Washington, DC Motor Vehicle Accident Laws

Insurance Requirements

System type: Washington, DC operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers must file claims with their own insurance providers after an accident, regardless of fault. In certain situations, a driver may be allowed to sue the at-fault party, but only if they meet specific criteria, such as sustaining serious injuries that exceed their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage limits.

Minimum coverage requirements: Washington, DC mandates the following minimum insurance coverage for all registered vehicles:

• Third-party bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): 
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
  • Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): $5,000 (subject to a $200 deductible)

PIP: While PIP coverage is not mandatory, it is an optional policy that provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs after an accident.

• Medical expenses: Minimum $50,000 per person
• Lost wages: Minimum $12,000 per accident
• Funeral benefits: Up to $4,000 in coverage

Proof of insurance and compliance: All drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it upon request by law enforcement. Washington, DC’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) actively monitors insurance compliance and will issue fines or suspend vehicle registrations for lapses in coverage.

Penalties for non-compliance: Failure to maintain valid insurance in Washington, DC, can result in a fine for each uninsured lapse— increasing over time— suspension of vehicle registration and license plates, and the potential requirement to file an SR-22 form to prove future financial responsibility.

Rideshare drivers: Drivers for services like Uber and Lyft must meet additional insurance requirements.

• App on, but no passenger (Period 1): $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You are also required to have uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Ride accepted or passenger on board (Periods 2 and 3): $1,000,000 in liability coverage, including UM/UIM and collision/comprehensive coverage (subject to deductible)

Fault Laws

Contributory negligence in Washington, DC

Washington, DC, follows a pure contributory negligence system, one of the strictest fault laws in the country. Under this rule, if an accident victim is found to be even 1% at fault, they are completely barred from recovering compensation from the other party.

This differs from the comparative negligence systems used in most states, which allow injured parties to recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed a specific threshold. Because DC’s system prohibits any recovery if the victim contributed to the accident in any way, proving that the other party is entirely at fault is critical for securing compensation.

Insurance companies and at-fault drivers often use contributory negligence as a defense to deny claims. As a result, accident victims must present strong evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstructions, to establish full liability against the responsible party.

Exceptions for pedestrians and cyclists

In an effort to protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users, Washington, DC, has modified contributory negligence rules for certain cases. Under DC law, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable users involved in a collision can recover compensation unless their negligence is deemed greater than the combined negligence of all defendants. This exception makes it easier for injured pedestrians and cyclists to pursue claims against negligent drivers.

Multi-vehicle accidents

In accidents involving multiple vehicles, liability is determined based on the level of fault assigned to each driver. However, Washington, DC’s contributory negligence rule still applies—if an injured party is found even marginally responsible, they are barred from recovering damages. Because of this, complex multi-vehicle accidents often require detailed investigations, expert testimony, and legal assistance to establish liability and determine which driver is entirely at fault.

Passenger rights

Passengers injured in car accidents typically have a stronger claim for compensation, as they are less likely to be found at fault. Injured passengers can file claims against:

• The driver of the vehicle they were in, if that driver was responsible for the accident
• Another driver involved in the crash, if that driver caused the collision
• Multiple drivers, if liability is divided between more than one at-fault party

However, passengers can still face contributory negligence defenses if the other party argues that the passenger contributed to the accident, such as by not wearing a seatbelt or engaging in reckless behavior that distracted the driver.

Statute of Limitations

Personal injury claims

Washington, DC, imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits related to car accidents. This means that victims must file their lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. If they fail to do so, they lose their legal right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Property damage claims

For accidents that result in vehicle or property damage, the statute of limitations is also three years from the accident date. This applies to claims for vehicle repairs, replacement costs, and damages to other personal property affected by the crash.

Wrongful death lawsuits

If a car accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family or legal representative can file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date of death. If the victim dies days or weeks after the crash, the deadline is calculated from the date of death, not the date of the accident.

Exceptions to the statute of limitations

• Claims against the government: If the at-fault party is a government employee or agency, victims must file a formal notice of claim within six months of the accident
• Minors: If the injured victim was under 18 years old at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is paused until their 18th birthday. They then have three years from that date to file a lawsuit
• Mental or physical incapacity: If an accident victim is physically or mentally incapacitated (e.g., in a coma), the statute of limitations may be paused until they regain the ability to file a claim
• Absence of the at-fault party: If the at-fault driver leaves the District of Columbia after the accident but before a lawsuit is filed, the time they are out of state does not count toward the statute of limitations

What happens if you miss the deadline?

Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations typically results in case dismissal, meaning the victim permanently loses the right to seek compensation. Even if settlement negotiations are ongoing, victims must ensure they file their lawsuit before the deadline to preserve their legal rights.

