As we move into March, we’re seeing a significant rise in “he-said, she-said” disputes. In Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, our unique Contributory Negligence laws mean that if an insurance company can prove you were even 1% at fault, they can legally deny your entire settlement.

That is why, this month, we are focusing on the single most important piece of “legal armor” you can own: The Dashcam.

The “Silent Witness” Advantage

A dashcam doesn’t blink, it doesn’t forget, and it doesn’t get intimidated by aggressive insurance adjusters. It captures:

• The “Ghost Driver”: Proving someone ran you off the road even if they didn’t touch your car.
• Light Jumpers: Clear 4K evidence of who actually had the green.
• Staged Accidents: Exposing scammers who “slam” their brakes to trigger a rear-end collision.

Top 3 Dashcams for 2026 (Expert Picks)

Not all cameras are created equal. For a video to hold up in court, you need clarity, GPS data, and reliability. Here are our top picks for the DMV market this year:

3 Non-Negotiables Before You Buy

If you’re shopping for a camera this weekend, make sure it has these three features:

1. 4K Resolution: Anything less can make license plates look like a blur when a car is speeding away.
2. Built-in GPS: This stamps the exact coordinates and your speed onto the video, proving you weren’t speeding at the time of impact.
3. G-Sensor: This automatically “locks” the footage during a crash so it isn’t accidentally overwritten by the camera’s loop recording.

A Final Warning from David Tompkins

If you are involved in a crash and have dashcam footage: Do not post it on social media.

A single ambiguous frame can be taken out of context by a defense attorney to ruin a $100,000 case. If you have footage, your first move should be to call us. We will review the video with you and ensure it is used as a shield, not a weapon against you.

Safe driving!

Been in a crash? Let’s look at the footage together!

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Warmly,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Learn more about the Gala here: Habitat Dream Builders’ Ball

The “Black Ice” Lie

We’ve heard it a dozen times this month: “It wasn’t my fault, I hit black ice!” The Truth: In MD, VA, and DC, “Act of God” is the most abused defense in the book. Drivers are legally required to adjust to the weather. If someone slides into you, they were likely driving too fast for the conditions. Don’t let their excuse melt your settlement. We’re currently using weather-data forensics to prove liability in several winter crash cases.

Quick Hits: “The DMV Border Trap”

Did you know that filing your car accident lawsuit in the wrong state (MD vs. DC vs. VA) can cost you over $100,000 in “Pain and Suffering” caps? If you, a friend, or a family member has been in a cross-border crash, call us before you call the insurance company. We choose the venue that pays YOU the most.

Do you have a legal question or a new case? Reply to this email or call us. We are here to level the playing field.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Call Us Today:202-296-0666

P.S. We’re a law firm built on referrals. If you know someone who could benefit from our help, please feel

Nursing home injuries may result from neglect, poor supervision or unsafe conditions and acting quickly and thoughtfully can help protect the injured person and prevent further harm.

1. Ensure immediate medical attention

The first priority is the health and safety of the injured resident. Seek prompt medical evaluation even if the injury appears minor. Some injuries, like infections, dehydration or internal harm, may not be visible at first.

Also, request a full medical assessment and follow-up care, and keep copies of medical reports, diagnoses and treatment plans as these records are important for understanding the cause and extent of the injury.

2. Document injuries and conditions

Carefully document all visible injuries and concerning conditions. Take photographs of bruises, bedsores or unsafe living environments if possible, and write down dates, times and descriptions of what was observed.

3. Report concerns to facility management

Notify the nursing home administration in writing about the injury and your concerns, and ask for a clear explanation of how the injury occurred and what steps will be taken to prevent recurrence.

Keep records of all communications, including emails, letters and meeting summaries. Doing this creates an official trail showing that the issue was raised and addressed or ignored.

4. Consider a safer care plan

If injuries suggest ongoing risk, evaluate whether changes are needed. This may include increased supervision in a different unit or transferring to another facility. While doing this, the well-being and dignity of the resident should guide all decisions about future care arrangements.

5. Move forward with legal guidance

Nursing home injury cases often involve complex rules, medical evidence and reporting requirements. Seeking professional legal guidance can help families understand rights, responsibilities and available options.

With proper guidance, informed decisions are made that help ensure accountability while focusing on the safety and recovery of the injured resident.

