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by Jeffrey J. Downey, Esq
Anyone who has litigated a personal injury case in the District of Columbia knows that it can take one to two years for an automobile injury case to wind its way through the Courts, explains D.C. personal injury attorney Jeffrey Downey. Now there is a new non-jury fast track for motor vehicle cases, which are typically the most common type of case filed in this jurisdiction.
The new rules require both parties to waive their right to a jury trial to have their case decided by a judge. To invoke this jurisdiction the Plaintiff must file a Notice of Intent to seek a non-Jury vehicle fast track and filing a Praecipe under Superior Court Rule 16.
Virginia has a similar statute that allows Plaintiff’s to file suit and seek an expedite judge trial in General District Court. Given the busy docket and long delays sometimes associated with litigating a case in the District, this is a great new development explains attorney Jeffrey J. Downey, who handles personal injury cases in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.
There is also limited discovery in these cases and the litigation costs of pursuing a non-jury trial will be greatly reduced. That gives a Plaintiff a great advantage. While attorneys may advance costs during the case, in the end those litigation costs come out of the personal injury Plaintiff’s recovery at the end of the case. With costs of depositions, hearings and expert witnesses, costs of a complex personal injury case can run in the tens of thousands of dollars, especially where insurance companies aggressively defend the case. Some insurance companies may force the case into litigation knowing that under-resourced Plaintiffs are unwilling to incur the time and expenses of prolonged litigation. This new fast track could change the landscape of litigating personal injury cases in the District, just like Virginia.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, call the Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey for a free consultation. Mr. Downey started out defending personal injury cases for insurance companies and now uses his 37 years of trial experience to help Plaintiff’s in personal injury cases.
The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C., provides representation to clients in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia (including Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties, and cities like Alexandria and Falls Church), and Southern Maryland (covering Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, with cities such as Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Rockville).
Contact Information:
The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C.
Serving clients in Washington, Virginia and Maryland
8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 500
Email: jdowney@jeffdowney.com
Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 703-564-7318
Fax: 703-556-7700 Web: https://www.jeffdowney.com/