Given the challenges posed by Washington, DC’s contributory negligence rule, accident victims should consider seeking legal guidance early to ensure their case is handled within the appropriate timeframe.

Accident Reporting Requirements

When to report an accident

Washington, DC law requires drivers to report a car accident under specific conditions. A crash must be immediately reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) if it involves any of the following:

• Personal injury or death:  If anyone is injured or killed, law enforcement must be notified right away
• Vehicle damage rendering a car undrivable: If a vehicle cannot be safely moved from the accident scene, a report must be filed
• Property damage with no owner present: If the accident damages property or a domestic animal and the owner is not present, the driver must report it to the police
• Hit-and-run incidents: Any accident where a driver flees the scene must be reported immediately

If an accident does not meet these criteria and all involved parties agree, drivers may handle minor crashes without police involvement by exchanging information and reporting the accident directly to their insurance providers. However, it is still advisable to document the scene thoroughly.

Failure to report an accident when required can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges in cases involving hit-and-run offenses.

Filing accident reports

In Washington, DC, when law enforcement responds to a crash, they will complete an Accident Report (PD-10) at the scene. If police do not respond to the crash, drivers do not need to file a report with the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, obtaining a police report can still be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. 

How to access accident reports

Drivers and other involved parties can request a copy of the PD-10 accident report through the MPD Public Documents Section:

• In-person request: 
  • Location: 441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South, Washington, DC 20001
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Phone: (202) 727-4357

Drivers must provide their name and the date, location, and time of the accident, or the six-digit accident report number (CCN) and a valid government-issued photo ID

• Request by email or mail: To request a PD-10 report remotely, submit an email to mpd.public-docs@dc.gov or mail a request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Metropolitan Police Department
Public Documents Section
ATTN: Accident/Incident Reports
441 4th Street, NW, Room 550 South
Washington, DC 20001

To request a PD-10 accident report, applicants must provide their full name, along with the date, time, and location of the accident. If available, the six-digit accident report number (CCN) should also be included. Additionally, a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID is required, as well as a completed PD Form 10B – Application for PD Form 10 Accident Report. Mail-in requests typically take up to six weeks to process.

Additional considerations

Hit-and-run cases: If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, report it to the police as soon as possible and provide any identifying details about the other vehicle.

Failure to report: Not reporting an accident when legally required can result in penalties, including fines, license suspension, and criminal charges.

Insurance notification: Because Washington, DC, follows a no-fault insurance system, drivers should notify their insurance company immediately after an accident, even if it appears minor.

Compensation Limits

Economic damages: Washington, DC, does not impose a cap on economic damages in car accident cases. Victims can recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation costs, and diminished earning capacity. However, the actual amount recoverable may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. If damages exceed the available coverage, victims may seek additional compensation through Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which operates under DC’s no-fault system, minimum coverage includes up to $50,000 for medical expenses, $12,000 for lost wages, and $4,000 for funeral expenses. These benefits apply regardless of fault, but victims may pursue additional claims if their injuries meet specific legal thresholds.

Non-economic damages: There is no statutory cap on non-economic damages in car accident cases in Washington, DC. These damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, and disfigurement. The amount awarded depends on the severity of the injury, its long-term impact, and supporting testimony from medical professionals, family members, or psychological experts.

However, DC’s strict contributory negligence rule can prevent victims from recovering any compensation if they are found even 1% at fault for the accident, making legal representation crucial in personal injury claims.

Punitive damages: Punitive damages in Washington, DC, are rare and only awarded in cases involving gross negligence, intentional harm, or reckless disregard for others’ safety. Unlike some states that impose caps, DC does not have a set limit on punitive damages. Courts determine the award based on factors such as the severity of the defendant’s misconduct, the harm caused to the victim, the defendant’s financial status, and the deterrent effect on similar future behavior.

To obtain punitive damages, the victim must provide clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party acted with malice, deliberate violence, or reckless disregard for safety. This makes punitive damages more difficult to secure in most car accident cases. 

Claims against government entities: For accidents involving government vehicles or employees, Washington, DC follows the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and the DC Tort Claims Act, which impose strict limits on compensation. Maximum compensation for claims against DC government entities is capped at $100,000 per claim, and punitive damages cannot be awarded against government entities. Victims must file a notice of claim within six months of the accident, providing details about the time, place, and nature of the claim.

Filing deadlines and procedural requirements for claims against the federal government may vary depending on the specific agency involved, making early legal consultation essential.