1. The “Winter Warning”: Black Ice & DMV Liability

January is prime time for “fender benders” that turn out to be major medical issues.

• The Myth: “It was icy, so no one is at fault.”
• The Reality: Drivers in MD, VA, and DC are legally required to maintain control of their vehicles regardless of weather. “Black ice” is rarely a valid legal defense. If you were hit by someone who “slid” into you, they are likely still liable for your damages.

2. The Insurance “Policy Reset” Trap

Many insurance policies renew on January 1st. If you were injured in late 2025 and haven’t filed yet, the insurance companies are hoping you’ll forget. They are currently clearing their books and looking for “quick wins”, which usually means lowballing you. Don’t let your 2025 injury become a 2026 financial burden.

3. Silent Proof: The Evidence You’re Overlooking

Did the crash happen near a storefront? A government building? A neighbor’s Ring camera? In January, snow and salt can quickly cover physical evidence like skid marks. Timing is everything. Our team is currently deploying investigators to secure digital “Silent Proof” before it’s overwritten or lost.

Ready to start your recovery?

If you or a loved one were injured over the holidays or during the recent winter storms, don’t wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They won’t

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving the MDV area: Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

P.S. We’re a law firm built on referrals. If you know someone who could benefit from our help, please feel free to share our contact information.

At Lewis & Tompkins, our mission is to ensure that a sudden injury doesn’t derail your holiday spirit or your financial future. This month, we’re sharing critical tips to keep your family safe, revealing why our unique firm structure guarantees superior service, and asking you to share the gift of expert representation with those you love.

Urgent Safety Alert: The Black Ice & Distraction Danger

December brings unique risks to our area, particularly the threat of black ice and extreme driver distraction (holiday shopping, cell phone use). If you are involved in a crash this month:

• Document the Scene Immediately: If safe, take photos of the road condition (ice, snow, standing water) and the damage. This evidence is vital when insurance companies try to blame the weather.
• The Power of the Attorney-Led Case: In complex winter claims, liability is often disputed. That’s why we staff your case with experienced attorneys, not just paralegals. We have more lawyers than paralegals, ensuring critical decisions are made by seasoned experts who know how to win tough cases.

Trusting Lewis & Tompkins means your claim has the highest level of expertise from day one.

The Gift of Fairness: Our Promise That Pays You First

During a time when finances are tight, worrying about your lawyer’s fees is the last thing you need. This is why our clients love our “Client First” Fee Structure – and why they refer us without hesitation.

Unlike many firms that rush to pay medical liens first, here is our unique guarantee:

• You Get Paid First: After a successful settlement, we prioritize recovering your lost wages and compensation for your immediate personal needs before we settle up with medical providers. This ensures you have the necessary cash in hand to stabilize your family during your recovery.

We pay all the costs, take all the risk (No Win, No Fee), and we ensure the largest net recovery goes into your pocket.

A Gift We Ask You to Share: Expert Representation

The highest compliment we can receive is a referral from a satisfied client. If you know a friend, family member, or colleague in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia who has been injured in a car accident or slip-and-fall, please give them the gift of expert advocacy.

By recommending Lewis & Tompkins, you are ensuring they receive:

• 24/7 Availability: We are always on call for urgent issues.
• No Charge for PIP: We process your Personal Injury Protection claim for free.
• Maximum Compensation: We fight fiercely to maximize the money that goes into their pocket.

We are here to help them secure the compensation they deserve to make their new year brighter.

Need Legal Help this December?

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident this season, you owe it to yourself to get answers. Your consultation is always free, and you pay NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

At Lewis & Tompkins, we specialize in helping victims navigate these complex times. This month, we’re sharing urgent legal guidance on the unique risks of the season and why our firm is structured to handle your case when the stakes are highest.

IMPORTANT DMV Traffic Update:

The Daylight Savings Danger

The end of Daylight Savings Time means darker commutes, which studies consistently link to a sharp rise in traffic fatalities—especially involving pedestrian accidents.

If you or a loved one are injured in a low-light crash, here is the critical legal priority:

• Focus on Documentation: In low-light collisions, liability can be harder to prove. Immediately document the scene: street lighting, weather conditions, reflective clothing worn, and any witnesses.
• Don’t Settle for “Driver Wasn’t Paying Attention”: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield, they are negligent. Our personal injury attorneys investigate every factor, including traffic camera footage and driver cell phone records, to prove fault and maximize your compensation.

