clock, giving them extra time to file. However, both the Superior Court and the D.C. Court of Appeals disagreed.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations
Every jurisdiction imposes a time limit on when a personal injury case can be filed. In both Maryland and Washington, D.C., the standard deadline is three years from the date of injury. If the claim is not filed within that window, the case is often barred completely, regardless of the severity of the harm or the strength of the underlying facts.
In the recent D.C. decision, the court found that the emergency tolling orders applied only to deadlines that expired during the declared emergency period. Because the incident occurred before the tolling period started and the filing deadline came after it ended, the court ruled that the orders did not extend the timeline. The case was dismissed, leaving the injured parties with no remaining legal remedy.
Why Timing Matters in Personal Injury Cases
Missing a filing deadline is one of the most common reasons courts dismiss otherwise legitimate injury claims. Whether the incident involves a car crash, pedestrian collision, slip and fall, or equipment-related accident during a tourist activity, the clock does not stop simply because a person is recovering, unaware of their rights, or confused by legal procedures.
People injured in D.C. or Maryland should not assume that exceptions will apply. Even in times of disruption, such as a pandemic, the courts strictly enforce filing rules. If a delay in filing cannot be directly tied to a legal exception, the case may be thrown out, no matter how sympathetic the circumstances.
Accidents Involving Rental Equipment or Tour Companies
Claims involving Segways, scooters, e-bikes, and other rental equipment can involve multiple parties. The person operating the equipment may be liable for careless behavior, but the company that provided the rental or hosted the tour might also be responsible. That responsibility often stems from how they train users, whether they maintain their gear correctly, and how closely they monitor operations.
In these situations, a thorough investigation is essential. Surveillance footage, witness statements, rental records, and safety protocols must be preserved early on. If a company fails to enforce safety standards or overlooks red flags, that can support a negligence claim. However, none of that matters if the claim is filed too late.
Know Your Rights If You Were Hurt While Visiting or Living in D.C. or Maryland
Whether you live in the area or are visiting for the day, you have the same rights under personal injury laws. However, you also face the same legal deadlines. If you were hurt during a tour, group activity, or rental experience in Washington, D.C., or Maryland, it is essential to act promptly.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you determine when your legal clock started, how long you have to file, and whether any extensions may apply. An attorney can also help gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and handle the filing process correctly so that your case is not dismissed on a technicality.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Washington D.C. and Maryland
If you were seriously injured during a tourist activity or group outing, do not wait to explore your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. But you only have one chance to file your claim on time. Call The Schupak Law Firm today at 240-833-3914 to speak with a personal injury attorney serving Washington, D.C. and Maryland.