Tips for Vulnerable Road Users in North Dakota
Road users like pedestrians and cyclists can take an active role in protecting their own safety by following these guidelines. Summary Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists must take precautions to avoid accidents with North Dakota drivers. To stay safe, VRUs should wear bright or reflective clothing, avoid distractions like phones, and abstain from alcohol or drugs when on the road. Bicyclists and motorcyclists should wear helmets and protective clothing to reduce injury risk. Following traffic laws, signaling turns, using sidewalks or bike lanes, and avoiding impulsive maneuvers can help prevent accidents. Although North Dakota drivers are responsible for yielding the right of way to more vulnerable road users like bicyclists and pedestrians, that does not mean these road users are exempt from their duty to try and avoid accidents. Following these safety tips can help vulnerable road users reduce their risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries and their potential liability in a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, the actions of reckless North Dakota drivers can still cause pedestrian accidents, bicycle collisions, and motorcycle crashes, even when vulnerable road users are cautious. At Sand Law PLLC, we are all too familiar with the harsh consequences of collisions between motorists...
Types of Motorcycle Insurance Required in North Dakota
As exhilarating as riding a motorcycle can be in a state as beautiful as North Dakota, not having motorcycle insurance can take the thrill out of any ride. You don’t want to stress out, worrying about everything that could go wrong. You want to enjoy yourself. Not only can riding without insurance cause a lot of anxiety, but it could also lead to significant legal and financial issues. According to Investopedia, the average monthly cost for motorcycle insurance is $28. Riding without coverage simply isn’t worth the risk. The following is a look at some of the forms of insurance required under North Dakota law. If you’re ever in an accident on your bike that’s not your fault, get in touch with the attorneys with Sand Law as soon as possible. We’ll protect your rights and fight to get the money you deserve. Schedule a free review of your case by contacting us online or calling 701-609-1510. Required Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in North Dakota North Dakota law requires motorcyclists to have liability insurance coverage. The mandatory insurance coverage includes the following: Bodily Injury Liability Bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential legal expenses if you’re at...
Most Common North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Even though North Dakota provides a perfect environment for riding, motorcycle accidents occur far too often. While it’s a thrilling hobby, it’s also a dangerous one that can lead to devastating injuries – or worse. When you’re on a motorcycle, you just don’t have the same level of protection as a driver or passenger in a car or truck. As a result, an accident can lead to horrible consequences. Many times, this kind of accident occurs not due to the fault of the motorcyclist, but a negligent driver of another vehicle. Unfortunately, many people have a bias against riders. They believe motorcyclists don’t deserve the same sort of sympathy as someone injured in a car accident, because they chose to engage in supposedly risky behavior. At Sand Law, our attorneys know how to fight back against that bias. We will work passionately on behalf of you or another rider who was hurt due to the negligence of someone else. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 701-401-5903 for a free consultation. Motorcycle Accident Statistics The numbers are scary when it comes to motorcycle accidents. In 2018, there were nearly 80,000 injuries – and nearly 5,000 deaths due to motorcycle crashes...
Top 10 Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in North Dakota
If you ride a motorcycle, you know how exhilarating and adrenaline-inducing it can be to cruise on the open road. You also know how challenging it is to control your motorcycle and how safe you need to do so. When you're riding a motorcycle, following safety procedures can mean life or death. However, most motorcycle accident fatalities occur because of a collision with a motor vehicle, usually at the fault of the motor vehicle driver. These accidents often result in injury, ranging from mild to severe, and unfortunately, death. In 2019, there were 5,014 fatalities in the United States. Whether someone is injured or passes away from a motorcycle collision with a motor vehicle, filing a lawsuit is the best way to get the compensation you deserve for your or your loved one's damages. But what usually causes these collisions with cars? Let's look at the top ten reasons motorcycle accidents occur in North Dakota and the United States. 10. Inexperienced Drivers Unfortunately, new passenger car drivers don't have the best knowledge when it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists. They know the basics, but they're not as engineered to check for oncoming motorcyclists before turning, merging, or changing...
Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians are the Most Vulnerable Road Users
What is a Vulnerable Road User? A vulnerable road user is a person on the road that isn't behind the wheel of a car or truck. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, roller skaters, and skateboarders (and more). They are classified as vulnerable because of the lack of protection they have compared to a passenger vehicle or larger commercial vehicle. Vulnerable road users are more likely to get into accidents that result in serious injury or fatality because of this lack of protection. They are also considered vulnerable because road infrastructure is made to benefit drivers and not pedestrians or cyclists. The infrastructure in place for vulnerable road users isn't as good, leading to more accidents and injuries. Vulnerable Road User Statistics in North Dakota When compared to other states, North Dakota is generally a pretty safe place for vulnerable road users. However, that doesn't mean that accidents don't occur. In 2019 14,221 total motor vehicle accidents resulted in 4,258 injuries and 100 fatalities. Out of those 100 fatalities: 25% were car occupants 40% were pickup truck and SUV occupants 3% were large truck occupants 11% were motorcyclists 5% were pedestrians 2% were cyclists That means that 19% of the fatalities...
Planning a road trip? These are the best North Dakota motorcycle routes
North Dakota is home to some of the most beautiful motorcycle byways. Here's how to enjoy hitting the road while staying safe. If you're planning a road trip throughout North Dakota, there are plenty of scenic routes for you to enjoy while you're riding through the state. However, you also need to keep in mind Motorcycle safety. You, and all riders, should know what to do if an accident occurs during your road trip. Most Scenic Routes in North Dakota for Motorcyclists North Dakota is chock-full of open roads with beautiful greenery, wildlife, waterways, and stunning natural environments that you can't miss. Scenic routes for you to see during your North Dakota motorcycle trip include: The Chan Sansan Scenic Backway Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge Scenic Backway Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway Sakakawea Scenic Byway Old Red Old Ten Scenic Byway Rendezvous Region Scenic Backway Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway And so many more Sights to See While Riding While there are so many scenic byways and backways that you could spend your entire trip looking at beautiful foliage and waterways, there are also many sights that you can stop to...
What to do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, be sure to follow these steps. While motorcycle accidents aren’t as common as car accidents, they often leave victims with more severe injuries due to the lack of protection offered to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists often experience injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, and road rash. In 2018, there were 4,985 fatalities among the 8.5 million registered motorcycles in the United States. In comparison, there were about 82,000 injuries to motorcyclists in the same year. Motorcycle accidents can be scary and stressful, leaving victims with severe injuries, disabilities, and a lot of medical debt and lost wages. Hiring an attorney is crucial to ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available. To build your case, motorcycle accident injury lawyers will use a combination of evidence that they collected themselves and evidence that you supply. To ensure that your case is as strong as possible, there are a few steps you should take directly following your accident. Make Sure You’re Safe First and foremost, you should always make sure that you and everyone else involved in the accident are safe. If anyone appears to have injuries that require immediate medical attention, you should...
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
After being injured in a motorcycle accident, these are the damages you may be able to collect compensation for. In 2018, there were 4,985 motorcycle accident fatalities in the United States. Motorcycle accidents can be more fatal or more likely to cause severe injuries over a car accident, as motorcyclists don't have the same protection that passenger vehicle operators do. Motorcycle accident victims are more likely to experience road rash injuries, soft tissue injuries, amputations, or severely broken bones due to their lack of protection. Contacting a personal injury lawyer for your motorcycle accident claim is the best way to ensure that you receive full compensation for the damages associated with your motorcycle accident case. But what can you claim for damages, and what affects them? Economic Damages Economic damages cover any monetary losses associated with your motorcycle accident claim. This includes compensation for: medical bills ambulance rides surgery costs doctor's visits physical therapy lost wages Any wages you lost while out of work because of your accident can be claimed as damages. Non-Economic Damages Motorcycle accidents can also cause a shift in one's quality of life, resulting in non-economic damages such as: pain and suffering loss of consortium lost...
Seeking Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Were you injured by someone else while on your motorcycle? You may be wondering how much your injury claim is worth. Motorcycle Accident Statistics Motorcyclists are at a higher risk for serious injuries than occupants of passenger vehicles, simply because of their lack of protection. Even the best motorcycle helmet (when one is worn) can’t prevent severe brain trauma from a serious accident. Other than a helmet, there’s nothing standing in the way between a motorcyclist and the force of a motor vehicle. In 2018, there were 4,985 fatalities and 82,000 injuries from motorcycle accidents in the United States. Most of these deaths occurred on weekdays between noon and 9 p.m. and on weekends from noon to midnight. However, overall, there were more accidents on the weekdays, with the most accidents occurring between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In North Dakota, a motorcyclist is injured every two days and killed every 23 days. What are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? Motorcycle accidents are most often caused by driver negligence on behalf of the motor vehicle operator. This could mean distracted driving, driving under the influence, or generally not paying attention. Drivers are required to meet a standard duty...