Special considerations:

• Contributory negligence rule: If a victim is found even 1% at fault, they cannot recover compensation
• Filing deadlines for government claims: A six-month written notice is required for claims against DC government agencies
• Exceeding insurance limits: When damages surpass the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, victims may seek additional compensation through UM/UIM coverage or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit

Medical Coverage Considerations

Covering medical expenses after a car accident in Washington, DC requires navigating multiple insurance options and legal factors. Below are the primary ways accident victims can manage their medical costs.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance: Washington, DC operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning PIP coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of who caused the accident. PIP is mandatory in DC and provides a minimum of $50,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits, $12,000 for lost wages, and $4,000 for funeral expenses. However, accepting PIP benefits may limit a victim’s ability to sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation.

Health insurance: Health insurance can serve as a primary resource for covering medical expenses after a crash, especially for long-term care. While it helps reduce out-of-pocket costs, victims may still be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-network charges. Additionally, if a victim receives compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance, their health insurer may require reimbursement through subrogation, meaning part of the settlement may be used to repay medical expenses covered by the insurer.

Medical Payments coverage (MedPay): MedPay is an optional auto insurance policy that covers medical expenses regardless of fault. It can help pay for hospital visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and ambulance fees. Unlike PIP, MedPay does not require reimbursement from a settlement, making it an effective way to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Victims should check their insurance policy to confirm if they have MedPay coverage.

At-fault driver’s insurance: If another driver is found responsible for the accident, their bodily injury liability insurance may cover medical expenses. However, these claims often take time to process, and victims may need to wait for a settlement or court award before receiving compensation. DC law requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. If medical bills exceed these limits, victims may need to seek additional compensation through legal action.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, UM/UIM insurance can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In DC, UM/UIM coverage must match the bodily injury liability limits, providing a financial safety net when the responsible driver’s insurance is inadequate.

Medical liens and subrogation: Hospitals and healthcare providers may file medical liens against any settlement or court award to secure repayment for accident-related treatments. Additionally, Medicaid, Medicare, or private health insurers may seek subrogation, requiring victims to reimburse medical costs covered by their insurance. Negotiating these liens can help accident victims retain more of their settlement.

Important considerations:

• Timely treatment: Seeking immediate medical care is essential for both recovery and documenting injuries for insurance claims
• Record keeping: Keeping detailed medical records, bills, and receipts helps support insurance claims and legal actions
• Legal guidance: Consulting a personal injury attorney can assist in navigating insurance claims, negotiating medical liens, and maximizing compensation for accident-related injuries

Unique Local Factors

Washington, DC’s dense urban environment, government-related road closures, and unpredictable weather conditions create unique challenges for drivers. Understanding these factors can help reduce accident risks and improve overall road safety.

Traffic and roadway challenges:

• Heavy congestion: DC consistently ranks among the most congested cities in the U.S., with significant traffic delays on major roadways like I-495 (Capital Beltway), I-395, and New York Avenue. Rush hour traffic is particularly severe, often extending beyond traditional peak hours
• Tourist and government traffic: The city’s high volume of tourists, along with government-related motorcades and road closures near the Capitol, White House, and National Mall, can lead to sudden detours and unpredictable traffic patterns
• Bike and pedestrian density: With a growing number of cyclists and pedestrians, especially in areas like Georgetown, Downtown, and Dupont Circle, drivers must be especially cautious at crosswalks and bike lanes 

Weather and seasonal conditions:

• Winter hazards: Snow, ice, and freezing rain create dangerous driving conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses that freeze more quickly. DC’s response to winter storms can be slower than northern states, leading to extended hazardous conditions
• Summer storms and flooding: Heavy rains and flash floods frequently affect roadways, particularly in low-lying areas like Rock Creek Parkway and underpasses throughout the city. Sudden downpours can cause hydroplaning risks and unexpected road closures
• Fog and reduced visibility: The Potomac River and surrounding green spaces contribute to thick fog, particularly in the early morning hours, reducing visibility and increasing accident risks

Drivers are encouraged to stay updated on weather reports, use public transportation when possible, and remain vigilant in high-traffic and pedestrian-heavy areas.

Local Resources & Contacts

• Washington, DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Provides accident reporting guidelines, driver’s license services, and vehicle registration information 
  • Website: https://dmv.dc.gov
  • Phone: (202) 737-4404
• DC Department of Transportation (DDOT): Manages road conditions, construction updates, and transportation safety initiatives
  • Website: https://ddot.dc.gov
  • Phone: (202) 673-6813
• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): Handles accident investigations, traffic enforcement, and public safety alerts.
  • Website: https://mpdc.dc.gov   
  • Phone: (202) 727-9099