Fargo Car Accident Injury Attorneys
Anyone who’s been in a serious car accident will never forget the experience. Whether it happens on a slick North Dakota highway in winter or out of the blue on a perfect spring day, the consequences are often horrible. If this has happened to you or a loved one, you’ll want expert legal representation to make sure you get everything you have coming when you file a personal injury claim.
Sand Law attorneys will do just that. We can calculate how much your car accident claim is worth. And we’ll work passionately to make sure you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Our track record speaks for itself. We have decades of experience among 0ur team. And we’ve helped a lot of clients get significant amounts of money.
We’ll do everything we possibly can to do the same for you. If you would like to learn more about us or you’d like a free review of your case, just contact us online or give us a call at (701) 609-1510.
Fargo Traffic Laws and Regulations That May Affect Your Car Accident Claim
Understanding Fargo’s traffic laws is crucial when filing a car accident claim, as they directly influence fault and liability determinations.
Avoiding Tailgating
For instance, North Dakota law prohibits following another vehicle more closely than what’s considered reasonable. The definition of a reasonable distance may vary based on factors like weather.
As an example, driving safely in winter conditions would mean leaving a larger gap between vehicles due to low visibility and icy roads. Drivers must ensure enough space to stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes—a rule often examined in rear-end collision claims.
Yielding the Right-of-Way
Right-of-way rules are also a key factor. When two vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right. Failure to follow this rule can heavily sway fault assessments in Fargo car accident cases. Similarly, drivers entering a street from a private driveway are required to yield to oncoming traffic. Non-compliance with these rules often establishes a driver’s negligence.
Coming to a Full and Complete Stop
Stopping regulations further emphasize safety. Fargo drivers must completely stop at stop signs and yield to traffic as needed before proceeding. Ignoring these rules can lead to intersection accidents, significantly impacting insurance claims or settlements.
Types of Car Accidents
Most people might think that a car accident is a car accident, but there are actually some significant differences between different kinds of collisions. Here are just a few.
Interstate Accidents
These accidents are usually particularly devastating because they occur at such a high rate of speed. Of course, the faster vehicles are traveling, the more severe the injuries will typically be when those vehicles are involved in an accident. Tragically, interstate accidents are oftentimes fatal, whether they involve a single car or multiple vehicles.
Head-On Collisions
Any kind of car accident can be frightening, of course, but when another car is barreling straight toward you and you can’t do anything to get out of the way, there’s nothing more terrifying. Even when people are lucky enough to survive this type of accident, victims of head-on collisions are often left with injuries that debilitate them for the rest of their lives.
T-Bone Accidents
When one vehicle slams into the side of another, the two vehicles typically form a “T” shape. That’s why side-impact collisions are also known as T-bone collisions. Most of the time, T-bone accidents take place at intersections due to one of the drivers running a stop sign or a red light.
Causes of Car Accidents in Fargo, North Dakota
Just like there are many types of car wrecks, there are many reasons these wrecks happen. Three of the most common are reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. The following is a closer look at each.
- Reckless Driving: Everybody gets frustrated behind the wheel at one time or another. However, when someone takes their frustration too far and lashes out as a result, this is known as reckless driving. It could involve cutting off another motorist trying to merge onto a freeway or brake checking. This is where a driver hits their brakes suddenly because they feel the motorist behind them is following too closely.
- Speeding: There are far too many times when a motorist will drive at an unsafe speed simply because they’re in a hurry to get home or to get to some other destination. This is a top cause of North Dakota car accidents. We don’t need to tell you how horrible the consequences of speeding can be.
- Distracted Driving: When a motorist is so attached to their smartphone that they cause an accident by texting or talking while behind the wheel, that’s a classic example of distracted driving. Even a momentary lapse of focus due to changing a radio station, reaching for something in the passenger seat, or simply daydreaming while looking out the side window can lead to a terrible accident.
- Drunk Driving: Nothing is more devastating, however than suffering a severe injury or losing a loved one due to an ND drunk motorist’s negligence. When someone drives impaired, they can’t react as quickly as normal, and they typically can’t concentrate. The result is, in far too many instances, fatal.
Who’s Liable for My Car Accident?
Most North Dakota car accident injury claims focus on one driver. That is the one whose negligence resulted in the wreck. For example, it could be someone who committed one of the acts of negligence listed above.
However, sometimes there are multiple liable parties. These could include a negligent third party like the manufacturer of a faulty part that failed, such as a poorly designed tire that blew out, or brakes that suddenly failed for no other reason.
A skilled attorney will know how to uncover the evidence needed to prove negligence, whether it’s a drunk driver, a negligent Fargo trucking company, or there is some other person or entity that shares liability. Your attorney will use that proof to make sure you recover your monetary losses. These losses are known as damages in legal terms.
