Car Accidents

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.