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What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Washington DC

A car accident can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure about what to do next. In Washington, DC, the moments after a crash can have a major impact on both personal safety and any future injury claim. Whether the collision happens on I-395, the Capital Beltway, or a neighborhood street in the District, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect health, finances, and legal rights.

Many people make simple mistakes after a crash without realizing the consequences. Delaying medical treatment, failing to document the scene, or speaking too freely with insurance companies can all hurt a claim later. Understanding what actions to take right away can make the recovery process smoother and improve the chances of obtaining fair compensation.

The following article explains the most important steps to take after a car accident in Washington, DC, and throughout the DMV area.

What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

The first few minutes after a collision are critical. Safety should always come first.

Check for Injuries

Immediately check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone appears hurt, call 911 right away. Even injuries that seem minor can become more serious over time. Common crash injuries include whiplash, concussions, back injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding, many of which may not be immediately apparent at the scene.

Once you have assessed the situation and called for help if needed, the next priority is getting out of harm's way.

Move to a Safe Location if Possible

If the vehicles are creating a hazard and can safely be moved, relocate them to the shoulder or another safe area nearby. Turn on hazard lights to warn approaching traffic.

On busy Washington, DC, roads and highways, staying in traffic lanes after a collision can increase the risk of a second accident.

Stay Calm and Avoid Arguments

Emotions often run high after a crash, but it is important to remain calm and avoid confrontations with the other driver. Do not yell, assign blame, or discuss who caused the accident at the scene. Even simple statements such as “I’m sorry” could later be interpreted as admitting fault. Instead, remain polite, provide only factual information, cooperate with police officers, and avoid speculating about how the accident happened.

Exchange Information

Drivers involved in the accident should exchange:

If there are witnesses nearby, try to collect their contact information as well. Independent witnesses can sometimes play a major role in proving liability later.  Once you have exchanged information with the other driver, the next decision is whether to involve law enforcement, and in most cases in Washington DC, the answer is yes.

When You Should Call the Police After a Car Accident

Many drivers wonder whether they actually need to contact law enforcement after a crash. In Washington, D.C., calling the police is almost always the smart decision.

Why a Police Report Matters

A police report creates an official record of the accident that can become important evidence during an insurance claim or personal injury case. The report may include statements from drivers and witnesses, road and weather conditions, vehicle positions, officer observations, and preliminary fault determinations. Insurance companies often rely heavily on police reports during their investigations because they provide an objective account of what happened at the scene. Without an official report, proving the details of the accident and establishing liability can become much more difficult. There are certain situations where contacting the police is not just advisable but essential.

Situations Where Police Should Always Be Called

While calling the police is always a reasonable choice, there are situations where it is not optional. Drivers should contact the police immediately if any of the following apply:

Even in minor accidents, requesting police assistance can help avoid disputes later.

Obtain the Police Report Information

Before leaving the scene, ask the responding officer for:

This information can become important when filing an insurance claim or working with a car accident lawyer in DC.

How to Gather Evidence to Protect Your Injury Claim

Strong evidence can make a major difference in a personal injury case. The more documentation collected at the scene, the easier it may be to prove liability and damages later.

Take Photos and Videos

Use a smartphone to document as much as possible. Be sure to capture clear photos of all vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries. It is also important to photograph the surrounding area, including skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and overall road and weather conditions. Taking wide shots of the entire accident scene can provide crucial context for investigators later. Video footage can also help capture details that photos may miss.

Write Down Important Details

Photos and videos capture the scene, but written notes capture what the camera cannot, including what was said, the sequence of events, and the conditions you observed. Memory fades quickly after stressful events. As soon as possible, write down the time of the crash, the exact location, the direction each vehicle was traveling, traffic conditions at the time, and any statements made by drivers or witnesses. Keeping detailed notes can help refresh memory later if questions arise.

Preserve Medical Records

Medical documentation is one of the most important forms of evidence in a car accident case.

Keep copies of:

A clear medical timeline helps establish the connection between the accident and the injuries. While building your medical documentation, it is equally important to be mindful of what you share publicly, particularly on social media.

Be Careful with Social Media

Insurance companies frequently review social media accounts during investigations.

After a crash:

Even innocent posts can sometimes be taken out of context and used against injury victims.

Why Seeking Medical Attention Quickly Matters After a Crash

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is delaying medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor can harm both health and a legal claim.

