--- description: If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car crash, call Chaikin, Sherman, Cammaratta, and Siegel Law Firm today. title: Fatal Car Crashes | Personal Injury Attorney in Washington, DC canonical: https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes/ date_modified: 2024-09-04T15:44:01+00:00 practice_area: car-accident --- - Fatal Car Crashes | Personal Injury Attorney in Washington, DC # Fatal Car Crashes Last Updated: September 4, 2024 - Reading Time: 2 minutes Trusted Content ![090424_CSCS_APE30](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/090424_CSCS_APE30-r7ld7n5zxjd9ezimssquc85jvnm28x0iit481i4iwo.jpg) Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Fatal Car Crashes [![Best Law Firms - Regional Tier 1 Badge](https://www.bestlawyers.com/Badges/Metro/35728/17508/15/washington-d-c/O/Detail.png)](https://www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/chaikin-sherman-cammarata-siegel/35728/US) 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. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/they-were-adamant-about-getting-me-the-best-settlement/) [Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/proved-to-be-the-perfect-advocate/) [I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/i-highly-recommend-the-law-firm-of-chaikin-sherman-cammarata-and-siegel-p-c/) [Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/mr-siegels-strong-conviction-dedication-and-determination-prevailed-in-a-legal-victory/) [I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/i-knew-i-was-in-good-hands-once-i-stepped-into-their-office/) [They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-clients/they-treated-me-like-i-was-their-only-client-from-beginning-to-end/) Contact Us Today! "*" 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* Send 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. [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.4″ background_image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thank-you-bg-light.jpg”][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.4.4″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″] [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″] [/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.4.3″ width=”90%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false”][/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 30,000 fatal [car accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) occurred in the United States in the year 2011, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. These fatalities included: - Drivers - [Passengers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/injured-as-a-passenger-in-a-car-accident/) - Motorcyclists - Pedestrians - Bicyclists Like most car wrecks, fatal car accidents are usually caused by human error. Common reasons for fatal traffic collisions include: - [Distracted driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) (texting, etc.) - [Driving under the influence](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/) - [Fatigued driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2016/12/driver-fatigue-is-as-serious-a-problem-as-driving-drunk-aaa-study-reports/) - [Defective auto parts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/vehicle-defects/) - [Poorly constructed / maintained roads](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/roadway-defects/) While some crashes may be the result of unavoidable weather conditions, many are caused by carelessness and negligence. If your loved one’s death was caused by another’s irresponsible actions, you may be able to [sue the responsible party](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-can-you-sue-for-in-a-car-accident/) for your loved one’s suffering, along with the following damages: - Loss of care, if he / she provided your income - Loss of future income - Sorrow and lost companionship - Burial and funeral expenses At [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/), we believe that accident victims and their families should be compensated for their losses if their loved one was taken from them as a result of the negligence of another. To learn more about your legal options available in these situations, including wrongful death claims and survival actions, [contact us today](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/). ## Contact a Car Accident Attorney from https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/iStock-912151500-scaled-1.jpg Financial compensation can never replace a loved one, but it can help you find peace of mind about the future and your finances. Find closure and seek compensation by calling our Washington, DC office today at [(202) 659-8600](https://www.google.com/search?q=Chaikin%2C+Sherman%2C+Cammarata+%26+Siegel%2C+P.C.&rlz=1C1GYPO_enUS808US808&oq=Chaikin%2C+Sherman%2C+Cammarata+%26+Siegel%2C+P.C.&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i22i30i457j69i61j69i60l2.408j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#) to schedule a **[free case consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/)**. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thank-you-bg-light.jpg”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.3″ max_width=”980px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″ header_4_text_align=”center” header_4_font_size=”30px”] #### MEMBERSHIPS & RECOGNITIONS [/et_pb_text][dica_divi_carousel item_width_auto=”on” item_width=”200px” loop=”on” arrow_nav=”on” item_vertical_align=”center” advanced_effect=”1″ arrow_nav_color=”#ffffff” arrow_bg_color=”#0c71c3″ arrow_position=”middle-outside” _builder_version=”4.4.3″][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-10.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-13.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Artboard-2-8.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-12.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-9.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/waba.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-15.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/av.