District of Columbia Fault Rule
Pure Contributory Negligence (Strict Bar): Washington D.C. enforces strict pure contributory negligence for motor vehicle collisions. If a driver contributed in any way (even 1%) to the crash, all financial recovery from the other motorist is barred.
Statute of Limitations
3 Years (D.C. Code § 35-2101 & § 12-301): Claimants must finalize settlement agreements or initiate formal civil actions within 3 years of the collision date.
Statutory Insurance Minimums
25/50/10 ($25k bodily injury / $50k per accident / $10k property damage): These mandatory insurance minimums represent the maximum available coverage under standard policies unless the driver purchased higher optional coverage.
How Fault Apportionment Affects Claims in District of Columbia
When negotiating auto accident claims in District of Columbia, insurance adjusters calculate damages using an itemized formula that adds economic losses (medical bills, future treatment, lost earnings, property repair) to non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).
Under District of Columbia common law and D.C. Code § 35-2101, contributory negligence is a complete defense to liability in motor vehicle accident tort claims. If an insurer establishes that a claimant was even 1% at fault (e.g. slight speeding or late signaling), recovery is denied entirely. Note that D.C. allows an injured motorist 60 days to elect optional PIP benefits under D.C. Code § 35-2105. Claims must be settled or filed within 3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301. Understanding this threshold prevents accident victims from being pressured into unfair initial liability splits during adjusters' telephone recorded statements.