DC·State Guide
Personal Injury Law in District of Columbia
Key rules for personal injury claims in District of Columbia — statute of limitations, fault system, damage caps, insurance requirements, and government claim deadlines.
Key Points — District of Columbia
- 01Contributory negligence — even 1% fault bars recovery entirely
- 023-year statute of limitations
- 03No caps on damages
- 04PIP required despite being at-fault jurisdiction
Rules at a Glance
- Statute of Limitations
- 3 years from the date of injury
- Fault System
- Contributory negligence — D.C. uses pure contributory negligence. If the injured person is even 1% at fault, recovery is completely barred.
- Damage Caps
- No general cap on damages.
- Government Notice Deadline
- Written notice within 6 months for claims against the District government.
- Auto Insurance System
- At-fault jurisdiction with required PIP (no-fault benefits for up to $25,000).
- Minimum Liability Coverage
- 25/50/10.
- Workers' Comp Deadline
- Report within 30 days. File claim within 1 year.
Fault System in District of Columbia
D.C. uses pure contributory negligence. If the injured person is even 1% at fault, recovery is completely barred.
Auto Insurance in District of Columbia
At-fault jurisdiction with required PIP (no-fault benefits for up to $25,000).
Minimum required liability coverage: 25/50/10..
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.