Car Accidents

D.C. Traffic Deaths Have Doubled This Year

July 30, 2026 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Last updated July 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen

A decade after the District launched Vision Zero with a promise to eliminate traffic deaths, the numbers are moving the wrong way. Traffic fatalities in D.C. rose sharply in the first months of 2026, roughly double the toll at the same point a year earlier, with pedestrians among the hardest hit. After a fatal hit-and-run in the West End, urban planning experts told the GW Hatchet that the city needs stronger enforcement and safer street design to reverse the trend, even as officials debate whether to scale back automated speed cameras. For the people who walk, bike, and drive in the District, the stakes of that debate are measured in lives.

A Decade of Vision Zero, and Deaths Are Rising

D.C. Area Storefront Car Crashes And Liability For Injured Shoppers

November 29, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

News outlets recently reported that a driver jumped the curb and crashed into the American Girl store at Tysons Corner Center, sending the vehicle through the glass and into the retail space. Early coverage described the driver being taken to the hospital and at least one person in a wheelchair struck during the incident. When a car comes through the front of a store in the D.C. region, anyone hurt inside usually wants to know who may be responsible and how claims work under local personal injury law. In a similar event within the District of Columbia, injured customers would typically look first at the driver’s negligence and then at whether the property owner or tenant failed to take reasonable safety measures.

These cases often involve both auto liability and premises liability. Understanding how D.C. law approaches those issues helps you see what options exist after an impact that no one expected during a normal shopping trip.

How Storefront Crash Claims Work For Injured Customers In The D.C. Area

When a vehicle leaves the roadway and enters a business, several potential at-fault parties come into focus. The driver may have driven too fast, failed to brake, mixed up the gas and brake pedals, used a phone, or experienced another form of inattention. A store or mall operator may have designed parking and walkways in a way that made it easier for a car to jump the curb and reach people inside.

Washington, DC Self-Driving Cars Could Change How Accident Claims Are Handled

October 31, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Waymo, Google’s self-driving car company, plans to launch driverless rideshare services in Washington, DC by 2026. Vehicles are already being tested on city streets with safety operators inside. Supporters say autonomous cars may reduce collisions, while critics worry about safety on busy urban roads. For accident victims, the important takeaway is that even if the vehicle drives itself, you still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand how liability may be proven in these new types of cases.

Safety Questions Surrounding Autonomous Vehicles

Waymo reports millions of miles driven without major crashes, yet viral stories from other cities tell a different story. Some cars have stalled in intersections, blocked emergency vehicles, or malfunctioned mid-route. In one case, a rider reported being trapped when the vehicle circled repeatedly before stopping.

Civil Options for DC Victims After Impaired Driving Crashes

October 4, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign this August with a clear reminder that impaired driving remains a deadly and preventable threat. Every year, more than 12,000 people nationwide lose their lives because someone made the choice to drive drunk or high. Washington, D.C., has not been immune to this problem. If you or your loved one is hurt in one of these collisions, you should know that criminal charges are not your only avenue for justice. Civil claims for personal injury or wrongful death may allow you to recover compensation and hold an impaired driver financially accountable. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights and ensures the evidence you need is preserved.

DUI Crashes in D.C. Are a Persistent Threat

According to NHTSA, nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08. In D.C., the combination of late-night traffic, heavy pedestrian activity, and alcohol consumption makes impaired driving especially dangerous. NHTSA highlighted that nighttime hours remain the deadliest, with alcohol-related crashes occurring at three times the rate of daytime collisions. For pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, the risks can be even greater, since there is no protective barrier when a drunk driver loses control.

DC DUI Crash Victims Face Challenges When Accidents Cross State Lines

September 11, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

When a drunk driver causes a deadly accident, the aftermath is devastating for victims and their families. That devastation becomes even harder to manage when the crash occurs outside of the victim’s home state. A recent tragedy on Charles Street in La Plata, Maryland, highlights why Washington, D.C., families need to understand how DUI crash claims can cross jurisdictional boundaries.

The July 2025 crash left two women dead and another seriously injured. All three were from Washington, D.C. or nearby Seat Pleasant. Authorities say the driver of an Infiniti SUV crossed the center line at high speed and collided head-on with the car carrying the victims. Police confirmed that both alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the crash. The man behind the wheel was arrested at the scene. Although the wreck happened in Maryland, it raises crucial questions for D.C. residents and families.

