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Automobile & Pedestrian Accidents

Carter Estate v. District of Columbia, et al. (Woman Killed Crossing Darkened Street)
The Washington Post logo
District Letters to the Editor. Washington Post. 20 November 2003.

“Perhaps if there had been lights in the 1200 block of Kenilworth Avenue on Nov. 9, a life might have been spared. Meanwhile, the people walk and wait in darkness.”

The Washington Post logo
Hit & Run Driver Surrenders. Washington Post. 11 November 2003.

“Earl A. Johnson, 32, was driving with a suspended license when he struck... Carter, 46, about 5:45 p.m... Johnson surrendered at the 6th District Police station about 3:20 p.m. yesterday. Carter was in a crosswalk when she was hit.”

ABC 7 News logo
Hit & Run in the District. ABC 7 News. 10, 11 November 2003.

A witness who heard the victim being hit and hurled across the street, said that neighbors had complained about people speeding along Kenilworth Avenue. They had a meeting with the Mayor and the Chief of Police at a local Baptist Church.

The Washington Post logo
Hit & Run Victim Dies. Washington Post. 10 November 2003.

A woman was killed in Northeast Washington yesterday in a hit-and-run police said. They said the woman apparently was struck by a car about 5:45 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the 1200 block of Kenilworth Avenue.

Fox 5 News logo
Woman Killed by Hit & Run Driver. Fox 5 News. 10 November 2003.

A witness who lived across the street from the scene of the incident said she had complained for months to the Mayor, the Department of Public Works, and her councilperson that four lights in a row were out in the 1200 block of Kenilworth Avenue. There was a similar problem with the lights three years prior.

Withers-Byrd Estate v. Nak Dong Chong (Traffic Accident — Double Fatality)
The Gazette logo
Two Women Die in Crash. The Gazette. 7 January 2003.

Mother killed and children [Sparks’ clients] injured when SUV barrels through red light and decimates Neon occupied by victims on their way to church.

Lem Lem Merri v. Adam Messersmith (Rear End Collision on Icy Roadway)
Metro Verdicts Monthly logo
Lemlem Merri v. Adam Messersmith. Metro Verdicts Monthly. Vol. 17, No. 4. 2005.

Quick verdict for immigrant hot dog vendor [Sparks’ client]. USAA, defendant’s insurer, had refused to settle, claiming that icy roads caused the accident.

Corrie Johnson v. Gennise Carter (Postal Delivery Truck Rollover)
DC Trial logo
Corrie Johnson v. Gennise Carter. DC Trial. Vol. VI, No. 3. June 2003.

“Following a one-day trial and a jury verdict in [Sparks’ client’s] favor, the Court entered judgment for plaintiff in the amount of the policy limit, which Allstate paid in addition to plaintiff’s expenses.”

Metro Verdicts Monthly logo
Corrie Johnson v. Gennise Carter. Metro Verdicts Monthly. Vol. 15, No. 3. 2002.

Policy limit verdict for postal worker [Sparks’ client] follows jury deliberation of just 20 minutes. Plaintiff had offered to settle, pre-suit, but defendant’s insurer, Allstate, refused to make any offer to settle.

Cecilia Aymacana v. Allison Beth Donohue (Major Intersection Collision - No Independent Witnesses)
Metro Verdicts Monthly logo
Aymacana v. Donohue. Metro Verdicts Monthly. Vol. 12, No. 12. 2000.

Policy limit verdict for plaintiff [Sparks’ client] after jury deliberation of only 20 minutes, despite the fact that police officer issued traffic citation to plaintiff and plaintiff’s insurance company had offered her policy limits to settle defendant’s claim against plaintiff. Jury found plaintiff Aymacana not liable to defendant on counterclaim, and plaintiff’s insurer avoided making any payment to defendant.

E.F. v. District of Columbia (Middle school student suspended for walking on public sidewalk)
The Washington Post logo
Students Suspended Over Route Home. Washington Post. 1 April 2004.

“At least a dozen Francis Junior High School students were suspended for three days this week for taking a prohibited route home, an action being protested by an attorney representing one of the pupils. “There’s no way this can be lawful, no way,” said Douglas R. Sparks, who wants Ernest reinstated immediately.”

9 News logo
Street Closed. CBS - W*USA 9 News. 31 March 2004.

“How’d you like it if a principal punished your child for something he or she did off school property? That’s exactly what happened in Northwest, where more than a dozen students were dealt a harsh penalty, just for walking home the wrong way. [Douglas Sparks, the attorney for one of the suspended students, is challenging the school’s disciplinary action.]”

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Mr. Sparks is by far the best lawyer I have ever met. Lawyers are easy to find, but finding one who is smart, honest, thorough, and truly cares about people is very difficult. Every member of my family has trusted him for over twenty years, and he has never let us down. Mr. Sparks is REAL and passionate about helping others." Sanaz
★★★★★
"Doug made me feel confident and welcome after my first lawyer gave up on my auto accident case. I was impressed by his intelligence, fast thinking, and attention to detail." Auto Accident Client
★★★★★
"A truly rare attorney who is out solely for YOUR best interest. In the courtroom, Doug dominated. He is extremely skilled, and an expert in what he does." Criminal Defense Client