We are dedicated to ensuring that insurance companies don’t use the darkness as an excuse to minimize your recovery.

Thanksgiving Travel: The Hidden Risks of Holiday Accidents

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Increased congestion, driver fatigue, and poor weather mean more serious crashes.

When dealing with a holiday accident, the complexity often increases:

1. Out-of-State Drivers: If the at-fault driver is from outside the DMV, the jurisdictional laws and insurance policies can become confusing. Our multi-jurisdictional expertise in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. simplifies this process entirely.
2. Driver Fatigue: We specifically investigate whether the at-fault driver was excessively fatigued after a long journey—a major factor in establishing negligence and securing larger settlements.

Don’t let a holiday crash ruin your financial future.

Our Unique Commitment: Why Lewis & Tompkins Wins More

When you need an advocate, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a dedicated professional. We understand that maximizing your settlement requires focused attention from experienced legal minds, not just paralegals.

Our promise is simple: We have more lawyers than paralegals. This means an experienced attorney is on your personal injury case from day one, fighting the insurance companies and ensuring your claim is handled with the expertise it deserves.

We put your interests first – not only fighting for maximum compensation but also prioritizing your lost wages and immediate personal needs before we pay medical liens.

Don’t Risk Your Rights. Contact an Expert Now.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident this season, you owe it to yourself to get answers. Your consultation is always free, and you pay NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, the DMV area takes on a beautiful fall glow. But with less daylight and upcoming holidays like Halloween, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases dramatically.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we believe that staying safe and informed is the first step to protecting yourself and your family. In this newsletter, we’ll give you crucial legal tips you can use to stay prepared.

The October Danger Zone:

Pedestrian Accidents

The unfortunate truth is that as the sun sets earlier and more people are out walking, especially for trick-or-treating, the chances of a pedestrian accident rise. If you or a loved one is ever involved in a pedestrian accident, here are the first three steps you should take to protect your rights:

1. Call the Police: Always call the police, even if the injuries seem minor. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which is crucial for any personal injury claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get a full medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel okay. Your health is the priority, and a doctor’s report creates a medical record of your injuries.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries. Gather the driver’s contact and insurance information. This evidence will be vital to your case.

Don’t let an insurance company use your lack of information against you.

Our Promise? Your case comes first.

It’s our core belief that after a car accident, your only job is to focus on healing. The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, and they will try to shift the blame or deny your claim.

That’s where our promise comes in. Unlike many firms that pass your file to a paralegal, we have built our team with more lawyers than paralegals. This ensures an experienced attorney is on your case from day one, handling every detail so you don’t have to. We fight to ensure you get full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We are proud to serve our community and fight for justice for our clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

📞 Call Us Today: 202-296-0666
🌐 Visit Our Website: https://www.lewisandtompkins.com

Sincerely,

The Team at Lewis & Tompkins,
Serving Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

P.S. We’re a law firm built on referrals. If you know someone who could benefit from our help, please feel free to share our contact information.

Welcome to September! With Labor Day weekend wrapping up and school buses back on the road, our communities across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are back in full swing. This busy time of year also brings a unique set of challenges on the road.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we believe that the best legal representation starts with proactive knowledge. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe this month.

Back-to-School Safety: Watch Out for the Little Ones

With students heading back to classrooms, our roads are more populated with young drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Please be extra vigilant in school zones and residential areas.

A quick reminder:

• Slow Down: The speed limit in school zones is for your safety and theirs.
• Stop for Buses: It’s the law. Never pass a stopped school bus with its lights flashing.
• Look Both Ways: Kids can be unpredictable. Always anticipate a child stepping out from behind a parked car.

Even the most careful drivers can be involved in an accident. If you are ever in an accident with a student or near a school, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.

The September Legal Scoop

While we hope you never need our services, our team is always here if you do. Over the Labor Day holiday, we saw an unfortunate increase in accidents. Our message remains the same: If you have been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to fight the insurance companies alone.