Some Injuries Appear Days Later

Certain injuries develop gradually after a crash, and many accident victims feel fine in the immediate aftermath only to wake up the next morning in significant pain. This is not unusual. The body's adrenaline response during a traumatic event can temporarily suppress pain signals, masking injuries that are already present. Common delayed symptoms include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness, back pain, and memory issues. Concussions, soft tissue injuries, and spinal injuries may not fully appear until hours or days later.

Medical Records Help Prove the Injury

Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment. If someone waits too long to seek care, insurers may argue:

Prompt treatment creates documentation that directly connects injuries to the accident.

Follow All Treatment Recommendations

After the initial evaluation, continue following all medical advice carefully. This may mean attending follow-up appointments, completing a course of physical therapy, undergoing specialist evaluations or imaging tests, and following medication instructions as prescribed. It can be tempting to skip appointments once you start feeling better, but stopping treatment early can create gaps in your medical record that insurance companies will use to argue your injuries were not as serious as claimed.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Car Accident Claim

Even valid injury claims can become more difficult when mistakes are made after a crash. Understanding these common errors can help accident victims avoid unnecessary problems.

Admitting Fault

Never admit fault at the scene or during conversations with insurance adjusters.

Fault is not always obvious immediately after an accident. Multiple factors may contribute to a crash, including:

Let investigators and attorneys determine liability based on evidence. Closely related to the issue of admitting fault is the risk of giving a recorded statement before you fully understand what happened or the extent of your injuries.

Giving Recorded Statements Too Soon

Insurance adjusters may quickly request recorded statements after an accident. While they may sound friendly, their goal is often to minimize payouts.

Accident victims should be cautious about:

Speaking with a car accident attorney in DC before providing detailed statements can help protect legal rights.

Accepting a Quick Settlement

Early settlement offers are often far lower than the true value of a claim.

Initial offers may not account for:

Once a settlement is accepted, additional compensation is usually unavailable. Even if you resist a quick settlement, the strength of your eventual claim depends heavily on how well you have documented every financial loss along the way.

Failing to Document Expenses

Many accident victims focus on their physical recovery and overlook the financial documentation that will ultimately determine the value of their claim. The true cost of a car accident extends well beyond the emergency room bill. Lost wages from missed work, mileage driven to and from medical appointments, out-of-pocket prescription costs, and vehicle repair expenses all add up quickly and are all recoverable with proper documentation. Keep organized records of all accident-related costs, including medical bills, prescription costs, mileage to appointments, vehicle repair estimates, and lost income documentation. Detailed financial records help demonstrate the full economic impact of the accident and give your attorney the clearest possible picture of your damages.

Waiting Too Long to Contact a Lawyer

Washington DC follows strict contributory negligence rules. DC's contributory negligence rule means that even a small finding of fault on your part could eliminate your ability to recover compensation entirely. An attorney can help gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and build the strongest possible case before that evidence disappears or deadlines pass. Beyond the legal deadlines, critical evidence such as surveillance footage, black box data, and witness memories can disappear quickly in the weeks after a crash.

 Navigating all of these steps while recovering from an injury is a significant burden, and it is one that no accident victim should have to carry alone.

When to Contact The Cochran Firm DC After a Car Accident in the DMV

After a serious car accident, dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters can quickly become overwhelming. While not every car accident requires legal representation, many claims become far more complicated than victims initially expect. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce payouts, especially when injuries are severe or liability is disputed.

The Cochran Firm DC represents car accident victims throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia and has the resources to help clients pursue the compensation they deserve. Whether the crash involved serious injuries, multiple vehicles, denied insurance claims, or financial hardship from missed work and medical expenses, experienced legal guidance can make a major difference.

To speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in DC and across the DMV area, call 1-800-THE-FIRM, or request a free case evaluation online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a doctor still be seen after a minor car accident?

Yes. Even low-speed car accidents can cause injuries that are not immediately obvious. Conditions such as whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries may take hours or even days to produce noticeable symptoms. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible helps identify hidden injuries early and creates medical documentation that may become important if an injury claim is filed later. Delaying treatment may also give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that the injuries were not caused by the accident.

How long does someone have to file a car accident claim in Washington DC?

In Washington DC, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the crash. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this three-year window, you will likely lose your right to recover any compensation. While three years may seem like a long time, investigating the crash, gathering medical records, and negotiating with insurance companies takes significant time. It is always best to consult with a Washington DC car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure no major deadlines are missed.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, injured victims may still have options for recovering compensation. In some situations, uninsured motorist coverage through the victim’s own insurance policy may help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Additional legal options may also exist depending on the facts of the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can review all available insurance coverage and explain the best path forward after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Can compensation still be recovered if injuries appear days later?

