--- description: Learn how speeding affects fault in DC car accident cases and contributory negligence rules. Chaikin Sherman fights to protect your rights. title: Speeding & Liability in Washington DC Car Accident Cases --- Speeding & Liability in Washington DC Car Accident Cases # How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case Last Updated: May 8, 2026 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 4 weeks ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » [Excessive Speed](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/) » How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## How Does Speeding Affect Liability In Car Accident Lawsuits in Washington, D.C.? Speeding remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in Washington, D.C., claiming countless lives and leaving many others injured each year. The aftermath of a speeding-related accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims to cope with physical pain, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens in the form of medical bills, lost income, and repair costs. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we understand the challenges car accident victims face. Our [dedicated legal team](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) is committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. With extensive experience handling car accident claims, we work tirelessly to build strong claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take cases to court to secure justice for our clients. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident that involved speeding, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. Contact us today to schedule a [**free consultation**](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) and learn how we can assist you in navigating the complexities of your case and fighting for your rights. ## How Does Speeding Contribute to Washington, D.C., Car Accidents? [Speeding](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/) is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors and a significant contributor to car accidents across Washington, D.C. Understanding the role speeding plays in causing accidents and increasing the severity of injuries allows us to address this critical issue with greater awareness and caution. Below are important statistics and explanations related to speeding and its impact on car accidents and injuries. ### Statistics on Washington, D.C., Car Accidents Involving Speeding - According to recent data, speeding was a contributing factor in over 25% of traffic fatalities in Washington, D.C., in the past year. - Nearly 1 in 5 reported accidents in the city involve a speeding driver. - Speeding-related crashes are more likely to occur on major roadways and during evening hours. ### How Speeding Causes or Contributes to Car Accidents - Reduced reaction time: Driving above the speed limit diminishes the amount of time drivers have to recognize and react to hazards. - Loss of vehicle control: At higher speeds, vehicles are harder to control, increasing the likelihood of crashes. - Increased stopping distance: Speeding significantly extends the time and distance required to bring a vehicle to a complete stop. ### How Speeding Increases the Severity of Injuries - Greater impact forces: Higher speeds result in more forceful collisions, which are more likely to cause severe damage to vehicles and the people inside them. - Reduced effectiveness of safety features: Safety systems like airbags and seatbelts are less effective at extreme speeds, leading to worse outcomes during accidents. - Increased risk of fatalities: Speeding drastically raises the likelihood of life-threatening injuries or death. ### Common Car Accident Injuries Caused or Made Worse by Speeding - Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): High-speed collisions can cause serious head injuries, often with long-term effects. - Spinal injuries and paralysis: The severity of crashes involving speeding can lead to permanent spinal cord damage. - Broken bones and orthopedic injuries: High-impact crashes frequently result in fractures or severe musculoskeletal injuries. - Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs is common in crashes where speeding is involved, and these injuries can be life-threatening if untreated. Speeding is a preventable hazard that endangers lives, contributes to severe injuries, and causes significant harm to the community. By adhering to posted speed limits, drivers can play an essential role in reducing accidents and ensuring safer roads. Prioritizing safety over speed is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility that protects everyone on and off the roads. ## How Is Speed Determined After a Car Accident In Washington, D.C.? Determining speed after a car accident in Washington, D.C., involves analyzing various forms of evidence to piece together the events leading up to the collision. Law enforcement officers, insurance investigators, and legal experts use the following types of evidence to estimate the speed of the vehicles involved: - **Skid Marks:** The length and appearance of skid marks left on the road can indicate whether brakes were applied and at what speed the vehicle was traveling before attempting to stop. - **Vehicle Damage:** The extent and type of damage to the vehicles involved can provide valuable clues about the speed at impact. High-speed collisions typically result in more severe damage. - **Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage:** Video recordings from [traffic cameras](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/can-traffic-cameras-be-used-as-evidence/), nearby businesses, or [dashcams](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/how-helpful-is-dashcam-footage/) can offer direct evidence of a vehicle’s speed prior to the accident. - **Witness Testimonies:** Accounts from bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the accident can help establish an approximate speed of the vehicles involved. - **Black Box Data (Event Data Recorder):** Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders, which can capture crucial metrics like speed, braking, and acceleration at the time of a crash. - **Road Conditions and Weather Reports:** The condition of the road