What is the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Washington D.C.?

Washington D.C. provides 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under D.C. Code § 12-301. Wrongful death claims have a shorter 2-year deadline.

How does D.C.'s contributory negligence rule affect my truck accident claim?

Washington D.C. is one of only a few jurisdictions that follows pure contributory negligence. If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you can be completely barred from recovering any damages. This harsh rule makes thorough evidence gathering critical.

Are there damage caps in D.C. truck accident cases?

No, Washington D.C. does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. You can recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

What is the average truck accident settlement in Washington D.C.?

D.C. truck accident settlements typically range from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 for serious injuries. However, the contributory negligence rule means many cases result in zero recovery if any fault is assigned to the victim.

How long do truck accident cases take in Washington D.C.?

Most D.C. truck accident cases settle within 12-24 months. D.C. Superior Court handles civil cases and can have significant backlogs due to the concentration of federal activity.

What should I do after a truck accident in Washington D.C.?

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, document the accident scene thoroughly with photos including the truck's DOT number and company name, gather witness contacts, and contact a truck accident attorney immediately. In D.C., any admission of fault can destroy your case.

What makes Washington D.C. truck accidents unique?

D.C.'s dense urban environment creates unique trucking challenges. Delivery trucks navigate narrow streets and heavy traffic. Federal buildings and monuments require special delivery protocols. The Capital Beltway (I-495) surrounding D.C. carries enormous freight traffic.

Why do I need a truck accident lawyer in Washington D.C.?

D.C.'s contributory negligence rule makes legal representation absolutely essential. Insurance companies will aggressively try to assign any percentage of fault to you to eliminate your entire claim. An experienced D.C. truck accident lawyer can protect against these tactics.

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District of Columbia Truck Accident Attorney

State-specific legal information for truck accident cases in District of Columbia. Find attorneys who understand District of Columbia law, statute of limitations, and fault rules.

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Last updated: January 15, 2025

Statute of Limitations

3 years

Personal injury claims

Wrongful death: 2 years

Fault System

Contributory

Washington D.C. follows the harsh contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault fo...

Damage Caps

No Caps

Washington D.C. does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Both...

Settlement Calculator

Estimate your potential case value for District of Columbia

Medical Expenses$50,000

Past and future medical costs

Lost Wages$25,000

Lost income and earning capacity

Pain & Suffering Multiplier3x

Based on injury severity (1 = minor, 5 = catastrophic)

Your Fault Percentage0%

District of Columbia uses contributory negligence system, your 0% fault may prevent recovery. Consult an attorney immediately to review your options.

Economic Damages:$75,000

Non-Economic Damages:$150,000

Total Before Fault Adjustment:$225,000

Estimated Settlement Range:

$135,000 - $225,000

Actual settlements vary based on evidence, defendant conduct, and case-specific factors

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District of Columbia Statute of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims

3 years

From the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.

Wrongful Death Claims

2 years

From the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members must act quickly.

Legal citation: D.C. Code § 12-301

Don't Wait Until the Deadline

Even though you have 3 years, trucking companies can legally destroy ELD data and logs after 6 months. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence. Read more about statute of limitations exceptions.

District of Columbia Fault System

Contributory

Washington D.C. follows the harsh contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any damages.

What This Means for Your Case

District of Columbia is one of only 5 jurisdictions with pure contributory negligence. Insurance companies will aggressively try to assign you even 1% of fault to deny your entire claim. You need an experienced attorney who can build an airtight case proving the truck driver's complete liability.

Legal citation: D.C. common law

District of Columbia Damage Caps

No Damage Caps

Washington D.C. does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Both economic and non-economic damages can be recovered in full.

Frequently Asked Questions: District of Columbia Truck Accident Law

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Content cross-referenced against expert guidance

Primary Sources:

•FMCSA
•NHTSA
•CVSA

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District of Columbia Statute of Limitations

Personal Injury Claims

3 years

From the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline bars your claim permanently.

Wrongful Death Claims

2 years

From the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Family members must act quickly.

Legal citation: D.C. Code § 12-301

Don't Wait Until the Deadline

District of Columbia Fault System

Contributory

Washington D.C. follows the harsh contributory negligence rule. If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering any damages.

What This Means for Your Case

Legal citation: D.C. common law

Frequently Asked Questions: District of Columbia Truck Accident Law