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem button_url_new_window=”1″ image=”https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Artboard-14.png” _builder_version=”4.4.3″ background_color=”#ffffff” background_enable_color=”on”][/dica_divi_carouselitem][/dica_divi_carousel][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.3″] ### The Proof Is in Our Results **Serious Injury – $15 Million Award** **Brain Injury – $6 Million Settlement** **Catastrophic Injury – $5 Million Result** Every case is different. Settlements and verdicts in all cases depend on various factors and circumstances which are unique to each individual case. Past case results are not a guarantee or prediction of similar results in future cases. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section] [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ![Main CSCS Video - Thumb 1](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png) 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. [Free Case Evaluation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/laurel/) Meet Our Team [Learn More About Us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/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](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/ira-sherman/) 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](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/joseph-cammarata/) 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](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/allan-m-siegel) 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. [Stephen Ollar's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/stephen-ollar/) ## Related Articles [Read More Blog Articles](/blog/) ### [Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer to Settle After a Car Accident in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-some-car-insurance-companies-take-longer-to-settle/) ### [Washington, DC Tint Laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/washington-dc-tint-laws/) ### [Why Insurance Companies Lowball Car Accident Settlements in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/lowball-car-accident-settlements/) ### [Economic VS Non-Economic Damages In Washington, DC Car Accident Cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/economic-vs-non-economic-damages/) ### [How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/how-speeding-affects-liability/) ### [Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/arlington/) ### [Should You Talk To the Other Person’s Insurance Company?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/other-drivers-insurance/) ### [100 Deadliest Days of Summer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/100-deadliest-days/) ### [How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/insurance-adjusters/) Auto Law ### [Can an Auto Insurer Refuse to Pay Your Car Accident Claim? A DC, Maryland & Virginia Guide](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/08/insurance-claim-denied/) By Allan M. Siegel, Partner — Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can your auto [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/08/insurance-claim-denied/) 08/21/2026 Brain Injury ### [Liability and Umbrella Insurance Protects You and Your Family](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) As we enter a new year, it is the perfect opportunity to take stock of [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) 12/16/2021 Car Accidents ### [The Courts Have Reopened and the Doors are Wider Than Ever](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) For months, the coronavirus pandemic practically shut down the courts in the District of Columbia, [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) 08/25/2021 Car Accidents ### [Law Firm Receives Super Lawyers Awards for 11th Consecutive Year](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) The 2021 Washington, DC Super Lawyers® annual list of “Top Lawyers” was recently featured in [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) 08/25/2021 ```json-ld {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"LegalService","@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#firm","name":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers","url":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","email":"publicrelations@dc-law.net","logo":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/new-logoBaskerville@2x.png","image":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cscs-firm-photo.jpg","description":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel is a Washington D.C. personal injury law firm with decades of experience representing accident victims throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.","foundingDate":"1969","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"},"founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joseph Chaikin","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}},{"@type":"Person","name":"Ira Sherman","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}}],"employee":[{"@type":"Attorney","name":"Allan M. Siegel","jobTitle":"Founding Partner","email":"asiegel@dc-law.net","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}},{"@type":"Attorney","name":"Joseph Cammarata","jobTitle":"Founding Partner","email":"jcammarata@dc-law.net","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}}],"areaServed":[{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"Washington, D.C."},{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"Maryland"},{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"Virginia"}],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","contactType":"customer service","areaServed":"US","availableLanguage":"en"},"knowsAbout":["Personal Injury Law","Motorcycle Accidents","Car Accidents","Medical Malpractice","Truck Accidents","Brain Injury Cases"],"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/company/chaikin-sherman-cammarata-&-siegel/","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjeO2vc67zgjYKFqnnmP51g","https://www.facebook.com/CSCSLaw/","https://x.com/CSCSLaw"]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes","url":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#website"},"about":{"@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#firm"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Car Accidents","item":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Fatal Car Crashes","item":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes"}]}]} ```