Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog

Washington D.C. DUI Accident Lawyer Standing Up for Victims and Their Families

April 30, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Every time a driver gets behind the wheel impaired, lives are put at risk. In Washington, D.C., accidents involving drunk or drugged drivers often leave victims facing devastating injuries or families mourning loved ones who never make it home. If you or your family has suffered because someone chose to drive under the influence, you may have the right to pursue justice through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

A tragic crash in California recently highlighted the dangers all too clearly. Authorities confirmed that a motorcyclist, traveling along South College Drive, lost his life after colliding with a vehicle that pulled out of a parking lot. After a preliminary investigation, police determined the driver had been under the influence of marijuana at the time. Although this crash occurred on the West Coast, Washington D.C. families face the same risks every day from drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other substances.

The Impact of Impaired Driving in Washington, D.C.

Reckless Drivers Put Everyone in Danger on Washington D.C. Streets

April 30, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When drivers act carelessly, the people who pay the price are often those simply going about their lives. In Washington, D.C., reckless driving continues to cause devastating injuries, particularly in crowded areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers have little time to react. If someone else’s dangerous driving has hurt you or a loved one, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover the losses you have suffered.

A recent crash on U Street shows just how dangerous reckless behavior can be. Early in the morning, the driver of an Audi A5 lost control while speeding, striking a pedestrian, a utility pole, and a metal trash can. The force of the impact sent debris flying, injuring additional bystanders on the sidewalk. In total, seven people were hurt, and the driver now faces charges for DUI and reckless driving. Though this crash happened in seconds, the impact on the victims’ lives may last much longer.

How Reckless Driving Leads to Serious Injuries in Washington D.C.

Reckless driving goes beyond simple mistakes or speeding. It involves a conscious disregard for the safety of others. In Washington, D.C., reckless driving includes actions such as excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When a driver makes these dangerous choices and causes harm, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. A personal injury claim can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. It also sends a strong message that reckless behavior will have serious consequences.

Personal Injury Claims After a Washington D.C. Reckless Driving Accident

If a reckless driver injured you, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for the harm you suffered. Recoverable damages often include medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. You may also be entitled to recover lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses both the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the crash. Property damage to your vehicle, bicycle, or personal belongings can also be part of your claim. In severe cases like the U Street collision, where multiple pedestrians were injured, pursuing a personal injury claim ensures that victims are not left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s reckless behavior.

D.C. Driver with 135 Unpaid Tickets Faces Legal Action Under New Law

March 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A Maryland driver with an alarming history of traffic violations is now facing legal action in Washington, D.C., after racking up 135 unpaid tickets totaling more than $36,000 in fines. This case marks one of the first major enforcement efforts under the recently implemented State Enforcement of Traffic and Equipment Regulations (STEER) Act. This law holds non-resident drivers accountable for unpaid violations in the District. Officials say the driver’s repeated infractions, which include speeding and running red lights, put public safety at risk and reflect a broader problem of habitual offenders evading consequences.

Authorities filed a lawsuit against the driver to recover outstanding fines and enforce stricter penalties. With so many violations left unresolved, the District Attorney General’s Office sees this case as a necessary step to curb reckless driving. The driver’s actions, documented over a long period, highlight gaps in enforcement that previously allowed individuals with extensive infractions to continue operating vehicles without facing significant consequences.

The Danger of Repeat Traffic Offenders

Drivers with a history of repeated traffic offenses create a serious public safety issue. Speeding and ignoring traffic signals significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, placing pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at risk. Reckless drivers pose an even more significant threat in a densely populated city like Washington, D.C., where many residents rely on walking and biking for transportation.

Washington DC Officials Focus on High-Risk Roads to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

March 12, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Washington, D.C. officials have announced a new initiative aimed at reducing the city’s persistently high rate of traffic crashes and fatalities. The Safety Corridor Initiative will focus enforcement efforts on two specific high-risk areas for the next 60 days: New York Avenue NE, from 4th Street to Bladensburg Road, and South Capitol Street, from Southern Avenue to MLK Boulevard. These corridors have been the site of 427 injuries and two fatalities since 2022, prompting officials to take action.

Despite years of efforts to improve roadway safety, the number of deadly crashes in D.C. continues to rise. The new plan is designed to address some of the worst problem areas, with city leaders hoping that increased police presence and public education will encourage safer driving behaviors.

A Growing Crisis on Washington DC Roads

D.C. has long struggled with rising traffic deaths, even as city leaders have pushed for safer streets. The city’s Vision Zero program, launched in 2014, aims to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2024. However, the number of fatalities has only increased. In 2023, the District recorded 52 deaths and 363 serious injuries from traffic crashes—the highest fatality count in 16 years.

Officials at the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) say that a small percentage of roads are responsible for most crashes. Research shows that just 5% of the city’s streets account for 50% of all collisions. The newly targeted corridors—New York Avenue NE and South Capitol Street—are among the most dangerous.

Legal Rights After the D.C. Plane Crash and Who May Be Responsible

February 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A devastating plane crash in Washington, D.C., has left victims and their families searching for answers. Airplane accidents are rare, but when they occur, they can cause severe injuries and fatalities both in the air and on the ground. In urban areas, falling debris or a full crash landing can harm pedestrians, drivers, and property owners.

Determining responsibility in aviation accidents is more complex than in other injury cases. Claims can involve airlines, manufacturers, and even government agencies. Each case depends on the cause of the crash, the circumstances leading up to it, and the laws that apply. Victims must understand their legal options to hold the at-fault parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Plane Crash?

