Call(202) 888-0872for your free consultation
Suppose you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia. In that case, you should speak with a Washington DC car accident lawyer from Simeone & Miller, LLP as soon as possible.
Whether you are involved in a minor car accident or a more serious collision with complex traumatic injuries, our attorneys are here to help you seek fair compensation.
Why choose Simeone & Miller, LLP?
- You don't pay unless we win your case: no recovery, no fee
- We guarantee millions of dollars to accident victims in DC, MD and VA
- We have over 1,000 testimonials from people we've helped
- We will start your case with a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, our attorneys have helped thousands of car accident victims and have recovered millions of dollars.verdicts and settlementsOn your part. When you call us for help, we will evaluate your auto accident case free of charge and help you determine the amount of your claim. So we help you fight for it. So give us a call to discuss your options if you've experienced one.back injury!
Why you shouldn't wait to contact an attorney
In most accident cases, the first 24-48 hours are considered the most important. Depending on the accident, it may be necessary for an investigator to examine the scene. Also, oneaccident reconstructionistIt may be necessary to determine the cause of the accident by examining witness statements and photographs from the scene.
A car accident lawyer can increase your chances of success by:
- Gathering evidence with the help of other experts in the field
- Manage all communication with the other driver's insurance company
- Communicate with your doctor and specialists about medical records
- Work with your doctor to ensure that all injuries are properly documented.
- Present evidence and make a strong case for the other driver's fault
- Negotiate with any insurance provider involved in your claim
It's also important to remember that while your own insurer may claim to be on your side, their main goal is to pay you as little as possible. Therefore, her interests may not be the same as yours, especially if she is doing auninsured driveroproperty damagesay. It never hurts to have a car accident lawyer looking out for your best interests. Call(202) 888-0872now for a free consultation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
This depends on the particular facts related to your car accident, the physical injuries you sustained, and your other damages, if any. Some accident cases involve clear liability on behalf of the defendant but have moderate deficiencies. Different car accident cases involve serious physical injuries such asbrainmispinal trauma. Still, they can include disputes over who is responsible for the car accident.
Once our car accident attorneys have had an opportunity to review the facts of your case and the injuries you sustained, we can come up with an estimate of amounts for your case. This is vital fornegotiating a good deal. One of the reasons insurance companies do not want you to seek legal advice is that you will learn the true full value of your case.
Common damages in a car accident case include:
- medical expenses
- lost wages
- Physical pain
- emotional suffering
Assume that the car accident was fatal or that the victim later succumbed to his injuries. In such an accident, the surviving spouse and family members may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress through awrongful death lawsuit. Additionally, family members may also be entitled to punitive damages in many cases of malicious conduct. Learn more about your right to compensation after a car accident by calling(202) 888-0872.
Contributory Negligence in Car Accident Cases
If you are involved in a car accident in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia, it is important that you understand the concept ofcontributory negligence. Unfortunately, just because an accident is primarily the other driver's fault doesn't mean he's going to recover. Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia are three of only six jurisdictions in the United States that recognize contributory negligence as an absolute defense in a car accident case.
Even if the other driver is more negligence than you, or even 99% negligence compared to your 1% negligence, you may not prevail in an accident claim. However, just because you were negligent does not mean that you are barred from a recovery. His negligence must have been aproximate causefrom the car accident.
Simply defined, "neglect" is a deviation from ordinary care. Examples of negligence include speeding, running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, changing lanes without signaling, or any other careless or reckless act. There are numerous exceptions§ 50–2204.52, the doctrine of contributory negligence, so you should consult us even if you feel you were partly at fault for the accident. We can help you determine if you qualify for the exceptions. call us at(202) 888-0872.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
There is no universal rule about what constitutes a more significant part of the fault, which makes it difficult for car accident victims to determine their role in the accident. However, referencing accident reports, interviewing key witnesses, and speaking with experts, attorneys, and insurance claims adjusters will attempt to discover what caused the DC car accident.
Common driver behaviors that may be at fault to some degree include:
- Distracted driving (such as texting or talking on the phone)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- stop using arrows
- Making an illegal turn or move
- Driving through a stop sign
- Speeding due to weather conditions
- Unauthorized use or following another car too closely
Fault is a tricky concept, and accident victims may have a hard time proving that they are not responsible for a DC car accident. However, with the help of an experienced car accident attorney,you may have a better chance of getting compensationwhether you are negotiating an accident claim with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit.
Property Damage Claims in Car Accidents
Insurance companies will conduct market research to determine the value of your damaged vehicle. They will contact dealers and check listings to find out the selling price of vehicles similar to yours. Although no two vehicles are identical, the insurance company will base its estimate on the vehicles most similar to yours.
