If you have been injured in a collision, our Bismarck personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your recovery. Contact Monge & Associates at (701) 732-8452 for a free consultation today.
The aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly overwhelming. You are dealing with the pain from your injuries, the financial burden of medical bills, and the emotional stress that comes with a traumatic experience.
That is where Monge & Associates comes in. Our compassionate and skilled Bismarck car accident attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve, not what the insurance company offers.
Contact Monge & Associates Today
Injured In A Car Accident? Monge & Associates Can Help
Injured in a Bismarck car crash? Protect your rights with a 10/10 rated law firm. Get a free case evaluation today from Monge & Associates (701) 732-8452.
Why Choose Monge & Associates for Your Bismarck Car Crash Claim?
Monge & Associates has represented car accident victims since 1993, taking on big insurance companies to recover what victims deserve.
- We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients.
- Our Bigger Settlement Guarantee® and Client Satisfaction Guarantee mean you pay nothing if we can’t beat your settlement offer, and nothing if you’re not satisfied with our service in the first 30 days.
- Your first consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
North Dakota Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
If you’ve been in a car accident in Bismarck, the following North Dakota laws will apply to your case.
Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Rule)
To determine how much compensation you can recover, first a percentage of fault must be assigned to the accident. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation. However, if you are 49% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, reduced by that percentage. This is North Dakota’s modified comparative negligence law.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
North Dakota is a no-fault state, meaning your car insurance will cover your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. This is covered through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which all North Dakota drivers must carry. Drivers must carry at least $30,000, which lets you get immediate medical care without waiting for the insurance company to determine who is at fault.
If your injuries end up costing more than $2,500, then you meet the “serious injury threshold” in North Dakota and are eligible to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. There are also other ways to meet this threshold, such as cases resulting in permanent disfigurement or death.
The Six-Year Statute of Limitations
After your car accident, you generally have 6 years to file a claim in North Dakota. Although that may sound like a long time, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness testimony. Additionally, certain circumstances, like wrongful death, shorten the deadline, so contact our firm to learn the deadline for your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bismarck
Bismarck roads present many hazards, from black ice to severe storms to oil field and commercial truck traffic. Crashes on I-94 and Highway 83, as well as rural roads, can lead to serious injuries.
Some of the common causes of Bismarck car crashes include:
- Drunk driving: Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment. Drunk drivers can cause serious crashes at any hour, on city streets and rural roads alike.
- Distracted driving: Texting, using a phone, or adjusting a GPS takes a driver’s eyes off the road. Distracted drivers often don’t notice slowing traffic or stop signs until it’s too late.
- Speeding: Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances and more force in a crash. Speeding is especially dangerous on icy roads and in construction zones.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Tailgating, running red lights, and unsafe passing put everyone nearby at risk. These behaviors are common in congested areas like Highway 83 and the Bismarck Expressway.
- Road conditions or hazards: North Dakota winters bring black ice, snow, and low visibility. Drivers who don’t adjust their speed can lose control, and potholes or poorly maintained roads can also lead to crashes.
- Inexperienced truck drivers or negligent truck maintenance: Heavy freight and oil field traffic means large trucks are a regular presence on local highways. An untrained driver or a poorly maintained truck can cause devastating crashes.
No matter the cause, if another party’s negligence contributed to your crash, our car accident attorneys can help you recover compensation.
Compensation Available After a Bismarck Auto Accident
Victims of car accidents in Bismarck, ND can pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage. Bills and receipts are used as evidence to determine the amount of compensation you need.
Non-economic damages include less tangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. For these, a monetary value is determined during settlement negotiations or, if the case goes to trial, by a judge or jury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Bismarck?
After a car accident, call 911 immediately. Then, move to a safe place and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you can, gather information from everyone at the scene, including taking photos of the crash and contact information from witnesses. As soon as you feel well enough, contact a lawyer.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster?
No, we strongly advise that you do not give a recorded statement. The insurance company is not your friend, and they can use what you say against you when determining the value of your claim.
What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
If the other driver has no insurance, we can help you navigate an uninsured motorist claim. In North Dakota, drivers are required to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) insurance.
How much does it cost to hire a Bismarck car accident attorney?
There are no upfront costs to work with our firm. Your initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis.
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Get Your Free Case Review Today
Let Monge & Associates fight for the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation, call (701) 732-8452 contact us online, or visit our local office:
Monge & Associates Accident & Injury Attorneys
931 S Washington Street, Suite 1
Bismarck, ND 58504