Winter Storms Increase Risks for Maryland Drivers

January 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Winter storms can create hazardous conditions for drivers in Maryland and Washington, D.C., with icy roads, poor visibility, and heavy snowfall contributing to dangerous situations. During a recent storm, Maryland State Police responded to over 100 crashes, underscoring how quickly road conditions can become unsafe. Snow and ice make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, while freezing temperatures increase the likelihood of accidents. Determining liability often becomes a key issue when collisions occur during severe weather, mainly if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.

Understanding your rights is critical if you are involved in a winter storm accident. While weather conditions play a role, other drivers must still operate their vehicles responsibly. Speeding, following too closely, or failing to adjust for icy roads can worsen an already dangerous situation. When negligence contributes to a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Personal injury attorneys help victims hold negligent drivers accountable and secure recovery resources.

How Do Winter Storms Impact Driver Safety?

Snow and ice significantly reduce traction, making stopping or controlling a vehicle harder. Sudden changes in road conditions, such as black ice or untreated patches, catch drivers off guard, often leading to accidents. Limited visibility during snowstorms can also make it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles on the road. These challenges require extra caution, including reducing speed, increasing following distances, and using headlights.

Metrobus Accidents and Government Immunity Under D.C. Law

December 31, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent Metrobus crash in Southeast D.C. injured five people, raising important questions about how victims can seek compensation for their injuries in such cases. Public transportation incidents, including Metrobus accidents, often introduce unique legal challenges due to the concept of government immunity. Under D.C. law, government entities, such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), have certain protections that can complicate personal injury claims.

If you’ve been injured in a Metrobus accident, understanding your rights and the legal framework for filing a claim is essential. While government immunity can limit lawsuits against public entities, exceptions exist, and many cases successfully hold public transportation providers accountable for their negligence.

What is Government Immunity and How Does It Apply?

In many situations, government immunity protects certain public entities from lawsuits, shielding them from liability. In Washington, D.C., WMATA operates as a regional agency created through a compact among Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., and it is granted sovereign immunity under specific circumstances. This means that in some cases, victims of Metrobus accidents cannot sue WMATA or its employees.

Multi-Vehicle Crash Sends Five to Hospital in Montgomery County

November 23, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Multi-vehicle collisions are among the most dangerous traffic accidents on Maryland roads, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. The risk increases exponentially when more than two vehicles are involved, as the chain reaction creates a chaotic and hazardous situation. These types of accidents also introduce significant challenges in determining fault, as liability may be shared among several parties. Recently, a multi-vehicle crash in Montgomery County left five people hospitalized and caused significant disruption.

The crash occurred on a busy stretch of road, involving at least two vehicles and leading to emergency responders rescuing multiple individuals trapped in the wreckage. The incident resulted in severe injuries to several people, who were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. In the aftermath, traffic was brought to a standstill as lanes were closed in both directions to allow for rescue operations and accident investigation. Situations like these serve as sobering reminders of how quickly a normal day can turn into a life-altering event as a result of a single act of negligence.

Victims of multi-vehicle accidents often have the right to pursue relief through personal injury or wrongful death claims. Those injured in these crashes may be entitled to significant damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. However, pursuing such claims can be challenging, particularly in complex cases involving multiple parties. Municipal agencies, businesses, or other individuals involved in the crash may all bear some degree of responsibility. Identifying and proving fault in these cases requires a thorough investigation and expert legal representation to ensure justice is served.

Maryland Motorist Charged with Reckless Driving after Hitting Child in Washington, D.C., Crosswalk

October 30, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

In dense urban areas such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the chances of a pedestrian being struck by a passenger car or commercial vehicle are likely greater than anywhere else in Maryland. Aside from some of the obvious locations where persons on foot can come into close proximity with motor vehicles — for instance urban crosswalks, bus stops and airport pick-up/drop-off zones — pedestrians can also be badly injured or even killed when simply walking through busy parking lots or in poorly illuminated parking garages.

As Baltimore, MD, personal injury attorneys, the legal team at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, understands the range of threats that can be encountered when pedestrians and motor vehicles mix. Bicycle riders, shoppers, skateboarders, joggers, and even office workers rushing to their jobs can all be at risk to some degree when motor vehicle traffic is close by. And while adults make up a large portion of the foot traffic in Maryland’s urban areas, young children and teens are also at risk; sometimes even more so due to their often distracted behavior and relative lack of concern for the inherent risks of being a pedestrian in a busy cityscape.

Recent news reports brought home the dangers that kids can face when crossing city streets. A 12-year-old girl was sent to the hospital with a serious foot fracture following a pedestrian collision in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. According to police, Paisley Brodie was leaving school when she was hit by a Land Rover SUV operated by Earl Darryl Curtis, 58, from the District Heights, MD, area. At first, the driver received a ticket for colliding with a pedestrian on September 9th; that citation carries with it a maximum possible penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.

Four Injured in Southeast D.C. Multi-Vehicle Crash: Legal Steps for Victims

October 29, 2024 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A serious multi-vehicle accident in Southeast Washington, D.C., left four people injured, including two with critical injuries. Emergency responders arrived on Southern Avenue to rescue one person trapped in their vehicle. All four victims were taken to the hospital for medical treatment, two with critical injuries and two with serious injuries. This tragic event highlights the devastating consequences of vehicle collisions and the vital role legal action can play in securing compensation for those affected.

The aftermath of a serious car accident brings physical, emotional, and financial challenges to victims and their families. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress can add up quickly. In Washington, D.C., victims of car accidents are entitled to pursue compensation through personal injury claims, holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused.

What Are the Common Causes of Multi Vehicle Accidents?

Multi-vehicle accidents, like the one in Southeast D.C., often involve multiple factors and complex investigations. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and hazardous road conditions are just a few possible causes of these collisions. Establishing liability in a multi-vehicle crash is essential for victims seeking compensation for their injuries.