When a DUI Crash Occurs in a Nearby State

Washington, D.C. residents frequently travel throughout Maryland and Virginia for work, errands, and leisure. Many do not realize that if an injury occurs across the border, legal options are limited by the state where the crash took place. In civil cases like wrongful death or personal injury, jurisdiction typically lies with the court where the collision occurred.

What to Do After Losing a Loved One in a Head-On Crash in D.C.

August 27, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A deadly crash on Interstate 270 claimed two lives in the early hours over the Fourth of July weekend. According to reports from Maryland State Police, one driver entered the northbound lanes going the wrong direction and struck another vehicle head-on. Both drivers died at the scene. If your family is dealing with a similar tragedy, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Legal action can provide financial support and help ensure the responsible party is held accountable.

When you lose someone in a violent collision, you need answers. Speaking with an attorney may feel overwhelming, but it can give you the clarity and direction your family deserves.

Understanding What Went Wrong on I‑270

A Recent Court Ruling May Affect Your Rights if You Were Injured by a Police Cruiser in D.C

July 29, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

If a government-operated vehicle hit you in Washington, D.C., you may wonder whether you have any legal rights. A recent decision by the D.C. Court of Appeals confirms that city employees are not automatically protected from liability. When no emergency exists and the driver acts carelessly, you can still file a personal injury claim.

This ruling gives injury victims a more straightforward path forward when they are harmed by city vehicles. It also highlights the need to act quickly and understand the legal process that applies when a government employee causes harm.

Court Affirms Accountability for City Vehicle Collisions

The case involved a crash at an intersection where a marked police vehicle collided with a personal car carrying multiple passengers. The officer claimed he was on his way to check on a report, but he had not received a formal emergency dispatch. The vehicle was not using lights or sirens. The city argued that the officer was acting in an official emergency role and tried to have the lawsuit dismissed.

Washington DC Fatal Hit-and-Run on U Street

May 28, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

A recent tragedy on U Street has once again brought attention to the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes in Washington, D.C. These incidents not only leave families in mourning but also raise urgent questions about justice and civil accountability. When a driver flees the scene after causing fatal injuries, the law does not just look at the crime; it also allows surviving family members to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

According to reports, officers responded to the 1200 block of U Street NW shortly after 4 a.m. following reports of a serious traffic collision. They found an unconscious man in the roadway. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver had already fled, and as of the latest reports, law enforcement is still searching for the individual responsible.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Hit-and-Run in Washington, D.C.

In a civil context, families of victims killed in car accidents may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. These claims can proceed even if no criminal charges have been filed or the responsible person has not been located. The key issue in a wrongful death case is whether someone’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused the death.

DUI Accidents in Washington, DC Still Rising as Regional Fatalities Increase

May 3, 2025 | Lebowitz & Mzhen

Despite nationwide improvements in drunk driving statistics, Washington, D.C, and its surrounding counties continue to experience an alarming rise in DUI-related deaths. The region, which includes parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia, saw a more than four percent increase in DUI fatalities in 2023, going against the national trend. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real families shattered by preventable crashes.

If you or a loved one was injured in a DUI accident in D.C., civil law allows you to seek compensation from the person responsible. Criminal charges may punish an impaired driver, but they do not address the medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost income that victims face. A personal injury or wrongful death claim may help your family move forward after a tragedy.

Recent Crashes Show the Stakes Remain High

In Northern Virginia alone, recent cases underscore how dangerous impaired driving continues to be. A 16-year-old high school student was killed in a head-on crash in Centreville in February. Weeks later, a driver was sentenced for causing another deadly DUI crash at 110 miles per hour. Both incidents left behind grieving families and courtrooms filled with unanswered questions.

Washington D.C., has not been spared. Although Fairfax County saw a decline in DUI deaths in 2023, Arlington’s numbers doubled over two years. The District itself contributes to the region’s rising trend, according to data from the Washington Regional Alcohol Program. These events illustrate just how difficult it remains to stop impaired driving entirely, even in areas with strong public awareness campaigns.

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.