District of Columbia Car Accident Legal Questions

I believe that you will have to prove that the owner of the land where the tree was located had notice that there was an issue with the tree and that it was foreseeable to fall and damage something.  If the tree belongs to the National Park Service you will need to formally put that federal government agency on notice of a claim including timely filing a Form 95 within two years of the incident. If in fact this incident was an act of god and unforeseeable, then unfortunately you may be without any recourse against anyone to get compensated.  Good luck with this matter.... Read More

It is not clear as to which insurance company has paid your medical bills (e.g. you auto insurance company or your health insurance company).  It is also is not clear which insurance company you believe your lawyer should be contacting (e.g. the at fault driver's insurance company, your auto insurance company, your health insurance company).... Read More

If the liability property damage coverage is not enough to cover your property damage related losses, then you might be able to obtain additional compensation from your own auto insurance company under the UM/UIM property damage coverage.  Speak with your own auto insurance company before signing any release for the insurance company of the at fault driver.  Good luck with this matter.... Read More

If you just had minor bruising, there is likely no need to sue.  Just make a claim against the auto insurance company for the at fault driver.  If all you and your daughter have is minor bruising, it is likely you will be able to reach a settlement with the at fault driver's auto insurance company.  Good luck with this matter.... Read More

The rental car company and/or the renter are not responsible for paying you enough money to buy a newer car.  Under the law, you are entitled to be compensated for the cost of repairing the vehicle (assuming the cost to repair is less than the value of the vehicle) or the total loss value of the vehicle (assuming the cost to repair is more than the value of the vehicle).  If you are taking care of the property damage through your own personal auto insurance, you should confirm with your auto insurance company that it is going to go after the rental car company and/or the renter to get back not only the money that your auto insurance company had to pay but also any deductible that you were responsible for as a result of making a collision claim with your auto  insurance company.  Depending upon the age of your vehicle and the condition of your vehicle at the time of the accident, you also might be entitled to make a diminished value claim if you can prove through a property damage appraiser that your vehicle has a diminished value as a result of being in a collision.  Good luck with this matter.... Read More

It is my understanding that whether someone is behind you is not the controlling issue but I believe the traffic laws in Virginia require a signal to be given whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement by the vehicle intending to turn.  I suggest that you check with an attorney who regularly handle traffic court matters in Virginia.... Read More

If you have any questions or concerns as to the manner in which you were contacted by a law firm the day after your accident, I suggest that you call the Office of Bar Counsel at the District of Columbia Bar.  You can also check on the status of a lawyer through the District of Columbia Bar by calling them or checking their website.  Good luck with this matter.... Read More

If you have collision coverage on your vehicle, you could try to make a claim for the repairs but the problem will be that you told your mother not to allow anyone else to drive and she went against your instructions.  The collision coverage might not apply because there was an non-permissible operator of the vehicle. If you decide to pursue a claim personally, I suggest that you make a claim against both your mother and cousin.  Your mother, because you loaned the vehicle to your mother and the wreck occurred while the vehicle was to be in her possession.  Your cousin, because she was the operator of the vehicle during the wreck. Also, if your cousin was covered under any auto insurance policy, make a claim against that auto insurance policy.... Read More