Useful D.C. Laws
Brien Roche
Chris Figueras of the D.C. Trial Lawyers Association in July of 2021 published to the membership a listing of various D.C. laws that are helpful. Also they are frequently used. Below is that listing. In addition Chris’ brief description of what the statute is about and the effective date is also included.
Useful DC Laws – Service
- D.C. Code §50-1301.07: Alternative service on an out-of-state vehicle driver by serving Director of the DMV (acting as the Mayor’s agent). Effective March 19, 2013;
- D.C. Code §50-1301.07a: Alternative service of D.C. resident driver (lived in D.C. at time of mva or subsequently became D.C. resident prior to time process is sought) including, service upon liability carrier, liability carrier attorney or liability carrier claims adjuster. Effective April 27, 2021;
- D.C. Code §2-1701(13): A “public record” includes emails and video recordings. Effective June 13, 2008;
- D.C. Code §13-441, et seq.: A lawyer representing a client in a case in another state (the “foreign state”) can submit the subpoena issued in the foreign state to the DC Superior Court clerk, who will issue a DC subpoena. Effective May 22, 2010;
- D.C. Code §50-1401.01b: Restricts (except for use in specified situations) the dissemination of specific personal information contained in a police accident report requested from MPD – regardless of whether the report is requested within 21 days of the accident or at any other time. Effective March 5, 2013; also
Useful DC Laws – Personal Injury
- D.C. Code §50-2204.51 et seq. Non-applicability of contributory negligence to pedestrians and vulnerable users (defined as users of an atv, bicycle, dirt bike, electric mobility device, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, motor-driven cycle, non-motorized scooter, personal mobility device, skateboard, or other similar device) involved in a collision with a motor vehicle or another vulnerable user when plaintiff’s negligence is not greater than the aggregated total negligence of all the defendants. Effective November 26, 2016 regarding pedestrians and bicyclists and effective March 16, 2021 regarding vulnerable users;
- D.C. Code §32-1535(b): Workers’ Compensation assignment of the 3rd party claim reverts back to the injured worker if the employer/insurer fails to file suit within 90 days. Effective June 27, 2013 (with a small gap 9/26/13-10/3/13);
- D.C. Code §32-1535(f-1): Reduction of Workers’ Compensation Liens. Effective May 12, 2016;
- D.C. Code §1-615.51, et seq.: Public-sector whistleblower protections;
- D.C. Code §7-161(d)(1) Mandatory adverse event reporting. Effective March 20, 2009.also
DC Laws – Insurance
- D.C Code §31-2407.01: A UIM carrier has 60 days to either pay to the claimant an amount equal to the policy limits offer or allow the claimant to accept the settlement offer from the liability insurer and execute appropriate releases. Effective July 15, 2014;
- D.C. Code §31-3551: Reduction of Healthcare Liens. Effective May 12, 2016;
- D.C. Code 31-2403.01: Disclosure of policy limits of an auto policy prior to filing suit (note: no monetary threshold is required). Effective April 23, 2013;also
DC Laws – Wrongful Death
- D.C. Code §§16-2702 and 12-311(c): 2-year wrongful death statute of limitations, including cases based upon exposure to asbestos. Effective March 30, 2012;
Call, or contact us for a free consult. Also for more info on useful dc laws see the Wikipedia pages. Also see the post on this site dealing with personal injury issues.