In a city that is occupied by drivers from several surrounding states, the question often arises, “who causes most of the accidents in Washington DC?” An article by the Washington Post takes a look at a recent study released that analyzes some of the traffic and accident data in the nation’s capitol.
Although Washington DC shares a border with Maryland and Virginia, and is a popular tourist destination, the number one group involved in accidents in DC is, in fact, DC residents. In second place are Marylanders, causing about one-third of the accidents in the nation’s capitol.
Tourists and drivers from Virginia are actually responsible for very few accidents, given the high prevalence of both populations.
The article notes that Washington DC was recently ranked the most dangerous city to drive in by Allstate Insurance. Second worst on the list was Baltimore. That does not bode well for Maryland drivers. On average, the study points out, Washington DC resident go a mere 4.8 years without being involved in a traffic accident. Residents of Philadelphia, for example, make it over 6 years.
The study concludes with a brief analysis of the deaths caused in DC by traffic accidents, which numbered 15 in 2012. It also notes that Washington DC has some of the highest insurance rates across the country.
Washington DC is a Tough and Dangerous Place to Drive
The study only points out what most Washington DC drivers already know, that the city is a dangerous place to drive. Indeed, there were 15 traffic deaths in a city that is fairly small compared to its metropolitan counterparts.
It may be of some solace to know that, when a driver does cause an accident, the victim of that accident is entitled to recover for their injuries as well as their property damage from the at-fault driver. This is most often done through a negligence action brought by the accident victim.
Under the law of negligence, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff that he or she broke. In addition, the plaintiff must prove that the violation of the duty was what caused her injuries. To learn more about the laws of negligence in Washington DC, contact a dedicated Washington DC personal injury attorney.
Have You been involved in an Accident in Washington DC?
If you are one of the over 25,000 drivers who has had the ill fortune to be involved in a traffic accident in the nation’s capitol, you may be relieved to hear that you may be entitled to monetary compensation for you injuries and property damage. However, you can be certain that the other driver and their insurance company will be prepared for a fight. The Washington DC personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has years of experience representing Washingtonians in personal injury suits across a broad spectrum. They understand how to effectively bring personal injury cases and are confident they can help you with yours. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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