We specialize in handling car accident cases and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the full and fair compensation they deserve. We handle all the communication and paperwork, so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Ready to Talk? We’re Here for You.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer a FREE and transparent consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

We’re not just your legal counsel; we’re your neighbors, and your trust is our greatest asset.

Call us today to schedule your consultation: 📞 202-296-0666

However, social media has its downsides as well. Young girls trying to meet unrealistic beauty standards and marriages broken up after one spouse reconnects with a high school sweetheart are just two examples of the drawbacks of a life spent online. You can add one more to the list – it has the potential to ruin a personal injury lawsuit.

Court evidence

As soon as you file a personal injury claim, your life is open for scrutiny. Insurance companies and the defendant’s attorney search for evidence to dispute your claim, including digging through your social media profiles. Anything posted online, including photos, videos, status updates and third-party tags on your profile, is a potential exhibit for the court.

Contradicting statements, timeline discrepancies and online discussions about the case can provide opposing counsel with the information they can use against you.

You may assume that your strict privacy settings will protect you from scrutiny. Unfortunately, insurers can find creative ways to access your posts, such as through mutual contacts or fake friend requests. 

To safeguard your case, here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Posting about daily activities: You may post about having a good day and feeling well enough to go to the gym. That could be interpreted as evidence that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
• Harmless photos that can be misconstrued: A picture of you holding a drink at dinner can be twisted to suggest you are regularly intoxicated and may have been so at the time of your accident.
• Oversharing about your case: Just one inconsistency between what you posted online and what is part of your claim can be used as evidence that you’re lying about your injuries.

The best thing you can do is avoid social media during your case. That will prevent accidental missteps and eliminate any opportunities for your content to be used against you. Also, ask your friends and family to refrain from posting any pictures of you or sharing details of your case. Always follow the guidance of your legal representative. They understand all the tactics the opposition will use to deny your claim. Their help can make a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

At Lewis & Tompkins, we’re here to ensure that if the unexpected happens, your summer isn’t ruined by confusing insurance claims or mounting medical bills. We fight for your full recovery, so you can focus on healing.

What to Do in the First 15 Minutes After a Crash (Crucial Tips!)

A car accident is chaotic, but your actions immediately afterward are critical for your safety and any future claim.

✅ 3 Immediate DO’s:

1. Prioritize Safety: Move to a safe spot if possible.
2. Call Police & Medics: Get an official report and medical check (even if you feel “fine” initially).
3. Document EVERYTHING: Photos of damage, scene, licenses, witness info.

❌ 3 Critical DON’Ts:

1. DON’T Admit Fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or take blame.
2. DON’T Discuss Injuries: Only tell medics your symptoms; don’t minimize anything.
3. DON’T Accept Quick Offers: Don’t sign anything from the other driver or insurer at the scene.

Knowing these steps can protect your health and your rights.

Your Case Deserves a Lawyer, Not Just a Processor.

Ever wonder who’s really handling your personal injury claim? At Lewis & Tompkins, we believe your case isn’t just a file. That’s why our firm is built differently: more experienced attorneys than support staff. This means you get direct, dedicated legal counsel fighting for your maximum compensation, not just paperwork processing.

Why does this matter? Because your recovery, your future, and your financial security hinge on skilled legal strategy.

No Upfront Fees: Our Promise to You

Worrying about lawyer fees after a crash adds unnecessary stress. At Lewis & Tompkins, we remove that burden completely: You pay absolutely NOTHING unless we WIN your case.

• No upfront costs.
• No hidden fees.

You deserve powerful legal representation without financial risk.

Got Questions After an Accident? We’re Here to Help.

Whether you’ve just been in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, understanding your rights is paramount. We handle the complex legal battles and aggressive insurance adjusters so you can focus on what truly matters: your health and recovery.

Don’t let a car accident ruin your summer or your future. Get the honest, risk-free legal help you deserve.

Ready for a NO FEE consultation?

Click Here to Visit Our Website & Learn More

Or Call Our Office Directly:

202-296-0666

We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Stay safe this July!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to a negligent teen driver, understanding the risk factors is crucial. Knowing what contributes to their risky behavior can help you when you are taking legal action.

