Rock Creek Park Car Accident Lawyers

When car accidents happen in Rock Creek Park, they tend to be serious. There have been numerous instances of high-profile accidents on these roads in which victims were seriously injured or killed. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Rock Creek Park, you may be eligible for financial compensation. First, you need to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to handle your case.

Why Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Is So Dangerous

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is the scene of some horrific car accidents. There are many head-on crashes at high speed since no traffic lights or medians are on the road. In June 2023, three people lost their lives in a head-on crash caused by a drunk driver with a long history of DUI. Many drunk drivers use the Parkway at night, and they drive recklessly since there may be few cars around them on the road. During rush hour, the Parkway is relatively crowded as people seek alternatives to Connecticut Avenue and 16th Street. There are often rear-end car accidents on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway during rush hour because of the stop-and-go traffic.

As the Parkway goes further into D.C., there are multiple lanes in each direction and numerous curves. This is where the Parkway is the most dangerous. Drivers may be aggressive around the curves and could weave between the lanes. The speed limit increases beyond the 25 miles per hour that applies for most of the Parkway, and drivers take advantage of the opportunity to go much faster, to the point where it is dangerous.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rock Creek Park?

Drivers can cause accidents in Rock Creek Park for several reasons, including:

Speeding: Although it is uncommon to speed during rush hour on the Parkway, especially near the National Zoo, drivers may speed excessively when there is less traffic.
Drunk Driving: There are many pubs and restaurants on the streets surrounding Rock Creek Park, and drivers use the Parkway because there is less traffic around, and they think there is less of a chance of being caught.
Reckless Driving: When drivers have more ability because of traffic, they execute risky driving maneuvers, which is especially dangerous because Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway has numerous twists and curves.
Inclement Weather: D.C. drivers are notorious for not being able to handle snow, but the roads can be every bit as dangerous when it starts to rain. Debris and oil on the roads can cause slippery conditions, and drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
Distracted Driving: The stop-and-go conditions on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway make it even more essential for drivers to always pay attention. A car could stop in front of them or travel more slowly. Texting while driving, especially because D.C. drivers are focused on their work, increases the danger on the Parkway.

Who Is to Blame for an Accident in Rock Creek Park?

After an accident, you must prove the following four elements to win your case:

The driver owed you the duty of care.
They breached the duty of care by doing something considered unreasonable.
You suffered an injury.
The other driver was both the legal and proximate cause of your injuries.

The problem is that the responsible driver’s insurance company may turn around and try to blame you for the accident. Both D.C. and Maryland have a harsh rule that you cannot recover anything from a car accident if you bear even part of the blame. For example, if you stopped short in front of a driver who rear-ended you, you can come away empty-handed for your car accident injuries. Your Rock Creek Park car accident lawyer would have to vigorously defend you if you have been accused of any wrongdoing yourself.

Do I Need a Rock Creek Park Car Accident Lawyer?

There are practically no circumstances in which you would not need a lawyer for a car accident case. The claims process is legal in nature, and it relies heavily on legal principles. You need to come to the table with an attorney who knows the legal process and has the means to pressure the insurance company to pay you what you deserve.

A car accident lawyer can do the following:

Perform a complete investigation of your accident.
Use physical evidence to build the case necessary to prove liability.
Estimate the value of your damages.
File a claim on your behalf with the responsible driver’s insurance company.
Negotiate a settlement that fully pays or takes your case to a jury.

When Should I Hire a Rock Creek Park Car Accident Lawyer?

There is no time to waste when it comes to getting legal help for your car accident case. Between an active insurance company and car accident evidence that disappears, you put yourself in a difficult legal position if you wait months to hire an attorney for your case. You should contact a car accident lawyer immediately after the car accident. They can make it easier for you to speak with them, including by coming to you or holding a video call. A family member can even call on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself. All of this is to say that you should have a sense of urgency about calling a lawyer because their effectiveness could diminish if you wait too long to get in touch.

Contact a Rock Creek Park Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for a Free Consultation

A Rock Creek Park car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help if someone else’s negligence has injured you. Call 202-931-6252 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. We have offices in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia. We serve clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.