Yes, and this is one of the most important reasons not to delay medical care. Many car accident injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage, do not produce noticeable symptoms until hours or even days after the crash. If you start experiencing pain, stiffness, headaches, or dizziness in the days following an accident, see a doctor immediately and make sure to mention the accident. Connecting your symptoms to the crash in your medical records is critical to supporting any future claim.

What should someone do if the other driver leaves the scene?

If the other driver leaves the scene after a crash, call 911 immediately and try to provide as much information as possible about the vehicle, including the license plate number, make, model, color, and direction the driver traveled. If there were witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information and whether they saw the fleeing vehicle. Hit-and-run accidents can be stressful, but surveillance footage, witness statements, and police investigations may help identify the driver. Victims may also be able to seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage if the driver cannot be located.

FDA Ban on Formaldehyde in Hair Relaxers: What It Means for Black Women

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has proposed a ban on chemical hair relaxer products containing formaldehyde or similar ingredients for April 2024. Even if a hair relaxer does not contain formaldehyde as a main ingredient, it may have ingredients that turn into formaldehyde when heated, such as methylene glycol or formalin. The use of hair relaxers containing formaldehyde is currently discouraged by the FDA, according to a fact sheet from the agency, but this proposal further solidifies the FDA’s stance. This proposed ban is a public health win, especially for Black women, who are disproportionately put at risk by these products due to anti-Black hair sentiment.  

What is Formaldehyde? 

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that is a preservative known to prevent microbes from growing. However, it is also known to cause adverse health effects. It is used in many household products, such as medicines and antiseptics, and is an ingredient in some cosmetics. When chemical hair relaxers are used, formaldehyde gas is released into the air and can cause immediate eye and throat irritation. Repeat exposure can contribute to long-term problems. These problems include: 

Frequent hair relaxer use could also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancer. 

Hair Relaxers and Cancer 

In October 2022, a National Institute of Health study found that women who used chemical hair relaxers more than four times in one year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. These findings were consistent with previous studies that linked chemical hair relaxer use to an increased risk of hormone-related cancers in women. Hormone-related cancers in women include breast, ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancers.  

Formaldehyde – and similar chemicals like phthalates and parabens – are known as “Endocrine Disruptors.” Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are not inherently dangerous but can significantly affect a person’s hormones.  

Though formaldehyde is in many household products, its presence is more concerning in chemical hair relaxers because it requires heat to straighten hair properly. The added heat not only releases formaldehyde gasses but can also cause burns and lesions on the scalp. With scalp wounds, the body absorbs the chemicals more easily, which can enter the bloodstream. 

The study found that approximately 60% of the participants who reported using hair relaxers in the previous year were Black women. Black women tend to use chemical hair relaxer products more than women of other races due to Eurocentric beauty norms that discourage Black women from wearing their hair in its naturally textured state. Many women of color began using chemical hair relaxers as children due to the stigma surrounding their hair in schools and found that the stigma continued as they entered the workplace. Many schools and businesses had rules that dictated how women of color needed to style their hair. These rules favored straight, untextured hair and discriminated against women wearing natural hair or protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots. As a result, many women turned to hair relaxers and straighteners to comply with discriminatory workplace expectations. 

Some studies found that the societal pressure for Black women and girls to fit the Eurocentric beauty standards caused girls as young as four years old to use hair straightening products and techniques. (Wright DR et al. (2011)). 

The CROWN Act 

The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in educational and professional environments. It was first introduced in California in January 2019 and signed into state law in July. It is currently a law in 23 states – Maryland and Virginia both recognize the CROWN Act as law. Twenty-one other states currently have the legislation filed or pre-filed. In March 2022, a Bill known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, or the measure H.R. 2116, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Unfortunately, when it was brought to the Senate that December, it did not pass.  

The FDA and Banned Products 

This case is not the first time the FDA has proposed a ban or entirely banned products. In 2022, the FDA banned talc, an ingredient found in many different health and beauty items, most notably in baby and talcum powder. The FDA banned talc-containing products due to a possible link to ovarian cancer and asbestos contamination. So, the FDA may ban a cosmetic product if they have reliable information showing the product may negatively affect public health.