How to Prove Liability
Liability and negligence go hand in hand. To prove that someone should be held liable for your Fargo car accident, you’ll need to be able to prove that they acted with negligence.
If someone is liable, then that means they’re responsible for paying your personal injury damages. If someone is negligent, it means that they acted without proper care. Negligent parties don’t usually act with malicious intent, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t liable.
To prove liability, you’ll need to prove the following:
- The party owed you a certain duty of care. This one is simple, as all motor vehicle drivers owe each other this duty. It’s the duty to drive in a way that won’t endanger others. Basically, when anyone gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they’re agreeing to drive safely.
- They breached this duty by acting with negligence. For example, they were texting while driving or speeding.
- Causation, meaning that you’ll need to prove that the breach directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
- That you have actual damages as a result of the accident and your injuries, such as medical bills or experienced pain and suffering.
Types of Injuries in a Fargo Car Accident
Most of the time, a car accident is nothing more than a minor fender-bender. There are often no injuries and only minimal property damage. Other times, a car wreck is devastating. And the effects of a catastrophic injury in Fargo can last a lifetime.
These are just some of the different kinds of debilitating injuries car wrecks can cause:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- And many others
Severe injuries not only result in an incredible amount of pain. But, they can come with incredibly large medical bills and other expenses as well.
This is yet another reason why you need a skilled Fargo car accident attorney by your side. That attorney will do whatever they can to help you obtain compensation for not only your treatment but your suffering and other damages as well.
Steps to Take for a Successful Claim
After a car accident, the steps you take can significantly influence the outcome of your personal injury claim.
- First and foremost, prioritize safety. Ensure you and any passengers are out of harm’s way, especially if you’re on a busy road.
- Next, call the police, even if the accident seems minor. Their report can be a crucial piece of evidence along with videos, pictures, and witness statements.
- Therefore, you should document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not manifest symptoms immediately. A medical record linking the accident to your injuries can be pivotal.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
- Lastly, consider hiring a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the complexities of the claim process, ensuring you don’t miss out on any compensation when it is time to settle your car accident claim.
Understanding Compensation: What You Can Claim After a Fargo Car Accident
Compensation after a car accident isn’t just about covering medical bills. It’s about ensuring you’re financially restored to where you’d have been if the accident hadn’t occurred.
Economic Damages
Medical expenses are the most obvious claim, covering everything from immediate treatments to long-term therapies. You can claim lost wages, both present and future, if your injuries prevent you from working.
Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering compensation considers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured. This can sometimes be the most significant part of a claim, especially for severe injuries that impact your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you might also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded to compensate the victim and punish the at-fault party for reckless or malicious behavior.
Wrongful Death Damages
Family members may be entitled to compensation for damages such as funeral and burial expenses in Fargo wrongful death claims if their loved one was killed by a reckless driver.
Always consult with an attorney to understand the full scope of what you can claim after a Fargo car accident.
Why Injured Fargo Clients Choose the Auto Accident Lawyers of Sand Law
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Sand Law’s experienced car accident attorneys in Fargo are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while making the process as seamless as possible.
Comprehensive Expertise in Car Accident Claims
Our attorneys at Sand Law specialize in Fargo car accident cases. Therefore, we have a deep understanding of North Dakota’s traffic laws and insurance systems. We know how to build strong arguments to maximize your claim.
Personalized Legal Support
Every case is unique, and Sand Law takes the time to understand the specifics of your situation. Our Fargo car accident lawyers ensure that your concerns are heard and your case is tailored to meet your personal needs.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, but our auto accident attorneys in Fargo, ND, are skilled negotiators. We advocate for fair settlements, ensuring you’re not shortchanged.
Proven Track Record of Success
With a history of favorable outcomes for our clients, Sand Law has a reputation for delivering results. Our experienced car crash lawyers have recovered significant compensation for accident victims in Fargo.
Clear Communication Every Step of the Way
Legal processes can be confusing, but Sand Law ensures transparency. Your Fargo personal injury lawyer will keep you informed and explain every step, so you’re always aware of what’s happening with your case.
No Upfront Costs
Sand Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This approach makes high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation for Your Fargo Car Accident
Please get in touch with Sand Law if you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us online or call (701) 609-1510 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the car accident claims process work?
The car accident claim process typically starts with reporting the accident to your insurance company. From there, you’ll gather evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports to support your claim.
Then, the insurance company investigates the claim and may offer a settlement. If needed, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to pursue fair compensation or take the case to court if a resolution isn’t reached.
Should I take the settlement the insurance company offers me?
Generally, no. Insurance companies often aim to settle for the lowest amount possible. Before accepting any settlement, consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Fargo, North Dakota.
They can ensure the offer truly covers all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A hasty settlement could leave you undercompensated for long-term expenses.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Fargo, ND?
In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically six years. However, acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case. Consult an attorney to ensure you meet all deadlines.