In Washington, D.C., an underinsured motorist claim allows you to recover damages when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. As an Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Navy Yard, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps clients pursue UIM claims under D.C. Code § 12-301. Our firm has 1 documented case result in D.C. with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Last verified: April 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code § 12-301 (official D.C. Council)
Statutory Definition of Underinsured Motorist Claims in Washington, D.C.
Under D.C. Code § 12-301, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including underinsured motorist (UIM) claims, is 3 years from the date of the accident. Washington, D.C. requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. A UIM claim arises when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance limits are insufficient to cover your full damages. The Underinsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Navy Yard at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can evaluate your policy and the at-fault driver’s coverage to determine if a UIM claim is viable.
External Citation Links
D.C. Code § 12-301 (official D.C. Council) — 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
DC Superior Court (official court website) — 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.
In Washington, D.C., an underinsured motorist claim can recover damages up to your policy’s UIM limits when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underinsured Motorist Claim (Civil) | Civil matter | N/A | N/A | N/A | Damages limited to policy UIM limits; contributory negligence may bar recovery |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring a case-specific approach to every UIM claim.
Case Results
In Washington, D.C., Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented case result across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for a UIM claim in Washington, D.C.?
3 years under D.C. Code § 12-301. Wrongful death: 2 years. DC follows contributory negligence (1% fault = no recovery). Claims at DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001). Small Claims Branch handles claims up to $10,000.
Can I file a UIM claim if the at-fault driver has insurance but it is not enough?
Yes. You can file a UIM claim with your own insurance company if the at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient to cover your damages. Your UIM coverage kicks in to fill the gap.
Does DC require uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes. DC law requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. You must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM/UIM coverage.
What damages can I recover in a UIM claim in DC?
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage up to your policy’s UIM limits. Punitive damages may be available for egregious conduct. DC does not cap personal injury damages.
How does contributory negligence affect my UIM claim in DC?
It depends. DC applies contributory negligence — if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any damages. This makes immediate evidence preservation essential.