Formaldehyde, Cosmetics, and Other Countries 

The FDA is not the first regulatory body to consider banning formaldehyde in cosmetics. On July 8, 2022, the European Union banned formaldehyde-containing cosmetics after formaldehyde was officially named a carcinogen, known as a cancer-causing chemical. 

The European Union reduced the amount of formaldehyde allowed in cosmetics from 0.05% (500 parts per million (ppm)) to 0.001% (10 ppm). The changes will not be immediate as the E.U. has agreed to give manufacturers “reasonable time” to implement the necessary changes. However, all labeling and ingredient changes must occur by July 31, 2026. 

Canada has recently updated their regulations regarding formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair relaxer products. Formaldehyde concentrations in hair relaxer products in Canada are not permitted to exceed 0.01% (100 ppm).

Formaldehyde Across the U.S. 

While the FDA regulates products nationally, States can also regulate food, drugs, and other products manufactured in and imported to their jurisdictions. On May 15, 2023, the Washington State Governor signed the “Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act” into law. This Act bans many harmful and cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Like the European Union’s approach, the ban will not have an immediate effect but rather give the manufacturers time to reformulate their products and update their packaging. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals must be removed from cosmetics by 2026. 

Washington State has acknowledged that people of color, particularly women, are disproportionately affected by these carcinogenic chemicals. Citing an article from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Toxic Free Future states that African American women buy “nine times more ethnic hair and beauty products than other groups.” These ethnic hair and beauty products include chemical straighteners and hair relaxers.

Currently, only four States regulate formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics: California, Maryland, Washington, and Minnesota. However, Minnesota only regulates formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in children’s products. With less than 10% of the U.S. States regulating formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, this proposed ban, if enacted by the FDA, would be hugely beneficial to many Americans, but most notably and importantly, women of color. 

Ingredients to be Aware of 

Ingredient names that can be difficult to decipher crowd product labels. Unlike the E.U., the U.S. does not require manufacturers to clearly label products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. This labeling can leave the uninformed consumer unaware of the risks associated with the product they purchase.

For example, many keratin-based hair relaxer products contain formaldehyde and related chemicals. However, not all keratin-based hair relaxers contain formaldehyde, nor are all non-keratin-based products formaldehyde-free. So, knowing which formulas and brands are safe can be challenging without checking. Therefore, always check the product ingredients to be sure of its contents. Ingredients to be aware of include formaldehyde, formalin, and methylene glycol. 

Find a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Lawyer in DC

The Cochran Firm continues to assist clients with Hair Relaxer claims. Our attorneys have extensive experience assisting clients with complicated class action lawsuits, guiding them every step of the process. If you or a loved one used chemical hair relaxers and were later diagnosed with ovarian, endometrial, or uterine cancer, you may be eligible to pursue compensation.

Contact a Lawyer at The Cochran Firm in DC

Link to Hair Relaxer information page: https://www.cochranfirm.com/litigation/hair-relaxer/

Further reading:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R1181

https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2021/05/Chemicals-in-Hair-Straightening-Products-Background-Document.pdf

https://www.paramountbeauty.com/msds/brazilianblowout/brazilian_sds8-2018.pdf

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/cosmetics/labelling/safety-ingredients.html#a4.4

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(17)30862-1/fulltext

https://www.saferstates.org/news/strongest-law-in-the-u-s-regulating-toxic-chemicals-in-cosmetics-signed-by-washington-state-governor-today/

https://toxicfreefuture.org/washington-state/campaign-2023-washington-state-cosmetics-bill/

Pedestrian Death in the DMV

In the United States, motor vehicles often dictate and dominate travel. This is especially true in the Washington DC area, a city with a population of over 700,000 residents, and many commute to work. Plus, hundreds of thousands of commuters enter the city daily, increasing DC’s population to well over one million people. Public transportation like the metro and buses are options, but most of those commuters are entering the city by car.

Pedestrian deaths have risen in recent years.


While driving can be convenient, this also inherently presents a safety risk. According to a report by the Governors Highway Association, pedestrian deaths have risen by 77% in the United States in the past decade. In Washington, DC, approximately 313 were killed because of vehicle crashes in the DC region in 2022. This is the second straight year that the number of deaths has been over 300. Eighteen of those deaths were pedestrians on DC roads in 2022.

A pedestrian is one who travels on foot, whether walking or running. In 2021, 11 pedestrian traffic fatalities occurred in Washington, DC, according to the Governors Safety Highway Association. This was an increase to previous years, with 6 pedestrian traffic fatalities each occurring in 2019 and 2020.

