Fargo Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
North Dakota is a phenomenal state in which to ride a motorcycle, with a ton of fantastic places to take a road trip. However, the hard truth is that motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable when they’re on a highway or a street. It doesn’t take much for a beautiful outing to go horribly wrong. In many instances, when a rider is severely injured or killed, it’s due to the negligence of a motorist.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, we urge you to get in touch with the attorneys at Sand Law as soon as you can. We will work passionately to give you the best legal representation we can, and to give you the best possible chance of obtaining fair compensation.
Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 701-609-1510.
North Dakota Motorcycle Accident Statistics
While motorcycle accidents in North Dakota are, thankfully, relatively rare, they’re extremely dangerous. In 2019, out of the 176 motorcycle accidents that occurred, 152 resulted in injuries – 11 of them resulted in fatalities. That means 85% of all motorcycle wrecks resulted in either an injury or a fatality. Of those fatalities, 64% of them weren’t wearing a helmet.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents
You might think that a motorcycle accident is a motorcycle accident, but there are several different kinds of wrecks. These include the following:
- Head-on crashes. As the name implies, this type of accident happens when a motorist slams head-on into a motorcycle. The front of the car will usually make contact with the front of the bike, but it can also hit a motorcycle slightly to the side. Whatever type of impact occurs, the results are often catastrophic – mainly due to the fact that the rider will typically be ejected from their bike.
- Rear-end collisions. Drivers of passenger cars will oftentimes hit the rear-end of a motorcycle. If the rider is lucky, the car will only tap the back of their bike. This might cause some pretty significant damage, but any injuries should be relatively minor. If that car is going full speed, however, that can lead to severe – possibly even fatal – injuries.
- No-contact accidents. Sometimes, a rider can be hurt without even touching a car. The driver might get so close that the rider has to swerve suddenly, leaving the road surface in the process. A rider might hit an unexpected pothole and be ejected. If the governmental agency responsible for fixing that pothole failed to do so – even though it was aware it posed a significant hazard – then that agency could be held liable for any accident that hazard caused.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
As you might expect, there are a lot of reasons why motorcycle accidents take place. Here are just a few of the more common ones.
- Cars making left turns. When the driver of a car makes a sudden left turn, they might not have any idea that a motorcycle is coming at full speed. Oftentimes, the motorcycle will plow into the side of the car as a result.
- Cars following too closely. Riders may have to stop suddenly due to traffic. However, motorists will often be too close behind and slam into the back of the bike.
- Speeding. This is obviously always dangerous behavior, but it’s even more dangerous when a motorcycle is nearby. Drivers who speed don’t have as much time to react to sudden changes, and that can lead to a horrible accident.
- Impaired driving. Motorists who are drunk when behind the wheel, or on powerful drugs, don’t have the same level of judgment as when they’re sober. They also can’t react as quickly to sudden changes in the road, like coming up on a motorcycle. The resulting accident can have devastating consequences.
- Distracted driving. Just a momentary lack of focus can lead to a terrible accident. Motorists who talk or text, apply makeup, or simply talk to others in the car are a huge danger to anyone else on the road – including motorcyclists.
Evidence for a Motorcycle Accident Personal Injury Claim
There are actually many types of evidence that a rider can use in order to help them win their case. But nothing is more powerful than video evidence. Traffic cameras will often be able to capture an accident, as can security cameras stationed on nearby buildings. The dash cams of police cars will often do the same thing.
One of the most important things that any rider can do after being in an accident is to immediately take videos and photos of the scene with their smartphone.
Another critical thing to do will be to hire a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will have a much easier time obtaining traffic, surveillance, or dash cam footage than the average citizen. That footage could very well make the difference between winning and losing your case.
Understanding Unfair Motorcycle Bias
Another reason to hire a skilled attorney is that there’s still a bias against motorcycle riders. As unfair as it might be, this bias is ingrained in a lot of people. They see bikers in TV shows and movies characterized as being reckless and dangerous. They believe what they see, and will oftentimes assume the rider is always to blame when an accident occurs.
If you don’t have a skilled legal representative on your side, that bias could very well sink your case, ruining your chances at obtaining compensation for the suffering you’ve been forced to endure.
Determining Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Determining who’s at fault in a motorcycle accident is crucial for compensation claims in North Dakota. The state follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if you’re found to be partially at fault, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, you may not be eligible to recover damages if you’re more than 50% at fault. It’s essential to gather all pertinent evidence and witness statements to establish the other party’s negligence. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities and ensure your rights are upheld in accordance with North Dakota laws.
Immediate Actions Post-Accident
After a motorcycle accident in North Dakota, your safety is paramount. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damages, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Gather contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the other involved parties. Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident’s specifics with anyone other than law enforcement. Lastly, notify your insurance company of the incident but refrain from giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
Breakdown of Potential Damages in Accident Claims
In North Dakota, victims of motorcycle accidents can claim various damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to missed work. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, punitive damages might be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. Maintaining all medical records, receipts, and a diary detailing your recovery process is vital to substantiate your claim and maximize potential compensation.
Contact a Fargo Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
The personal injury attorneys with Sand Law are ready to help you get all the money you deserve from the negligent driver who caused your motorcycle accident. Use our online form or call 701-609-1510 for a free case review.