surface and weather at the time of the accident can influence vehicle speed and stopping distance, aiding in reconstruction efforts. - **Accident Reconstruction Experts:** Specialists analyze all available evidence, including physics principles and mathematical models, to recreate the events leading to the crash and estimate vehicle speeds. By utilizing these forms of evidence, investigators aim to build a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the accident, ensuring accountability and aiding in legal or insurance proceedings. ## Does Speeding Automatically Make You At Fault For a Car Accident in Washington, D.C.? Speed is a significant factor in many motor vehicle accidents, but it does not automatically make the speeding driver at fault for an accident in Washington, D.C. Determining fault in a car accident depends on numerous factors, such as the actions of all parties involved and the circumstances surrounding the incident. For example, if another driver ran a red light or failed to yield the right of way, their actions could also contribute to the accident, even if you were speeding. ### Contributory Negligence [Contributory negligence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/what-is-contributory-negligence/) is a legal doctrine followed in Washington, D.C., which can significantly impact car accident cases. Under contributory negligence, if an injured party is found to have contributed even slightly to the cause of the accident, they may be barred from recovering any damages in a personal injury claim. This strict rule places a heavy burden on plaintiffs to prove that they were entirely free of fault in the incident. In a car accident case involving speeding, contributory negligence may come into play if it is determined that the injured party’s speeding contributed to the collision, even if another driver was primarily at fault. For example, if a speeding driver is struck by another vehicle that failed to yield, their speeding might be considered a contributing factor to the accident. However, the non-yielding driver would have to prove that the speed was ACTUALLY a contributing factor to the collision. The mere fact that you might have been speeding does not make you automatically at fault. ### Vulnerable Users The [Vulnerable Users Recovery Act of 2020](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-vulnerable-user-recovery-act-of-2020/) was designed to provide additional protections for individuals such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized road users who are at a higher risk of injury in traffic accidents. This legislation places a stronger emphasis on holding motor vehicle drivers accountable when collisions involve these vulnerable users. Under this act, if a speeding driver injures a vulnerable user, whose negligence also might have contributed to the incident, the driver will still be responsible, so long as the vulnerable user is 50% or less negligent for the incident. This law ensures that vulnerable users can seek compensation for their injuries more effectively by prioritizing their safety and recognizing the unequal risk they face on the road. For drivers, this act reinforces the necessity of adhering to speed limits and practicing heightened caution, particularly in areas where vulnerable road users are present, as their actions will be scrutinized more closely under this legislation. ## Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident That Involved Speeding? Hiring a personal injury lawyer after a car accident involving speeding can be a critical step in protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation. Here are several ways a motor vehicle accident attorney can assist with your case: - **Thorough Investigation**: A car accident lawyer can conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction to determine liability. - **Navigating Complex Laws**: Personal injury laws, including those related to speeding and comparative negligence, can be intricate and vary by state. An attorney will help you understand how the law applies to your case and work to protect your rights. - **Negotiating with Insurance Companies**: Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny claims, especially if speeding played a role in the accident. A lawyer will handle communication with insurers and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. - **Proving Fault and Damages**: An attorney will work to establish the extent of the other party’s negligence and prove the damages you have suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. - **Maximizing Compensation**: By building a strong case and effectively countering potential arguments about shared fault, a lawyer can help ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. - **Providing Legal Representation**: If your case goes to court, an experienced personal injury attorney will represent you during litigation, presenting evidence and advocating for your best interests. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer ensures you have an experienced advocate guiding you through the complex legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while pursuing the justice and compensation you are entitled to. ## Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. | Car Accident Lawyers for Washington, D.C. If you’ve been injured in a speeding car accident in Washington, D.C., you need experienced and dedicated legal representation to help you secure the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C., our team of seasoned car accident attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling complex speeding accident cases. We understand how devastating these incidents can be and are committed to fighting for your rights. Our firm leverages decades of legal expertise, detailed case preparation, and personalized attention to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Don’t face the aftermath of a speeding car accident alone. Trust the award-winning attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. Contact us today to schedule your [**free consultation**](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) and take the first step toward justice and recovery. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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