There are many reasons why pedestrian deaths may occur, and they seem to be on the rise. Different factors include:

Safety features in the cars themselves may have decreased the chances of drivers and passengers suffering fatal injuries. At the same time, however, the rise in speeding and distracted driving increases the risk of pedestrian fatalities.

DC is taking action against traffic fatalities.


Washington, DC, has taken action to reduce fatalities against pedestrians. These include the DC council passing a law banning right turns at red lights by 2025, allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs if the intersection is clear, and making the local bus service free. By waiving local bus fees, the DC council hopes to increase the use of public transportation and thus lower the amount of motor vehicles on the road.

Washington, DC, is also trying to reduce traffic fatalities through physical projects that can change driver behavior. Washington, DC, is increasing the number of traffic cameras on roads, expanding bike lanes, and making certain roads smaller. The increase in traffic cameras can lead to reduced speeding from cars.

Furthermore, safety advocates say that making streets narrower and slower is one of the best ways to prevent traffic fatalities.

Prince George’s County, MD, has the highest rate of traffic fatalities in the DMV.


In the Washington DC area, Prince George’s County in Maryland has the highest rate of traffic fatalities per 100,000 people. In 2022, 117 people died in a traffic fatality in Prince George’s County, or a rate of 11.8 deaths per 100,000. This rate is significantly higher than the traffic fatality rate of other local jurisdictions in the DC area.

By comparison, Fairfax County, Montgomery County, Washington DC, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Alexandria City, and Arlington County had about half or fewer traffic fatalities in 2022 than Prince George’s County. However, on the positive side, Prince George’s County was one of three counties in the local area that had fewer traffic fatalities in 2022 than they did in 2021, joining Washington DC and Alexandria City in that category.

Those numbers include all fatalities caused by car accidents. When looking at the data for pedestrians specifically, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation, Prince George’s County had 466 pedestrian crashes in 2021. Out of those 466, 346 resulted in injury, and 35 resulted in death.

From 2016 to 2021, Prince George’s County averaged 382 pedestrian injury crashes per year and 29 fatal pedestrian crashes per year. These are the highest pedestrian injury and death numbers in all of Maryland, with only Montgomery County and Baltimore coming close in the state.

Montgomery County has averaged 379 pedestrian injury crashes per year in the same five-year period, with an average of 13 pedestrian deaths from crashes. Baltimore has averaged 377 pedestrian injury crashes in that five-year period, with an average of 21 pedestrian deaths from crashes.

It is interesting to note that while the number of crashes resulting in injury to pedestrians between these three Maryland jurisdictions is similar, the number of crashes that have resulted in death to pedestrians has been significantly higher in Prince George’s County.

Like other local areas, Prince George’s County has attempted to implement policies to prevent traffic and pedestrian fatalities, both in the past and in the future.

In 2017, Prince George’s County adopted new urban design standards. Prince George’s County is part of a “Vision Zero” plan that aims t to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2040. In 2017, Prince George’s County guidelines called for slower speeds, shorter crossing distances, and wider sidewalks, among other changes.

In 2023, Prince George’s County is considering Council Bill CB-069-2023, or “The Walkable Urban Streets Act,” in the Prince George’s County Council. The legislation will likely focus on reducing speed limits in pedestrian areas to reduce fatal accidents.

Things you can do as a pedestrian or a driver:


In addition to larger policy goals that aim to curb traffic fatalities, we can do things individually to lower the likelihood of a car hitting a pedestrian.

When walking outside, always be alert for vehicles in the surrounding area.

Remember that even if you see a vehicle approaching, the driver might not see you. So always be aware of the cars around you to avoid getting hit.

As a pedestrian, remember to walk on designated walkways and look both ways on the road multiple times to make sure you do not miss anything. Also, remember that traffic rules for pedestrians are in place for pedestrian safety. Therefore, following the law to prevent unnecessary risk and accidents is necessary.

As a driver, it is also crucial to obey all traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians.

When driving in a city, pay close attention when making turns at an intersection.

Turn off and put away any distractions, like a cell phone, and always keep your eyes on the road.

Find an auto accident attorney in DC

The Cochran Firm’s Personal Injury attorneys have extensive experience assisting clients who have been injured in automobile accidents as pedestrians. If you have been a victim in a motor vehicle accident, you may be suffering from serious injuries, time off work, medical expenses, as well as emotional trauma.

We can help you recover the damages and receive the compensation you are due.

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