DC Injury Lawyer Blog
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Washington DC, you may be entitled to compensation. Recent reports show that pedestrian fatalities in the District have risen sharply, with city officials recording some of the highest numbers in years. The combination of heavy traffic, distracted driving, and dangerous intersections places pedestrians at constant risk. Knowing your legal rights can make the difference between struggling alone and securing the recovery you deserve.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in Washington DC
Washington DC has dense traffic patterns, frequent construction zones, and thousands of daily commuters. These conditions often lead to crosswalk violations and drivers who fail to yield. Speeding and distracted driving, particularly at night or near bus routes, increase the chances of serious injury. Pedestrians do not have the protection of a vehicle, which means even low-speed crashes can cause fractures, brain injuries, or wrongful death.
The District has attempted to address this issue with stricter enforcement and road safety projects, but accidents continue to happen. For you as an injured pedestrian, these realities mean holding drivers accountable through civil claims is often the only way to protect your rights.
Legal Standards That Apply in DC Pedestrian Cases
DC law requires drivers to exercise due care when approaching intersections and crosswalks. However, pedestrians are also expected to follow traffic signals and use marked crossings. One unique feature of DC is its application of contributory negligence. Under this rule, if you are found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes building a careful, detailed case essential.
An experienced attorney can examine whether the driver failed to yield, ignored a red light, or was distracted. They can also analyze police reports, surveillance video, and eyewitness statements. These elements may prove the driver’s negligence and overcome any attempts to shift blame to you.
Damages You May Recover After a Pedestrian Accident
Compensation in pedestrian accident cases can cover a wide range of losses. Economic damages often include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future medical needs. Non-economic damages may address pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the collision caused a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
The amount you may recover depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of negligence shown by the driver. Your attorney will help calculate these damages and present them effectively in negotiations or at trial.
Why Immediate Action Matters in Washington DC Pedestrian Claims
Time is not on your side after a crash. Evidence such as video from nearby businesses or transit cameras may be erased within days. Witnesses may forget details, and accident scenes change quickly. By contacting an attorney right away, you increase the likelihood of preserving the proof you need. DC also imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing those deadlines can eliminate your right to recovery.
Speak to a Washington DC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident in Washington DC, you should not face the consequences alone. The law allows you to seek compensation when negligent drivers cause harm. At The Schupak Law Firm, we represent clients across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia who have suffered serious injuries in pedestrian accidents.
Call us at 240-833-3914 for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.