Auto Accident Injury in Bismarck, ND
The aftermath of an auto accident can be devastating and confusing. Furthermore, you may not know the breadth of your rights in Bismarck.
Now, picture a future where you do not have the burden of medical bills or lost wages. Legal counsel can be your path to recovery and justice served. Take the first steps toward securing that future with us today.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Bismarck, North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division reported a 20-year low in fatalities in 2022. However, there has been a concerning trend involving unbelted victims. Nearly 67% of those who died on state roads did not wear their seatbelt. The specific causes of these fatalities included alcohol-related deaths and speed-related fatalities. These statistics underscore the vigilance Bismarck motorists should have on the road.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
The Bismarck Police Department makes accident reports available Monday through Friday. There are some fees to consider. For example, a full report costs $7.00 as of 2023.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The National Safety Council provides some insight into the costs associated with auto accident injuries in Bismarck. The averages range from $5,700 for property damage only to $1.7 million for a fatality. The actual numbers for your case depend entirely on your unique circumstances.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in North Dakota
Liability Laws for Bismarck
In the aftermath of a car accident, determining who is at fault is crucial for figuring out who will cover the damages and medical bills. The process of establishing liability affects everything from your insurance claim to the level of responsibility you bear, which can complicate the entire claims process.
It’s important to understand that North Dakota follows a comparative fault rule in auto accident cases. This means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
Statute of Limitations in
The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. Each state has its laws regarding this time frame, with some offering as little as one year and others allowing up to six years.
In North Dakota, residents have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the injuries or symptoms weren’t immediately apparent, exceptions may apply, extending the time frame for filing.
For this reason, it’s vital to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Taking quick action will ensure you don’t miss out on any potential compensation for your injuries.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Bismarck, ND
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We’re able to help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across North Dakota state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