What drivers need to know

There are many risk factors that contribute to dangerous teen drivers on the road. These include:

1. Inexperience: One of the most significant challenges for teen drivers is their lack of experience. Unlike seasoned drivers, teens often fail to recognize or anticipate dangerous situations. This inexperience can lead to critical errors on the road, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
2. Nighttime and weekend driving: Driving at night presents a heightened risk for all drivers, but it’s especially perilous for teens. Many crashes occur between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., particularly on weekends when teens are more likely to be out driving.
3. Seatbelt use: Despite the well-known safety benefits, many teens neglect to wear seat belts consistently. In 2020, over half of the teen drivers and passengers involved in fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts.
4. Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a primary concern for drivers of all ages, but it poses an even greater threat when the driver is a teen. Whether it’s texting, using social media or simply not paying attention, distractions significantly impair a teen’s driving ability.
5. Speeding: Teens are more inclined to speed and follow other vehicles too closely. They can be more aggressive when they have peers in the car.

These factors endanger other drivers on the road. They also highlight the importance of educating young drivers about road safety.

Getting compensation after a car collision

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a teen driver, you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you through the recovery process. Consider seeking legal help to know how to claim compensation for your injuries.

Tragically, that was the case for one Baltimore family who recently received a multi-million-dollar jury verdict for the avoidable death of their loved one.

Surgery goes wrong

In that case, the victim went to the hospital to have a growth removed from his kidney. But in the days following his surgery, the man experienced low blood pressure and exerted a foul smell from his surgical vent. Doctors conducted a second surgery to try to identify the issue and discovered that the man’s colon had been punctured by a surgical instrument.

Although some of the man’s colon was removed in an attempt to remedy the issue, the damage was already done. He later passed away due to multiple organ failure.

What can be learned from this case?

Any surgery, even those that are meant to be routine in nature, can lead to serious and avoidable harm. You need to listen to your body and, if you suspect that something went wrong during your operation, you should immediately raise your concerns to a medical professional. By obtaining prompt treatment, you might be able to mitigate the damage caused to you and more fully protect your health and well-being.

What if you’ve been harmed by medical malpractice?

If you’ve been injured by medical malpractice, then now is the time to take legal action. Juries are often sympathetic to the tragedy that’s been caused to victims and their families in these situations, so you’ll have a fair shot at finding accountability and recovering what you deserve. That said, you’ll need to be diligent in building your medical malpractice case so that you prove each and every element of the statue.

Recently, both Maryland and Washington, D.C., took separate steps to address the issue of speeding. For drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians who are hoping that safety will improve, it is imperative to remember that accidents can still happen at any time causing injuries and fatalities. This is true regardless of attempts to reduce the risk.

Speeders could face more scrutiny and worse penalties

In Maryland, two problems that compromise the safety of others are work zone speeding and street takeovers. State lawmakers are moving forward with strategies about both. For work zones, the objective is to install more cameras to catch speeding drivers. In addition, the fines for violating the speed limit would be increased.

Street racing involves drivers blocking the roadways and performing vehicle stunts. This is dangerous in myriad ways as it cases traffic jams and leaves people vulnerable to an out of control car or truck traveling at high speed. In 2023, there were 130 such incidents. Law enforcement is limited in what it can do about these behaviors. The goal is to make drivers pay a greater price such as a license suspension.

Regarding work zones, there would be more cameras to catch drivers who speed through these areas. Speeding and recklessness puts workers in harm’s way. Since they are inherently vulnerable, drivers who ignore the signs that road work is ahead and it is necessary to slow down can cause a crash with workers. The fines for speeding would rise to $290. It is currently $40.

Washington is  going after speeding drivers in general with its attempted crackdown. It too would enhance camera-related speeding citations as drivers would have points on their license if they continually flout the law. This set of laws would also address drunk driving with the potential of lawsuits filed against them if they have multiple incidents.

If drivers have committed major violations, their vehicle could have a speed limiter installed. It includes drivers who received a conviction for aggravated reckless driving with a license suspension. The limiters would prevent vehicles from going beyond the posted speed limit. The driver is responsible for its installation.

People who take to the road in Maryland and Washington are keenly aware of the dangerous ways in which people drive. Speeding and other reckless acts cause accidents leaving people with medical bills, lost time at work and fear as to what the future holds. If these new initiatives are successful, it might enhance safety. Still, auto accidents can happen without warning. Given the problems people will face in the aftermath, it is imperative to know what options are available to make a full recovery.