If the insurance company declares your vehicle a total (also known as "totaled") loss, you may receive a payment that allows you to purchase a replacement vehicle of equal value. In most cases, insurers will declare a vehicle totaled when estimated repair costs are equal to or greater than 90% of the vehicle's value.
As part of the property damage claim settlement, we can also help you obtain a rental vehicle for you to use while your car is being repaired. We do this as a service to our customers and do not charge any fees to retrieve it. The only exception is when we have to go to court to obtain reimbursement of rental costs.
Should I talk to the Insurer?
The only time you should provide a recorded statement to the insurance company is when recommended by your attorney. While recorded statements are sometimes helpful in case resolution, they are often taken shortly after the accident, while the injured person is still under duress and unaware of the full extent of their injuries.
Also, keep in mind that those investigating car accidents sometimes take the blame and take a criminal approach to question rather than simply establish the facts. Sometimes the questions are phrased in a way that leads you to admit that you were at fault or not injured in the accident, even if this is not true.
Let your DC car accident lawyer take care of contacting the insurance companies. Even if you file a claim with your own insurance company, the other driver's insurance company can get that claim and use it against you. The only people you should discuss your car accident case with are the police, medical personnel, and your attorneys. Call Simeone & Miller at(202) 888-0872.
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims
Personal injury protection, or PIP coverage, is a form of no-fault insurance. PIP covers the occupants of a vehicle, regardless of who is at fault in the accident, and offers coverage ranging from $2,500 to $100,000. However, PIP insurance will only cover medical bills and a percentage of lost wages.
Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia have different laws and regulations regarding PIP. In Washington DC, for example,make a PIP claimit may be a waiver of your right to sue the at-fault driver. If you live in one state and are in an accident in another, you may also face a "choice of law" issue.
These issues can be complex, so you should be represented by apersonal injury lawyer.
At Simeone & Miller, we do not charge a percentage of your recovery from a PIP policy. Instead, we charge a small fee, not to exceed $150, to cover our time and expenses. The fee is collected at the end of the process and out of your recovery against the person who caused your accident. If you are not eligible for PIP, we do not accept a fee.
Let our company help you in this process.
the best you can doafter a car accidentin Washington DC, Virginia or Maryland is to call Simeone & Miller, LLP as soon as possible so that we can assist you. There is no charge or obligation for an initial consultation, and our contingency fee policy means you won't pay any legal fees unless we recover your case. Get started today by discussing your options with a Washington DC car accident lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP.
“I felt that they were taking care of me as a person and not as a number or a case. I felt like my lawyer cared about my case, my life, and he cared for me like I was his own family.”
-Y.D.W.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Can I file a claim if I only suffered minor injuries?
It is wise to contact a Washington DC car accident attorney even if yourinjuries are minor. You may not know the full extent of your injuries until you have completed medical treatment. Also, the amount of time you would need to help us with your complaint is minimal. Most of our clients resolve their cases without going to court.
How involved should I be if I file a complaint?
In all cases we accept, we are responsible for the vast majority of the work and we give you plenty of notice before you need to become involved in the case. We also do everything we can to reduce the disruption to your schedule. Additionally, our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so smaller cases will result in lower legal fees.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in DC?
If you do not have PIP coverage, or if it is not enough to cover your losses after an accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. For your claim to be valid, you must file the claim within the statute of limitations, which can vary depending on where the accident occurred. BothDC and Maryland have a three-year contractstatute of limitations, butVirginia is only two years old..
FAQs
How long do most car accident settlements take? ›
How long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident? This depends on the facts of your case, but in general, anywhere between 9-18 months.
How are settlement checks mailed? ›Receive Your Settlement Check
After your attorney clears all your liens, legal fees, and applicable case costs, the firm will write you a check for the remaining amount of your settlement. Your attorney will send you the check and forward it to the address he or she has on file for you.
Overall, the settlement negotiation process typically takes a few weeks to a few months. If all goes well, you and the other party will agree to a fair settlement for your damages.
How much are most car accident settlements? ›The average car accident lawsuit settlement ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $75,000, depending on the factors of your case. Your settlement may be lower or higher than the average amount based on the circumstances of your accidents.
What is a good settlement offer for a car accident? ›A good car accident settlement offer is one that fully covers your medical expenses, property damage, and time off from work. It compensates you adequately for the pain and trauma you have experienced related to the accident. A skilled attorney can evaluate your settlement offer and advise you if it is reasonable.
Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case? ›The reasons a case can progress slowly can be summed up into three general points: Your case is slowed down by legal or factual problems. Your case involves a lot of damages and substantial compensation. You have not reached maximum medical improvement from your injuries (this will be explained below)